The Monastery of the Ascension is a Benedictine foundation from Mount Angel Abbey, Oregon, in 1965. After residing in Twin Falls, Idaho, for several year, the monks were given the opportunity to acquire over 600 acres of land east of the city of Jerome, about 10 miles north of Twin Falls. Here, besides building a monastery for their own living requirements, the monks added a "ministry center" which can accommodate groups of various sizes for retreats and other functions. "Hospitality ministry" is our main focus, but not our only focus. We also minister in surrounding parishes, in prison ministry, in educational ministries, and more. As Benedictine monks, we base our lives and spirituality on the Scriptures and the Rule of St. Benedict.

     St. Benedict of Nursia (modern Norcia), Italy, ca. 460-540 A.D., is known as the founder of western monasticism and as the patron of Europe. The rule of life for monks that he wrote provides for a balance of prayer and work that has led many men and women to sanctity for more than 1500 years. The Benedictine Order of priests, brothers, and sisters is the oldest surviving institution of the western hemisphere except for the Church itself, beginning with the time of Christ and the Apostles.

     There are about 40 Benedictine monasteries of men in the United States, and many more throughout the world. There are also monasteries of Benedictine women around the globe. Many monasteries also have oblates who adapt and follow the Rule of Benedict in their daily lives. The Monastery of the Ascension has about 150 oblates associated with it. Cistercians and Trappists also follow the Rule of St. Benedict. You can find more about Benedictine monasteries at www.osb.org and more about us at www.idahomonks.org. A "virtual tour" of the monastery can be viewed at http://www.idahovirtual.com/monastery.htm.

OUR DAILY SCHEDULE

                         Weekdays                              Saturday                         Sunday

                    6:30 a.m. Lauds                      7:30 a.m. Lauds             7:20 a.m. Lauds

                    7:00 a.m. Eucharist                 8:00 a.m. Eucharist        7:40 a.m. Breakfast

                         8:00 a.m. Breakfast                 9:00 a.m. Breakfast        9:00 a.m. Eucharist

Daily Chores, etc.

Every Day: 12:00 noon - Noon Prayer

12:10 p.m. - Lunch

Daily Chores, etc.

5:30 p.m. - Vespers

5:55 p.m. - Supper followed by recreation time

8:00 p.m. - Night Prayer (Vigils / Compline)

Original graphic of St. Benedict by Bernard Banks.