“This is what I want from the Benedictines;
that they be truly monks…
seekers of GOD,
lovers of GOD,
happy to live secluded from the world but in a communion of love with their brothers in the world.
There will be no evangelization without the contemplation that is the heart of the Benedictine life.”—Saint Pope John Paul II
A contemplative nun’s life of prayer is a life dedicated to the praise of God. Indeed the life of praise of God is the highest vocation to which all are called. The summit and source of all the activity of the Church is living out the liturgy through prayer, praise, and contemplation. In fact, the goal of the religious life is to lead all to the praise and worship of God. Thus, the contemplative vocation exercises the Church’s essential duty of continuously giving praise to the Father. Ours is a life of healthy balance and the development of the whole person.
Our daily schedule is centered on the Eucharist and on the Liturgy of the Hours which we pray in Latin. Lauds and Vespers are sung in Gregorian Chant as is the Mass, using the Novus Ordo.
As dictated by St. Benedict, our second most important work is hospitality, where people come for retreats to share in our prayer and work.
The decision to become part of our community is not an easy one to make. The work is hard, the commitment is total and forever, but the joys and rewards are infinite. After a woman enters the community, she has several years of formation during which to discern further before she makes a permanent commitment.
If you are a woman between the ages of 20 and 40, a Catholic, in reasonably good health, and would like to explore the possibility of a vocation at Our Lady of the Rock, we invite you to come for a retreat. The next step would be an extended stay here, during which time you and the community will mutually discern whether you may be called to enter Our Lady of the Rock.
For further Vocation Information, please write to:
Mother Prioress Noella Marcellino, O.S.B.
By Post:
Our Lady of the Rock Monastery
P.O. Box 425
Shaw Island WA 98286
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