This may sound weird, but one of the biggest adjustments I had to make when I became a Benedictine Sister was to learn to be quiet. Now, don’t get me wrong. I was never loud and boisterous (well, not really). In fact, I was drawn to peaceful venues in nature and church. But for me, white noise was the TV and radio. Continue Reading
Benedictine life
Benedictine Values: Simplicity
Many religious orders take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, but Benedictine Sisters do not. When we become Sisters, we make monastic profession of 3 promises: obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life. It is within the promise of stability that we commit ourselves to chastity and monastic poverty, or simplicity. Continue Reading
A Balanced Life
Sisters Jackie and Sheila pray Lauds with the Benedictine Sisters.
Everyone talks about needing balance. Whether it’s work-life balance or emotional balance, people long for it. I know. I was one of those people. Continue Reading
A 14-Second Miracle
Have you ever seen an evening primrose bloom? It’s awesome! Our group couldn’t take our eyes off these little miracles. 🙂
Tears of Joy During Installation of Prioress
Last Sunday we installed a new prioress. Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB (left) became the 14th prioress of our community in its 138-year history. What a beautiful and moving ceremony! Continue Reading
Community Night in a Monastery
Growing up, we always had a special family night every week. Usually, it was Friday. My sisters and I couldn’t wait! Continue Reading
God is Hope … God is Joy
Bishop Joe’s final talk to us was on hope. As a Catholic school teacher and a young Catholic Sister, let me tell you, hope is very important!
In hope, I believe my students will continue to thrive as they grow up. In hope, I believe my Benedictine community will flourish for all time. In hope, I believe Jesus walks with us every minute. Continue Reading
Our Monastic Promises Key to Seeking God Together
Today Bishop Joe spoke on our Monastic Promises. This was good for me because it will lead me nicely into the Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat (BSWR) that I will be making in about two weeks.*
In fact, I’ve spent a lot of time since I entered 4 years ago studying the promises, so today was a wonderful opportunity for reflection. After Bishop Joe was finished, I made another cup of coffee and took my notebooks and books out to the patio to write about them. Continue Reading
Reconciliation as Medication
Today Bishop Joe spoke on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I must admit Reconciliation has never been one of my favorite sacraments.
Why? Come on. Who wants to go tell another person and God what mistakes we’ve made to cause breaks in our relationship with God and others? Continue Reading
Following Mary’s Yes
This morning Bishop Joe reflected on Mary, as a guide to our own discipleship of Jesus.
First, Mary listened, and heard God, and said Yes. This is Lesson #1. Continue Reading
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