Discovering religious life - upcoming opportunities offer experience of prayer, service and religious community

The Crosier Fathers and Brothers in St. Paul, MN will be hosting a discernment weekend, called "24/7" on April 22-24, 2004. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Crosiers through their community living, prayer life and varied ministries as well as have time to reflect on their own call. For additional weekend opportunities, contact the Crosier Fathers and Brothers, 3510 Vivian Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55126-3852; (651) 486-7456; web site:www.info@crosier.org

Franciscan Friars Third Order Regular Province of the Immaculate Conception will host on April 23-25, 2004, an opportunity for young men (ages 21-38) to experience community life and meet members of the Franciscan Friars from the Third Order Regular tradition. This event will be held at Saint Bridget Friary, 3811 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55412. Contact Bro. David Liedl, TOR1-800-220-0867; or e-mail them at davidtor@mn.rr.com; www.franciscanfriarstor.com

The Sisters of the Living Word, Arlington Heights, IL will be hosting a "Living Word Retreat" May 21-23, 2004. This free retreat is intended to help single women ages 18-40 learn more about religious life as well as themselves through prayer, reflection and interaction with members of the Sisters of the Living Word. Future Living Word Retreats include July 2004 in Chicago, IL, and also in the Fall. Some travel assistance is available upon request. Contact Sr. Sharon Glumb, SLW, Director of New Membership, PO Box 726, Holly Springs, MS 38635; e-mail: glumbs@aol.com

There will be a Benedictine Live-in on June 21- 25, 2004, at Mother of God Monastery, Watertown, SD.  Women 18 years or older are invited to attend. Live, work, and pray with the Benedictine Sisters for all or part of the week-long experience. Contact: Sr. Emily Meisel, OSB, 110  28th Ave. SE, Watertown, SD 57201; (605) 882-6651; e-mail: sisteremily@hotmail.com

A Search and Discover Weekend, a time to explore vocation choices, will be held June 25-27 at Maryvale Retreat Center in Valley City, ND, and July 9-11 at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN. Single, Catholic women and men between the ages of 18 and 40 who are discerning a life as a sister, a brother, or a priest are invited and encouraged to attend. These weekends are sponsored by the Catholic Dioceses in Minnesota and North and South Dakota and the Serrans. Contact Fr. Stephan Bauer, OSC, (651) 486-7456 or 1 (800) 407-5875; e-mail sbauer@crosier.org

The Benedictine Monks of Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND will be hosting a live-in experience for men July 7-11, 2004. Contact Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, O.S.B., (701) 974-3315; e-mail: frthomas@assumptionabbey.com; www.assumptionabbey.com

A Monastic Experience, hosted by the Benedictine Sisters of Yankton, SD will be held July 17-24, 2004 (or by arrangement) at the Sacred Heart Monastery, Yankton, SD. Participants must be of college age or above and provide their own transportation. There is not cost for this event. It will include joining the sisters in common prayer, celebrating Eucharist with the community, and participating in the various works of the monastery. Contact Sr. Eileen O'Connor, Vocation Director, Sacred Heart Monastery, 1005 West 8th Street, Yankton, SD 57078, (605) 668-6017; e-mail: eoconnor@mtmc.edu; www.yanktonbenedictines.org

The Benedictine Sisters of Yankton, SD will host a "Come and See" program for high school age girls on July 25-28, 2004 (or by arrange-ment) at Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, SD. This will be an opportunity for young girls to experience monastic life by joining the sisters in common prayer, celebrating Eucharist, and participating in the works of the monastery. Participants must be of high school age and provide their own transportation. There is no cost to participate. Contact Sr. Eileen O'Connor, Vocation Director, Sacred Heart Monastery, 1005 West 8th Street, Yankton, SD 57078, (605) 668-6017; e-mail: eoconnor@mtmc.edu; website: www.yanktonbenedictines.org

A Summer Splash with the School Sisters of Notre Dames of Mankato, MN will be held August 10-11, 2004. Girls going into 7th grade accompanied by a significant female companion over 18 (e.g., mother, step-mother, grandmother) are invited to this summer event which will include information sessions for the adults, sharing sessions for girls, Mass, prayer, crafts, swimming or other outdoor activities and workshops with Sisters. Cost is $60. Participation will be limited to 20 girls and 20 women so early registration is encouraged. Contact Sr. Mary Beth Schraml, e:mail: smbs@hickorytech.net.