This program is designed for women discerning a call to Benedictine life. Its purpose is to assist an individual in deepening her sense of call, faith, and self understanding, as well as to ascertain the skills and gifts necessary to live life in community.
Postulancy:
This phase begins when the affiliate proves to be genuinely interested in pursuing monastic life in this particular community. It provides a period of transition between lay and community life with a formal program of instruction and experience in Monastic Life.
Novitiate:
This period of one to two years enables an interested individual to study more intensely the components of monastic life: living in common, spirituality, and liturgy.
Temporary Commitment:
This period is from three to six years, and may be extended to nine years. During this time, the scholastic will actively participate in Monastic Life, i.e., Prayer, Lectio, and Manual Labor. Special attention will also be given to the following areas: the Rule of St. Benedict, Monastic Profession, Personal Development, Hospitality, Stewardship, Ministry, Justice and Social Responsibility, and the role of women in the Church.
Final Profession:
In making a Monastic Profession, the Sisters promise Obedience, Stability and Fidelity to the Monastic Way of Life!