A vocation to the life of a Canon Regular requires diligent spiritual and intellectual formation.  Candidates are formed in a liturgical and monastic tradition that will pour out to others in active ministry.

Entrance Requirements:
For those interested in discerning a vocation to St. Michael’s Abbey, a ‘come and see’ visit of five or more days is usually required during which time candidates are interviewed by the Vocation Director and Novice Master. Other important requirements include good physical health and psychological maturity; a college degree or high school diploma (provided one has achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in a college preparatory or honor courses or has scored a minimum of 1800 on the SAT); is of suitable background and character with a right intention, and between the ages of 18-30.

Finances:
Candidates are expected to enter St. Michael’s debt free and with sufficient clothing and money to pay for personal expenses for two years ($2,000). The Abbey provides the general expense of room, board and tuition. All candidates are expected to contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the Abbey through manual labor.

Summer Youth Apostolate:
All seminarians are required to take part in the summer camp apostolate program. The program involves the operation of a summer camp for young boys on the Abbey grounds. The candidates serve as the counselors for the campers. This apostolate gives the candidates an opportunity of teaching the Catholic Faith and provides for the financial needs of the formation program throughout the rest of the year.

Facilities:
St. Michael’s is situated on a 34-acre tract in the foothills of the Saddleback Mountains – one of the most scenic parts of Orange County in Southern California. Located on the property are the abbey-monastery, home to the abbot and the priests of the community, the house of formation, for the postulants, novices, and juniors, the refectory, and of course the abbey church. There is also a high school wing, dormitory and classroom complex, which houses St. Michael’s Preparatory School, a boarding school for boys.

» Stages of Formation