This week as I was making a new center for name activities, I was mulling over the problem of students getting materials mixed up at the centers. How could I make it easier to keep things sorted?
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Hi! I’m NAME!!
During this first few weeks of school, we have been working on routine and getting to know each other, and beginning to recognize our written names. Continue Reading
Fun as a Catholic Sister
Between my ministry as a Catholic school teacher and my life as a Catholic Sister, people often ask whether I have any time for fun.
I usually laugh, because – although teaching preschoolers is a lot of work too – I think I have the most fun ministry you can have.
And I laugh because – although being a Catholic Benedictine Sister requires getting up for prayers way earlier than I would if left on my own – my life here is such a blessing! Continue Reading
Happy Birthday Fun
We enjoyed our first birthday celebration of the year in our classroom last week. Birthdays at the ages of 3 and 4 are very exciting and important events, so I try to make them special at school as well!
We have a birthday treat brought from home by the Birthday Girl or Boy. (I ask that no store-bought cupcakes be sent … It looks like a cake shop has exploded in the classroom after snack when we have them!!) Continue Reading
On the Loss of an Amma
On Monday I lost one of my Ammas. Sister Germaine Cupp went to her eternal rest. She is now with God, and that is a great blessing for her … but I will miss her greatly.
Sister Germaine was a wisdom figure for me, with words of gentle compassion, hope and truth. She listened deeply and nonjudgmentally. I truly was blessed to know her, live with her and have her in my life. Continue Reading
Saturdays at Home in the Monastery
Most of us like to work on jigsaw puzzles, so we have several going throughout the house. Here's Sr. Jackie and me working on one in our living group.
Here I am at home today doing some of the usual weekend routines that I have always done – cleaning, doing laundry and preparing a little school work. As a Benedictine Sister, I also am doing some work that was not part of my usual Saturday morning routine – at least not before I turned 36!
That is, I went to Lauds at 9:00 a.m. (blessedly later than the 6:30 a.m. Lauds of the school week!), and after lunch I came to the liturgy office to work on a Liturgy of the Hours Book for the Office of the Dead. It is a big project and I have been working on it for almost a year. Continue Reading
A Lot of Firsts!
It’s been a long time since I last posted, but I ALWAYS run behind as I get ready for the 1st day of school. Thank goodness, today was the 1st day and I feel – as I do every new year – major joy and relief!!
Starting with new students and new ideas and new activities gives me energy and joy.
What fun it is to meet all the new little ones and listen to their stories! I’m excited to do … everything! Continue Reading
An Invitation to You
Recently we celebrated the Feast of St. Clare. She’s important to me … even though she is a Franciscan – not a Benedictine – saint. My love for her has something to do with my own journey and I will get back to that later.
St. Clare was born in Assisi, and when she was 18 years old she heard St. Francis preach. That night, she ran away to join St. Francis even though her father wanted her to marry. Continue Reading
Rooted Here, Rooted Now: What Our Benedictine Monastic Promises Mean
One of the differences between apostolic communities (like the Franciscans and Dominicans) and Benedictine monastic communities is our vows. In fact, we don’t actually make “vows.” We make promises. It’s more than a word difference!
Our promises underscore our commitment to each other, as Sisters of St. Benedict. They underscore our commitment to seeking God together. They underscore our commitment to be faithful for life. Read more!
Going for Lunch, Coming Home with a Carfull of Goodies
Here's the group from another time: Tamara, Me, Maggie, MacKenzie (my sis), Nancy and Jennifer
I recently made a trip to Cedar Rapids to visit some friends, most of whom were fellow teachers with me at St. Pius X. What fun! It is always great to reconnect with good friends. We try to get together 2 to 3 times a year.
I arrived at the school office, where we had planned to meet, a little early. I automatically took my favorite place – sitting on the counter in the office – as I did when I worked there. Brian came in and and glanced my way, then did a double take. It felt like old times! Continue Reading
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