Women seeking God in prayer, work and community life test their call to the Benedictine way of life, as it is lived within our community.

Inquirer

A woman who is responding to a sense of call to our life contacts our Director of Vocations. She will be invited to visit the Abbey and to stay for a short time in our Cottages. This stage is open-ended as the inquirer and Vocations’ Director discern if her call is of the Holy Spirit and to our community.

Aspirant

An aspirant makes two or three visits, living and working within the community for three weeks at a time over a period of a year. The purpose of these visits is for the aspirant to get to know the community and for the community to get to know her. During her visits she will meet with the Director of Aspirants and the Director of Formation and continue her journey of discernment.

The time of discernment to religious life is a time of active listening and responding to the call of God. Discernment is a two-way process involving both the candidate and the community. It is important that it is undertaken slowly and prayerfully.