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November 2018
Volume 12, Issue 11
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Dear friend in Christ,
I have a real sense of transition as I write this letter. November begins with the beautiful feasts of All Saints and All Souls, which call us to remember loved ones who have died. It's also been a time to pray for the many people this year who have lost their lives through acts of violence or in natural disasters.
It is a good thing to treasure memories and recall those who have died, but a certain sadness is often part of the remembering. Thanksgiving reminds us of the many things for which we should be grateful, including those who have enriched our lives. This year, I'm feeling that the spirit of Thanksgiving has really prepared me to move into an Advent mindset of joyful hope.
Advent begins this coming Sunday, December 2. It calls us to reflect on Christ's coming in the past, present and future. We prepare to celebrate the anniversary of Christ's birth at Christmas, ask ourselves what message Christ's birth has in the here and now and what is the meaning of Christ's future Coming.
You are most welcome to join us in joyful anticipation on the four Sundays of Advent (December 2, 9, 16 and 23). We begin in the Gathering Place at 10:30 a.m. with the lighting of the Advent candles, followed by a solemn procession into Sacred Heart Chapel to celebrate the Eucharist.
Hopefully,
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
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Every year on All Hallow's Eve, October 31, sisters, oblates, students and other monastery friends process to the monastic cemetery to remember and honor our deceased members and other loved ones. Thanks to all who joined us on this day of remembrance.
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Sisters had fun carving pumpkins and dressing up for Halloween. Saint Scholastica Convent held a Halloween party, complete with treats and costumes!
Pictured: Sisters Janelle Sietsema (left) and Kara Hennes carving a pumpkin
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S. Lisa Rose Featured in "The Visitor"
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An article written by Sister Lisa Rose, director of vocations, was published in "The Visitor," the official newspaper for the Diocese of Saint Cloud. In the article, titled "
Listen Carefully to the Master's Instructions," S. Lisa talks about our three different vocations in life and how best to discern these important life choices. The article was written for National Vocation Awareness Week, which took place November 4 – 10, 2018.
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S. Delores Dufner Featured on "Voices United" Podcast
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Sister Delores Dufner was recently featured on
an episode of “Voices United,” the official podcast of The Center for Congregational Song. In the episode, she talks about the “craft and art of writing hymn texts.” The podcast is supported by The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, of which S. Delores is a member. You can read more about her on her
web page.
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In Loving Memory of S. Pauline Fernandes
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Sister Pauline Fernandes entered eternal life on November 4, 2018. Her joyful personality and love for singing will be deeply missed, but we rejoice with her as she now sings with the Lord!
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Sister Thomasette Scheeler (pictured above) recently attended the Friends of Dard Hunter & American Printing History Association 2018 Joint Conference in Iowa City, Iowa. The organization connects those who are interested in hand papermaking.
One of this year's highlights was creating a 35' long handmade sheet of paper, which was then donated to a silent auction where funds went toward scholarships for student papermakers.
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Thank you to all who so generously gave to the sisters during
Give to the Max! On November 15, $63,320 was raised through incentive gifts and on the Give to the Max page. We are still receiving gifts and now have surpassed our goal of $75,000. Thanks to you, we will be able to upgrade our technology to better minister to all who are spiritually hungry, starting with a new telephone system.
Your support and friendship is very much appreciated.
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Fall 2018
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The fall 2018 issue of
Benedictine Sisters and Friends is now available to read online. In this issue, you'll read about how our sisters have used and continue to use their artistic talents (through music, painting, writing, etc.) to glorify God and bring joy to their Benedictine community.
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Study of the
Rule of St. Benedict
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This month, sisters began a community study of the
Rule of St. Benedict. The intention is to help us reflect on how we should live the spirit of the
Rule today.
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Are you looking for a nursing assistant (CNA) post, working with a supportive group of people in pleasant surroundings? We may have just the opening for you, working with older and recuperating sisters at Saint Scholastica Convent in St. Cloud. Some positions carry a $500 dollar sign-on incentive bonus! Check our
website for details and online application form.
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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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