The purpose of St. Catherine House is to provide women discerning a religious or consecrated vocation a place to grow in their relationship with the Lord and an understanding of living in community with sisters in Christ through the grace that comes from our Lord’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
St. Catherine House is for young Catholic women (college students, graduate students, and young professionals) who are intentionally and actively discerning a religious vocation. Life in the house is centered around the Eucharist, which is kept reserved in a chapel on site.
Elements of Intentional Discernment
- Residents pray together daily at a time of their choosing.
- The house has a chapel with the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. The chapel is open to residents at all times.
- Residents attend daily Mass at St. Thomas or another Catholic parish as often as possible, and they attend Sunday Mass every week.
- Twice a week, residents attend house gatherings to build community.
- Residents agree to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a month.
- Once a month, residents attend a house Mass and dinner followed by a talk on religious life by a guest speaker.
- Once a month, residents meet with a spiritual director of their choice. If you do not have a spiritual director, we will help you find one.
- Twice a semester, residents participate in vocational discernment activities (e.g. come-and-see events or open houses at a religious order, meetings with vocational directors, or diocesan discernment events).
- Residents attend two annual retreats, one in the fall and one in the winter.
- Residents volunteer in some capacity at St. Thomas parish.
Come Discern With Us!
We invite young Catholic women, particularly those who might be interested in living in the house, to attend the monthly house Mass and dinners. Held on the second Wednesday of each month during the academic year, these evenings begin with Mass in the house chapel followed by a free dinner and then a talk, often by a religious.
Two different leases are available: summer (mid-May to mid-August) and academic year (mid-August to mid-May). There are single and double rooms, community bathrooms, generous common areas, and study rooms. Rent includes utilities, Wi-Fi, and parking.
Former residents have joined religious orders such as the Sisters of Life, the Carmelites of Iron Mountain, the Nashville Dominicans of St. Cecilia, and the Servants of God’s Love. All have left the house enriched by living with the true presence of our Lord.
If you would like more information about St. Catherine House or are interested in becoming a resident, please contact Patricia Clark at pclark@sta2.org or 734-761-8606.