Initial Formation News

Kathleen Ann Lee will complete her canonical novitiate year on August 24, 2026. During this year of focused study, prayer, and exploration of community life, she took classes on the Rule of St. Benedict with Sister Cecilia Olson, Monastic History with Sister Judith Sutera, Catholic Social Teaching with Sister Anne Shepard, and the Gospel of Mark with Sisters Jennifer Halling and Patricia Seipel. Kathleen Ann assisted Sister Cecilia with sacristan duties and helped with a variety of tasks in the monastery. She also is a member of the schola, our liturgical choir. 

Upon completing her canonical novice year, Kathleen Ann will enjoy some time with her family and then plans to continue her education at Benedictine College. She said, “My canonical year has brought about an opportunity for me to prayerfully learn about Benedictine monasticism. It has also allowed me an enhanced understanding of who I am at my core. I am eternally grateful and humbled for this time of formation.”  

Victoria (Vicky) Ortega joined the Mount as a postulant on February 10, 2026. A native of Denver, Colorado, Vicky first encountered our community when she was seeking a spiritual director through the Sophia Spirituality Center website. She began visiting with Vocation Director Marcia Ziska and became an affiliate in 2025. Her attraction to the Benedictine charism, especially the chanting of the Divine Office, grew during her visits to the Mount. 

Vicky has a bachelor’s degree in political science, a Juris Doctor (law) degree, and a graduate certificate in elections. She practiced law as assistant city attorney for the city and county of Denver for 31 years. 

In her first six months as a postulant, Vicky has studied the history of the Mount, Lectio Divina, and the Gospel of Mark. She has assisted our liturgist, Sr. Susan Barber, with office tasks, and helps in Dooley Center several afternoons a week. Vicky says, “God has given me a great blessing to be here. My vocation has been in my heart for a long time.” We appreciate Vicky’s faithfulness to prayer and her generous service to the community! 

Learn about our formation program or contact our Vocation Director Marcia Ziska: mziska@mountosb.org