Karina Walter, a graduate student in Germany visiting with the Salvatorian Sisters, writes:

"What does a "live-in-experience" in a convent mean?

"It means participation in the life of a convent community for a certain period of time- about four weeks or less. It means being away from the day-to-day rush and back to myself. "For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?" (Mt. 16:26.)

"It offers the possibility to redefine the day-to-day events and give a new sense to life, because we need more than money, status, and consumerism.

"It is the voluntary participation in the community prayer of the hours, which interrupts and restructures the day of the religious. This prayer transforms praying people into a great spiritual community and radiates an ancient tradition.

"It is also the possibility of participation in daily Mass. It offers the possibility of collaboration in the garden and  kitchen work of the convent.

It is a fruitful encounter for both parties and constitutes and experience of human kindness, unity, helpfulness, and love, as well as being accepted exactly as we are.

I experienced all this, and I am returning to our hectic life- filled with serenity and new faith-energy. For a short period, this place was my home. Deep in my heart, I knew that God was sitting in my backpack. He will always accompany me and, wherever I am, He will be of immense consolation to me..."

The Salvatorian Sisters offer "live in experiences" for women considering religious life. Sister Johanna Siller, SDS, describes the experience in a recent issue of the Sisters of the Divine Savior's Informationes, an international publication:

"Since our offer for a live-in experience in our community is obviously responding to the needs of many people today, our community is open and ready to share its life and spirituality with others. This has become a new apostolate. (It) constitutes a healthy challenge for all of our members- young, adult, and elderly.

"What do today's people look for in a spiritual community? People are overwhelmed by the pressure and rush of our times and are tired of the superficiality and materialism of today's society. They want to deepen their relationship with God and improve their prayer life. People wish to live in a religious community to come in touch with their spiritual life and make up their mind for a final decision."

Are you interested in exploring the possibility of a "live in experience" with the Salvatorian Sisters in the United States? Please, give us a call so we can talk about the opportunity!

S. Mary Lee Grady: 414.466.0810 Ext. 229