Stages of Discernment
Candidacy – As you continue the process of discernment you begin a period of candidacy, usually three to six months. You will live with the sisters and follow the monastic schedule of community prayer, work, meals, and recreation but remain financially independent. At the end of candidacy you take time to reflect and pray about your experience. If you decide to continue and the community agrees, you move into the novitiate.
Novitiate –This period is from one to two years. You continue your discernment to our community through the experience of daily life and ministry at the monastery. This time includes prayer, study and reflection on Benedictine monastic life and regular dialogue with the formation director about your experience and growth in monastic life. As a novice, you participate in the work and ministry at Holy Wisdom Monastery. The novitiate ends with a period of mutual evaluation.
First Profession –After completing the novitiate you make your first monastic profession of stability, obedience and fidelity to the monastic way of life for three to five years. You enter more deeply into the joy and challenges of community life. You continue your study, ministry and discernment toward life-long commitment to seeking God in community. This time is a continuation of the period of integration begun in the novitiate.
Final Profession – When you and the community discern the time is right, you make your life-long commitment to seeking God according to the Gospel and the Rule of Benedict. On-going formation continues through community living and work as a member in Benedictine Women of Madison.
We offer retreats for women interested in learning more about our life. You may also schedule a personal retreat at the monastery to explore your interest in community life.
We hope to see you soon.
For more information, contact Lynne Smith, OSB , director of membership and monastic formation at (608) 831-9305.
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