From: Burlington Free Press

Spiritual life calls

Published: Monday, July 9, 2007
By Gail Callahan
Correspondent

WESTFIELD -- As a young girl on Long Island, N.Y., Sandra Czybora recalled religion's playing a small role in her family's life. Czybora did not count obligatory exercises such as Sunday Mass, family prayers and religious classes as a priority -- until now.

Although Czybora, 38, enjoyed her work as a counselor to elderly and dying clients, she yearned for something more fulfilling. Then, a chance encounter opened up a new world to Czybora, one that has her considering a religious vocation to a contemplative Benedictine order of nuns, the Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Czybora is not alone in considering a religious vocation to a contemplative monastery. A recent survey revealed that while the Catholic Church is struggling with a vocation shortage, an increasing number of women are choosing to embrace a monastic way of life. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington's Chancery Office says about 210 nuns are in Vermont.

Sister Marie Suzanne Derricks, a Carmelite nun, said she attributes the vocation surge to a quest for a simpler life.

"The work that was traditionally done by nuns has now been taken over by lay people," she said. "The women who are entering are adopting more of a traditional community."

The Westfield convent houses 13 sisters, whose days are devoted to prayer and work, said Sister Maria-Magdalen, OSB, subprioress.

"I heard of the monastery from a local woman," Czybora said. "She suggested we attend Mass, and during our drive to the monastery and at Mass it became clear that I needed to spend more time at the monastery."

Czybora was intrigued, and her request kicked off a series of visits, leading her to consider whether to ask herself if this monastery, hidden away from the outside bustle of the world, could be the setting for the rest of her life.

"The Lord has been leading me in steps," Czybora said. "He doesn't tell me something beyond what I need to know. I trust when a final decision is made, he will be present."

While Czybora was observing at the monastery, she shared in its activities, rising to pray at 5 a.m., and participating in two brief recreational periods along with manual work and simple meals.

Czybora made it clear that if she embraces a life of silence, chastity and prayer, she does so because she found something rather than the misconception of running away from obligations and heartbreaks.

"Those who commit themselves to this path commit to seeking total conversion," she said. "They accept willingly."

It is this spirit of acceptance that led Sister Deborah Andre to enter the monastery two years ago. A native of Pittsburgh, Andre, 56, is testament to the power of faith. She grew up in a devout Catholic home and later worked for 25 years in the probation services.

At the time she received her habit -- a black tunic, a long leather belt, scapular and white veil -- she was also given a new name. The novitiate period runs two years and is followed by professing temporary vows. Andre, a novice, works at the monastery's guest house and in the altar bread department.

Andre said she and the other sisters don't regard their decision to serve God as easy. The women who form the heart of the community have known success and failure, and both led them to God. "The choice to live a life of intimacy with God in a monastic setting was truly a leap of faith," she said. "My religious vocation is a pure gift from God, who tugged at my heart."