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December 2020
Volume 14, Issue 12
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Dear friend in Christ,
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you." Ezekiel 36:26
I don't think there will be many people who are sorry to say "goodbye" to 2020 and welcome the New Year tomorrow. Let's all pray that God truly does give us a new heart and a new spirit as we move into 2021. Yet, part of a new heart and spirit will come for what we have learned in 2020, such as how profoundly our world is connected and that each one of us has the power to affect the lives of millions through our choices and actions. We may be glad to see 2020 come to end, but let us also pause to be thankful for lessons we have learned which may help us to become more loving, caring human beings in the future.
One part of life that has remained constant in the sisters' lives throughout 2020 is our gratitude to you. During all the struggles of the past year, we have been conscious of your love and support, and I hope you have felt ours. Especially during November and December, we have been overwhelmed by your generosity including many gifts which have been returned with prayer requests. We are always grateful for those gifts, but be sure that it is our solemn (and joy) ministry to pray for you and for the world, and we do not expect a gift in return for our prayers.
With best wishes for a New Year full of blessings,
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
Please note that if you plan to make a credit card donation before the 2020 (Central Time) calendar year ends, the sisters spend the day of December 31 in quietness and prayer. We are therefore not able to process credit card gifts that are phoned in today. Please make your online donation through our website or use the donation button at the bottom of ths letter.
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Christmas Prayer Request Tree |
Although Christmas cards arrived late due to delayed mail delivery times, we are blessed with the number of prayer requests that have been returned and are continuing to show up in the mail each day! Prayer requests are hung on a tree in the monastery dining room and will be sent to Saint Scholastica Convent where our sisters will continue to pray for you throughout the Christmas season.
Photo: The prayer request tree in the monastery dining room, taken by Sister Karen Rose
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Curbside Pick-Up at Whitby Gift Shop |
Photo: We have a selection of great children's books available for purchase!
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We have been able to live out some of our core Benedictine values through giving Genesis House to Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. In handing over the keys to Habitat, we’ll be able to welcome a new family into the St. Joe community, giving them a chance to buy their own home with confidence that it’s a home restored with thought for the environment and for the people who will live there. Thank you to all who made this donation possible! You can learn more and read the prayer service that was prayed over the house.
Photo: Sister Karen Streveler, treasurer (left), handing the keys to CMHFH board treasurer, Mark Branson
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Sister Katherine Howard Featured in Minnesota Catholic Podcasts |
Sister Katherine Howard was recently featured in podcast from Minnesota Catholic Podcasts as part of a series about how the religious communities in the Diocese of St. Cloud pray, why prayer is important, and how
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We are 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, and 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
Photo: Come take a seat with one of our spiritual directors! Taken by Sister Ann Marie Biermaier
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Throughout these difficult times of the pandemic, our staff has continued to show up to serve each and every day, and for that, we are extremely grateful. Leaders and supervisors at Saint Scholastica Convent greeted employees coming into work to thank them for their continual faithful service!
Photo: Sister Marlene Schwinghammer, dean of Saint Scholastica Convent, thanks and blesses employees at SSC. Taken by Sister Marina Schlangen
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Upcoming Opportunities at the Spirituality Center●Studium |
Stay updated on Spirituality Center●Studium news:
Photo: Sister Mara Faulkner leading a program via Zoom, taken by Sister Ann Marie Biermaier
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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
- Food Services Assistant/Dining
- Food Services Utility Worker
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Nursing Team Support
- Wellness Activity Assistant
Photo: Sister Jonathan Herda (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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