Jean Bhatti, Scholastic
A midwesterner, Jean came to the monastery in 2002 to participate in the Benedicta Riepp Program. A former resident of Sioux Falls, SD, Jean has most enjoyed the various prayer experiences at the monastery and is "very at home" in daily communal prayer. In turn, the community has been gifted by Jean's dance training as she has led liturgical movement groups for Sunday liturgies and special community prayer services.

During her first year, her ministry experiences varied from weekly recreational sessions with older sisters at the monastery, to assisting teachers at the community's Inner-City Neighborhood Art House. At the beginning of her second year in the program, Jean accepted a full-time ministry position as program director at Benetwood Apartments. Jean decided in August 2004, during her second year as a temporary member, to enter the postulancy with the goal of permanent membership. "This experience has deepened my own spirituality as I had hoped," said Jean."The community has been so welcoming. It has surpassed all my expectations." She began the novitiate in January 2005. At the end of her novitiate year, in January 2006, Jean made first monastic profession.

Kathy Horan, Scholastic
Kathy had a long relationship with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie before she became a postulant. As an Oblate of the community, she worked actively with the community's environmental program at Glinodo Center and was a member of the Sanctuary Committee. In October 2001, she made a year’s commitment in the Benedicta Riepp Program. In the midst of her first year of commitment, Kathy asked to become a postulant and was accepted into the community with the desire to become a permanent member.

Kathy is presently in her third year as a scholastic studying and discerning the possibility of perpetual monastic profession. She has come to realize “that community is the instrument by which I am finding my way to seek God.” Kathy is devoted to her students in her ministry as a middle school teacher in Erie. She is also actively involved in a number of activities at the monastery including Benedictines for Peace and liturgy planning and preparation.