When Stefanie MacDonald (shown above, signing her First Monastic Profession) became
Sister Stefanie at the age of 40 on July 9, she breathed a sigh of joy, gratitude and relief. She had
worked 3 years for the moment when she would receive her Benedictine medal. She had poured her heart and soul into it.
The journey to Sisterhood with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, isn't easy. Besides giving up your home and private possessions, you must get used to living with 52 other women. And "living with" includes praying with, dining with, and enjoying leisure time with. It includes decision-making with. It often includes working with.
Additionally, becoming a Benedictine Sister requires a great deal of study, during which you learn about St. Benedict, theology, monasticism and spirituality. (The formation period doesn't end when you make your First Monastic Profession, but it does lighten up a bit. And that will be helpful to Sr. Stefanie as she returns to her preschool classroom in August.)
Sr. Stefanie recently agreed to answer some questions about her experience so far. Here are her answers.
Prioress Sr. Phyllis pins a Benedictine Medal on Stefanie MacDonald.
Q. Overall, how would you describe your last 3 years?A. It's been a very good journey. It's had its ups and downs of course - sometimes within minutes of each other. But every time I've asked myself, What in the world am I doing here?, I've realized I know exactly what I'm doing. I know I'm doing what God is calling me to do. I know I'm in the right place. It's not always easy, but I wouldn't change anything.
Q. Give an example of a challenging or stressful time.A. The week before I became a Sister was very stressful. I was supposed to be getting ready for my own Profession ceremony when one of our Sisters died unexpectedly. It was so very sad. It was also a lot of work, as I needed to help prepare liturgy for the funeral. I was in tears a lot.
The week was simultaneously exciting, overwhelmingly busy and full of grief. It was a good emotional test before my First Profession. I thought, If I can live through this, I can become a Sister.
Sister Stefanie hugs Sister Phyllis after her ceremony.
Q. How about a good time?A. Even though community life can be stressful and challenging, it is also supportive and caring. Sisters are always available and willing to listen and just be there for you. They are very comforting. I think I will always be amazed at how wonderful they are.
Q. Before you entered the community, you were a teacher at a Catholic grade school in Cedar Rapids. You had your own home, your own routine. You participated in your parish. A. I'm much happier since I entered than I ever was as a single woman. I wasn't totally who I was supposed to be. Even though I was sharing myself with the students every day, I feel a greater purpose here. I have a prayer life, routine and support with and from others. I have someone to come home to. It's very different from parish life.
Don't get me wrong: I loved my old parish. But it was a huge group of people who came and went. This Benedictine community is close knit. We pray, eat, play games and sit by the fire together. My own history says smaller is better for me, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically.
This community made me feel comfortable from the first day I ever visited. I didn't feel fearful. I didn't really act like the introvert that I am. It was so warm and open and loving that it gave me the confidence to be my self.
Cards and gifts crowded the gift table in the community room!
Q. What's next?A. I'll continue with my formation. It's exciting to learn about my faith and church. To have someone available to explain it to you is great.
Also, it's time to get my classroom ready for fall semester. It will be fun to finally be known there as Sister Stefanie instead of Miss MacDonald. Every time someone says it, I smile. I am so happy to finally be professed. I'm just going to enjoy that for a while.
For more information - and inspiration - on
Becoming a Benedictine Sister, read
articles about our Sisters, our
community, and our
Benedictine way of life!
And visit us soon. Nothing will help you in your discernment more than experiencing the life!