Service Within Community

One of the most striking ways in which monastic communities are different from secular culture are in the way we elect leadership in community.

The word "election" brings images of campaigning, voting, competition, promises to mind--all of which are part of the American election process. In a monastic context though, there are surprisingly few instances of campaigning, competition or promises found. In a monastic setting, election is made after much prayer, discernment, discussion and goal setting. It is a very dialogical type of process. The community strives to set goals for the future and to select the person who God seems to be preparing to help lead the community in the meeting of these goals. There is little illusion of power and most times the person feels somewhat overwhelmed at the task at hand.

Taking this model of servant-leadership that is directed by prayer, I often wonder what corporate America would look like if directed in this way.

Sr. Catherine, OSB