What does semi-cloistered mean?

It means that although we observe a certain amount of enclosure for the sake of our contemplative life, we're not strictly cloistered. While we work within the monastery, we may leave for education, workshops, recreational outings, shopping and needed appointments. Each sister is also allowed an annual two-week home visit/vacation.

How much silence is there?

We have silence between 9 PM and 7:30 AM. During the day we maintain a quiet, prayerful atmosphere, but speak as is necessary at work, as well as enjoying conversation during meals and recreation.

Why don't you vow poverty, chastity and obedience?

Our Benedictine vows come from the Rule of Saint Benedict which was written centuries before poverty, chastity and obedience became the standard vows.

Saint Benedict's vows (or promises as he called them) are stability, ‘conversatio’ and obedience. Stability is a commitment of lifelong fidelity to God and our Congregation. ‘Conversatio’ is a commitment to embrace all of monastic life as a path to holiness and conversion. This includes poverty or simplicity of life and chastity. Obedience is a vow of listening, responsive love to the voice of God as it comes to us through prayer, the Rule of Saint Benedict, Scripture, our prioress and our sisters.

How much do you get to pray?

We come together four times each day to chant the Psalms and listen to Scripture, as well as having daily Eucharist. We spend about 2 1/2 hours each day in personal prayer. This includes ‘lectio divina’ (prayer with Scripture), adoration, contemplative prayer and individual devotions.

What are your ministries?

Our ministry is prayer! We receive many e-mails, letters and phone-calls requesting prayer. We are also aware of the many in our world who suffer greatly and have no way to request our prayer or are without faith. We offer not only our times of prayer, but everything we do for their needs. We welcome those who wish to share in our prayer or take time for their own prayer and renewal.

If you don't have jobs outside the monastery, what kind of work do you do? How do you support yourselves?

The main way we support ourselves is by making altar breads (communion hosts). We also make liturgical vestments and publish a magazine. Besides these works, sisters answer e-mails and letters, welcome guests, plan our liturgy, take care of our monastery and grounds, garden, cook, clean, write, fix things, take care of our elder sisters, and more. The important thing is not so much what we're doing, but offering whatever we're doing as prayer.

What do you do for fun?

Some things we like to do: enjoy nature; take walks; bike; play ping-pong, basketball, or other sports; fish; ride in our paddleboat; make pottery, soap, or other crafts; play board games, cards and work jigsaw puzzles; garden; practice musical instruments, and watch an occasional movie or ball game on T.V.

Do you wear a habit?

Yes. Sisters receive our habit at First Monastic Profession. The habit consists of a black and/or white skirt and blouse or dress of the sister's choosing, along with our Congregational emblem (a Benedictine cross with the symbols of the Eucharist). Sisters receive a ring at Final Monastic Profession.

Do you ever get to see your family?

Yes. We get two weeks every year to leave and visit family or friends. However, all holidays and Feast Days are spent here with the community. Our families can also visit us at the monastery at various times.

If I enter, what could I bring with me?

You could bring colored skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, sweaters appropriate for monastic living, as well as some casual clothing, swimwear, sleepwear, underclothing, hosiery, socks, shoes, and a wristwatch. You could also bring a Bible and Missal, and, if you wish, writing supplies, a limited number of photos, alarm clock, small CD player with headphones, bicycle, musical instrument (with approval), hair accessories and blow dryer, and no more than 15 each of tapes, CDs or books.

You would not bring pets, cars, furniture, computers, palm pilots, cell phones, appliances, jewelry or cosmetics.

Some important questions to ask yourself are, “What things do I no longer use or need? What can I do without? What am I ready to let go of?”