Monastery Musings

Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict 

October 2015
Vol 9, Issue 10
In This Issue
Dedication of the Chapel
Rite of Entry
Authors Honored
Is God Calling You?
Luminous Lodge
National Vocation Awareness Week
Christmas Gifts

Join Our Mailing List!

Quick Links
 
Sister Gen Maiers
 
 
It was fun when Sister Karen Rose and I reviewed all the possible items we wanted to include in this issue. Don't worry, we aren't going to tell you everything!

It is a month since Pope Francis visited the United States. We continue to be inspired with his message. To help the sisters delve into meaning of his latest encyclical, Care for Our Common Home, Bernie Evans, a professor from Saint John's School of Theology gave an in-depth presentation to us this past week. During Advent the sisters will study this document in small groups and reflect on how personally, and as a community, we can make a difference. If you see Bernie Evans is giving a lecture, or an article by him, this is something you don't want to miss!

In mid-October we honored our employees with a special dinner, prayer service and recognition of our co-workers from Saint Scholastica Convent and Saint Benedict's Monastery who have worked with us for multiples of five years. It is a small way to express our appreciation for their dedicated service and how integral they are to our mission and ministry. Five year recognitions were given to Tara Feld (Development & Communications Office), Cole Lovdahl (Food Service), Joan Brausen (Hair Care) and Dorothy Bartel (Hair Care); 15 years recognition to Chris Eisenbacher (Physical Plant Manager); and 25 years to Eileen Kron (Nursing). We feel blessed to have all of our employees as co-workers. At the same time we welcomed "home" our retired employees. It was a celebratory evening!

November is the time that we pray for our deceased sisters, relatives and friends. One of our customs is to enroll the names of our loved ones in the Book of Life in the Gathering Place. If you want us to pray for  any of your deceased loved ones, please email their names to Sister Barbara Kort at [email protected]; she will record them in the Book of Life.

On All Hallows Eve, October 31, we celebrate differently from the majority of people. Not in costumes! We meet in the Gathering Place at 4:30 p.m., where many relics of saints are displayed. Our liturgy begins here followed by a procession to our cemetery, a cross-bearer leading, interspersed with lighted torches and bell ringing and singing. The first stop will be to bless our new memorial bell tower and plaque. This is a memorial for all the deceased Saint Bede Sisters who have died and are buried in Eau Claire, Wis., and three sisters from Saint Benedict's Monastery in Utah. The name, profession date and death date of each sister has been sculpted into the granite piece, which was originally part of the altar in the chapel of Saint Bede's Monastery. We will then sing a litany of remembrance, listen to a reflection and take time to pray and walk around the cemetery; the service concludes in the Oratory.

If you haven't heard about Give to The Max earlier, now is the time! Minnesota's once a year, online giving opportunity is Thursday, November 12. If you've never donated to Give to the Max, this is the year for you to "get-with-it"! The funds collected will go to the Spirituality Center, a praiseworthy cause! You've an opportunity to double your gift because some generous donors have committed $40,103 in matching gifts. Help us reach our $100,000 goal by giving online on  November 12.

Another important happening! Our annual appeal will be coming by mail in late November. We wanted to be ready for the Year of Mercy, which Pope Francis has declared in 2016. As he says, "A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold," so we're asking you to partner with us to support our ministries and help us to warm up the world! You can even donate right now at www.sbm.osb.org

With prayers of gratitude to you for your on-going friendship and support.
  
 
  Dedication of the Chapel 

October 24 was the anniversary of the Dedication of Sacred Heart Chapel. Services began with Evening Prayer on October 23 at which the 12 dedication candles were lit. Sisters were joined by students from the College of Saint Benedict and guests for this ceremony. You can see from Sister Karen Streveler's photographs how beautiful the chapel looked.

 












O
Rite of Entry
Bridgette Powers entered the monastery in August. The formal rite of reception in which she 
became a postulant took place on October 24. Bridgette will live more deeply into monastic life for the next  nine months while she discerns whether to take the next step toward becoming a sister. We welcome Bridgette to our community and ask you to remember her in your prayers.

In the photograph, by Karen Streveler, OSB, Bridgette (l) receives Liturgy of the Hours prayer books from Prioress Michaela Hedican. 

Authors Honored
October 24 was a busy day! It also saw a celebratory lunch to honor two sister-authors. Sister Owen Lindblad (l) has written a book about Sister Laura Hesch who served the native American people at the Little Flower Mission, Onamia, Minn., for many years. Sister Roberta Werner has completed a comprehensive history of Sacred Heart Chapel - very appropriate to acknowledge her work on the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Chapel.

Photo: Karen Streveler, OSB


 Is God Calling You?


If you are a single, Catholic woman who has sometimes thought maybe, just maybe, God is calling you to religious life, you would find our discernment retreat helpful in answering some of your thoughts, hesitations and concerns.

Come and spend the weekend of November 20-22 at Saint Benedict's monastery to pray, explore and experience monastic life.

Check out our Web site or email Sister Lisa Rose at [email protected] for more information.

If you know someone else who might be interested, please share this invitation to visit us with her.
Luminous Lodge
The Vocations Office has been busy this month! Earlier in October they hosted a "Luminous Lodge" event  for women from the College of Saint Benedict. The evening, at the sisters' lodge in the monastery woods, included a reflection by our prioress, prayer, popcorn and caramel apples, visiting around the campfire and a luminary lighted walk. Photos: Lisa Kittock, OSB


National Vocation Awareness Week
Now we're asking you, too,  to support us in our vocation efforts! November 1-7 is National Vocation Awareness Week. Sister Lisa Rose will lead a prayer for vocations vocation prayer followed by the Rosary at 4 p.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel every day during this week. All are welcome to join in this prayer for vocations. If you can't be with us in person, pray with us wherever you are!


Christmas Gifts
It's time to start thinking about finding special gifts for special people. Two opportunities coming up!

Fall Sale at Saint Scholastica Convent
Friday, November 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This sale features a variety of items made by the sisters of Saint Benedict's Monastery: cards, candles, kitchen items, Christmas decorations and more!
For more information, call (320) 251-2225
 





Holiday Opening 
Whitby Gift Shop and Gallery
Saint Benedict's Monastery
Extended hours on Saturday, November 7,  8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Features items made sisters, local artists and Fairtrade.        
For more information: (320) 363-7113
 

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,

Gen Maiers, OSB
Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict