St. Martin Monastery has the following stages in its entrance process.
The Contact Stage allows the interested person to become acquainted with the religious community. Ordinarily she visits the community for at least one weekend and meets with the formation director. See Benedictine Weekends listed at the end of this section.
During the Affiliate Stage she becomes more involved with the religious community. She meets with and/or corresponds with the formation director. Reading materials appropriate to discernment are suggested. The required paperwork for entering the postulancy is completed. More visits to the community are arranged, depending on distance.
There is the possibility of being a live-in affiliate.
POSTULANT STAGE
The postulant ordinarily lives at St. Martin's. She participates in the life and work of the Sisters. This stage usually lasts from nine months to a year.
NOVITIATE STAGE
The year of novitiate is a time for deepening the spiritual life and studying the principles of Benedictine life and the charism of the individual Benedictine community.
TEMPORARY PROFESSION
The time in temporary profession lasts from three to nine years. During this time the Sister will participate in community ministries and continue with some classes and workshops for religious formation.
BENEDICTINE WEEKENDS
Did you ever wonder what it is like to live in a Benedictine Monastery? Do you feel an attraction to Benedictine prayer? The Benedictine Weekend is for women who are interested in finding out more about religious life. Those attending the weekend will join the Benedictine community in prayer and daily activities and will have time for reflection and discussion.
Contact Sister Margaret Hinker, St. Martin Monastery, 2110-C St. Martin's Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702-9660 or phone (605) 343-8011.
