"Be still and know that I am God." These words from Psalm 46 (10) have spoken to people through the generations, inviting us to take time, to reflect, to let ourselves go into the mystery that is God and to understand that, in our busy, warring world, in the end, only God matters.  This short liturgical season  of Ordinary Time which falls between Christmas and Lent is surely a time when we should step back for a while and give ourselves an opportunity to be aware of the still, quiet, peaceful God who dwells within each of us.

Indeed, this whole year should be a season of reflection for those of us who are professed monastics. As you know, we are celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life which Pope Francis has declared as a way of bringing attention to the gift and grace of consecrated life.  We'll be having several events during the year to mark this occasion. So far, we've held a community prayer day focusing on gratitude for the past. Later this year, we'll be having prayer days concentrating on the future and the present. Last Sunday, January 25, our prioress, Sister Michaela Hedican, joined Abbot John Klassen at Saint John's Abbey where they gave a joint presentation in the "Sunday at the Abbey" series reflecting on what monastics can bring to the future church.

In December Musings, we promised to let you know more about one of the events we're most looking forward to in this Year of Consecrated Life - our OPEN HOUSE. You're invited to come visit us on Sunday, February 8, 2 - 4 p.m. You'll have an opportunity to meet Sisters, learn about our lives, enjoy a social and to make a guided pilgrimage through the monastery. If you're in any doubt that we'd love to see you, read Sister Lisa Rose's blog on why you should pay Saint Benedict's Monastery a visit. You don't need to register, just turn up!   

Another event we're excited about takes place on Friday, February 20, in Saint Benedict's Monastery dining room. Join us for the 10th anniversary Nun Banquet in support of Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, 4:30 - 7 p.m.  If you can't attend, you might still like to make a donation. You can do this online, indicating on the form that it's for the Nun Banquet, or send a check (payable to Sisters of the Order Saint Benedict)  to Office of Development, Saint Benedict's Monastery, 104, Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Again, indicate that this is for the Nun Banquet. Your gift could help a family who would not otherwise be able to attend to share in the banquet, as well as aiding Habitat for Humanity.

As you can see, there's a lot going on at the monastery, which makes it even more important to take those times to "Be still and know that I am God."  May you live in God's peace and share it with all whom you encounter.