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October 2020
Volume 14, Issue 10
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Dear friend in Christ,
October was "Respect for Life Month," and this year we were invited to "Live the Gospel of Life." Respecting life and living that respect out in our own lives isn't something that we should think about only in October. As October turns into November, let's continue to heed the call of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminding us that all life is sacred and includes "the right to life for children in their mothers’ wombs, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the marginalized...".
On November 11, we are called to remember lives that were given in service to their country. On Veterans' Day, or Armistice Day, as it was originally known, we will be observing the tradition of ringing the bells at Saint Benedict's Monastery and at Saint Scholastica Convent. The bells will toll 11 times at 11 a.m. as a symbol of our commitment to regarding this as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated."
In respectful gratitude for God's gift of life,
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
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Give MN's annual Give to the Max Day will take place Thursday, November 19, 2020. This year's funds will help us reach out to those in need and embody the Benedictine values of awareness of God, prayer, listening, hospitality, community, peace and care for creation. If you are unable to participate financially this year, please continue to participate in our mission by helping us spread Benedictine and Gospel values to the world! |
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Since Saint Benedict's Monastery is still closed to visitors, we wanted to give you the opportunity to join us for a virtual tour. On this virtual tour, you will join us as we walk through our sacred spaces and other places in our monastery. We look forward to the day where we can welcome you for a physical tour once again. Enjoy your (virtual) visit!
Photo: A bird's-eye view of the monastery and college campuses, taken by Terry Loso
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Prayer for a
Peaceful Election
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On November 3, Saint Benedict’s Monastery will join more than 80 religious communities around the country to pray for peace on Election Day, specifically for peace in our country, the safety of all poll workers, and the safety of those who are voting on that day. We will be praying throughout the day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. We invite you to join us in prayer on that day from wherever you are.
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National Vocation Awareness Week |
National Vocation Awareness Week takes place November 1–7, 2020. Please follow us on social media (links can be found on the bottom) to keep up with us as we celebrate our monastic call during this week.
If you would like to learn more, contact Sister Lisa Rose, director of vocations, at (320) 363-7180 or lrose@csbsju.edu. |
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Curbside Pick-Up at Whitby Gift Shop |
Photo: Painted Christmas ornaments made by Sister Nancy Bauer
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November is traditionally the month when we especially remember those who have died and gone before us. Throughout this month, we will be praying for all the people listed in the Book of Life located in the Gathering Place. We invite you to add the names of your deceased loved ones. Since you cannot do this in person this year, please contact Sister Shirley Nohner and she will add their names to the book.
Photo: The Book of Life, taken by Amanda Hackett
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National Estate Planning Awareness Week |
National Estate Planning Awareness Week took place October 19–25, 2020. If you would like to find out more about including the sisters in your estate plan, please visit the mission advancement page of our website.
Photo: Sister Nina Lasceski, our planned giving specialist, would be happy to talk to you!
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Anniversary of the Dedication of Sacred Heart Chapel |
On October 24, we celebrated the anniversary of the dedication of Sacred Heart Chapel. Sacred Heart Chapel was dedicated in 1914 on completion of the building and was consecrated in 1943 when the mortgage was fully paid. Since only sisters were able to attend this year's celebration, it was much more low-key than in previous years, but we are so grateful to have this beautiful, dedicated space of worship.
Photo: A candle lit in Sacred Heart Chapel during a previous year's celebration
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We are still offering spiritual direction through Zoom, Skype or phone calls. Spiritual direction is for persons seeking a deeper inner life, struggling with transitions or desiring a deeper relationship with God. A spiritual director is a companion to another on his/her spiritual journey as the Spirit directs the person to the blessings that God intends for him/her. For more information, contact Sister Josue Behnen at (320) 363-7112 or jbehnen@csbsju.edu.
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Prayer in
Troubled Times
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We prepared a series of four virtual Evening Prayer services, praying for the needs of the church and world in these troubled times. The series focused on all who are suffering as a result of the coronavirus, racial inequities, and the fragility of our planet Earth, and each 20-minute prayer session included readings, spoken prayers and songs. If you missed any or want to view them for the first time, you will find them on our YouTube channel.
Photo: Autumn at Saint Benedict's Monastery, taken by Sister Karen Streveler
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Upcoming Opportunities at the Spirituality Center●Studium |
The Spirituality Center●Studium has enjoyed engaging with you again through virtual programming this fall. If you are looking for a way to feed your spiritual hunger, there are still some upcoming virtual programs spanning a variety of topics. We will also be revealing our winter/spring 2021 events soon. We hope to "see" you in the future!
Stay updated on Spirituality Center●Studium news:
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If you are looking for a new career in a 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 Assistants
- Food Services Utility Worker
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Nursing Team Support
- Wellness Activity Assistant
Photo: Sister Dale Wollum (right) with one of our faithful nursing assistants
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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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