Stages of Formation
The formation process of a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica is a process where each step is taken slowly and with care to ensure the proper vocation for both sister and community. If you are looking for something else, here are some additional resources for discernment.
Affiliate
An affiliate is a woman who has chosen to associate with the community of Mount St. Scholastica for the sake of learning more about the Benedictine way of life with the intention of seeking admission. The woman enters a period of prayer and regular contact with the community and the vocation director in order to discern her call to live the Benedictine way of life and to develop a relationship with the community. This affiliation period could last from six months up to two years.
“We intend to establish a school for the Lord’s service.”
The Rule of St. Benedict, prologue 45
Postulant
A postulant is a woman who has entered religious life at Mount St. Scholastica. During this period of eight to twelve months, the woman begins to transition from her previous lifestyle to that of monastic community life, becoming acquainted with the community life more deeply and its spirituality. She continues to discern her call to monastic life, as well as growing in self understanding through openness to God, self, and others in community.
“The concern must be whether the novice truly seeks God and whether she shows eagerness for the Work of God, for obedience and for trials.”
The Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 58
Novice
The novice continues to discern her call to seek God within the monastic way of life, living under the Rule of St. Benedict and a prioress. At the same time, the novice director and the community discern whether the woman has a vocation to Mount St. Scholastica. This first year is the canonical novitiate year. The next year may last from a few months up to 12 months. During this time after the canonical year, the novice continues to get to know community and engages in a ministry.
“Come daughter hear me, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Draw near to God that you may be radiant with joy and your being will always be at peace.”
The Rule of St. Benedict
Scholastic
This is the time of First Profession during which the woman begins living the Benedictine monastic life as a temporarily professed sister while living in community. This three to six year period is a time of growth and immersion into the Benedictine way of life as a sister, during which she will participate in community ministry, and be guided to deepen her spirituality and integration into the community. When the community and scholastic is ready for perpetual monastic profession, she embraces a permanent commitment to obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life.
“Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life.”
The Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 72
Resources for Discernment
If you are interested in learning more about our formation process or would like to talk to our vocation minister, please do so below or check our other pages for more information!