Could you be a Benedictine monk at St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth?

Take this quiz to explore whether monastic life might be your calling! This is just a sample of what you are likely to be asked if you make a serious enquiry about becoming a monk with us.

Before you begin: Are you eligible?

To enter the Benedictine monastic life at St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth, you must meet the following criteria:

✅ Male and baptised and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church 

✅ Over 18 years of age (we welcome enquiries from all adult age groups) 

✅ In good physical and mental health 

✅ Have a sound basic education, good English language ability and stable work experience 

✅ Able to work cooperatively as part of a team 

✅ Free of debts and family obligations 

For applicants from outside the UK:

✅ Please start your discernment at monasteries where you live 

✅ You are still very welcome to ask to visit us and stay in our Monastic Guesthouse for a short time 

✅ You will need to arrange and pay for your travel and visa 

For all applicants:

You should be prepared to take time to discern your monastic vocation and to get to know our monks and vice versa. This means several visits over time staying in our Monastic Guesthouse. You are encouraged to visit other monasteries too.

For serious monastic vocation enquiries, further and much fuller requirements will be needed in due course, for example more testing, checks, relevant permissions and references.

If you meet these requirements, continue below to explore your suitability for Roman Catholic Benedictine monastic life at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth........note down how many of the letters A, B or C you answer.

THE QUIZ

1. Do you feel drawn to a life of prayer and contemplation?

A) Yes, I desire a deeper relationship with God. 

B) Somewhat, but I enjoy a more active lifestyle. 

C) Not really, I prefer a fast-paced and social life. 

2. How important is community life to you?

A) Very important—I value deep relationships and mutual support. 

B) I like community, but I also need personal independence. 

C) I prefer to live and work alone. 

3. Are you comfortable with a structured daily routine?

A) Yes, I thrive in a disciplined environment. 

B) I like some structure, but I also need flexibility. 

C) I prefer spontaneity and dislike routines. 

4. Do you find joy in service to others?

A) Absolutely! Helping others brings me fulfillment. 

B) I like helping, but I also want personal recognition. 

C) I prefer focusing on my own ambitions. 

5. How do you feel about taking vows of stability, obedience, and conversion of life?

A) I see them as a path to true freedom in Christ. 

B) I understand them, but I’m unsure if I could commit fully. 

C) They seem too restrictive for my lifestyle. 

6. Do you have a strong desire to grow spiritually?

A) Yes, I long to deepen my faith and relationship with God. 

B) I’m interested in spirituality but not sure about monastic life. 

C) I don’t think spirituality plays a big role in my life. 

7. Are you open to God’s will, even if it leads you somewhere unexpected?

A) Yes, I trust in God’s plan for my life. 

B) I’d consider it, but I like having control over my future. 

C) I prefer to follow my own ambitions and plans. 

8. How do you feel about silence and solitude?

A) I find them refreshing and a great way to hear God’s voice. 

B) I appreciate them sometimes, but I also need social interaction. 

C) I dislike being alone and need constant activity. 

9. Are you willing to let go of personal ambitions for the sake of God’s calling?

A) Yes, I trust that God’s plan is greater than my own. 

B) I might struggle, but I would consider it. 

C) I prefer to pursue my own dreams and goals. 

10. Do you enjoy singing and chanting prayers as part of worship?

A) Yes, I love praising God through chant and liturgy. 

B) I don’t mind it, but it’s not my favorite way to pray. 

C) I’d rather pray in my own way, not in a structured format. 

11. How do you feel about manual work, such as gardening, cooking or cleaning?

A) I see it as a joyful and prayerful way to serve. 

B) I don’t mind it, but I wouldn’t want it to be my main focus. 

C) I’d rather do intellectual or leadership-based tasks. 

12. Would you be willing to live without personal possessions and luxuries?

A) Yes, I believe simplicity leads to freedom and holiness. 

B) It would be difficult, but I might be able to adjust. 

C) I enjoy my possessions and wouldn’t want to give them up. 

13. How do you handle obedience to authority? 

A) I respect authority and believe in humble obedience. 

B) I can follow authority, but I also like having my own say. 

C) I don’t like being told what to do. 

14. Do you long for a deeper relationship with Christ through daily Mass, the Divine Office, and personal prayer?

A) Yes, I desire to dedicate my life to prayer and the sacraments. 

B) I like prayer, but I need variety in my spiritual life. 

C) I prefer a more casual approach to my faith. 

15. Do you feel called to a life of stability in one place? 

A) Yes, I find joy in committing to one community and way of life. 

B) I like stability, but I also enjoy traveling and new experiences. 

C) I prefer change and movement rather than settling in one place. 

Scoring System

Mostly A – You may have a calling to the monastic life!

You are drawn to prayer, community, and service. Why not visit St Augustine’s Abbey in Chilworth? A retreat or vocational visit could help you discern your path.

Mostly B – You might be called, but further discernment is needed. 

Consider making a retreat to deepen your understanding of monastic life and see if it aligns with your heart’s desires.

Mostly C  – Monastic life may not be the best fit for you. 

However, God calls each of us in different ways. Stay open to His guidance in your journey of faith! Coming to stay with us on retreat could help you discern your path.

Come and see:  find out here about staying in our Monastic Guesthouse for a short while.

Any questions? Please ask  here.

Further information about Catholic vocations can be found  here.

Published on 15 February 2025 by St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth