A monk can also be a priest, that is, he is ordained by the Roman Catholic Church to represent Christ in performing the sacraments. A monk who is not ordained a Roman Catholic priest is called a brother. At Saint Meinrad, the monks gather four times a day for prayer, in addition to private prayer. Monks also do a variety of other work at Saint Meinrad. We have monks who are artists and craftsmen, and others who are assigned to parishes around Indiana and elsewhere.
Some monks compose music, while others write books or serve as chaplains to convents and hospitals.
One founded a university in Indianapolis to serve adult, minority and low-income residents. What monks do is use their talents to serve the people of God. Brochures that include a self-guided tour and an audiocassette tour are both available at the Guest House office. Tours begin in the main lounge of the Guest House, located in the lower level. For more information about the retreats and lodging at the Guest House, visit our Guest House page.