Mother of God Monastery
110  28th Ave. SE ~  Watertown,  SD  57201
Phone: 605-882-6600  Fax: 605-882-6658
monastery@dailypost.com

COMMUNITY

SISTER ADRIENNE KAUFMANN

My personal goal in life is to seek God as the very center of my soul, to be the compassion of Jesus in the concrete encounters of everyday life, and to empower others toward the fullest expression of their God-given potential.  This flows from the Scripture passage that means most to me:  " I came that they may have life, and have it to the full." 

I entered the Benedictine community because it was the community with whom I had studied as a high school student at Mount Marty High School, Yankton, SD.  I entered the community in August 1956, a few months after my high school graduation.  I definitely felt called by God to this way of life, although I felt like it entering religious life was the shattering of my personal dreams.  In 1956 folks married a lot younger than today.  About 10% of my classmates got married the summer after we graduated from high school.  I also grieved the trading in of my comfy blue jeans for the black and whites that were typical of the 1950's.

In spite of my reluctant "Yes" to God's call, this has been a life that has so far exceeded my expectations that I can hardly begin to express the joys.  Oh, yes, there are difficulties too, but for certain the deep peace, and the partnership with God in my life and ministry means the world to me.

I looked at some other communities before joining the Benedictines.  I had desires of going to Africa or another mission territory, but I came to realize that who I am is a Benedictine.  Community building, hospitality, peace and nonviolence, and a deep love of the rhythm of our prayer life - especially our music - resonates in my soul.

My current ministry is assisting others to know and understand life as call.  Together with other members of our monastery's vocation team, we lead experiences that invite others to search and find that unique call in which who they are meets the worlds needs.  It is my hope also, that I can facilitate our community finding that next generation of Benedictine women that God is calling to our community, and draw them into our community life.