I am pleased to welcome to the blogosphere the Cistercian Nuns of Saint Mary’s Abbey in Glencairn, Ireland. Their new blog is Cistercian Vocation and it is written by Sister Eleanor, the vocation director. Sister Eleanor’s very first post was “Begin with Prayer“, a wonderful way to begin any endeavor!

The Cistercians of Saint Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn, are just across the Irish Sea from another group of blogging nuns, the Benedictine Nuns of Saint Mary’s Abbey, Colwich, who write the blog Colwich Novitiate.

Cistercian Vocation has gotten off to a great start with some very handy links and information about Cistercians and their way of life.

• Cistercian Spirituality
• A Prayer for Guidance (one of my favorite prayers … by Thomas Merton)
• Saint Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn (the main website of the community) which features a wonderful FAQ about monastic life

Through this blog, I’ve discovered another blog by the contemplative Benedictine nuns of Abbey of Saint Walburga in Virginia Dale, Colorado.

I’ve added both blogs to my list of Blogs by Catholic Nuns. Do let me know if you know of any others.

Over the last year I’ve received requests from folks about how to make habits and where to find sewing patterns and fabric. I’m hoping that you might have some suggestions for me to pass along to these folks.

I would especially like to help a woman who wrote me last week. She has volunteered to help a religious community by making their habits for them. The community is Cistercian and is having a difficult time finding the black and white fabric used to make their habit. I would be most grateful if you have any suggestions as to where to get fabric (keeping in mind the value of frugality), patterns for habits, and any other suggestions you might have for this woman who is trying to learn as much as she can (she has limited time talking with the nuns because they are cloistered).

If you happen to have some expertise in this area and would be open to connecting with this woman, I know she’d be so thankful — just let me know and I’ll hook you up.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions, ideas, etc. that you can offer. Sister Julie