The prioress gathers women in the initial monastic formation process for a monthly book discussion.

Sister Christine Vladimiroff, prioress, explains: When Saint Benedict compiled his Rule for monasteries in the first part of the 6th century, he made provision for each monastic to spend several hours every day reading or litstening to books being read. The Scriptorium then and the library now are one of the axes of monastic life. We share life in our prayer in Chapel, in our dining room at meals and in conversation at table. We further feed our spirit through reading and engaged discussion of concepts and ideas. To be a monastic is to be fully alive; reading is a way of opening us to surprise and insight.

I think it is important, regardless of the text being discussed, to see our women new in monastic life reading broadly and reflecting and challenging each other to interpret meaning or find the logic of the author. It is a discipline that will last them a lifetime.

The books on the reading list include:

Finding the Treasure by Sandra M. Schneiders, IHM
Truly Our Sister by Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ
Beyond Belief by Elaine Pagels
The Heart of Christianity by Marcus J. Borg