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Daily Reading from the Rule of St Benedict

CHAPTER 60: PRIESTS WHO MAY WISH TO LIVE IN THE MONASTERY
IF anyone in priest’s orders asks to be admitted into the monastery, his request is not to be granted too readily; if, however, he continues firmly set on entering, it must be made clear to him that he will have to observe the whole discipline of the Rule, and no mitigation will be allowed him, to fulfil the Scripture: ‘Friend, for what purpose hast thou come?’ (Matt. 26).
He may be allowed to stand next in order to the Abbot, and to give the blessings and to say Mass, but only at the Abbot’s bidding. Otherwise he must not take liberties, knowing that he is subject to regular discipline, and let him rather give everyone a good example of humility. Should there be any question of an appointment or of business in the monastery, he is to keep the place that is his by date of entry into the monastery, not the one that has been granted him out of respect for the priesthood.
Should clerics wish to join the Community, they are to be given middle rank, and in their case too only if they promise to observe the Rule and their own stability.