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Our Monastic Work
Every sort of work compatible with the structure of life laid down by St. Benedict is suitable for the monk, and so he can with joy and a clear conscience undertake whatever activity is assigned by his Abbot. In a community that maintains the Rule’s balanced approach to work, each monk will have opportunity to use his talents within the larger framework of a life of prayer, and no monk will have excuse for either laziness or workaholism.
Benet Academy
“In identifying itself as Catholic, Benet Academy exemplifies and communicates the Gospel of Jesus in the context of the Catholic tradition. In identifying itself as Benedictine, Benet Academy exposes its students to those characteristics of living and understanding Christianity as personified in the life of a Benedictine: prayer, work, and commitment in the context of a family atmosphere.”
from Benet’s Philosophy
Benedictine University
“Benedictine University dedicates itself to the education of undergraduate and graduate students from diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. As an academic community committed to liberal arts, the sciences, and professional education — distinguished by its Roman Catholic heritage — the University prepares its students for a lifetime as active, informed, and responsible citizens and leaders in the world community.”
Benedictine University’s Philosophy
Work at the Abbey
Guest House — Guest accommodations are available for visitors to the Abbey in the Abbey Guest House.
Orchard — Close by is an apple, pear, and plum orchard that yields fresh fruit. Some of the fruit is pressed for juice.
Vegetable Garden — A vegetable garden produces seasonal foods for meals at the Abbey.
Information Desk — The Abbey Information Desk is open from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily. Phone calls coming to the Abbey are received and routed from the Switchboard. Guests arriving for retreats, visits, Mass intentions, and other business make it a point to stop at the ‘Desk’ for assistance. It is located in the Lobby and to the left of the main doors.
Decorations — The artistry of the monks has been used to decorate the liturgical space as well as other areas of the Abbey building.
Library — The Abbey Library exists to serve the formation program and the continuing education for the community, by making available books, periodicals, audio cassettes, and videos on topics of scripture, liturgy, prayer, monastic studies, theology, patristics, (especially homiletics), church history, lives of the saints, church and monastic reform and renewal and inter-religious dialogue. Web access is also available. Some items reflect the Czech roots and the various works of our community. The monastic library is in the cloister and is for the convenience of the monk. It is not available to the public.
Archives — The materials gathered and preserved in the archives are the records which document the unfolding of God’s plan for St. Procopius Abbey. The records give witness to the interplay of divine grace and human free will. Careful preservation records our journey in faith so that we may recognize the presence and action of God in our history, which is placed within the over-all divine plan of Salvation history. The archives preserves the records of our local monastic tradition. Our future depends, in part, on how well we understand our past, how well we preserve a true sense of our identity. The archives are the depository of all official papers and are not available to the public.
Sacristy — Adjacent to the Abbey Church is the sacristy. The carpeted, multi chambered room is used as a preparation area as the monks gather together in advance of the Divine Office and Eucharist. The sacristy also houses an area for vestment storage, work, private altars and a reliquary chapel.
Business Manager and Procurator — The work of the Business Manager and Procurator revolve around the finances of the Abbey. While all the monks are responsible for the simplicity of life the monastic life embodies, the bills are paid, repairs made, budgets prepared, and personal requests are submitted to this office. The physical plant and its upkeep falls under the care of this office, too. Careful monitoring by those placed in charge of this part of the household provide for the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Abbey. This mindfulness is seen throughout the monastic structure. All is to be treated as are the vessels of the altar.
Infirmary — The Infirmary, an in-house health care facility, provides for the day-to-day needs of the monks and is near the elevator for community members needing its assistance.
Yard Work — Lawn, flower beds, plantings, landscaping, leaves in the gutters — activities in this area is plentiful during much of the year. Then there’s snow in the winter.
Music Education — Music, especially combined with the Liturgy, is a significant part life of a Benedictine house and time is spent by individuals and the community as a whole to make sure our prayer for the Church and the World is done to the best of our ability.
Monks trained in music as well as those selected because of their ability to “edify their hearers” practice regularly. Students from the Abbey schools (Benet Academy and Benedictine University) also participate from time to time, such as the ‘Madrigals’ of Benet.
Vineyard — Grapes grown in the Abbey’s vineyard are squeezed for juice and wine.
Workshops — Workshops allow monks places to construct and repair items for use around the Abbey.
Our other Works
Parochial Ministry
Sacramental Ministry in neighboring parishes
Weekend Parish Assistance
Inter-religious Dialogue
There are various levels of Abbey involvement in the monastic or international Inter religious Dialogue. Any questions, comments, or inquiries regarding scheduled programs, lectures, symposia, etc. should be addressed to:
Fr. Julian von Duerbeck, O.S.B.
St. Procopius Abbey
5601 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 969-6410
FAX (630) 969-6426
e-mail: StProcopiusAbbey@hotmail.com
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