By TIM HETZEL
September 29, 2006

This issue’s monk to meet is Br. Michael Boes. Br. Michael, originally from Scotch Plains NJ, graduated from Belmont Abbey in 2002 with a theology degree and joined the monastery after he graduated. He took his simple vows the next summer and has one year before he takes his solemn vows.

After working for some time over in the Registrar’s office, Br. Michael now works with Ruth and Corein in the Campus Ministry office. Many of you may know Br. Michael as the monk who is not afraid to bust-a-move at the Presidents’ Ball. I recently had the pleasure of talking with the good monk, and here is what he had to say:

Campus Ministry: Where you involved in Campus Ministry while you were a student here at BAC?

Br. Michael: Not a whole lot, I attended some things, but not a too many. [My] main [involvement] was when I started the Men’s Household. [That’s Brothers in Christ, Son’s of Mary, for those inquisitive minds who don’t know.] I also helped out a little with getting students to participate in the Crop Walk -- mainly in the Belmont, Mt. Holly area.

CM: You had been working in the Registrar’s Office for a little while. What made you decide to come work for Campus Ministry?

Br. M.: I wanted to be part of finding an area where I can do more Ministry work on campus. I have a desire to share my faith with others.

CM: I’m sure you get asked this a lot, but what made you want to become a monk? Br. M.: Two things I always tell people: Life of prayer, life of community. [To belong to a] community of others striving to seek God more closely.

CM: What is your favorite part of being a monk?

Br. M. (with his classic Br. Michael laugh): Life of prayer and life of community . . . . [It is great] being able to interact with students and to be a part of the whole Belmont Abbey community.

CM: Every monk has a “job” that they do. What are your responsibilities in the monastery?

Br. M.: Guest master [which involves giving tours of the monastery and setting up private retreats] and sacristan [which involves taking care of the Basilica and preparing for prayers times]. [Now} I can include Campus Ministry, too.

CM: What are some hobbies you have when you aren’t doing your “monk duties”?

Br. M.: I just started learning piano. I don’t get to do it much, but I like dancing. I like to play tennis and basketball every now and then, when I can.

That’s a little about the hard working and energetic Br. Michael Boes. So, when you’re stopping by Campus Ministry to talk to Corein about service hours, take the time to tell Br. Michael a little about yourself.