Abstract
In the research findings of the Early Catholic Monastery several topic were explored. The definition and origination of a monastery, the process of joining a monastery, obedience and discipline, the daily life, and the worship structure with in a monastery. Through these findings is acknowledge that a life as a monk is not easy and is not for all. It is a calling to serve God and it is at a level for each individual to determine their calling in the present day.
Monastery is a term derived from the greek word “monasterion” from the root “mono” meaning alone and the suffix “terion” meaning a place for doing something. A monastery is a place where monks and nuns either live as a community or alone and as a place of prayer (Encarta, 2007). Before the middle ages people often needed an escape from the immorality, materialism and lawlessness of their daily lives. In fact many people craved a spiritual place to help free them from the destruction of society around them. These people often felt called upon to serve God and give up all material positions. One of whom was St. Anthony “Anthony the hermit” he was often called the founder of Christian Monastery and well known as the Deserts Father. He was a man whom lived a life of prayer and simplicity. According to historical records the Monasteries began in Upper Egypt during the third century A.D. Many religious recluses went to the desert to find solitude or eremitism, which became one foundation of the monastic life (Sherrow, 2001).
The search for God is common to all human beings. This for a monk is his sole occupation. In the Early Middle Ages, few monks were also Priests. Men of all ages would join the monaste ...