Sister Julia McGanty was astonished by her prioress’ request; so much so that she said she needed time to think about it. Become a hairdresser? she thought. Work outside the monastery? At that time, McGanty was working at the Benedictine Nursing Center, now the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center. She had set up the kitchen and worked on the floor caring for patients. A change of ministry, such as the prioress was asking, was a surprise.