Sr. Juliann Babcock, OSB has been elected the seventh Prioress of Our Lady of Grace Monastery

Indianapolis native, Sr. Juliann Babcock was overwhelmingly elected the 7th Prioress of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana. The canonical election took place on Saturday, March 7th in the monastery chapel. Sr. Joella Kidwell, OSB, President of the Federation of St. Gertrude presided over the election. Sr. Juliann humbly accepted the decision of the community and will officially become the next Prioress at her Installation on June 7, 2009. She will succeed Sr. Carol Falkner who has been Prioress for the last eight years.

Sr. Juliann is the daughter of the late Jim and Evelyn Babcock. She grew up on the eastside of Indianapolis and graduated for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Grade School. She attended Our Lady of Grace Academy and entered the Sisters of St. Benedict upon her graduation in September, 1966. She made her First Monastic Profession in 1968 and her Perpetual Monastic Profession in 1973. Sr. Juliann received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Indianapolis and her Master’s Degree in the same field from Ball State University. She also received a Master’s Degree in Spirituality from Holy Name College.

Sr. Juliann began her career as an educator in 1971 and continued in that ministry until 1981 when she became a staff member at the newly created Benedictine Center (now the Benedictine Retreat & Conference Center.) She has also served her community as the Vocation Director from 1989-1993 and then as Sub-Prioress from 1993-2001. Most recently, she has been the Formation Director assisting women in the early stages of their religious vocation.

Sr. Juliann will shepherd a community of 71 members for a term of six years.