VOCATIONS

Welcome guests as Christ — **Sr. Paz Vital, OSB – Vocation Director**

Monastic Experience Opportunity

Come stay with us for a few days and begin exploring the possibility of a religious vocation. If you have wondered whether you might be called to religious life, and have questions about how to discern God’s call, a stay in our monastery (for single, Catholic women) is a helpful way to begin. You will have an opportunity to enter into the rhythm of monastic life, joining the Sisters for Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharist, meals and social gatherings. Other possibilities: Be introduced to monastic prayer (Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio, contemplative prayer), the formation process, practical issues, and daily life in the community. Come and see! Contact Sister Paz Vital at 360-438-2595 or fill out our QUICK CONTACT FORM to see what’s possible.

TO VIEW OR PRINT OUT: St. Placid’s Vocation Brochure

On Being Benedictine

What are characteristics of Benedictine spirituality?

**Sr. Paz & young seekers from St. Martin’s University**

As an ancient desert monastic once replied to the question, “What do you do in the monastery?”– “We fall and get up, fall and get up…” but we strive for these qualities:

Seeking God in the present moment
Radical hospitality of heart
Faithfulness to a rhythm of life of prayer and work
Reverence for persons and all creation
Praying, working, learning and playing in community
Being nourished and transformed by the Scriptures and other Sacred Texts
Care for the earth
Social justice

What is the Monastic Promise Benedictines make?

The Benedictine way is one of total self-surrender to God in a particular monastic community. We leave our independent (or false) self at the altar and become one with God and the monastic community. Our way of life includes simplicity with goods shared in common, and celibacy with inclusive friendships.

Our Monastic Promise:

Obedience – A way of listening within the context of community to all of life, and discerning God’s call in the midst of this.
Conversion of Life – Attentiveness to daily change and transformation.
Stability – Living faithfully with God in a particular community.

Will I be able to continue or develop a profession?

Our way of life is a way of prayer and work, contemplation and silence However, we as Benedictines may also be involved in a variety of professions. Benedict does not specify any particular work. At St. Placid we encourage each person to use her gifts and to work in a profession that is in keeping with the monastic life, that is work or ministry where she can be available for prayer and the common life in the monastery, without extended periods away.

For Benedictines, family and friends are important

We encourage healthy relationships with family and friends, who are welcome to visit St. Placid Priory and to stay as guests at The Priory Spirituality Center.