Current Appeal

Christmas Greetings from the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery!

In her time, Mary, the Mother of God, probably considered herself an ordinary young woman--just “Mary.” She probably didn’t think she was special, or even holy, for that matter. She never would have imagined the great things that God was going to do through her. Yet, Mary’s extraordinary faith, love and obedience brought forth the ‘Yes’ that forever changed salvation history.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she was chosen to bear God’s son, the future was unknown. Her response, “Let it be done to me,” showed complete trust in God’s plan. Her courageous example calls us to say, “Yes,” when God invites us to something bigger than ourselves. Her example inspires us to trust that God who calls us will also strengthen us to follow.

Throughout all ages, God’s call can be overwhelmed in the noise, but never silenced. We believe there are women called to the monastic life of prayer, community and service in our day. We invite you to help us reach out to these women.

How, in this day and age, can we tune out the noise that distracts us from God’s purpose for our lives? How do we talk with women about God’s call today? We wonder about communicating with the baby boomers, the Gen X, Y and Zs. How do women in these generations hear?

It is an exciting time to spread the good news. Technology offers countless opportunities, but each comes with the cost of time, energy and finances. We invite women to experience life in our Benedictine monastic community through live-in experiences and online as we proclaim our mission through our website and social media, and we hope to incorporate blogs and videos on vocations/religious life. We count on you to help us do this. You have walked with us in the past; we hope we can count on you to help us carry on in the future!

Would you consider a donation of $75, $125 or $250 to help us reach out to those who are called?

Journeying with those in discernment requires our vocation director and vocation ministry team members to travel to meet with women, attend educational conferences and receive training to keep current with rapidly changing technology and trends. We are in need of computers and equipment to help us proclaim our mission and create modern ways for us to reach women.
Enclosed is a glimpse into the journey of Sister Hannah Vanorny, a modern example of a woman who heard God’s call and followed. We are grateful to have her among us.
Like Mary, can we trust enough to say, “Yes,” to God’s purpose for each of our lives? Can you help us be that voice that breaks through the noise and reaches those who are called to monastic life with the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery? Thank you for your prayerful consideration of a generous gift to grow our efforts in vocation ministry.

May God bless you and your loved ones in this holy season that began with Mary’s “Yes.”

With gratitude and prayer,

Sister Nancy Miller, Prioress
and Sisters of Annunciation Monastery