The term MONASTERY STAFF can be broken down into two words, MONKS (5 letters) and STAFF. MONKS are members of a religious community who live in a monastery and dedicate their lives to prayer and service. MONKS typically take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and they are usually led by an abbot or abbess. The STAFF of a monastery typically includes lay people who provide support services such as cooking, cleaning, and maintenance.