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August 2020
Volume 14, Issue 8
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Dear friend in Christ,
"I thank my God every time I remember you." (Philippians 1:3)
For many years it's been our tradition to celebrate Gratitude Day in August. This year that wasn't possible due to the coronavirus. However, I think many sisters recalled the quote from Philippians which is usually read at the Gratitude Day prayer service and said a prayer of thanks for the many people who have blessed us throughout the year with their gifts. You can find a list of our 2019–2020 donors on our website. Thanks to each and every one of you.
The summer is almost over. Sure signs that this is the case are the fact that it's Labor Day next week and students are returning to school in whatever way that may happen. For everyone, the coming fall has a very different look; I have two prayer requests related to that fact. On Labor Day, please pause to pray for all those who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus or whose employment is uncertain. Secondly, the College of Saint Benedict has asked the sisters to pray for their students, faculty and staff as classes begin this week. We invite you to join with us and ask that everyone behaves responsibly, considering the common good.
Stay safe, stay masked and keep your distance!
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
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In Loving Memory: Sheila (Shirley) Rausch, OSB |
*Her death was not related to COVID-19.
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Although we missed gathering in person this year, it was a joy to celebrate Gratitude Week virtually with all of you! Thank you to all who engaged with us throughout the week and signed up to be on our email list, and congratulations to Sara, Barbara Ann, Shannon, Jean Marie, Robert, Barbara and Sandra, the seven recipients of a virtual blessing from the sisters! We hope you know of our gratitude all throughout the year.
Photo: Sister Kerry O'Reilly (second from left) and three guests at Gratitude Day 2019, taken by Sister Carleen Schomer
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Commemoration of Hiroshima Anniversary |
August 6 marked the 75th anniversary of the United States dropping the atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. We commemorated this significant anniversary through prayerful reflection, reading and table conversation that focused on historical understanding and empowering actions. In the dining room, a paper crane display was set up, and sisters were invited to write a prayer or action for peace and place it around the border of the poster.
Photo: Paper cranes in the dining room, taken by Sister Tamra Thomas
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Retirement Celebration for
Becky Terwey
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On July 30, we celebrated the retirement of Becky Terwey, who served as our food services director at Saint Benedict's Monastery since 2011. Becky served our sisters in various capacities over the years, including when the monastery and College of Saint Benedict shared a dining facility. Congratulations on your new adventure, Becky! We will miss you!
Photo: Becky Terwey speaking at podium, taken by Sister Carleen Schomer
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Curbside Pick-Up at Whitby Gift Shop |
We are continuing to offer curbside sales at Whitby Gift Shop. We have many items for sale, including bread, scarves, tea towels, books, religious icons, pottery, greeting cards and more!
Photo: Get your dining room ready for autumn with some fun fall decorations like these pumpkin place mats created by Sister Julie Schleper
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Feast of the Assumption Garden Blessing |
On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, we traditionally hold a blessing of garden produce service in the Gathering Place. Because of COVID-19, it was held this year in the sisters' garden. Sister Pat Ruether led a prayer litany, and Sisters Lisa Rose and Laura Suhr sprinkled the produce with holy water. We hope you all had a blessed Feast of the Assumption.
Photo: Sisters gathered in the monastery garden, taken by Sister Laura Suhr
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On Saturday, August 29, the 20th anniversary of the Walk to Defeat ALS took place virtually. Some of our sisters walked in loving memory of Sister Theresa Schumacher, who died from ALS in 2019, and we had friends and family from Tennessee, California and the Minnesota cities of Big Lake, Bloomington, Browerville, Buffalo, St. Cloud, St. Joseph and St. Paul join us on Theresa's Team. We are so grateful for their support as we remember S. Theresa and walk to defeat this cruel disease.
Photo: Back row (left to right): Sisters Ann Marie Biermaier, Thomasette Scheeler, Karen Rose and Mariterese Woida. Front row (left to right): Sisters Michon Lanners, JoAnne Backes, Eunice Antony and Mary Catherine Holicky.
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Employee Picnics: COVID-19 Edition |
Every year, Saint Benedict's Monastery and Saint Scholastica Convent hold employee picnics to celebrate teamwork and express our appreciation to our employees who work hard to support our sisters and mission. This year, the events had to be adjusted to safely abide by state COVID-19 regulations. Even though we couldn't celebrate in our normal manner, we hope that our employees know of our deep appreciation for all they do.
Photo: Mission Advancement staff members Tara Feld, Sister Karen Rose and Amanda Hackett (left to right) safely distance at this year's COVID-19 employee appreciation event, taken by Sister Thomasette Scheeler
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Upcoming Opportunities at the Spirituality Center●Studium |
The Spirituality Center●Studium is thrilled to begin engaging with you again this fall! Due to COVID-19, all programs and retreats will be virtual. Thank you for your patience and support during these unprecedented times. We hope to "see" you at one of our programs this fall!
Stay updated on Spirituality Center●Studium news:
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If you are looking for a new career in positive work environment that values community, join our compassionate teams at Saint Benedict's Monastery and Saint Scholastica Convent! We are currently hiring for the following positions:
- Certified Nursing Assistants
- Environmental Services Assistant
- Food Services Assistant
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Nursing Team Support
Photo: Our heroes on the leadership team at Saint Scholastica Convent
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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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