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 I am Sister Lisa Rose, the director of vocations for Saint Benedict's Monastery. In this role, I have the privilege to journey with women as they seek God and explore what their unique vocation in life may be. Together we listen to one another and engage in conversations about their deepest longings. An inquirer's journey may or may not lead her into our monastery, yet it will lead her to God's greatest desire for her.
In my message, I would like to share with you the place that the month of July holds for our community. July is significant for us because we celebrate the anniversary of our monastic profession to this monastery, this community, this place we all call home. July 11 is the Feast of St. Benedict and nearly all our sisters made profession on this date.
In the Rule of Benedict, Chapter 58, we read that a monastic places her document upon the altar after reading her promises to the gathered community. She reads aloud for all to hear what she has written in her own hand, making her promises to God, the prioress, the saints and the community. We, who listen to her, hear the promises of stability, obedience and fidelity to the monastic way of life. The occasion of monastic profession is truly a celebration for all who are present to witness her commitment.
This July, we will celebrate the first monastic profession of Novice Laura Suhr on July 11 at evening prayer. On Sunday, July 15, we will celebrate the golden jubilee, 50 years since first profession, of four sisters. Both ceremonies provide all of us the opportunity to renew our own monastic profession. Following the reading of the profession document, during the jubilee celebration, we all sing the Suscipe: "Receive me, O Lord, as you have promised, and I shall live; do not disappoint me in my hope" [RB 58:21]. In singing the Suscipe, we affirm the promises we made to God and to one another over the past 160 years in Minnesota.
May you have a blessed month of July.
Sister Lisa Rose
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Renewal of Monastic Promises
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It takes several years of mutual discernment by the community and women exploring a monastic vocation to reach the point of deciding whether perpetual monastic profession is truly where God calls. Sisters Nina Lasceski (l) and Tammy Shoemaker (c) renewed their monastic promises for a further year on June 24 while they continue in discernment. Here they are pictured being blessed by Prioress Susan Rudolph and community members.
Photo: Sister Carleen Schomer, OSB
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Prayer Cards
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| Photo: Sister Karen Rose |
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You have probably recently received a card from the sisters greeting you for the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11 and asking if you have any prayer intentions you'd like us to include in the prayer petitions on that date. Many of you have already returned your cards. Thank you. Some people also included a donation. We are very grateful, but please know that we do not expect a gift in return for our prayers. It is our joy to include your intentions.
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The high winds earlier this month meant that several trees on the campus were uprooted or damaged. 
Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Photo by Sister Thomasette Scheeler shows one of the trees uprooted in the East Monastic Garden.
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Thank You, Sister Dorothy
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Sister Dorothy Manuel (pictured) has served as community secretary for the seven years. This past year, as the new leadership team under Prioress Susan Rudolph settled in, she has been the rock of stability. At the end of this month, S. Dorothy will step down and we will welcome Sister Colleen Quinlivan as community secretary.
Thank you, S. Dorothy, for doing such a great job with such calm efficiency.
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National Catholic Youth Choir
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The National Catholic Youth Choir joined sisters and guests for Evening Prayer in Sacred Heart Chapel on June 20. Afterwards, they gave a fabulous mini-concert featuring a wide variety of choral works.
Photograph by Sister Karen Rose shows the choir being directed by conductor André Heywood.
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"Come and See" Weekends
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Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about becoming a sister in our community? This summer, there are two opportunities for you to join us for prayer, work and community sharing. Feel free to ask any question about religious life to which you always wanted an answer. Get to know the sisters and take time to enjoy our beautiful grounds.
July 20, 4:30 p.m. to July 22, 1:30 p.m.
August 10, 4:30 p.m. to August 12, 1:30 p.m.
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Calling EU Readers
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The European Union (EU) Data Protection Act came into force on May 25, 2018. In order to comply with act, we need to be sure that anyone living in the EU actively wishes to be on our mailing list. If you are resident in an EU country and do not wish to remain on this e-newsletter mailing list, please click the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of this letter. If you do not unsubscribe, we will assume you wish to remain on this database.
If you live in the EU, you may have noticed that since May 25, you have been unable to access the Saint Benedict's Monastery website. This is also due to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act.
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Job Opportunities
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Looking for a great place to work? We have
job openings at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud, and Saint Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph. If you are looking for employment as a CNA, cook or in environmental services, food services or maintenance, you have come to the right spot. We offer a positive work environment with competitive pay and benefits.
Photo by Sister Nancy Bauer shows the grounds at Saint Scholastica Convent.
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Apology
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In last month's
Musings, it was stated incorrectly that Father Michael Joncas is a member of Saint John's Abbey. We apologize to Fr. Joncas for the error and for any confusion this may have caused.
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Thank you 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.
If you'd like to partner with us to support our mission and ministries, you can make a secure online donation to the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict here.
Sincerely,
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
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