May -- the month of graduations at high school, college and even kindergarten! At our neighbors', the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), the countdown has started for college students. Here on our campus approximately 500 young women will be graduating on May 9. There's excitement and joy in the air as seniors achieve this milestone. At the same time saying "goodbye" to their friends and the place that has been a second home for the last four years is tough.

The end of the school year, with 2000 students leaving the college campus, also creates a different atmosphere for us at the monastery. We will miss our college students but we Sisters also enjoy a quieter life for a time! However, summer brings many other activities -- retreats, Jubilee, reunions, etc. And there's always activity on the college campus including camps for young people throughout the summer.

No, it is not a rumor! Our Sacred Heart Chapel will be closed from May 11 through June 5. However, the Sisters aren't taking a vacation from praying and celebrating Eucharist! Repairs to the chapel dome and making the building more energy efficient, including changing to energy-saving lights, has been on the docket for over a year. Sister Margaret Wurm, plant manager, made every effort to schedule the work  when it will cause the least disturbance.

Our Sunday Eucharist will be celebrated in the Gathering Place at 10:30 a.m. for all Sundays in May after May 10. Weekdays, except Fridays, Eucharist will be celebrated at 5 p.m. in Rosamond A -- an elevator makes easy access. You are welcome to come and worship with us on any of these days.  

The closing of the chapel also means that we will not have a memorial service this summer for deceased Sisters.This service began a few years ago and normally takes place every two years on a Saturday between CSB graduation and Memorial Day. It consists of a prayer service in chapel, procession to the cemetery to visit and pray at the graves of your loved ones followed by refreshments and visiting in the Gathering Place. Plan now for the May 2016.  

Often we hear that Saint Benedict's Monastery is the best kept secret. Well, the secret is getting out! Marion Bach, Director of Faith Formation from St. Joseph Parish brought 55 students and catechists on Sunday, April 19, to see and experience a few hours with the sisters at the monastery.The confirmation class had brunch with the Sisters; Sister Mary Weidner took them on a mini tour of the sacred spaces; and then Marion provided a prayer reflection experience in the chapel. The Sisters enjoyed conversing with these well-mannered young people. It was inspiring to see the efforts made by the director and catechists to support young people in developing their faith. Parents must be grateful to Marion and the catechists for the help their children receive in living their commitment to Jesus Christ.