Growing up in a Catholic homeschooling family, I received the seed of a religious vocation early. My parents’ efforts to attend daily Mass, in particular, taught me to cherish the Lord’s real presence in the Eucharist. After Mass, I sometimes wondered how we could leave the Lord in the empty church. Shouldn’t some of us always be with him? Did he want me to? How would I?
These questions persisted during my studies at Thomas Aquinas College, where I learned to appreciate that a life dedicated to contemplating the truth, especially divine truth, is intrinsically worthwhile. Further studies at the International Theological Institute in Austria were rewarding, but ultimately forced me to a decision: Looking up from thesis research, I realized, “Here I am, thinking about, talking about, writing about God all day and still it is not enough! I want to be thinking to God all day!” is revelation led me to knock at the door of the Benedictines of Mary, a contemplative community that has fullled my childhood desire to be always with God.
Sister Mary Josefa of the Eucharist
Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles
Ava, Missouri








