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January 2020
Volume 14, Issue 1
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Dear friend in Christ,
“Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7
–8).
Benedictines are seekers. Through our life of work, prayer and community living, we are constantly searching for a deeper relationship with God. We pray both in community and individually; we undertake service that benefits the community near and far, and we do it together, as St. Benedict tells us we should.
Seeking looks different to different people. I was never tempted to become an arctic explorer or a deep-sea diver, but I’ve always had a curiosity about different ways of living and different cultures.
You, too, probably have the seeking gene and you probably believe in the value of community living. If you didn’t, it’s unlikely you’d be interested in a Benedictine monastery and you wouldn’t be reading this letter! If you're an adult woman searching for God and excited about exploring a different way to draw closer, check out the article below and find out more about the
Benedictine Live-In Experience. We're looking forward to opening the door to you!
Peace,
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
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In Loving Memory: Helenette Baltes, OSB
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After 104 years of a rich, fruitful life, Sister Helenette Baltes entered eternal life on January 2. She was known for her sweet spirit and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. We rejoice with her as she fulfills her life's goal of living eternally with our Lord.
Learn more about S. Helenette's life.
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In Loving Memory: Emmanuel
Renner, OSB
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Benedictine Live-In Experience
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Take a break from your regular routine to live and volunteer with us! Our Benedictine Live-In Experience is a residential volunteer program that offers an opportunity for women to refresh their lives by sharing in the prayer and work of a monastic community.
Learn more about this opportunity!
Photo: Sisters Pat Ruether (left) and Lisa Rose welcome you to the Oasis, the living community for this program, taken by Sister Pat Sniezek
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The 2020 edition of
Remember, our annual memorial publication, was mailed out earlier this month. In this magazine, we remember the lives of Sisters Pauline Fernandes, Mary Jo Donaldson, Clare Shadeg, Ann Arceneau, Paula Reiten, Grace Donovan, Theresa Schumacher, Rosemary Huebsch, Dominica Freund, Roberta Werner, Anne Malerich and Doris Steinfeldt, who entered eternal life between November 1, 2018, and October 31, 2019.
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Girls, God and Good Times
(3G) Camp Registration Open!
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Registration for
Girls, God and Good Times (3G) camp is now open! 3G camp is a Catholic, Benedictine camp for girls in grades 4–12. At this camp, your daughter will learn about the lives and history of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, live in a dorm on the
College of Saint Benedict campus, grow in her faith and develop lifelong friendships!
Photo: Three 3G campers and a counselor holding certificates they earned for demonstrating Benedictine values during camp.
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Retirement Celebration for
John Haakonson
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On January 3, we celebrated the retirement of John Haakonson, one of our physical plant staff members. We are extremely grateful for his many years of faithful service to the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict. He will certainly be missed, but we wish him nothing but the best in his next venture. Congratulations, John! We know he won't miss plowing all the snow!
Photo: Sister Ruth Feeney, physical plant manager Chris Eisenbacher, Sister Dorothy Manuel, John Haakonson, Sister Mary Weidner and Sister Stefanie Weisgram (left to right), taken by Sister Carleen Schomer
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Save the Date:
Nun Banquet
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This year's Nun Banquet, our annual fundraiser for
Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, will take place on Friday, March 13, at Saint Benedict's Monastery. At this event, you will enjoy a delicious buffet of meatless soups, bread and cookies, all donated by local businesses and Saint Benedict's Monastery. Be sure to place this event on your calendars!
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Art and Heritage
Place Reopening
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The
Art and Heritage Place reopened its doors after a month-long break. Whitby Gift Shop reopened on January 21 and has resumed normal hours. A new exhibit will premiere in the monastery museum in April. Stay tuned for details!
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Sophia Program for Women in Ministry
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Are you a woman in ministry looking to connect with other woman in similar roles? The next Sophia Circle is scheduled to meet
NEXT MONTH, February 16
–18!
Applications are due February 6, 2020.
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.
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Upcoming Spirituality Center●Studium Programs
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Lent is quickly approaching. Consider joining the
Spirituality Center●Studium team for a program or retreat to get the most out of this sacred time, ranging from a one-day program to a weekend-long retreat. Where is God calling you to be this Lenten season?
Would you like to be updated on upcoming events? We have several easy ways to do this!
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In
Executive Order 13888, President Trump requires that state and local officials provide public written consent prior to the resettlement of refugees in any given area. Saint Benedict's Monastery, a member of the
Benedictines for Peace and Justice, sent a letter to County Commissioner Joe Perske asking for support for the resettlement of refugees in the St. Cloud and St. Joseph areas. A slightly different version of the letter was also sent to St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The commissioners delayed a vote on this issue at their meeting on Tuesday, January 7.
Read a full copy of the letter.
Photo: An English Language Learners class taught by sisters and volunteers at the
Spirituality Center●Studium
, taken by Amanda Hackett
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Are you looking for a career where you can work in a positive work environment and make a difference? Come join our compassionate teams at Saint Benedict's Monastery and Saint Scholastica Convent! We are currently hiring:
- Certified Nursing Assistants (There is a SIGN-ON BONUS for night shift!)
- Food Services Assistant/Dining
Photo: Sister Kara Hennes (left) with one of our faithful nursing assistants, taken by Sister Carleen Schomer
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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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