Additional Information
While it isn't required, many women religious are highly educated. Sister
Maureen Skelly holds a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in
music and theology and is also trained in psychiatric rehabilitation. Sister
Mary Christelle Macaluso holds a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in science
and a PhD in anatomy.
"In the old days, many young women entered the convent right out of high
school," says Macaluso. "This is no longer happening as society has changed
and more maturity is needed. Many young women enter after some college or
after they have completed their college education...or after having a job
for some time. There is much variation."
Sister Linda Herndon is a college professor. She has her master's degree
in computer science and is working on her PhD.
"The best thing that has happened to me since I've been a sister is the
opportunity to learn so many different things that I would never have imagined
I could do. I would never have dreamed of being a college professor before
I became a sister. I never imagined that I would ever want, or be able to
get a PhD, but my sisters encouraged me to do this," says Herndon.
She says she's currently living alone while she completes her studies.
But for Benedictines, it's unusual to live alone.
"For Benedictines, our special gift that we have to offer the world is
our living together in community and our prayer. I really miss living with
my sisters and can't wait to finish school and get home to live with them
again. For some communities, it's usual for their sisters to live alone. For
them, their ministry to God's people is the special gift they have to offer
the world," she says.