Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s )
on Vocations & Discernment
How do I know if I have a vocation?
Discerning God’s call is a process that includes many parts:
- Above all prayer.
- Another important tool is self-knowledge; get to know yourself, your values, your desires and your goals in life.
- Talk with others who know you intimately so they can help. Your pastor, teachers, parents, and friends are good resources.
- Get in touch with a spiritual director/companion for guidance.
In the end analysis, if you feel drawn to becoming a sister, it is worth your time to explore the possibilities. For on line resources, go to Links .
What should I do if I think my family won’t support my decision to become a sister?
Your family is interested in your happiness and welfare, so try to include them in your discernment.
- Take them for a visit to the monastery that you are considering. This will give them a chance to meet the Sisters and learn about the community as well as see the place where you will be living.
- Talk about the discernment process with your family. Explain what you are seeking in monastic life.
- Ask them to pray with and for you, that God will lead you to where He wants you to be.
You may have to make the decision to enter without the support of your family but you will have the support of the Sisters.
Is there a minimum or maximum age to enter the community?
The optimum age for a woman entering is between the ages of 20 to 48.
What about dating and discernment?
Like any other decision, you should explore other options so you can make an informed decision. The dating experience is important in the process of discernment if you’ve never had that opportunity. It helps you to learn about relationships, which are needed for growth. As you grow more strongly in your attraction to a religious vocation, you would want to begin to experience your life apart from a dating relationship.
Do you have to be “holy”?
Anyone can be holy. According to the Rule of Benedict, there is one main requirement for entry into the monastic community and that is the person is truly “seeking God”.
How often do you pray as a community?
We pray together as a community three times a day, morning praise (lauds), Noon prayer, and evening praise (vespers). For more information, go to Benedictine Prayer.
What vows do you take?
Benedictines make a monastic profession, which includes the promises of:
- stability,
- fidelity to the monastic way of life, and
- obedience.
What’s unique about Benedictines?
It’s pretty unique to belong to an organization that is over 1500 years old, founded by a man who is called the Father of Western Monasticism, as well as one of the patron saints of Europe.
Benedictines were founded by St. Benedict of Norcia, Italy in the 6th Century. From his experience of living in community and growing in the spiritual life, he wrote a rule of life, which has lasted through the centuries, the Rule of Benedict. Benedictines are monastic because we live in a monastery, follow the Rule of Benedict under the leadership/guidance of a prioress.
What is unique about the Benedictines of Our Lady of Peace?
Our Lady of Peace Benedictine monastery is a small community (currently nine sisters). Being a small community gives us the atmosphere of a “family”. We are one of only two communities with a motherhouse or headquarters in the Diocese of Jefferson City.
Do you have “Come and See Weekends”?
Yes, we schedule Benedictine Life Experience weekends several times throughout the year and they are posted on our website. We can also schedule an individualized Benedictine Life Experience to fit your schedule.
Who do I contact if I want more information or have additional questions?
Contact our Vocations Director, by Email at olpvoc@juno.com or by calling the Monastery at 573-446-2300. We look forward to talking with you about your vocations journey!