A Glossary of Terms Commonly Used by Women Religious

Some terms and words commonly used within religious communities are often unfamiliar to the general public. Following is a list of “sisterspeak” terms and their definition in “everyday speak.”

 A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z 

Monasticism

American Roman Catholic monasticism usually applies to Benedictine women and men who have chosen to live together to seek and serve God, following the Rule of Benedict under the direction of a prioress (women's communities) or abbot (men's communities). Communities can be cloistered (not working outside the monastery walls) or active. The Sisters of St. Benedict at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill., are both active (working outside) and contemplative (focused on communal prayer within the monastery)but not cloistered.

Monastic Vows

Monastic Profession is a permanent commitment to obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life. Obedience is the promise to be faithful listeners. Monastics listen to the voice of the Spirit in Scriptures, in the Rule of Benedict, in the Prioress, in one another. Stability is our promise to live the Benedictine life together. Fidelity to the Monastic Way of Life is our promise to work through life - and life's changes - with God at the center of our lives.

 

Used with permission of NCNWR