August 2022
Issue #24
Reflections from the Hill
Occasional Outreach from the Benedictine Sisters
Hello August!
"For over all, his glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain." Isaiah 4:6
Thank You, Sister Judith!

The Benedictine Sisters enjoyed their annual retreat July 18-24. Sister Bernadine Reyes, OSB summarized the week by saying, "Sister Judith’s retreat conferences made many connections between the life of Abba Antony and the Rule of Benedict which, in turn, we continue to live today in our monastic life. We owe her a debt of gratitude for her study of the Life of Antony as written by St. Athanasius and for her ability to distill the wisdom."

[Photo above: Retreat facilitator, Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, finds shade from the Texas heat outside St. Scholastica Monastery in Boerne.]
Much to Think About
in August

August is upon us! When we think of August, we think of many things. August is often a time of vacations…it is a time of getting ready to go back to school for teachers and students…it is a time for reflection. The year 2022 is more than half over. When we pause, we often say, “Where did the time go?” Each day is a chance to start over...

Sister Susan Mika, OSB pictured at the Polish Heritage Center at Panna Maria, Texas.
Sister Susan Honored
Sister Susan Mika, OSB was honored on Thursday, July 28th, with a display called "Celebrating Women's History; how Polish Women Preserved Cultural Traditions Through Work, Faith and Family" at the Polish Heritage Center at Panna Maria, Texas. The exhibit, which highlights many of Sister’s distinguished works in education, peace and justice, and Corporate Responsibility, will be featured through June 2023. Sister Susan and her family have roots in Panna Maria, and the Polish Heritage Center is very near and dear to her heart. For more information about the Center, please visit: https://polishheritagecentertx.org
Congratulations to Sister Chon Nguyen, OSB on successfully completing her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course! She attended Graduation on Saturday, July 30th from Restore Education in San Antonio where she received her career readiness and training, as well as studied English as a Second Language.
Sisters Antoinette Van Galen, OSB, Mary Agnes Zinni, OSB, and Victoria Anne Olivares, OSB joyfully surround the Graduate, Sister Chon, after her graduation.
Benedictine Oblate Schedule - Summer/Fall 2022
Oblate Initial Formation and Ongoing Formation for 2022-2023 will begin as follows (virtually via Zoom).

Our Initial Formation Program will be led this year by Nan Neff, ObOSB:
Aug 21 - Community History, Introduction to the Rule of Benedict
Sept 18 - Listening
Oct 16 - Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina
Nov 20 - Prayer & Work: Moderation and Balance, The Value of Work

Our Ongoing Formation dates/topics will also be held virtually via Zoom:
Sept 11 - Reconnecting with Community and Each Other
Oct 2 - Monastic Instinct 
Nov 6 - Panel Discussion about the "Benedictine Life: A Vision Unfolding" Colloquium

We'd like to thank Michael Guerra, ObOSB and Jim Williams, ObOSB for joining the Oblate Leadership Team this year, along with Sister Susan Mika, OSB. They will serve with Sister Antoinette.Van Galen, OSB, Emilie Rogers, ObOSB (Team Leader), Jan Davis, ObOSB, William Howden, ObOSB, and Nan Neff, ObOSB.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Benedictine Oblate, please click here for more information or email us by clicking here.
Health & Wholeness Update

The Health & Wholeness Center is a popular place! We have added so many new members that we are now placing interested individuals on a waiting list for membership.

Please call Annie Walther, HWC Manager at (830) 816-8470 or click here to email if you have any questions or would like to be added to the waiting list. Thanks!
Omega Updates

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Bryden, Larry & Frances, & Elizabeth for their generous responses to our need for a washer/dryer for the Haider-Keane Inn. Thanks to you, we are now able to purchasing these items! And a special thank you to Stephen for the HP Office Jet Pro 8028e all-in-one printer and ink cartridges. We are putting these to good use! More Good News: Omega Retreat Center is increasing the number of guests to 72 through the end of the year. Space is getting booked! Call us at (830) 816-8470 when planning your next retreat or email omegaretreatcenter@gmail.com
Sisters' Attic

Our Sisters' Attic Thrift Shop is a great place for back to school shopping! Come see us Tue-Sat from 10am-4pm, 316 W. Highland Dr., Boerne.

Debi Watson, (pictured L) of Hill Country Daily Bread (HCDB), gratefully receives "Back to School" bags from Annie Walther (pictured R). The bags were filled with donations of clothing for youth in need in Boerne. A generous cash donation from the Health & Wholeness Center members and friends was also given for the HCDB Back to School campaign.
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.