A new "sister"...

This morning our postulant became, "Sister Mary Clark, OSB." Prayers were said for her family and friends who have been so supportive of her vocation. Our prioress gave a WONDERFUL talk - an exhortation in nun-speak. Video of that talk and the rite itself can be found attached at the left.

Please keep Sister Mary in your prayers as she enters the profound and transforming space of novitiate. Stay tuned...more good news tomorrow!

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

Meet the "Live-In's"...

I am home (at the monastery) for the whole Labor Day weekend! It is the biggest weekend of the year for our community. All our ceremonies happen this weekend. In other words, if a women is in the process of becoming a Benedictine, all the baby-steps along the way happen during this holiday weekend.

The first "happy thing" on the list was the blessing of our newest faces. Three wonderful women have been invited to do our "Live-In" Program. These three may live with us - inside the monastery - for up to one year as they continue to discern GOD's call. They are free to come and go, to share in our prayer and common life until we mutually discern the next step. I encourage every serious candidate to do the "Live-In" if possible. Some cannot because of distance and financial responsibilities. But those who can find it an indispensable tool in determining whether this way - our way - is also their way to GOD.

Joanna arrived a few weeks ago to begin a new job in our BEACON ministry. She was teaching Theology at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC. Shirley comes to us from California. She recently retired from the LA public school system. She will be using her many gifts internally in the monastery. Rosa is a member of All Saints Catholic Church nearby in Manassas and met one of our sisters at Mass on a Saturday morning. She's been praying with us every Sunday for several months. We are so happy that each of these women found their way to Bristow. GOD is good...sneaky, really, but soooo good!

Please keep our new friends in prayer.

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

Another "first"...

On Saturday I went to King's Dominion amusement park with the five women who are living with us and our postulant, Mary. It was the second annual adventure to Doswell, VA. The first was fine, but THIS TIME, Sister had FUN! Last summer I was living with some deadline and took my briefcase and laptop to the park. (I know - really lame.) This time I dressed like a normal person expecting to get turned upside-down several times. This time, NO briefcase or laptop. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. (OK, I was a little sore on Sunday, but it was worth it.)

The first ride was a killer - a ship that goes back and forth, and back and forth until is turns completely over. Not only that. When it reaches that 180 degree moment, they let you just hang there for several seconds and wish for death. I didn't scream once. I closed my eyes, covered my face and sang, "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" in my head until it was over. It was an exercise in contemplation and trust. I am in awe of myself, still.

The water park was a hoot. Karen and Joanna came prepared with swimsuits. Pat and I got rid our sneakers and socks and got under the spray in our clothes because it was soooooo hot! I guess the highlight of the day was getting the tattoo - the TEMPORARY tattoo. It wasn't my idea, but I got into it the spirit of fun and rolled up my sleeve. I didn't want something silly, so I asked for the three most important letters in my life: osb. I'm really glad I decided to play with the women this year. It was good for my too-serious soul. Only 363 more days until we do it again!

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki