Premonastery

Premonastery refers to a period of preparation undertaken by individuals who intend to join a monastery and eventually take monastic vows. This phase is distinct from the postulancy and novitiate, which are further stages within the monastic formation process. The purpose of premonastery is to allow the candidate to experience a life similar to that of monks, to discern their vocation more deeply, and for the monastic community to assess the candidate's suitability.

During premonastery, a person typically lives at or near the monastery, participating in daily prayer, manual labor, and communal life to a certain extent. They are not yet formally part of the monastic order but are given an opportunity to observe and engage with the monastic lifestyle. This period is characterized by an emphasis on prayer, silence, obedience, and community living, mirroring the core tenets of monasticism.

The duration and specific practices of a premonastery can vary significantly between different monastic orders and individual monasteries. Some traditions may have a more structured premonastery, while others might integrate this preparatory phase more loosely into the initial stages of postulancy. The decision to admit a candidate to premonastery, and subsequently to postulancy, is usually made by the monastic superior or a designated formation director. This period serves as a crucial step in ensuring that an individual is genuinely called to monastic life and is prepared for the more intensive training and commitment that follows.