We realize that our prayer is not simply a matter of praying from time to time, alternating with other activities, but rather a matter of directing our whole lives to this end. By our presence at public prayer and our attention to our individual prayer lives, we remind one another of what God has done, proclaim what He is doing, and announce what He will accomplish in the future. A monastic community is not, by its nature, bound to specific endeavors. However, work has always been essential to the lives of monks. The Ru le of Benedict reminds us that our work is not a career or profession but a holy service.
Work forms an integral part of our lives.
In it, we praise God, help bring creation to completion, and support our community and the needy. The apostolate of education has for centuries been one principal work of Benedictine communities. Continuing this tradition, the monks of Saint Martin's Abbey, together with their lay colleagues, are involved in a wide variety of work in Saint Martin's College, serving as administrators, teachers, auxiliary personnel, and counselors. Several monks are also actively engaged in pastoral work in archdiocesan parishes and hospitals. Their responsibilities include celebrating the sacraments, preaching, and organizing and conducting parish activities.