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November 2019
Volume 13, Issue 11
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Dear friend in Christ,
"Advent increases our hope, a hope which does not disappoint. The Lord never lets us down." Pope Francis
I hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving! It's hard to believe we are so far on the year and Christmas is less than a month away.
This coming Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. It's a time of preparation for Christmas. At the monastery, the preparation isn't so much about putting up decorations, buying gifts and planning the festive menu, though we do all these things in moderation. Our focus is on living this season as a time of hopeful expectation: preparing for the celebration of Christ's birth over 2,000 years ago, trying to live out consciously what God's becoming flesh means for the way we live our lives today and being mindful that we continue to await the Second Coming. Truly, it is a time to focus on the wonder of God entering human lives and to recommit in trust that God will not let us down.
We have been truly blessed throughout the past year by your prayers, support and gifts. We are so grateful for all the different ways in which you partner with us. Working together, we are stronger and can be a real beacon of hope in a dark world. Thanks to you all for your gifts and kindness. If you are still thinking of making a gift to the sisters before the end of the year, remember that this is a good time to make a distribution from your IRA or from your donor advised fund. If you have any questions, contact Sister Nina Lasceski at (320) 363-7051 or
nalasceski@csbsju.edu.
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
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Sister Eunice Antony Joins BFP Committee
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Sister Eunice Antony recently joined the steering committee of the
National Benedictines for Peace. The group's mission is to give "a common voice to a vision of peace as we confront the violence of our day with the love of Christ that it might be transformed by our prayers and actions."
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English Language Learners Classes
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Twice a week, students in the St. Joseph area join sisters and volunteers for English Language Learners classes at the
Spirituality Center●Studium. The classes receive support, including materials, supplies, English Function assessments and tutor training, from
school district 742
. The goal of these classes is to help each student progress in their English fluency, and new students are welcomed as they move to the community.
Photo: Sister Renée Domeier (left) works with an ELL student.
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Grow your faith and experience Advent more fully with us this year! We have plenty of opportunities:
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Give to the Max Day 2019 was a success! Thank you to all of our generous friends and benefactors who supported us and helped us
exceed our $70,000 goal on November 14!
Because of your generosity, these funds will be used to expand and develop outreach ministries that will pave a path into the future. Thank you for your confidence in us and our ministries!
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Last Chance to Visit "It's All God's Work!"
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If you haven't yet had the chance to view “It’s All God’s Work” at the monastery museum, the time to do so is NOW!
This exhibit will be open until December 21, 2019. You'll be able to relish in the beauty of Saint Benedict's art needlework department, which was active for 101 years. Many items of liturgical vesture are displayed, as well as drawings and other pieces of exquisite embroidery. This is a one-of-its-kind needle arts collection you will want to see! Don't miss it!
Photo: Tommy O'Laughlin
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Sister Mara Faulkner Featured in
Lyricality Article
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Sister Mara Faulkner, a poet, literature and writing instructor, was recently featured in
an article published by Lyricality. In this article written by Oblate Tracy Rittmueller, S. Mara reflects on the “humble practice of questioning our own ideas.”
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Women bring unique and special gifts to their churches and make significant contributions to ecclesial ministry. The Sophia Program, offered through our
Spirituality Center●Studium, creates a life-giving network for women in church ministry and is an opportunity to partner with women who serve in various church-related ministries.
Are you a woman in ministry looking to connect with other woman in similar roles? Consider joining us for the next Sophia Circle, scheduled to meet February 16-18, 2020!
Applications are due February 6, 2020.
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New Spirituality Center●Studium Programs
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The upcoming
Spirituality Center●Studium retreats, programs and offerings for January through April 2020 are now
open for registration on our website! Renew your soul with a day of rest and relaxation, express your creativity in a writing course taught by Sister Mara Faulkner or experience the act of Centering Prayer.
There are several ways to keep updated on upcoming events:
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Being, Belonging, Becoming in Our Benedictine Community
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Would you like to learn about what life is like at Saint Benedict’s Monastery? If you are a single, Catholic woman under the age of 45, you are invited to come and spend a day with us on Saturday, December 14. The day will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. We will begin with a tour, followed by celebrating the Eucharist and experiencing a meal in our dining room. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Photo: Left to right: Sisters Bridgette Powers, Laura Suhr, Nina Lasceski and Tamra Thomas
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We have a variety of available opportunities to join our compassionate teams at Saint Benedict's Monastery and Saint Scholastica Convent! We are currently hiring for:
- Certified Nursing Assistants (There is a SIGN-ON BONUS for night shift!)
- Maintenance Specialist
- Food Services/Dining Room Assistants
- Cooks/Bakers
- Nursing Team Support
Photo: Employee Danielle Ritter preparing dinner in the monastery kitchen. Taken by Andra Johnson.
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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 below.
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With steadfast gratitude,
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
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