You can start to find answers by asking the Holy Spirit for guidance in all of your questions. Also, be faithful in the practice of your Catholic faith. Be eager to seek God and to minister in prayer and action to others. Be eager to study and learn. Be free of financial and legal obligations, of addictions and unhealthy dependencies. Seek competent advice about any doubtful matters that may lie in your past or family situation. Lead a life of virtue, and participate regularly in the Sacraments. Establish contact with a priest or a religious community that can advise you in regard to relevant reading and the steps to take toward studying for the priesthood and/or religious life with a religious community.

     When contacting a religious order (e.g., Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, etc.) or the vocation director of a diocese, be sure to include some resumé of your educational and work experience, and some family background. Giving information and asking questions "up front" will expedite matters much more readily.

     Priests, deacons, and solemnly professed religious make the Liturgy of the Hours (Office or Breviary) and the Mass the center or their daily life of prayer. Thus, love of the Liturgy and the Eucharist is very important for proper spiritual growth. There are many other things to consider; but the above will give you a good beginning. More can also be found at our website, www.idahomonks.org.

Please note: The Monastery of the Ascension does not conduct a school or seminary that would enable it to issue visa forms for candidates or students from distant countries. If you have any questions, please present them through the form on the "Contact Us" page.