FERDINAND, Ind. - Women interested in learning about religious life can experience a week in a Benedictine monastery this summer. The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Ind., invite single Catholic women, ages 18 to 40, to attend a Benedictine Life Week June 27-July 3 at Monastery Immaculate Conception.

The theme for the week-long experience will be "Following the Way of Benedict." Participants will join in the prayer and community life of the Ferdinand Benedictine sisters, take part in discussions on the theme, and meet other women who are considering religious life. Those unable to stay for a week are welcome to attend for the weekend.

There is no charge for the week, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, and runs to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 3. Women interested in attending can call Sister Agnes Marie Dauby or Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at (800) 738-9999. E-mail them at or register online at www.thedome.org .

Founded in 1867, the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Ind., are 173 religious women who minister in schools, parishes, church institutions, retreat centers, health care facilities, and social service agencies. They currently serve in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Maryland, Italy, and Peru.