Letter of Recommendation for Benedictine Sojourners

Online form below. Click here to view a pdf copy of this Letter of Recommendation form.

Benedictine Sojourner Letter of Recommendation

INSTRUCTIONS: Please fill out the letter of recommendation below for an applicant to Benedictine Sojourners at Holy Wisdom Monastery. If you have any questions, please contact Sister Lynne Smith, OSB, at lwsmith@benedictinewomen.org or (608) 831-9305.

Applicant's Name:*
FirstLast
Please fill in, above, the name of the woman who has requested this letter of recommendation from you. She has applied to become a Benedictine Sojourner at Holy Wisdom Monastery as part of an opportunity for single Christian women to live, learn, pray and work with the sisters’ community. They experience the monastic tradition lived in a contemporary way; develop a taste for prayer and reflective reading of scripture and use their skills for work within the monastery. Each applicant is asked to secure three letters of recommendation as part of the application process. Thank you for providing the information requested below.
How long have you known this person and in what circumstances?*
On a scale of 1-5 (5 being the highest rating) please rate the candidate according to the following qualities.

(Weak) 1 … 5 (Strong) Uk – Unknown
A. Personal and Professional Qualities:
1. Initiative*
2. Responsibility*
3. Reliability*
4. Emotional Stability*
5. Leadership*
6. Social Adjustments*
7. Generosity*
8. Self-confidence*
9. Common Sense*
B. Maturity:
A person serving for a year often experiences challenges and difficulties. Life as a Benedictine Sojourner demands maturity and flexibility.
1. Soundness of Judgment*
2. Flexibility*
3. Perseverance*
4. Sense of Humor*
5. Emotional Maturity*
6. Recognition of Limitation*
C. Teamwork and Cooperation Ability:
In general, I would say that she is:
1. Responsive to others’ needs*
2. Likable*
3. Empathetic*
4. Tolerant*
5. Honest*
6. Outgoing*
7. Perceptive*
8. Communicative *
Regarding the way that she relates in a group, I would say that she:
9. Has cooperative ability*
10. Expresses feelings well*
11. Deals well with stress*
12. Functions well within a group*
13. Functions well outside the group*
14. Can deal with conflict*
15. Can accept criticism*
16. Is respected by group members*
17. Is supportive of others*
18. Is recognized as a leader*
19. Accepts and seeks collaboration*
In dealing with persons in authority, she is:
20. Cooperative*
21. Straightforward*
22. Open to dialogue*
23. Admits to error*
24. Offers constructive criticism*
25. Seeks advice when situations call for it*
D. Relationship to the Church:
Benedictine Sojourners fosters integration of prayer and work. Many people of faith have questions about their relationship to their church community. However, a willingness to grow spiritually is integral to Benedictine Sojourners. They are invited to view their life in a holistic way. Knowing this, I would say that this woman:
1. Reflects Christian values*
2. Handles faith questions in a mature manner*
3. Is an active participant in church activities*
4. Makes attempts to incorporate their faith into all life experiences *
5. Is comfortable discussing faith issues*
E. Motivation:
It may be difficult to weigh the motives which lead a person to want to live in community as a Benedictine Sojourner. These motives may include a desire to live and learn in community, a desire for personal growth and/or religious experience and a desire to be of service. In your judgment, what are her motives for wanting to spend a year as a Benedictine Sojourner?*
F. General Impressions:
Please make a statement concerning your overall impression of this woman. What do you think would be the challenges and/or the difficulties this applicant would experience as a Benedictine Sojourner which includes living and working closely in community, attending daily communal prayer, seasonal outdoor work.*
Please comment on the gifts you think this woman would bring to her living and working in community at Holy Wisdom Monastery.*
G. Overall Evaluation:
Do you recommend the applicant for this experience? *
- Yes
- No
- With Reservations (please specify below)
With Reservations:
Today's Date*
Your Name*
FirstLast
Your Address*
Street AddressCityStateZip Code
Your Phone*
Your Email
Enter EmailConfirm Email