June 2022
Issue #22
Reflections from the Hill
Occasional Outreach from the Benedictine Sisters
A Time for Healing
"... and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us." Romans 5:5
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is the association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States. The conference has about 1350 members, who represent nearly 80 percent of the approximately 49,000 women religious in the United States.

As members of Leadership Conference of Women Religious, we totally support the LCWR statements after the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, NY (Click here to read) and Uvalde, TX (Click here to read).

May God bless us all as we move through each day.
As the Easter Season draws to an end this Sunday on Pentecost, the week’s Mass readings have been from the Acts of the Apostles. These ancestors of ours filled with God’s Spirit went... Click here to read the remainder of Sister Bernadine's Reflection on our website.
It's Not Too Late
An update on Sr. Mary Lou Hernandez, OSB
Sister Mary Lou has made wonderful progress after a hospital and rehab stay following the repair of her fractured hip in late April. She is pictured here in the Monastery foyer.

Sister Mary Lou returned to the Monastery on May 6th and is glad to be home! She continues with her therapy here at home and laughed as she raised one foot and said "I'm still kicking!"

Thank you for your prayers - they're clearly working!
Benedictine Oblate Information
New Benedictine Oblates on the day they made their Initial Oblation, May 15, 2022 (L-R), Mary Olivia Patiño, Alex Pfeiffer, Mary Jo Baker, Michael Guerra, Mary Wisniewski, and Susan Damon. Existing Oblates had an opportunity to offer their recommitment as Oblates. Here is a link to a video of the ceremony.
We joyfully welcomed our new Oblates and the many who renewed their Oblation!

The Benedictine Oblate Ongoing Formation and Initial Formation Group will continue in the fall. We are grateful to the Oblate Leadership Team, which is led by Emilie Rogers, ObOSB, and includes Sr. Antoinette Van Galen, OSB, Sr. Michael Brandt, OSB, Jan Davis, ObOSB, who lead the Initial Formation Group this year, Nan Neff, ObOSB, who will lead the Initial Formation Group in the coming year, and Bill Howden, ObOSB. We are truly blessed by all of our Oblates and leadership.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Benedictine Oblate, please click here for more information or email us by clicking here.
Corporate Responsibility
The Benedictine Sisters were honored as one of the Founding Members at the Socially Responsible Investment Coalition's (SRIC) 40th Anniversary Event on April 27th. Look for the story in our summer Benedictine Voice newsletter.
Caridad de Corazón
Sister Ursula Herrera, OSB, (pictured right) Director of Caridad de Corazón (Charity of the Heart) with a volunteer from the shelter, receiving donations of clothing and toiletries for the immigrants.
Health and Wholeness Center
Health and Wholeness is more than activities for adults fifty and over – it’s a Community! Our wonderful members take care of each other and truly emulate Benedictine Values. Recently, the husband of one of our members passed away. Not only did a group of members send flowers, but they were able to plant a grove of trees in his honor through American Forests. This is such a loving example of the hearts of our members and the values on which our ministry is based!
Omega Retreat Center
Omega Retreat Center and Health and Wholeness are excited to welcome admin assistant Cindy McCorkle to our team. If you see Cindy in the office or out and about on the grounds, please take a moment and say hello.
All proceeds from our Sisters' Attic Thrift Shop benefit our Boerne Ministries. We are truly grateful to all who volunteer their time, and who donate and shop, to make this a popular spot to shop in Boerne!
Our Summer Newsletter will be mailed out soon. If you're not currently on our postal mailing list, please click here to email us your name and address, and we'll gladly send The Benedictine Voice to you twice a year!
We Welcome Laura Biegler to the Monastery staff
Laura was recently hired to be the part-time Administrative Assistant for the Prioress. We're all so glad she's here, especially Sister Bernadine! You'll hear Laura's friendly voice on the phone if you call the Monastery Wednesday through Friday. The Sisters will continue to volunteer to help at the front desk on Monday and Tuesday.
Click here for more information or to Register for the Colloquium
June 21-24, 2022.
There are in person in Atchison, KS, or virtual participation options!
MISSION STATEMENT
We are called to seek God in community and to respond in ministry through sharing our spirituality and addressing the needs of the people we serve, especially the poor.