The Abbot
Benedict characterizes the abbot of a monastery with an equivalency to Christ. The abbot is the head of the monastery who “neither teach, ordain, nor require anything against the command of our Lord.”
Cenobites
According to Benedict, the Cenobites are the best kind of monks. Why? They live in a monastery. They are headed by an abbot. The Cenobite thus becomes the model by which the rules are written.
Deans
The deans are essentially those monks chosen to manage the monastery who share the burdens of the abbot. The election of deans is based on the “worthiness of their lives and their proved learning.”
Cellarer
The cellerar of a monastery is in charge of everything which is necessary to the burdens of daily life such as food, drink and health care items. Though in charge of dispensation, he is only to act under the orders of the abbot.
Artificer
The artificer is basically the monks with talent and aptitude for construction. A tradesman by training, the artificer is subject to losing his right to ply his trade should he ever show such pride in his work that it is determined he seeks thanks or gratitude from the monastery.
Priest
The role of an official priest of the monastery is subject to the discretion of the abbot and if chosen must also submit to the rules proscribing humility. The position of priest cannot be assumed to endow the monk so chosen with any elevated sense of place or status.
Provost
Benedict takes pains to point out that a monastery should appoint a provost only under very special circumstances since this appointment often creates scandal. In addition, in his consideration the administrative role that would be undertaken by a provost should already be assumed by the deans. Therefore, a provost should only be necessary under extraordinary conditions and should be appointed by the abbot with the instruction to never rule or advise on any matter that is in conflict with the abbot.
Porter
The role of porter is to be given to a who is too old to wander from his point, but is also wise enough give answers to questions of those who arrive at the door of the monastery seeking help or advice.
