February 7, 2025

Saint Meinrad Archabbey receives new novices into community

In a recent ceremony at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, two new novices were received by the monastic community.

Benedictine Novices Douglas Allison and Patrick Barrett were clothed on Jan. 19 in the Benedictine habit. They now begin a year of monastic formation, including study of the Rule of St. Benedict and monastic history.

Novice Douglas, 24, is a native of Perrysburg, Ohio, where he was a member of St. Rose Parish. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2023 in accounting and finance at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Before entering the monastery, he provided Communion for homebound people for several years and worked for the office of the Ohio Auditor of State.

Novice Patrick, 20, is a native of Texico, Ill. He was previously a member of St. Mary Immaculate Conception Parish in Mount Vernon, Ill., and a 2023 graduate of Mount Vernon Township High School.

Before entering the monastery, Novice Patrick worked as a lifeguard, in maintenance at a recreation facility and at an antique store.

Novices take a year off from formal studies and trades. The novitiate is a time of prayer and learning intended to help a novice discern his vocation as a monk. At the end of this year, a novice may be permitted to profess temporary vows of obedience, fidelity to the monastic way of life and stability in the community of Saint Meinrad. †

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