Reflections from the Hill
Occasional Outreach from the Benedictine Sisters
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Blessings in the New Year |
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"So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Happy New Year - 2022!
We will keep you all in our prayers in the year ahead!
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I borrowed the title of this article from Reverend Mary Earle’s book Beginning Again (Benedictine Wisdom for Living with Illness). As we move into a New Year, I thought the title was appropriate. Most of us grew up with the tradition of making New...
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The Federation of Saint Scholastica, to which the Benedictine Sisters belong, is celebrating its Centennial in 2022! |
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The same call and gift of the Spirit that came to Benedict of Nursia and his sister, Scholastica, early in the 6th century came to the women who formed the Federation of Saint Scholastica early in the 20th century. This same call and gift of the Spirit comes to us today, inspiring and animating us to respond to the gospel with their good zeal, with listening hearts, with clarity of spiritual vision, and with hearts impelled by love. And so we pray: |
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Sisters and Staff Gathered for a Christmas Luncheon and Gift Exchange
Continuing to practice COVID safety measures, the Sisters hosted a Christmas luncheon, catered by Angel Food, for all the Sisters and staff on December 14th. A few rounds of Bingo were played after lunch followed by a simple gift exchange. It was a fun time for all!
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Each of the Sisters, including Sr. Susan Mika, OSB, (2nd from left) and staff received a gift from under the tree in the Monastery. |
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(l-r) Sisters Victoria Anne Olivares, OSB, and Mary Lou Hernandez, OSB, with their Christmas gifts as staff wait to select gifts. |
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The Benedictine Oblate Zoom Meeting will be held January 9, 2022, from 1-2 pm. Sister Michael Brandt, OSB, will be presenting on the topic "God in the Ordinary."
EXCITING NEWS:
Benedictine Oblate Initial Formation classes (virtual) will begin via ZOOM on January 23, 2022 under the direction of Jan Davis, ObOSB, DMin!
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The Heart of our Health and Wholeness Center really came through in 2021! We donated side dishes for over 75 Christmas meals to Hill Country Daily Bread! We also gave 50 new toys to Boys and Girls Clubs and 50 new toys to Family Social Services!
We were blessed to host the training of 12 members of the San Antonio Special Olympics through November and December. Their Triathlon was on December 9, 2021 and everyone did very well!
On January 12, 2022 we will kick off our Core and Balance Classes with Debbe Jo Allen who is certified in Yoga and Pilates, and more specifically - Senior Fitness! Her goal is to help our members move correctly to add a new level to Senior Health.
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OMEGA RETREAT CENTER
The Center has reopened for group overnight retreats. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of guests may be limited. The Omega staff is committed to following safety protocols as they welcome guests back to the Center’s sacred spaces.
In addition to overnight retreats, Omega offers Bethany, a quaint space for individual, private day retreats and reflection. Reservations must be made in advance. Spiritual Direction is offered by request.
For more information about overnight retreats or individual day retreats, visit
Established in 1982, Omega is home to the very first A.C.T.S. retreat that was held in 1987.
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Health and Wholeness Center New Year's WISH LIST
- Two variable H2O pumps, two commercial rated sand filters, sand, and two multi-port valves for our pool
- Re-surface/seal the floors in the bath house
- Light hand weights (1-3 lbs.) and stretch bands for our core and balance classes
- Mirrors to hang on the wall in the Activity Room of the HWC so that members can see themselves during Core and Balance
- New float in the skimmer to monitor the water level
For more information, contact Annie Walther at (830) 816-8470, Ext. 1.
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The Benedictine Sisters are seeking: |
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Caridad de Corazón Ministry Teams Up With Operation Christian Love to Bring Christmas Joy |
Sister Ursula Herrera, OSB, Director of our Caridad de Corazón ministry in Eagle Pass, Texas, and members from Operation Christian Love, brought gifts of clothing, toys, and essential items to the children at Casa Nazareth orphanage in Piedras Negras, Mexico.
A very special thank you to all who support our Caridad ministry throughout the year!
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Corporate Responsibility Ministry
The Sisters’ involvement in Corporate Responsibility gives us a direct voice to be engaged in the pressing concerns of our time which affect quality of life in our local, national and global communities.
In Laudato Sí, Pope Francis challenges each of us to hear both “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” (#50) This commitment by the community addresses both.
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Are you Participating in the Pope's Laudato Si’ seven-year program?
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With profound care for each other, our Creator, and all creation, we are building a better future together.
Pope Francis invites you to learn more about the Laudato Si’ action platform. Click on the link below.
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Our offices will be closed on
Monday, January 17,
in observance of the
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
“I have decided to stick to love...
Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
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Our sincere gratitude to our family, friends, and benefactors for ALL your support in 2021!
Because of you, we were able to continue our important ministry work in Boerne, San Antonio, and Eagle Pass.
God bless you for helping us fulfill our mission and for being a part of our legacy!
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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.
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