Benedictine Sisters of Chicago 

Common Questions & Resources

How do I know if I am called to religious life?

Although only you can discern whether you are called to religious life, there are several steps you can take when you begin to feel as though you might be called. The first is to pray about it and to spend time listening for God's response. The second is to talk to someone you trust. It can be a spiritual director, a vocation director--most of them are willing to spend time talking to you, regardless of your interest in their community--or a good friend. It may help to visit a few religious communities, as well.

What are the stages of formation for the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago?

The Inquiry Stage is an informal period of time in which you meet with the Vocation Minister and visit the community to see if you are interested in religious life and might be called to this community. During the Affiliation Stage you meet regularly with the Vocation Minister to discern whether you are called to life in this community. During Postulancy you live as part of the community in order to further discern your call. The Novitiate is a year-long period of contemplation, prayer, and study. The years following Temporary Profession are a time to enter more deeply into the experience of monastic vowed commitment and to develop a rhythm of prayer, community, and ministry. Final Profession begins your life-long commitment to seek God according to the Gospel and the Rule of Benedict with the members of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago.

How long does it take to become a Benedictine Sister of Chicago?

It make take as short as six and a half years or as long as twelve years to move from inquiry to final profession. Some stages, such as novitiate have a canonically defined term, while others, such as inquiry or affiliation, are more flexible.

Are there age limits?

Although not every community has the same age limits, the policy of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago is to accept as candidates women who are between the ages of 21 and 50.

What vows do the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago take?

The Benedictine vows, stipulated in the Rule of Benedict, are stability, obedience, and fidelity to the monastic way of life. We do not take the familiar vows of chastity or poverty, although those are considered to be part of fidelity to the monastic way of life.

Do you wear a habit?

Although some of the sisters who were given a habit when they entered continue to wear a veil, women who enter currently are not given a habit and do not wear either habit or veil. The sign of our religious commitment is the Benedictine ring we receive at final vows.

What is the ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago?

The main ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago is community life as a monastic community. Many of us also work outside of the monastery at various ministries, including working in the fields of parish ministry, spirituality, education, and counseling.

What do you do in your spare time?

We spend our spare time the same ways many other people do: some sisters play games or watch movies, others exercise. We spend time socializing with each other and with friends and family outside of the monastery, as well.