At the gate of the monastery let there be placed a wise old woman, who knows how to receive and to give a message, and whose maturity will prevent her from straying about. This porter should have a room near the gate, so that those who come may always find someone at hand to attend to their business.And as soon as anyone knocks or a poor person hails her,let her answer "Thanks be to God" or "A blessing!"Then let her attend to them promptly, with all the meekness inspired by the fear of God and with the warmth of charity. Should the porter need help, let her have one of the younger sisters. If it can be done, the monastery should be so established that all the necessary things, such as water, mill, garden and various workshops, may be within the enclosure, so that there is no necessity for the sisters to go about outside of it, since that is not at all profitable for their souls.We desire that this Rule be read often in the community, so that none of the sisters may excuse herself on the ground of ignorance.

Some suggest that prior to his public ministry Jesus was a monastic. The gospels are clear that he preceded his ministry with an extended retreat-from-the-world and regularly undertook shorter periods of separation and contemplation.

Yet Jesus was also clear that we are called off the mountain and into life's valleys.

A vibrant monasticism is always connected to the world. When the world arrives at the monastery's door the response should always be, "Thanks be to God" or "A Blessing." In study, prayer, and service the monastic remains in the world.

But the monastery should not be of the world. In setting its physical and spiritual boundaries the monastery seeks to point toward the possibility -- the existing reality -- of another world.