On Friday evening, our guests arrived and met their weekend Benedictine Sister Partners. The partners accompanied our guests to prayers and meals, led tours, answered questions and enjoyed some lively conversations. We got to bed early, in anticipation of a packed Saturday.
Saturday morning: Lots to learn!
Saturday began with Lauds at 9 a.m. (During the week we pray Lauds at 6:30 a.m. for Sisters Stefanie and Janet, both of whom teach.)
Next, our panel of 9 Sisters (pictured above) from 8 nearby communities shared their traditions and lifestyles. They included the monastic Benedictine Sisters, the cloistered Trappistine Sisters, and the apostolic Sisters from several Franciscan communities, along with the Humility, BVM and PBVM communities.
The Apostolic Communities
Apostolic Sisters care for God's people through their work, whether education or health care or outreach to the poor. They often live alone or in groups of 2-3 Sisters, sometimes far from the congregation's motherhouse. Their primary focus is their ministry, often dictating where they live and what their schedule is like.
Sister Kathy Carr, BVM, says, "The apostolic Sisters have more in common with one another than they have differences. The BVMs' particular focus is bringing justice to women and children."
In fact, the Dubuque congregations - PBVM, BVM, Franciscan - collaborate on many ministries, including Maria House and Teresa Shelter, housing resources for women in need.
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, LaCrosse, Wisc., participate in perpetual Eucharistic adoration. "Everything else flows from this prayer," Sister Romana says of the practice that involves 2 people praying before the Blessed Sacrament day and night.
Franciscan communities - including the Dubuque, LaCrosse and Clinton groups - embrace the spirituality of the goodness of God. The Clinton, Iowa Franciscans run the Franciscan Peace Center, advocating for social justice issues and care for the earth.
The Humility of Mary Sisters, Davenport, Iowa, provide outreach through their Humility of Mary Housing and Shelter facilities. They serve in many states throughout the country.
The Monastic Community
The Benedictine Sisters of Rock Island, Ill., live, pray and enjoy leisure together, much as a family does. They pray the Divine Office together 3 times daily. They serve in ministries ranging from education and parish work to spiritual direction and campus ministry. Prayer and community are the focus of the monastic lifestyle.
The Cloistered Community
The Trappistine Sisters of Dubuque do not leave their monastic grounds. They pray the Divine Office together 7 times daily. They work and enjoy leisure together within their monastic enclosure. Like the Benedictine Sisters, they follow the Rule of Benedict.
Prayer, community and silence are the focus of the cloistered lifestyle. They have no apostolic outreach. Their communal prayer and work - they make caramels to support themselves - form the shape of their day.
What the Sisters said ...
Sister Rita, PBVM, shared that her Dubuque Presentation community "tries to support people in need."
Sister Elizabeth, CHM, said her Davenport Humility community values "simplicity, candor and an absence of affectation."
Sister Gail, OSCO, said her Trappistine community follows the Rule of Benedict as the Benedictine Sisters do. "We pray Vigils at 3:45 in the morning. It's a very pure time of day, with only the crickets and birds to keep us company. It's hard for night people, but morning people like it."
Sister Rita, PBVM, said a Catholic Sister's role is to "listen, and be present" to all. "We have freedom, because we are not attached to the world. We can commit to others and help them. We have the time to volunteer."
Sister Romana, FSPA, reminded inquirers that Catholic Sisters are "called."
Sister Kathy, BVM, said, "Most of our communities' foundresses were pioneers. We still are today. We are called to continue to live out the Gospel, and to challenge each other and others to live out the Gospel as well."
Sister Sarah, OSF, said ministry is important, but how you do it is more important than what you do. "The question is, How are we sharing Jesus with others during the day?"
Saturday afternoon: Rest and a Film
After lunch, our guests were encouraged to take time for themselves to reflect on all they had experienced so far. Some walked down to the lake, others retreated to their rooms for some deep quiet.
Later, we watched "Sisters," a documentary about 4 apostolic Sisters and the the choices they have made. It was helpful to contrast their lifestyles with the lifestyle experienced over the weekend at the monastery!
Saturday evening: Vespers, supper and games
Guests and Sisters gathered in chapel for Vespers at 5 p.m. Supper followed at 5:30 in the dining room. We then gathered in the Community Room for games with the community. You could see such a scene there most Tuesday nights, because we reserve that night for one another. It's kind of like Family Game Night, only you have a lot more choices. We like cards, jigsaw puzzles and board games.
Sunday and Monday: Lectio, a Film and Goodbye
Every Sunday morning is the same in our monastery: Lauds, Mass and brunch. We had lively discussion with the Sisters over brunch.
