Some Frequently Asked Questions
Benedicta Riepp Program
The following questions are often asked regarding the Benedicta Riepp Program. They may be your questions, as well.
Are there any expectations of a woman interested in the Benedicta Riepp Program?
It is expected that the woman considering this program is in good physical, mental, and emotional health.
The community does not have an age limit policy, however, it is important to know that the individual will be expected to be involved in a community ministry 32 hours each week and fully participate in the life of the community.
The individual will be expected to live simply in a communal lifestyle as expressed by the Erie Benedictines.
Because of the nature of our communal lifestyle an individual in the Benedicta Riepp Program is expected to remain celibate during her time with the community.
What makes someone in the Benedicta Riepp Program different than someone looking at a perpetual commitment with the community?
A participant in the Benedicta Riepp Program has the intention of being with the community for a specific period of time, after which time she will leave. The purpose of spiritual formation with our community is to prepare her for life in her own Christian community, not a future with ours. She is not a canonical member of the community thus she need not be Catholic, and a divorced woman would not need an annulment.
How involved will her association with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie be?
She will live with the community at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery and be immersed in the daily life of the community. She will be present for daily communal prayer, meals, community celebrations and events, and specified community meetings. She will share responsibility for the care, upkeep, and ministry of the monastery.
What is the length of her commitment and how many times can a Benedicta Riepp participant renew her commitment?
After the successful completion of a probationary period of three months, the Benedicta Riepp participant will be invited to make a commitment for one year. This commitment may be renewed for a second year and, for good reason, may be renewed for a third year.
Is the Benedicta Riepp Program for me?
- Is God an important part of your life?
- Do you care about people?
- Are you intent on making the world a better place?
- Do you want to strengthen your relationship with Jesus?
- Do you want to be the best person you can be?
- Are you looking for ways to deepen your prayer life?
- Are you searching for other people who hold the same values as you?
If you said “Yes!” then the Benedicta Riepp Program may be for you.
- Have you recently finished college?
- Are you ready to begin an adult life?
- Are you at a crossover moment in life -- in the midst of a major life change?
- Are you at the point where you want to inject new meaning and fresh energy into your life?
If any of these questions reflect where you are in life then the Benedicta Riepp Program may be for you.
E-mail the Director of Monastic Formation
or call 814.899.614 Ext. 2511