What a blessed day! I recently saw an announcement and got information about Jesuit Associates. It did not seem to be a fit since we are isolated in the mountains of North Georgia. Then, today I log on to the National Catholic Reporter and see an article on Monasteries of the Heart started by the Erie Benedictines under the leadership of Sr. Joan Chittister.

Praise God! Here is exactly what I have been looking for. What foresight on Sr. Joan’s part!

We were members in formation of the Lay Cistercians (Benedictine tradition) at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA while we lived in the Atlanta area. Making the three hour trip each way to the monastery played a part in our decision to discontinue our formation.

We now live in Georgia for a majority of the year and in Florida for the rest. Monasteries of the Heart is an answer to prayer. It provides the opportunity for us to be members of at least a virtual monastic community.

As we look forward to the American Catholic Council (www.americancatholiccouncil.org) in Detroit on Pentecost where Sr. Joan will be one of the main speakers, it strikes me Monasteries of the Heart can be the spiritual engine of the church renewal envisioned by ACC. Any action, including church renewal, must be firmly grounded in contemplative practice.

I hope you will click on the link and explore the web site. It is outstanding!!! (http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/new-form-religious-life-offers-laity-benedictine-pathway)

The direct link to the web site is www.monasteriesoftheheart.org.