St Benedict’s Monastery

St. Benedict’s is Trappist Monastery, part of a 900-​year-​old tradition. I’m no expert, but I sense they interpret their traditions and what it means to be a Monk in their own unique way. St. Benedict’s occupies a spectacular valley high in the Colorado Rockies. I’ve always enjoyed the 7 p.m. vespers. This service is open to the public, and for those of you not familiar with vespers, it is a religious service lead by Monks replete with singing, chanting, and prayer. I’d highly recommend attending. As a layperson, you sit around the sides of the nave and observe quietly and pray; you can sing some of the songs with the monks if you wish. St. Benedict’s has a wonderful little gift shop replete with a range of religious books and monk-​made caramel and chocolate. Let me repeat that. Caramel and chocolate. :)
Public Liturgies
4:30 am Vigils (quiet community prayer of listening to scripture and other readings).
7:30 am Lauds (morning prayer) and Mass.
7:00 pm Vespers and Compline (evening and night prayer).
Sunday: Lauds and Mass 8:15 am. No public Vespers.
Thursday: Vespers and Mass 7:00 pm.