Sister Jennifer shares her favorite parts of her vocation

By John Shaughnessy

Benedictine Sister Jennifer Mechtild Horner has been a member of her order since 1995, a time during which she has lived most of those years at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove.

When she was asked to share her favorite gifts about being a part of the Benedictine community at the monastery, Sister Jennifer said, “I have many things I love.” Then she focused on four aspects that are especially meaningful to her.

Sharing a life of prayer.

“As Benedictines, we are called to a deep life of prayer,” she said. “Gathering each day for prayer as a community helps me to go deeper in my relationship with Christ. Having the support of the sisters around me helps me to be faithful.”

Finding God in the silence.

“Our Benedictine way of life calls us to enter the silence. It is in this place that we come face to face with ourselves and God. It is in the silence that I hear God speaking to me and have the grace given to respond to God’s voice.”

Living in community.

“I love our community life together,” Sister Jennifer said. “Living with my sisters calls me to be the best version of myself. The sisters both support and challenge me. It is in living together that I learn more about myself and how I need to grow.”

Finding joy and growth across the generations.

“I enjoy intergenerational living,” Sister Jennifer said. “Our youngest sister is in her early 40’s, and our oldest member is 103. There is so much wisdom in our monastery, and we all learn from one another.” †

The Criterion

October 30, 2026

2026 Vocations Awareness Supplement