A woman in initial monastic formation participates in both individual and directed study in Benedictine literature and tradition, the Rule of Benedict, monasticism, prayer and liturgy, Scripture, spirituality and social justice. Community members with particular areas of expertise comprise a faculty that provides a wide range of studies. Classes offered by faculty members at local Catholic colleges and universities are also involved in this educational process of formation. A woman in initial monastic formation also participates actively in the ongoing monastic formation program of the entire community.

Benedictine life is contemplative.
There is great wisdom in the words of the psalmist, "Be still and know that I am God." It is essential to create an atmosphere of prayerfulness, solitude, silence and leisure in our lives so that the word of God can penetrate our hearts and take root. As we enter into solitude we approach the elusive presence of God, open our true selves, and find inner peace. We come to know that we are made in God's image and that God is love.

Benedictine life is one of total gospel ministry.
The intensity of the contemplative vision draws us, as it did Jesus, to enter compassionately into the struggle, pain and suffering of the world.

Gradually the Spirit transforms us into contemplatives, impelled to action, who see with the heart of Christ: we can look on the face of any woman or man and touch our sister or brother.