Ecumenical formation invites a deepening awareness
of the values, practices and rules lived at the monastery

As an ecumencial Benedictine community, we promote dialogue and other interactions that foster Christian unity. This unity is a practical ecumenism, grounded in hospitality. It begins with the sisters' community, which is fostered by sharing spirit and life. We follow the Rule of Benedict as a contemporary way of living the Gospel.

Discerning whether you are called to religious life and to our community takes time. Visits, conversation with members, prayer and retreats are important aspects of getting acquainted during your discernment time. Read more about Joining Benedictine Women of Madison.

You continue the process of determining your call to Benedictine life through a six to twelve- month period of candidacy. Candidates live with the sisters at the monastery. This is an opportunity to experience our community life more fully.

• You follow the schedule of community prayer, work, meals and recreation.
• You devote time daily to Lectio Divina (holy reading), Centering Prayer, and attend classes to learn the fundamental principles of Benedictine life.
• You may lead community prayer.
• You meet regularly with a mentor for spiritual guidance and together reflect on your daily experience.
• You may take courses in Christian theology, as needed.

When you complete your time as a candidate, you leave the monastery for several weeks to reflect and pray about your experience. If you decide to continue your spiritual journey with the community and if Benedictine Women agree, you return to the monastery and begin the two-year novitiate period.

Your focus as a novice is to deepen your discernment of the call to community through the experience of daily life. To live together in community and to live open to grace is the life-long seeking of God that the Rule calls the novice to daily. This way of life is intended for ordinary Christians with a deep desire for God. This desire finds meaning and expression in the context of a monastic community.

As a novice, you contribute to the life and work of the community by:

• serving guests in the dining room,
• sharing your faith,
• caring for the land and for creation,
• leading prayer,
• working in the library or archives and
• helping serve a meal to homeless people.

Because our community places emphasis on care for the earth, outside physical work such as gardening, tree pruning, etc., may be something you would like to do. In addition, you may bring talents and skills to share.

Your work as a novice is to study the Rule of Benedict; Scripture, including the Psalms; liturgy; the dialogues among the Christian churches, and to foster an environment of Christian unity.

Through a rhythm of daily prayer, work, study and leisure, you learn to integrate activities and bring them into the single focus of seeking God.

Your time as a novice ends with a mutual evaluation:

• Has the novitiate period been a satisfactory experience?
• Do you have a strong desire to make an initial commitment to Benedictine Women of Madison?
• Are you comfortable, happy and compatible with community members?
• Are you eager to contribute to the work of the monastery?
• Do you share the community’s vision and hope to see it fulfilled?

If you and the community answer "yes" to these questions, it’s time to make the promise of First Profession.

We offer retreats for women interested in learning more about our life. You may also schedule a week at the monastery to explore your interest in community life.

We hope to see you soon!

For more details, insights or answers to questions,
contact Lynne at (608) 836-1631, ext. 198.