The monastic expression constitutes the base and core of the whole community due to the monastic origins and centrality in its development.

We draw inspiration from the monastic tradition of the hermits, symbolized by St. Antony of the Desert, who sought to follow "God alone"; the cenobites, symbolized by St. Pachomius, who sought to live in the koinonia fellowship of seeking "God alone together"; the monks of St. Basil, who sought the more evangelical life of scripture; and the monks of St. Augustine, who sought the "monos" of being "one" and "united" according to Acts 2 and 4. Of course, the Rule of St Benedict calls us to prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and our Franciscan base calls us to an evangelical life in imitation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Regarding personal imitation of Christ and apostolic ministry, we find primary inspiration from St. Francis. Regarding orderly community life in the integrated monastery, we find our greatest inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict. Of course, the desert fathers and mothers who preceded them both are of great importance as an inspiration for our life.

The monastery is a school of the Lord's service. The brothers and sisters give themselves to God alone and are formed into true disciples of Jesus Christ through a more intense participation in the life of the church through monastic profession, the teaching of the Spiritual Father and Mother, and the communal life of our monastic family. We are an eschatological sign of things to come.

Click HERE to learn more about our Monastic Expressions: Celibate, Single and Family.

Candidates to the monastic expression must be in good health, physically, emotionally and spiritually, and be debt-free. If you believe that God is calling you to our monastic way of life, you should begin by reading the following books by our founder and general minister, John Michael Talbot: Simplicity and Universal Monk. You should also read Signatures: The Story of John Michael Talbot by Dan O’Neill. These books will give you an in-depth look at the vision and lifestyle of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.

If after reading the books you feel attracted to our vision and lifestyle, please contact us at: 

Little Portion Hermitage
Attn: Vocations Director
350 CR 248
Berryville AR 72616

479-253-7710

Or E-Mail us at: Vocations@LittlePortion.org