A Change of Pace
The summer between ending high school and starting college — what a big summer! While deciding how I wanted to spend this summer, I came across the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict and found their Benedictine Live-In Experience program.
It was exactly what I wanted: a chance to breathe after the chaos of graduating high school and before the craziness of starting college. I’d be attending the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., in the fall, so it just felt perfect. I applied and soon decided that the month of June would be when I would spend time with the sisters. I would be able to spend the month volunteering and focusing on my relationship with God, putting God before everything else and using the hands He’s given me to help others.
June soon came, and I became nervous of how this month would go. It was all so foreign to me as I am not Catholic and had minimal exposure to the Catholic faith before. However, I knew God was calling me to do this. He opened all the doors to this program, and all I needed to do was trust Him and walk through those doors.
I arrived on June 1, and I will always remember that day as it was the day my life changed. I was greeted by so many open arms and kind hearts. Even three weeks in, I have yet to meet a sister I do not adore. While I was so out of my comfort zone and didn’t know anyone here, I soon became so comfortable. I feel right at home and at peace here. I feel satisfied after a day of volunteering and praying. I have so many amazing conversations every day with the sisters, both humorous and deeply spiritual. I have learned things about life, myself and my relationship with the Lord. I love starting, breaking from and ending my day with prayer. One of my favorite parts of the days are meals when we come together, find people to sit with and chat.
Days here start with Morning Prayer at 7 a.m. We have the option to either eat at the silent breakfast before prayer, or if you like to chat, you can go after and have breakfast then. I have my first block of volunteer work from 8:30-11 a.m. I have done a little bit of everything around here, from raking leaves to going through paperwork. We have Midday Prayer and lunch after that. At 1 p.m., I start my afternoon volunteer block and again do all kinds of things to help around the monastery — there’s no getting bored with what you are doing! At 3:30 p.m., I am done for the day and can go for walks, read, take a nap, journal, etc. Evening Prayer takes place at 5 p.m., and then we eat dinner. Evenings are free to spend as you wish. Often, I watch a movie or show with the sisters I live with. I also go on evening walks with the sisters occasionally. I love the rhythm of the days here!
This has been such a meaningful and moving month, and I’ve met sisters I hope to stay in touch with for a long time. I’ve also spent lots of time walking around this beautiful campus, and it already feels like home. While it saddens me to think of leaving this wonderful place and these wonderful sisters, I’m grateful for this experience and will carry it with me for the rest of my life. I feel refreshed, connected to God and changed in the best ways!
Morgan Terning
Morgan Terning wrote this reflection while participating in the Benedictine Live-In Experience program in June 2026. This residential volunteer program provides women the opportunity to refresh their lives by sharing in the prayer and work of our monastic community.
Learn more at www.sbm.osb.org/ministry/live-in/.
This article was featured on page 15 in the fall 2026 issue of Call.
