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"From my Beachfront Condo to the Monastery"

by Sister Vivian Ramos

Learn about the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand.

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There are generally no quick steps in a woman's call to the monastic life; it is something that is realized only over a period of time. Because each individual is unique, so too is the actual process and the amount of time involved. Whether an individual is ready to enter into serious discernment depends so much on her psychological and spiritual growth. Familiarity with the monastic life, distance from the monastery, overall health, and financial status are also among the factors that need to be taken into account. A woman is usually in contact with the community a year or two before entering.

Discernment is a two-way process. As the woman discerns her call to the monastic life, the monastic community also discerns the woman's suitability for life in this community. An essential question is: Does the applicant have the potential to live fully the monastic life as lived by the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana?

Because each member significantly influences the community, another essential question is: Would acceptance of this applicant contribute to the well-being of the community or hinder others from living fully the monastic life?

These are the three primary areas of an applicant's life that merit our attention:

1. MONASTIC INTEREST — This area, incorporating the applicant's history, is evaluated by an admission committee, which relies upon information provided by the directors of vocation ministries and the prioress and by interviews and observations of other members of the admission committee.
2. PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH — A community-approved psychologist administers psychological tests, interviews the applicant, and prepares a report for the Admission Committee.
3. PHYSICAL HEALTH — A physical exam and medical history are required

The overall question we are asking is:
Will this woman be able to live fully the monastic life?

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Age
   We generally expect the woman to be at least 21 years of age and not more than 40 years old. Exceptions are made, but more discernment is required.
2. Education
   She is expected to have a high school degree or GED and to have completed two years of college or work.
3. Financial Situation
   A woman is asked to be free of major debts and to have sufficient funds to cover insurance and living expenses during her postulancy.
4. Converts or Those Away From the Church
   For a convert to the Catholic Church or someone returning after a period of absence, we ask that she be a practicing Catholic for at least two years.
5. Widowed or Divorced
   Usually a period of five years is necessary after a person's divorce (an annulment is required) or the death of spouse.

While these are general requirements, we consider each applicant on an individual basis, looking at her particular gifts and needs.

What we must continually seek above all is how God is working in our lives. Prayer is of paramount importance. The grace of vocation can flow only from fidelity to our Christian commitment, as a further living out of our baptismal promises. It is crucial that a woman in the discernment process be faithful to the everyday demands of following Christ as she seeks entrance into our monastic community. As St. Benedict asks of anyone wishing to join a monastery, the one thing necessary is that the person "truly seeks God."