WHAT IS THE BENEDICTINE VOLUNTEER CORPS?

In 1956, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) was formed by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) to encourage volunteer work, social justice, and outreach to those in need. The Subiaco Abbey Benedictine Volunteer Corps (BVC) summer program follows a similar model but focuses on the distinctive Benedictine charisms of "Ora et Labora" (Prayer and Work). Begun earlier in a simple format by Br. Raban Heyer and Fr. Patrick Boland, the BVC is now an expanded summer program of service designed to immerse a man into a deeper relationship with God through Benedictine prayer, work, recreation, and study; all while living with the monks at Subiaco. A summer of service that can be truly life-changing!

For PRAYER: you can join the monks five times a day for communal prayer (Lauds, Mass, Midday Prayer, Office of Readings, & Vespers). You will learn how to privately pray the distinctive monastic form of prayer known as Lectio Divina. Part of the process is to cultivate an awareness of the Holy Spirit to guide your vocation in life. You will meet regularly with a mentor to explore how some of the principles of monastic life from the early Desert Fathers can help you live a more prayerful, fulfilling, and purpose-driven life.

For WORK: you can rotate through service with other monks as they undertake their regular work assignments. These may include: Liturgy, Carpentry, Black Smithing, Microbrewing, Gardening, Digital Media, Landscaping, Laundry Service, Sawmill Operations, Medical Care, Auto Maintenance, Fund Raising, Customer Service, Youth Ministry, Merchandising, Cooking, Chaplaincy, and numerous other opportunities.

For RECREATION: you can join the monks in their recreation period three times a week in the monastery, outings at their lake cabin, day trips for movies, fishing, concerts, metal detecting, arrow head hunting, as well as other events.

For STUDY: you can engage in a weekly program of study that includes learning more about the Bible, the early Desert Fathers, various forms of Christian Spirituality, how to chant the Liturgy of the Hours, and how the Rule of St. Benedict can help guide your life.
 

DETAILS!

WHO CAN APPLY?:  Subiaco Academy graduates aged 18-25 who are single and Catholic

WHEN IS THE PROGRAM?: June to August 15 (start and end dates can vary)

COST?: Nothing

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?: In private air conditioned rooms with private showers on the main monastery floor by the Abbot's corridor.

WHERE DO YOU EAT?: With the monks. Room, Board, and basic needs are provided at no cost.

OTHER BENEFITS: In addition to the just all-around cool experience of a monastic immersion through a summer of prayer, work, recreation, and study, you also get some practical "worldly" benefits as well. As a structured volunteer service program with supervision, you can use the hours and experience on your résumé/curriculum vitae; applications for universities, jobs, and grants/scholarships; as well as for future letters of recommendation when required. To comply with the requirements of most higher education institutions, Abbot Elijah Owens, OSB, Ph.D., St.D. will serve as the supervisor of record.

NEXT STEP?: Contact Fr. Patrick Boland (frpatrick@subi.org 479-438-1810) who will walk you through the many opportunities the BVC program can offer. Fr. Patrick will oversee your application, safe environment training and background checks, and meet to ensure that the BVC service program can be of mutual benefit to you and the abbey. If it is, then our monastic community would be honored to welcome you for the summer into what St. Benedict called "the school of the Lord's service." UIOGD!