Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Who are the Poor Clares of Kokomo?

We are cloistered contemplative nuns belonging to the Second Order of St. Francis.  As members of the Franciscan family, we live the Primitive Rule of St. Clare according to the reform of St. Colette of Corbie.  Our community ideal is to live the Gospel form of life in imitation of Jesus and Mary, hidden at the heart of the Church and the world.  

2.  What does “cloistered contemplative” mean?  

“Cloistered contemplative” means that our life is hidden with God in a very radical way by living within the enclosure.  The enclosure includes the areas of the monastery reserved only for us, as well as the cloister garden and yard.  This separation enables us to fix our gaze on Christ and cling to Him as completely as possible.  We freely choose to live within the enclosure in imitation of Christ at prayer on the mountain, when He chose to go apart in prayer and solitude.  

3.  How would you describe a typical day for a Poor Clare?  What do you do all day?

The daily life of a Poor Clare is dedicated to the praise and worship of God, especially in His Eucharistic Presence.  Holy Mass and the Divine Office are the wellspring of our day-to-day activities, so that our horarium (schedule) revolves around prayer.  It also includes manual labor and duties, which gives balance to our life.  St. Clare called work a grace.  We also have our meals in common and a period of recreation which we spend together as sisters.   You may view our daily schedule here.

4.  How do you know what to pray for?

While we do not watch television or listen to the news, we do receive a few reliable Catholic periodicals, including the Vatican newspaper, the L’Osservatore Romano.  This provide us with a basic knowledge of world events.  We also receive prayer intentions through postal mail and by phone, and any prayer requests are posted on our prayer board outside the cloister chapel.

5.  Can people come to Mass at the monastery?  

Yes, our daily Mass is open to the general public each morning at 6:30 a.m.  We also have other Benediction and solemn Vespers for special occasions, and these are posted on our website as they come up.   You may view our calendar of events here. 

6.  What is a vocation exactly?

Simply put, a vocation is a gift from God, the way of life He has chosen for each of us from all eternity. ‘Vocation’ comes from the Latin word ‘vocare’, meaning ‘to call’. God calls each person to the vocation that will lead them to the greatest sanctity and joy in this life. There are a variety of vocations, including marriage, religious life, priesthood, and the dedicated single life. The following quote from St. John Henry Newman is a beautiful description of the gift of vocation:

     “God has created all things for good. What is the good of one is not the good of another; what makes one man happy would make another unhappy. God has determined, unless I interfere with His plan, that I should reach that which will be my greatest happiness.  He looks on me individually, He calls me by my name, He knows what I can do, what I can best be, what is my greatest happiness, and He means to give it to me. 

     God knows what is my greatest happiness, but I do not.  What suits one would not suit another.  And the ways by which perfection is reached vary very much; the medicines necessary for our souls are very different from each other. We know He wills our happiness, but we neither know what our happiness is, nor the way. We are blind; left to ourselves we should take the wrong way; we must leave it to Him.  

     Let us put ourselves into His hands, and not be startled though He leads us by a strange way. Let us be sure He will lead us right, that He will bring us to that which is, not indeed what we think best, nor what is best for another, but what is best for us.” 

7.  How do I find my vocation?  

If you are sincere in your desire to serve God, the following things will strengthen your relationship with Him and lead you to a deeper knowledge of His Will:

• Developing a regular prayer life will help you to recognize God’s voice and hear His call.  Pray daily for the grace to know what He is asking, as well as for the grace to say Yes.  

• Receive the Sacraments on a regular basis, especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession.  As you grow closer to Him you will begin to see your life with new eyes.  

• Spend time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  If you want to seek and find God’s Will, why not go directly to Him?  Jesus is truly there waiting for you in the Blessed Sacrament! Develop a close relationship with our Blessed Mother.  She is the Mother of all vocations, and every encounter with her results in a closer relationship with her Son and His Will for us.  

8.  What is the best method of sending a donation to the monastery?

Donations can be sent to our monastery via U.S. postal mail.  We acknowledge each gift;  we also inform the family when memorial contributions are made in memory of their deceased loved one.

Reverend Mother Abbess
Monastery of the Poor Clares
1175 N. 300 W.
Kokomo, IN 46901
765-457-5743