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Welcome to Lent! This is a liturgical season many people don't look forward to. It's often associated primarily with fasting and self-denial -- certainly not a time to enjoy ourselves. Yet two of the key elements the Church teaches should be a part of our Lenten observance are prayer and almsgiving. Time spent with God in prayer is always a gift. And isn't there a joy in sharing with others who may be in need, the goods we have been blessed with? St. Benedict certainly urges us to look on a Lent with a positive eye. We may be fasting now but we're doing so with a a sense of anticipation, looking forward "to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing." Rule of Benedict, Ch 49.
We're very blessed at the monastery that, in any liturgical season, we're surrounded by beauty. Something we really appreciate at the moment is having a copy of the glorious Saint John's Bible Gospels on display in the Oratory. Donated by the Theisen family, together with a beautiful stand, in memory of Sister Vivia Theisen, who died in 2013, they certainly provide a visual inspiration for our prayer life this Lent. 
Mindful that St. Benedict tells us to see Lent as a preparation for Easter, the Spirituality Center is again offering a Triduum retreat (April 2 - 5) spanning the final, intensive days from Holy Thursday and the Last Supper to the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. This year the retreat will be led by Sister Mary Weidner. If you'd like to know more, contact her at 320-363-8987.
We always have many blessings to count, not least that we number you amongst our friends. This Lent, be assured that you are in our our prayers. We hope this season will be a time of renewal for you as you prepare to celebrate the joyous feast of Easter.
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Nun Banquet
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This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Nun Banquet, our annual fundraiser in support of Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. As usual, we held the event on the first Friday of Lent.We raised $2823. Thanks to all who helped us reach that splendid total and to the local businesses who partnered with us to provide a simple, but delicious, meal. We hope you enjoyed the event as much as we did. Photos: Karen Streveler, OSB
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Save the Date!
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Two Women's Stories: The Long Journey from Drugs and Prostitution to Healing and New Life. Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saint Benedict's Monastery, Rosamond A. Edwina Gately will share her story of ministry and outreach to women on the streets of Chicago. Brenda Powell will share her 23 years' experience of prostitution and trafficking. A riveting and fascinating presentation that offers insights into the underground world of sex-trafficking, yet presents hope in the midst of the pain and devastation of this brutal business.
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Music Publication
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Sister Christine Manderfeld is a gifted musician who has been enhancing our liturgies for many  years.She has recently had 14 musical arrangements for women's voices and two original compositions, Come Paraclete and Christ is Born to Us This Day, published by Oregon Catholic Press. Congratulations, S. Christine! |
Open House
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Sunday, February 8, as part of our celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life, we held an Open House at the monastery. Sisters were thrilled to welcome old and new friends to a pilgrimage "tour" through our sacred spaces, administrative areas and dining room. Photos by Karen Streveler, OSB, show (left to right) S. Marlene Schwinghammer (sub-prioress) welcoming a group of guests in the Gathering Place and Sister Elaine Schroeder (Liturgy Director) explaining the role of the Liturgy Office.
 
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Art and Craft Sale
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More dates to save!
Art and Crafts Sale at Saint Scholastica Convent
Friday, March 6, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
This sale will feature many Sister-made items perfect for gift-giving: Candles, kitchen items, needlework, wearables, religious items, plants and bread from Saint Benedict's Monastery bakery.
For more information or directions, call 320-251-2225.
Saint Scholastica Convent is located south of and just past Saint Benedict's Community Center, at 1845 20th Avenue S.E., St. Cloud.
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Minnesota's Sacred Music
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Sister Delores Dufner is an accomplished hymn writer whose work is widely used in liturgies throughout the USA. 
She was one of the musicians featured in a public television program,
On Eagle's Wings - Minnesota's Sacred Music, which aired on Ash Wednesday. You can watch here.
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3G Summer Camp
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Registration is now open for our Girls, God and Good Times Catholic, Benedictine summer camps. Check our web site for more information or call Sister Lisa Kittock on 320-363-7114 
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Thank you again for sharing your time, talent and treasure with us as we respond to the needs of the world. Your partnership is vital to us as we strive to bring a ray of hope to a dark world. To make a secure online donation to the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, click here.
Sincerely,
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Gen Maiers, OSB
Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
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