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What was a highlight for you in September? For thousands, it was the pope's visit to the United States. Sojourners' editor Jim Wallis in his article entitled "Francis: When a Visitor Changes Your Home" states, "Stunning is the word that comes to me after Pope Francis' two-day visit to Washington D.C. The country and the media was reveling in his presence, using language like "amazing," "incredible," and "wonderful" in response to this extraordinary moral leader who literally transformed our public discourse in the 48 hours he was in the nation's capital."
In my opinion, Wallis' words describe Pope Francis' entire visit here! But now what? In an address to Congress Pope Francis said, "Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies, aimed at implementing a culture of care and an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature."
Many things were happening at the monastery during the week of the pope's visit. Sisters gathered together daily to watch television coverage of his travels, with prayers being said throughout the week for his safety. On Thursday, the same day the Pope gave his historic address to Congress, two special events occurred at the monastery.
At midday, there was a meeting of our energetic, talented, dedicated Development/Communications Advisory Board.The major agenda items were discussion of the theology of fundraising and Give to the Max Day on November 12, 2015. Our goal for this year is $100,000. The funds will go for our ministries at the Spirituality Center. Matching gifts are a great motivation that spur others to give. Board members are leading the way with matching gifts. Some of you readers may want to add to the pool, especially if you do not want to give on-line. Please contact me if interested. Matching gifts are due by October 15. Oh, if you are interested in serving on the Advisory Board, please let me know. Check out our current members so you know whom you might be joining!
Later that evening, a steady stream of college students literally poured into our Gathering Place and dining room for the first Benedictine Friends (our program that pairs College of Saint Benedict students with a sister-friend) meeting. One wondered if the pope was coming! Every step and space was used so you had to tread carefully. Well, it wasn't the pope, but close - Sister Michaela Hedican, our prioress! She opened the evening with a welcome, offered a prayer and shared some inspiring words. It was an evening to meet first year Benedictine Friends and see your "old" friends. According to Sister Lois Wedl, Director of Benedictine Friends, 150 first year students were present, plus many "old" friends along with 100 sisters.The first year friends and sisters were eager to meet and get acquainted and the sisters were excited about catching up with their "old" friends. The students also enjoyed special K bars and got a preview of what to expect during the first semester.
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Pope Francis in DC
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As you know, Sister Nancy Bauer teaches canon law at Catholic University in Washington, DC. She took some photos of the Pope's visit.
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School of Benedictine Spirituality
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The School of Benedictine Spirituality is open! The first class is in progress.We are observing good energy from instructors and participants. Our life here at the monastery is steeped in education and learning, reflection and quiet. It is what we do and have done all these years. This School is one more avenue of sharing and learning and it is exciting as evidenced by participants coming each week with smiles! Now we ready ourselves for the 'intensive' course which will be over a long weekend, October 2-5. More excitement, more energy!
Registration now open for Winter and Spring 2016 classes!
Sister Kerry O'Reilly, Director
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Fall Gathering
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 September sees our annual Fall Gathering when Sisters from Saint Scholastica Convent join Sisters at Saint Benedict's Monastery to pray, visit, share a delicious meal and have fun. Photo by Sister Karen Rose shows sisters enjoying a game of bingo.
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Radio Meditations
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The daily meditations return to our Web site on October 5. If you'd value a short, inspirational meditation during your day to bring you back to God, you might find these meditations helpful. You might also like to view our meditations archive.
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Oblate Renewal Day
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September 19 was a day filled with joy and energy as more than 100 oblates (lay women and men who comm it to living the Rule of Benedict in their daily lives) gathered for the annual Oblate Renewal Day. The day began with Morning Prayer in the Oratory at which new oblate candidates were received into formation and another transferred her commitment to our monastery. At Eucharist later in the morning six candidates made their commitment. The day also included two talks on Being an Ordinary Benedictine by guest presenter Benet Tvedken, OSB, and lunch with the Sisters.
Photos by Sister Karen Streveler: Making final commitment before the prioress and community (l); Sister Laureen Virnig welcomes oblates (r).
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Lake Wobegon Bike Trail
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Saturday, September 12, was another highlight: The Lake Wobegon Bike Ride, a fundraiser for the Children's Home sponsored by Catholic Charities. Nine CSB students (members of AKA) who volunteered their help were at the Lake Wobegon trail in St. Joseph at 8 a.m., joined by a group of our sisters.
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| | Photo: Sister Thomasette Scheeler |
The fund raiser was established ten years ago by Chuck and Lucy Rieland from Fridley as a response to 9/11. Chuck was deeply affected by the tragedy as he frequently traveled to New York for his work. He and his wife wanted to do something positive. As they thought of the children whose parents died in the tragic event of September 11, they learned of the Children's Home in St. Cloud and came up with this annual fundraiser. Prior to this latest event they have raised approximately $675,000. Various faith communities register and serve refreshments along the way - that's how sisters and college students got involved.
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At the Diocese
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The diocesan Chancery staff is delighted to have found a replacement for Sister Mary Mandernach, who retired in May after 25 years at the Chancery Office. Sister Colleen Quinlivan is now working there as receptionist/secretary. Earlier this year, S. Colleen transferred to our community from the  Benedictine monastery in Ridgely, Md., where she was a member for 24 years. However, she is not a stranger to this area nor to the sisters. Some of us were blessed to have known Colleen and her siblings as students, as well as her parents. She is a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul School, Cathedral High School and the College of Saint Benedict, as well as a graduate of Villanova University in Villanova, Penn.
We are happy to welcome S.Colleen "home!"
Photo by Sister Nancy Bauer shows (left to right) S. Colleen with Sisters Luanne Lenz and Margaret Mandernach.
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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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