Study is a vital element in the life of the individual monk and in the formation of the community. The program of study at New Norcia is dependent both on the aptitude of the individual monk and the needs of the community. Seeking God is the monk's primary task - encouraging the monk and the community on the journey towards God, therefore, is the guiding principle determining what studies are undertaken.

Initial Formation

The Noviciate
Upon entering the monastery, the monk in his noviciate year undertakes an informal study program prescribed by the Rule of Benedict, the Constitutions & Ordinances of our congregation, and the house Customary.

• This involves a slow reflective reading of the Rule along side a variety of commentaries. The discussion nature of these sessions allows the novice to explore the possibilities of applying the spirit of the Rule into his daily life - a rule of life that the candidate will later be asked to accept or reject.
• A careful reading and explanation of the Constitutions & Ordinances of our congregation is essential for the novice's understanding of the regulatory aspects of living in a religious institute, both at the local level of his own monastery and in the wider context of the Church.
• Study of the house Customary plays a significant part in the early stages of the novice's formation, providing a practical guide for his integration into the conventual life of this particular community. These three primary documents are of such importance that they are regularly read publicly during meals taken in the monastic refectory - an exercise encouraging the on-going formation of each monk. Other studies in the noviciate include introductory courses in Monastic History, Patristics, Gregorian Chant and the History, Culture & Charism of the House.

Temporary Profession
While there is a greater range of options in the choice of study during the years as a junior monk, it is generally accepted that these be undertaken within the monastery.

• A junior monk may undertake a course of studies given by senior monks qualified in the fields of Scripture, Theology, Philosophy, Spirituality, Languages (e.g. Greek & Latin).
• Belonging to the Benedictine tradition, several Good Samaritan Sisters offer tutoring in the fields of Liturgy and Benedictine History.
• A junior monk may also have the option of pursuing a formal theology degree by distance mode. These degrees are offered by The Melbourne College of Divinity or The Sydney College of Divinity and are offered at undergraduate or postgraduate levels. Tutoring for these courses is made available through The Centre for Christian Spirituality, Sydney who offer excellent comprehensive course material in the fields of Humanities, Biblical Studies, Chlistian Ethics, Church History, Pastoral Theology & Practice, Theology and Philosophy. This method is particularly suited to the monastic life - the monk can work at his own pace, in his own environment and can incorporate study periods into the rhythm of the monastic day. Exams for the MCD course may be taken in the monastery and credit points for the SCD course are accumulated on completion of assigned assessment tasks. The SCD course is as much focused on tutoring as it is on assessment. In any case, the primary purpose of undertaking these studies is not for the sake of an academic career alone, but rather for their formative value and as preparation for various forms of ministry including preparation for ordination to the priesthood.

Studies After Solemn Profession

• Occasionally, opportunities arise for monks to study abroad in whatever field may benefit the individual monk, the life of the community, or for the preparation or development of a particular ministry.
• In consultation with the Abbot, monks in solemn vows may pursue further studies in a specialised field. One monk is currently working on a doctoral thesis in the area of aboriginal studies, for example.
• Others undertake special projects such as compiling dictionaries of Aboriginal languages, translating Spanish archival material, writing memoirs, composing music, the study of a particular craft etc.

Community Studies

• Monks are often given the opportunity to further their education by attending short seminars in Perth, or by attending interstate conferences.
• Various facilitators are regularly invited to conduct courses at the monastery in areas such as Human Development, Liturgy, and Monastic Spirituality.

Studies Unique To New Norcia

You don't have to be a monk to study at New Norcia!

• Our Education Centre offers a wide range of study programs for schools and other groups interested in the many facets of New Norcia and its history including: Aboriginal Studies, Monastic Life, Architecture, Agriculture, Art, Church History.
• There are annual New Norcia Studies Days and Library Lectures.