Q & A

Common Questions

Who joins your monastic community?

Women who hunger for a deeper relationship with God and the desire to live the Gospel values with other women and serve others who are joining our monastic community. They are women who want the "more" in life. They are women currently engaged in a professional life or completing an education and beginning a career. They are women who come to know us through spending time at our monastery, in the Benedictine Live-In Experiences, through retreats at the Spirituality Center or as Oblates of Saint Benedict.

What is the process of becoming a Benedictine Sister? The process, which is called initial formation, includes

AFFILIATION - a time to become more familiar with us through frequent association while living independently of the community.

POSTULANCY - six months to a year of living within the community, sharing the life of prayer and work while learning more about Benedictine spirituality.

NOVITIATE - a year of intense prayer, study and reflection on Benedictine monastic life in preparation for first monastic commitment. During this time the women, with the formation director, discern their desire and fit for life in this Benedictine community.

FIRST MONASTIC PROFESSION - a time span of three to six years, living as a vowed member while continuing study, ministry and discernment toward a lifelong commitment.

PERPETUAL MONASTIC PROFESSION - a lifelong commitment to seeking God according to the Gospel and the Rule of Benedict in a stable and permanent community.

Do you have women who are in your formation program now? Yes, there are women in various stages of formation at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. To meet them, click here.