Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois
March 2010
Benedictine Sisters monastery grounds at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill Steps
Discerning your path in life
Rebecca Spanier with Srs. Martina and Marilyn Hettinger

"Strange" Decision to Visit Monastery Yields Lasting Treasures!

Rebecca Spanier's friends thought it was "strange" when she decided to spend 3 weeks at a monastery. But that is one of the most common reactions to a woman's desire to explore religious life ... and one that anyone might expect of college students.
 
In fact, religious life is radically counter-cultural. Turning away from material possessions, the bar scene and the corporate model of success for a lifelong journey with others who are committed to seeking God together is, in our culture, really strange!
 
But Rebecca - a Cornell College* junior from St. Cloud, Minn. - was pulled by a strong desire to learn more. So she, as college student Anna Sewell before her, made arrangements for a 3-week immersion project with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery. She agreed to answer some questions about the experience as she completed her stay in late February.
 
What surprised you the most?
 
I had been a bit apprehensive about how the Sisters would react to seeing a random student show up, but I found everyone here incredibly welcoming. They didn't care why I was here. They just wanted to get to know me.
 
Also, I had expected monastery life to be like a constant retreat, but found out it is as busy as my life at school! The Sisters have jobs that can be hectic. It's not an escape from the world. But no matter what, they make time for prayer.
 
What did you do while you were here?
 
During the first week, I did a lot of reading and settling in. But then I had a bit of a routine. I went to prayers, of course, and did Lectio Divina with Sr. Mary Core every day. I took piano lessons and music theory from Sr. Mary Jane Wallace. I practiced my flute and played it at Sunday Mass. I worked in the retreat house, setting up and helping serve coffee during the Valentine's Day married couples program. I got to know the Sisters.
 
What did you learn?
 
I'm really soul searching, discerning my life's path. I used to be so sure that I would be a high school religion teacher, but I don't know anymore. Sr. Charlotte Sonneyville told me God's call starts out as a subtle attraction to something. Eventually, it becomes more of a gentle nudge in your heart. That was important for me to hear.
 
The Sisters helped me think of different ways to use my religion major. They gave me some idea of what working for the Church could mean for me. I've always been attracted to nursing, so Sr. Sheila McGrath suggested hospital chaplaincy as a way to combine it with religion. Sr. Catherine Cleary suggested campus ministry, which I think I would really love.
 
I learned a lot about getting myself centered and calmed in the midst of a busy and hectic life, and making the space for God to move me or speak to me. The Sisters do that. They have their hands full, but everyone makes the time to go together to prayer. I'm going to take that with me: finding time for prayer.
 
How did the experience change you?
 
I think I learned to have an open heart. A compassionate heart. It's amazing how much Sisters care about every living person, and I think some of that rubbed off.
 
I used to want to be a Sister when I grew up, and it's still possible. I'm open to it. Maybe God is calling me to this, I don't know.
 
I will miss the Sisters and the constant prayer routine. It was an absolutely wonderful experience!
 
Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa, provides students with a block system that allows immersion projects such as Rebecca's stay at St. Mary Monastery.

     

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Benedictine vocation director Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSBTo give you a chance to learn about Benedictine Sisters and our way of life, we welcome you for a visit. Call (309) 283-2300 or e-mail Sr. Bobbi to set up a good  time. Or join us and other single Catholic women for a Benedictine Experience Weekend April 16-18. No matter when you come, there is no cost to you. We look forward to a morning, evening, weekend or week with you! And visit our Web site at www.smmsisters.org.