"Living the Benedictine way of life is a daily commitment. Some days are easier than others, but with the help and support of God and my community, it is a journey I am willing to take."

Being a sister wasn't something I thought about until I was in college. A friend and I talked about spending a weekend at the monastery to see what it was like. I was curious about how the sisters lived and had no intention of taking it any further than that. I already had plans, going to graduate school, getting married, having a family, and teaching at a university. That weekend changed my mind and my life. Something about their way of life felt right to me. I spent more time with the sisters and eventually, I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

After college graduation in 1999, I decided I was ready to make my final profession to this community and couldn't be happier. After teaching high school chemistry for five years, I pursued a doctoral degree in chemistry education at the University of Northern Colorado. The hardest part was being away from the community. I missed community prayer, visiting at meals and spending free time with friends the most. I counted the days until I could return home and be a part of everyday community life again.

The benefits of community life have been great. The constant support and prayer has helped me during my studies. I have been called to share my gifts with the community like teaching computer classes and developing gifts I didn't know I had, like playing the organ. We are asked to do what we can to help the common good and I appreciate that.

Living the Benedictine way of life is a daily commitment. Some days are easier than others, but with the help and support of God and my community, it is a journey I am willing to take.

*After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado, Sister Nicole served as a chemistry professor at the University of Mary, Bismarck, one of the sisters' sponsored ministries.

In 2016, Sister Nicole was elected as prioress of Annunciation Monastery. She was installed on May 20, 2016. On March 14, 2020, Sister Nicole was re-elected prioress and will serve another term of six years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVRgnRBEDec&feature=youtu.be