It is her responsibility to unite community members through Christ in his Spirit. The Monastic Council serves as an advisory body to the Prioress. The Monastic chapter is the collegial, consenting, and consultative body of the monastic community.
Membership is comprised of all members who have made monastic profession.
Benedict provided for collegial leadership. Since the principle of co-responsibility is rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict, the prioress does not make arbitrary decisions. She respects the divine wisdom, which brings her and her Benedictine community together, by consulting them regularly, sharing with them as much as possible her decision making responsibilities. Having received the advice of her council and community she must finally judge what the Spirit is saying to the community.