Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois
April, 2008
Benedictine Sisters monastery grounds at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill Steps
Discerning your path in life
Becoming a Postulant ...
Benedictine postulant plays violin for Easter Mass. 
 
Life as a new Benedictine: Part 2

Postulant shares thoughts on what she gained - and gave up - to become a Sister

At about the time Stefanie MacDonald turned 37 years old, she finalized her plans to join the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill. Now a postulant* of six months, Stefanie is working part time as a preschool teacher and taking classes in theology and Benedictinism. Recently, she took the time to answer a few questions about her experience so far.

Q. How has the experience changed you?

A. I know I have become much quieter. When I lived alone, I used to always have my radio or TV or I-Pod on. I don't so much anymore, even though we all have our own rooms in my living group.** Quiet is nice. And my prayer life is getting deeper.

The other thing is, I am becoming more patient. Our slower and quieter lifestyle forces that, to a certain extent. And this process of becoming a Benedictine takes time. You don't just decide to do it and poof! Become one.


Q. You had your own place, your own car, a good job and good friends. That's a lot to give up!

A. Well, yes and no. Giving up my job was the hardest thing I've ever done. I loved the kids, the faculty and the parents. I miss them and my friends. I miss the best lattes at this little coffee shop that my friends and I went to all the time. But this is my new life, and I had to move on. You do the same thing when you get married.

Q. Speaking of marriage, have you ever been in love?

A. I always thought I'd get married and have six kids, but I never really fell in love. I dated guys that I liked a lot, but I never felt that head-over-heels spark that you see in the movies. And I've had so many kids, as a teacher, that I feel I've had an impact on the future.

*Postulancy is a discernment period of 9-12 months during which you live and pray with the community, deepening your understanding of Benedictine community life, prayer life and your own commitment level.

**A living group is a cluster of private bedroom/bathrooms with a shared kitchen (for breakfast and occasional other use), living room and outdoor space. We have six such living groups in the monastery, and they help strengthen a family atmosphere. But we come together as a whole group for most meals, community prayer and many activities.

Sr Phyllis with children in monastery chapel 
Benedictines are different.
Benedictine Sisters crave quiet ... and laughter.
Benedictine Sisters crave solitude ... and companionship.
Benedictine Sisters drop everything three times a day to pray together.
Our ministries - from retreat work to social work, and education to art - never take us far from home.
If our differences appeal to you, contact Sister Bobbi Bussan (below) to learn more!

flowers on the library deck of benedictine st mary monastery
"Let us look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing."
St. Benedict

Growing beyond the Easter Season

By Prioress Sr. Phyllis McMurray, OSB


On Easter we identify with the women who go to the tomb, confused and heart broken, only to find an open and empty tomb.  They are told, "Do not be afraid!" Those are words of hope and comfort that take us far beyond the Easter Season.  We all experience personal problems and are aware of difficulties in our neighborhoods, in our church, and in our country.  They will not be solved easily or soon.  They may leave us confused and heart broken.

Daniel J. Harrington, S.J. wrote in America magazine, "The promise of Easter is that in the end life triumphs over death, good conquers evil and hope overcomes despair. The message of the risen Jesus this Easter, as on the first Easter, is one of hope and comfort.  As the risen Jesus said to the women on their way from the tomb, so he says to us:  'Do not be afraid.'" 

May these words of the risen Jesus be for you a source of encouragement and peace throughout and beyond the Easter Season.

The logo of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery


St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IllQuick Links
Join our Mailing List!
Join us for a Benedictine Come-and-See Weekend
Benedictine vocation director Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSBTo give you a chance to learn about Benedictine Sisters and our way of life, we host several vocation events every year. The next Come-and-See weekend is April 4-6, 2008. Call (309) 283-2300 or e-mail Sr. Bobbi to register, or to set up a different time, if you can't make that weekend. You are our guest: there is no cost to you. We look forward to sharing a morning, evening, weekend or week with you. And visit our Web site at www.smmsisters.org.