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"I have discovered the joy of being surrounded by residents, priests, and parishioners who are beyond supportive of vocational discernment."
Former Resident
“This house will help women discern God’s will for them, to embrace that will and follow wherever God leads. We pray today that many women will hear the call and be willing to take up this special way of life. We pray the Lord will bless this house and make it a house full of grace.” Archbishop Joseph Naumann, holy hour at opening of Gratia Plena
Gratia Plena
Frequently Asked Questions
Resident Inquiry
Resident Inquiry
What is Gratia Plena?
Gratia Plena is a House of Discernment for Women who feel they may be called to a Consecrated or Religious Vocation. The house offers the opportunity for Catholic women to live 'in community' with other women who are serious and intentional about discerning God’s will for their life. The Ministry was established to provide a place that is conducive to vocational discernment and dedicated to assisting women to grow in holiness.
Where is Gratia Plena located?
We are located in Lenexa, Kansas, a friendly suburban community within the
Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. Gratia Plena is on the campus of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, offering Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, and many outdoor prayer areas within just a few short steps of the house.
How long has Gratia Plena been in operation?
Our Founder’s Day is May 1, 2017, The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker!
Who operates Gratia Plena?
Gratia Plena is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a Private Association of the Faithful in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Ministry has a Board of Directors and many advisors and volunteers who contribute to the mission. A Director is on staff and lives in the house.
How many women live in the house?
The house accommodates the In-Residence Director and up to 4 resident discerners. There is also a guest room for 'come and see' visits or mini-retreats.
Do residents pay to live in the house?
Yes, you'll be expected to contribute on a monthly basis. A fee of $500 covers all utilities - gas, electricity, water, wastewater, trash, and recycling. Internet service, Google Voice landline, laundry appliances and supplies are also provided at no additional charge.
Do residents work while living in the house?
Yes, you will be expected to have sufficient income to cover your personal expenses while living in the house. This includes healthcare and renters insurance; reliable transportation; and vehicles must be properly insured/registered. However, we do understand that the discernment process should be your "full time job" so it's not necessarily expected for each to work 40 hours/week. All residents should devote as much time as possible to prayer and recollection. If financial assistance is needed, don't hesitate to ask about this.
Does Gratia Plena help with finding employment?
We are pleased to help prospective residents network with our supporters in the KC area to find suitable employment.
How long can a resident stay in the house?
Residents are welcome here from 3-18 months.
What are the household expectations of the residents?
Cleaning of the common areas is shared amongst the residents and the Director on a biweekly basis. You'll be expected to do your own dishes, keep your personal space tidy, and do your own laundry. Basic yard maintenance is provided by the parish, however, assistance may be needed occasionally for raking leaves and snow removal; all of us will be expected to pitch in from time to time.
Do the residents buy groceries, cook, and eat together?
You will need to purchase your own preferred grocery items and prepare your own meals. Stocking basic pantry items (cleaning products, paper goods, etc.) is a cost that is shared by all residents. Ideally, a meal will be shared in common twice per week. The planning, shopping, and preparation for the shared meals rotate amongst the residents and the Director.
Do the residents do everything together?
Residents have varied responsibilities for their jobs and will maintain different schedules. The expectations of the house are designed to support the discernment process for each individual and help you develop a healthy, balanced, rule of life. As a household, we are committed to daily prayer (personal and in common). Praying in common provides an opportunity to experience what will be required in religious life.
Other expectations include regular participation in Gratia Plena’s scheduled programming (usually 1 night per week), hosting Clergy or Religious for a meal from time to time, and recreational activities together. It's expected and encouraged to spend time just enjoying one another's company at least once per week.
What type of vocational support and direction does Gratia Plena offer a resident?
Formation resources, instruction, and connections with Religious Communities are part of what we offer. All residents maintain an individual plan for their own discernment while living at Gratia Plena. The Ministry is here to assist you and will naturally hold you accountable for your resolutions. Basic elements of a typical discernment plan include attendance at Mass as often as possible, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reconciliation at least once per month, daily personal prayer, spiritual direction, and retreat days.
Are residents allowed to date while residing at Gratia Plena?
In order to focus more completely on giving yourself as a total gift to God, you will be required to fast from dating and engaging in exclusive relationships with individual men.
Are there volunteer requirements for residents?
Individual stewardship is encouraged and may include church or community volunteer work. This is a way to bring clarity to charisms you may possess or a future apostolate God may be calling you to. If volunteering or working with minors, you will be required to go through training for “Protecting God’s Children” and be VIRTUS Compliant within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Are guests allowed at the house?
Yes, we welcome your friends and family to visit Gratia Plena! We do have specific daytime hours and guidelines for guests and we also have a guest room for occasional overnight stays.
How do I get in touch with Gratia Plena?
Please send inquiries to GratiaPlenaKS@gmail.com
Gratia Plena is a House of Discernment for Women who feel they may be called to a Consecrated or Religious Vocation. The house offers the opportunity for Catholic women to live 'in community' with other women who are serious and intentional about discerning God’s will for their life. The Ministry was established to provide a place that is conducive to vocational discernment and dedicated to assisting women to grow in holiness.
Where is Gratia Plena located?
We are located in Lenexa, Kansas, a friendly suburban community within the
Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. Gratia Plena is on the campus of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, offering Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, and many outdoor prayer areas within just a few short steps of the house.
How long has Gratia Plena been in operation?
Our Founder’s Day is May 1, 2017, The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker!
Who operates Gratia Plena?
Gratia Plena is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a Private Association of the Faithful in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Ministry has a Board of Directors and many advisors and volunteers who contribute to the mission. A Director is on staff and lives in the house.
How many women live in the house?
The house accommodates the In-Residence Director and up to 4 resident discerners. There is also a guest room for 'come and see' visits or mini-retreats.
Do residents pay to live in the house?
Yes, you'll be expected to contribute on a monthly basis. A fee of $500 covers all utilities - gas, electricity, water, wastewater, trash, and recycling. Internet service, Google Voice landline, laundry appliances and supplies are also provided at no additional charge.
Do residents work while living in the house?
Yes, you will be expected to have sufficient income to cover your personal expenses while living in the house. This includes healthcare and renters insurance; reliable transportation; and vehicles must be properly insured/registered. However, we do understand that the discernment process should be your "full time job" so it's not necessarily expected for each to work 40 hours/week. All residents should devote as much time as possible to prayer and recollection. If financial assistance is needed, don't hesitate to ask about this.
Does Gratia Plena help with finding employment?
We are pleased to help prospective residents network with our supporters in the KC area to find suitable employment.
How long can a resident stay in the house?
Residents are welcome here from 3-18 months.
What are the household expectations of the residents?
Cleaning of the common areas is shared amongst the residents and the Director on a biweekly basis. You'll be expected to do your own dishes, keep your personal space tidy, and do your own laundry. Basic yard maintenance is provided by the parish, however, assistance may be needed occasionally for raking leaves and snow removal; all of us will be expected to pitch in from time to time.
Do the residents buy groceries, cook, and eat together?
You will need to purchase your own preferred grocery items and prepare your own meals. Stocking basic pantry items (cleaning products, paper goods, etc.) is a cost that is shared by all residents. Ideally, a meal will be shared in common twice per week. The planning, shopping, and preparation for the shared meals rotate amongst the residents and the Director.
Do the residents do everything together?
Residents have varied responsibilities for their jobs and will maintain different schedules. The expectations of the house are designed to support the discernment process for each individual and help you develop a healthy, balanced, rule of life. As a household, we are committed to daily prayer (personal and in common). Praying in common provides an opportunity to experience what will be required in religious life.
Other expectations include regular participation in Gratia Plena’s scheduled programming (usually 1 night per week), hosting Clergy or Religious for a meal from time to time, and recreational activities together. It's expected and encouraged to spend time just enjoying one another's company at least once per week.
What type of vocational support and direction does Gratia Plena offer a resident?
Formation resources, instruction, and connections with Religious Communities are part of what we offer. All residents maintain an individual plan for their own discernment while living at Gratia Plena. The Ministry is here to assist you and will naturally hold you accountable for your resolutions. Basic elements of a typical discernment plan include attendance at Mass as often as possible, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reconciliation at least once per month, daily personal prayer, spiritual direction, and retreat days.
Are residents allowed to date while residing at Gratia Plena?
In order to focus more completely on giving yourself as a total gift to God, you will be required to fast from dating and engaging in exclusive relationships with individual men.
Are there volunteer requirements for residents?
Individual stewardship is encouraged and may include church or community volunteer work. This is a way to bring clarity to charisms you may possess or a future apostolate God may be calling you to. If volunteering or working with minors, you will be required to go through training for “Protecting God’s Children” and be VIRTUS Compliant within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Are guests allowed at the house?
Yes, we welcome your friends and family to visit Gratia Plena! We do have specific daytime hours and guidelines for guests and we also have a guest room for occasional overnight stays.
How do I get in touch with Gratia Plena?
Please send inquiries to GratiaPlenaKS@gmail.com
“...the abundance of life comes when we truly enter into what He has prepared for us in the first place.”
Kathleen Fox, Co-Founder and Director
"We are here to help you discover and take the next right step in your discernment!"
Gratia Plena Board of Directors
