Poor Clare Nuns of Andover
We, the Poor Clares of Andover, MA are entirely dedicated to the contemplative life, professing observance of the Gospel life according to the Rule of St. Clare of Assisisi. St. Clare, our foundress, chose a strict life of solitude (enclosure) in which she was nourished by God alone.
Our vowed life centers around the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours, spaced throughout the day. Eucharistic Exposition is vital to our heritage as Poor Clares. As followers of St. Clare, we are presently a community of six professed nuns who range in age from their forties to their nineties. We also accept extern sisters who live, pray, and work within the enclosure along with the enclosed sisters, but are more dedicated to the outside needs of the monastery, such as driving sisters to appointments, shopping, etc.
Our monastery attracts people making visits during the day and also some come to our Mass each morning. We are located in a suburban area near woods and the Merrimack River. Due to this we are blessed with rabbits, deer, turkeys, foxes and more of God’s fascinating creatures.
Contact:
Sr. Therese Marie Lacroix, OSC
Vocation Directress
Monastery of St. Clare
445 River Rd
Andover, MA 01810
978-683-7599
tmlacroix@comcast.net
https://poorclarenunsandover.wordpress.com
Professed Members: 8
Year Founded: 1947
Federation: Most Holy Name of Jesus
Archdiocese: Boston, MA
Worldwide: 70 countries
Qualifications: Candidates to the Poor Clare, contemplative, enclosed way of life should have a deep desire to dedicate their whole being to God in a way of life which is characterized by poverty, prayer, community, silence and solitude as an expression of their desire to live for God alone. Also, the should have a high school education, be free of financial and moral responsibilities, and have good physical health and be socially and psychologically well-balanced and mature.
Formation: Aspirancy of one year with a live-in experience of one month; postulancy of one year; novitiate of two years; temporary vows of five to six years; and then solemn vows to become a Bride of Christ forever. Extern sisters have the option of taking either perpetual simple vows or perpetual solemn vows.
Age range/limit: 20-50
Belated vocations? Yes: The candidacy of each person is individually discerned.