Monthly Update
February 2020

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Silent Peace Walk
February 6

This simple public prayer, step-by-step, is a powerful nonviolent tool to bring peace, beginning with one's own heart, to our families, our communities, our nation, our world, and to all of creation. Download a flier here. 

For more information contact Sister Anne McCarthy, OSB, BFP Coordinator. 
 
Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Blasco Library, 160 East Front Street, Erie
Stillpoint Retreat
February 15

The Stillpoint Contemplative Retreat Day is silent and includes eight sitting sessions with chanting, contemplative walking, and teachings. Dress comfortably and bring your own lunch. Coffee and tea provided. You'll have a chance to enjoy a quiet walk outdoors on woodland trails that wind through the monastery grounds.

Register online here. 

Stillpoint has a new email address: stillpoint@mtstbenedict.org
Please contact us here for more information.

Mark these 2020 dates now: March 14, April 4, May 2, June 20

Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Glinodo Conference Center
Cost: $15, registration required
A Time to Weep Lenten Discussion
February 26 through Lent

  Sign up at Monasteries of the Heart to participate in the Lent 2020 free discussion of A Time to Weep by Joan Chittister. The discussion will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and continue through Lent. Monasteries of the Heart staff member Mary Ellen Plumb, OSB, will facilitate the discussion. You can purchase A Time to Weep by Joan Chittister for $3.50 from Benetvision; price includes shipping.
 
 
Dates: February 26-April 10
Time: At your convenience
Location: Online at Monasteries of the Heart
Cost: Free
Art Classes for Adults
February through April

The Inner-City Neighborhood Art House is offering two different series of art opportunities for adults. Art à la Carte is a series of one-hour classes held at noon on the first Tuesday of each month. Classes include Art for the Heart (February), Flower Arranging (March), and Tap Dance-chair or standing (April).

Discover Your Inner Artist offers evening classes and workshops including Chalk Pastels (February), Clay (February), Sculptured Painting (March), and Drawing Spring Flowers (April). Click here for more information and registration. 
 
Date: Varies
Time: Varies
Location: Neighborhood Art House, 210 East 10th St, Erie
Cost: Varies


Silent Peace Walk
March 2

This simple public prayer, step-by-step, is a powerful nonviolent tool to bring peace, beginning with one's own heart to our families, our communities, our nation, our world, and to all of creation. 

For more information contact Sister Anne McCarthy, OSB, BFP Coordinator. 
 
Date: Monday, March 2
Time: 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mercy Center for Women, 1039 East 27th Street, Erie
What Are You Looking For?
Catholic Sisters Week Discussion
March 8-14

Join a conversation based on the 10 chapters of Joan Chittister's recent book, What Are You Looking For? Seeking the God Who Is Seeking You. The conversation will take place during Catholic Sisters Week. Benetvision is offering a $2 discount on the purchase of What Are You Looking For? to everyone who signs up for this free discussion. When you sign up, you will receive an email with a discount coupon. Discussion will be facilitated by Monasteries of the Heart staff member and Catholic Sisters Week Task Group Chair Linda Romey, OSB.

Complete information and registration here.
 
Dates: March 8-14
Time: At your convenience
Location: Online at Monasteries of the Heart
Cost: Free
12 Steps of the Spiritual Life:
Climate Crisis & Humility
March 16-April 3

Climate crisis urgently demands that we reevaluate and shift our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. A fresh look at St. Benedict's 12 steps of humility offers insights for deep transformation of consciousness and action. The culminating vision of Benedict's ancient spiritual path is of a whole, healthy human bowing in reverence and love for all of creation. Monasteries of the Heart staff member and Benedictines for Peace coordinator Anne McCarthy, OSB, will lead this three-week eCourse.
 
 
Dates: March 16-April 3
Time: At your convenience
Location: Online at Monasteries of the Heart
Cost: $20

Being Benedictine in the 21st Century:
Spiritual Seekers in Conversation
June 26-28

Being Benedictine in the 21st Century will gather professed Benedictines, Oblates, and seekers who have experienced a conversion of heart through Benedictine spirituality. Erie Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister is a keynote speaker and Linda Romey, OSB, is co-chair of the event. Through listening and dialogue informed by Benedictine values, the teachings of Vatican II, and inclusive theologies - inclusive of women, the environment, the oppressed, the refugee - the goal is to come away from this conference with a new roadmap for spreading the light of Benedictine spirituality well into the 21st century.

Some spots still available. More information and registration here or email with your questions.
 
Dates: June 26-28
Time: Friday June 26 at 4 p.m - Sunday June 28 at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Atchison, KS
Cost: $175 participant, $115 Observer

Ongoing
Spiritual Direction available

Spiritual Direction, sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance or spiritual friendship, is an on-going relationship in which one person (the directee), wanting to be attentive to his or her spiritual life, meets with another person (the director) on a regular basis, specifically for the purpose of becoming more attuned to God's presence in order to respond more fully to that presence in all of life. The primary focus of the session is the directee's relationship with God as it is reflected and challenged by all aspects of that person's life.
 
Visit our Spirituality Page to learn about and/or contact these sisters who are Certified Spiritual Directors. Click here.
 
Suggested offering is $30/session.
Play Pickleball™ 
Call for schedule
Playing Pickleball® at SBCC is different from playing it anywhere else in the city. We are Erie's only Benedictine gym and being Benedictine means hospitality is one of our top priorities. Your friends, co-workers, and family members will enjoy the friendly, unintimidating, and even intimate setting of our facility that larger gyms and clubs simply can't offer. We offer you:
  • Two courts with seamless, cushioned flooring that is gentle on joints
  • Court times Monday to Saturday, mornings and evenings
  • Memberships and discount cards available
  • Free use of equipment (paddles and balls)
  • Free lesson on your first visit
  • Private bookings available
Click here for more information or call Sister Dianne Sabol, Director, 814-459-2406, to schedule court times.

Date: Call to schedule
Location: St. Benedict Community Center, 320 East 10th Street, Erie
Cost: Fees vary for regular court times
Weaving Classes

 
Weaving classes provide instruction for beginner and intermediate weavers. Beginners will learn how to warp a loom, and weave tabby and twill fabric in the form of a sampler that can be used as place-mats or a runner. Intermediate students will be instructed based on their level of knowledge. Floor and table looms are provided for use during class time and materials are available.

Loom rentals: The studio has several large 4-harness looms and one 8-harness loom that can be rented by experienced weavers for in-studio use if they not in use by a student. Cost: $10 per day. Click here for more information.

If you are interested contact Oblate Barbara Hauck, 814-449-2217 or  emaIlClick here to download a flier. 
 
Date: Thursdays and/or Saturdays
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Studio at St. Mary's Space to Create, 310 East 10th Street, parking and entrance in rear
Cost: $195 plus materials cost for six weeks
Guest Accommodations available
One of the greatest gifts monastics can offer is their monastery as a place of prayer and peace, community and care, welcome and hospitality. In doing so monastics take to heart what Benedict advocates: the monastery is a dwelling where guests are to be cherished and respected, where hearts overflow "with the inexpressible delight of love." -Prologue, Rule of Benedict
 
Come for a week, a weekend, or a single overnight. 
Click here for a guest registration form.