A Day in the Life ... of a Monk |
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9.15 a.m. After Mass, the monks go about their different jobs, whether it be teaching in the school, looking after a local parish, or dealing with visitors. Most of my time is spent looking after the parish of Midsomer Norton and Radstock. I go to the Parish each day to say Mass or hold a service. I also visit the sick and housebound. |
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1.10 p.m. MIDDAY PRAYER. In the middle of our working day, we pause to remember that it is God who gives value to our work and sustains us in our labours. This if followed by lunch. We begin by singing grace together; then, as we eat in silence, one of the brethren reads to us an extract which the Abbot has chosen: it might be an academic article from a journal, or a sermon or lecture.
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(Click to see an enlarged photo in a new window) |
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In the afternoon I go out to the carpentry shop to do whatever jobs are needed. Sometimes it involves making furnishings for a church, or perhaps repair work for the Monastery and school. I also teach woodwork. |
In the carpentry shop |
| 5.45 p.m. | VESPERS. Together with Lauds, Vespers is one of the 'hinges' of the day. For most of the community, the working day is done, and it is time to give thanks to God for the graces he has given during the day, in prayer and singing.
After Vespers, there is another half-hour of silence so that we can pray privately or meditate on a passage of the Bible. |
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