WHO ARE BENEDICTINE ASSOCIATES?
The Benedictine Associates are Catholic single women seeking God with the support of the monastic community while engaging in the ministries of St. Paul’s Monastery.
Becoming an Associate
Associate Mission:
- Embody the baptismal call to holiness.
- Engage in discernment, an orientation, and initial and ongoing formation for the whole person.
- Deepen one’s relationship with God and God’s people through the various ministries to the church and society.
- Participate faithfully in liturgical prayer, meetings, meals and recreation.
- Practice care of each other.
- Discern, affirm and validate one another’s gifts.
ASSOCIATE GOALS:
- Sustain Benedictine values and the Associate mission.
- Be formed in Benedictine spirituality adapted for Associates.
- Share community and commitment with other Associates and the Sisters.
- Contribute to the mission and ministries of the Monastery.
Qualifications:
- At least 22 years of age.
- Has post-secondary experiences and is financially stable.
- Desires a stable relationship with the Community.
- Has a deep respect and basic knowledge of Benedictine spirituality.
- Desires a balance of prayer, ministry and leisure.
- Open to seeking a spiritual companion.
For more information or to begin this process, contact Sister Agnes Trombley at 651-777-8181 Ext. 311 or atrombley@stpaulsmonastery.org.
ASSOCIATES STORIES
The Vowed Associates Process
How do I explore? What is the process? An Associate is willing to make an initial 1-year commitment to formation in Benedictine spirituality and community life and renews that commitment annually. Associates are responsible for their own personal expenses and health insurance and contribute their time and talent free of charge unless formally employed by the Monastery.
- 1
ONGOING FORMATION
- 2
INITIAL FORMATION
- 3
RITUAL OF INITIATION AND COMMITMENT
- 4
APPLICATION, ORIENTATION AND DISCERNMENT
ONGOING FORMATION
Ongoing Formation focuses on the growth and the interest of the Associate.
Next Stage
INITIAL FORMATION
Initial Formation includes studying the Rule of St. Benedict and Benedictine history. The Associate participates in liturgy, lectio divina, spiritual reading, community events, meals recreation and ministries.
Next Stage
RITUAL OF INITIATION AND COMMITMENT
The candidate makes a commitment to live as an Associate for one year. The monastic community accepts her as an Associate and encourages her to develop a relationship with a spiritual director.
Next Stage
APPLICATION, ORIENTATION AND DISCERNMENT
After application and acceptance, the candidate meets with the Mentor over a six-month period for dialogue and goal setting. The candidate may choose to live with the monastic community for up to a month. The candidate becomes familiar with the Sisters’ ministries.
Next Stage