Do I Have a Vocation? by Sister Monika Ellis, OSB

Do I have a vocation to monastic life? How would I know if I did? How can I recognize God's call?

Discernment of God's will is a hard task in today's world because our eyes see so many images every day and our ears hear so much noise every day and our hands are occupied every minute with doing things. Discernment is the job of sifting through all that we hear and see and do to hear and see and find God. Discernment is best done in a quiet, calm environment wherein I give myself the opportunity to recognize God's voice among the many voices clamoring for attention.

So, I do give myself some time, some quiet and some space to listen for God's voice. What is it I listen for? What does God's voice sound like? How will I know the voice I hear is God's voice?

God is the source of our deepest desires. God planted those desires in our hearts even before we were born. When I set my feet on the path to follow my deepest desires it is in response to the God who is leading me. It is hearing God's voice. Sometimes I feel this emotionally: joy, peace, enthusiasm, energy, contentment. Sometimes I have intuitions that I am responding to God: sense of rightness with my choice; sense of being drawn into a way that is fitting for me; a heartfelt knowing or being known by a God of love.

God brings us, usually, to a way of life that fits with our aptitudes. When the new membership director discerns with a candidate about joining the community she looks for aptitude for living the lifestyle as developed by the tradition of that particular community. At St. Placid Priory she asks, "Does this woman have the aptitude for living within a community, for making deep and lasting bonds with the sisters, and for being compassionate with others? Does she enjoy being by herself? Does she foster a spirit of silence wherein she can pray and read and reflect? Does this person want to attend the Liturgy of the Hours? Does she have a generous spirit to serve God's people in whatever way the community might ask?

These are the questions Sister Monika asks herself as she discerns with women who come. Ask yourself these questions. Do you have the aptitude for monastic life? If you do… come! You may be hearing God's voice. Let's talk.

You are welcome to e-mail , New Membership Director, call her at (360) 438-2595, or write to: St. Placid Priory 500 College St NE Lacey, WA 98516