​Expectations

 Here at the convent, you will find that our community is still in its developing stages. One must be very flexible and able to resign herself heroically to the ways of Providence in order to thrive in our community. Aside from the horarium (daily schedule), one will find an abundance of uncertainties, challenges, surprises, and numerous occasions for sacrifice and self renunciation. A well-put description of monastic life was once written and is quite comparable to our current circumstances: “The monastic journey does not always flow smoothly. There are bumps in our road. There are spiritual potholes. There are detours and wrong turns.”  Demands on health, time, and energy require unforeseen accommodations: unexpected events and accidental situations necessitate valuable time and patience: surprise visitors are not uncommon and must be treated with genuine kindness and hospitality, -as Saint Benedict says, “they shall be welcomed as Christ Himself”. -Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53​​​

  Foresight

     Land suitable for farming and basic self-sufficiency is where our community will ultimately settle. Monasticism has always had a special bond with nature. Since the time of St. Benedict, contemplative religious have devoted their time to working the land, laboring among beasts, and striving for holiness among the quiet surroundings of God’s creation. Christ Himself revealed many mysteries through earth's store of finite creatures and humble elements. "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed," "to a net cast into the sea, gathering together all kind of fishes."  One can learn much about his creator in the silence of nature's setting. In the light of faith, earth becomes a supernatural book wherein God reveals His love for man. "Behold the birds of the air … Are not you of much more value than they?" Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow … I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these … how much more you, O ye of little faith? "  Then to, simplicity untangles the petty cares and anxieties of man’s soul and sets him free to realize the beauty of God’s mysterious ways. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep." "Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom."
     Much work, however, remains until then: "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborer's are few." Community fundamentals must yet be established, finances acquired, etc. Rome was not built in a day, nor by so few hands, thus we pace ourselves until Providence bids us onward. Consider then that our current setting is likely to change. "Pray ye … the Lord of the harvest, that he send laborer's into his harvest."​

Flexibility

      ​Though the monastic way of life according to St. Benedict is forever before us, we must be realistic about our current circumstances and must bend according to God’s will each day.  We must not waste time musing about our own cherished ideas of religious life. One must focus on the here-and-now and leave the rest to God’s good time. Flexibility is indeed an important part of a our life. Saint Benedict would have the superior “tempering all things that the strong may have something to strive after, and the weak may not fall back in dismay.” -Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 64.​

"Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts.  Neither intelligence, ​nor talents.  ​

​He Cherishes Simplicity."  ​-Saint Therese of Liseux

Qualifications

      ​Each vocation is considered on an individual basis thus age, health, and competence will be taken into account upon application. 
A variety of abilities and talents are yet needed here at the convent including technical trades, the domestic crafts, the arts and sciences, healthcare, computer/technology, etc. The capabilities of each individual are utilized to the fullest extent so please “be prepared to stretch and be stretched.” Many discover talents they never knew they had, either through obedience or necessity.
As for temperament, those who are rigid and exacting will not do well in our current setting; likewise those who suffer from a very cynical or judgmental disposition will not thrive here at the convent. Cheerfulness, willingness for adventure, along with the ability to adapt are all desirable qualities.

  Confidence

Yes, there are uncertainties and there are worries; it cannot be otherwise in these trying times of doubt and confusion. A sensible young woman may, deep down inside, hesitate regarding a religious vocation. It may be the lack of stability in the church's current crisis, the lack of support among so few traditionalists, the unforeseen crosses that the future may hold; it may be fear that stems from the possible reaction of parents, friends, or even priests regarding one's inclinations, or the doubt that keeps asking over and over, "is this really the will of God for me?"  There are countless things over which we fear, but for the love of God, do not let them overwhelm you, "for I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -(Romans 8:37-39)  After all, has Christ Himself not said to us, "you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake," ? Nevertheless, be encouraged; "fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul," "he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved,"  "he that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it"

"What can be sweeter to us, dearest brethren,
​

Than this voice of Our Lord inviting us?"​

-Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue