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March 2021
Volume 15, Issue 3
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Dear friend in Christ,
We're sending you this letter a little earlier in the month than usual to wish you a blessed Holy Week and Easter.
Easter is a joyful time of year, yet first we have to walk the path of Christ's suffering and death. As Sister Ephrem Hollermann suggests in her notes on the Sunday gospels of Lent (which are printed a front of the sisters' Liturgy of the Hours ordo booklet for Lent): "The message of the Sunday Lenten Gospels climaxes in the passion narrative of Mark on Palm Sunday. The meaning of Mark's entire gospel is epitomized in the centurion's act of faith: 'Truly this man was God's Son' (Mk 15:39). The good news of salvation has reached the gentile world."
Let us each walk today in solidarity with the suffering Christ who is still among us in the form of the many people who are marginalized in our society and come to understand that in them we see right now the Son of God who will be raised in Easter glory.
May God be with you in these holy days!
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
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In Loving Memory: Barbara Kort, OSB |
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Benedictine Values, Modern Monasticism |
We participated in a collaborative effort with Benedictine women’s monasteries around the country to produce a video titled “Benedictine Values, Modern Monasticism.” This video, which premiered during Catholic Sisters Week, illustrates 10 Benedictine values with photographs provided by 21 different monasteries. Watch the video now!
Photo: The video's title slide, designed by Susan Damon, development associate for the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne
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God Is On Your Side: A Statement From Catholic Bishops
on Protecting
LGBT Youth
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We joined many Catholic bishops, religious orders and institutions in supporting God Is On Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth. This statement supports the Tyler Clementi Foundation in standing up for at-risk LGBT youth in our country. Read the full statement.
Photo: Our angel window at Saint Scholastica Convent, taken by Sister Nancy Bauer
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Sisters Honored at Chapter Meeting |
At our monthly Chapter meeting, we honored Sisters Dolores Super, Georganne Burr and Agatha Zwilling for their service to the monastery. S. Dolores was honored for many years of music ministry, S. Georganne was honored for her service as head of the monastery transitions team, which helps sisters adjust to major life changes, and S. Agatha was honored for her service assisting in physical therapy at the monastery.
Photo: Sisters Georganne Burr (left) and Agatha Zwilling, taken by Sister Carleen Schomer; not pictured: Sister Dolores Super.
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Come and Be: Virtual Discernment Retreat |
We will be hosting “Come and Be: Virtual Discernment Retreat” for single women ages 18–45 on April 16 and 17. Join other women for a weekend of self-discovery and vocation. Learn and discover some of our Benedictine/Christian values that shape us. Listen to personal reflections that will help you better understand if God is calling you to explore religious life. Learn more and register.
Photo: Blooming spring tree in front of the Gathering Place, taken by Sister Carleen Schomer
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Sisters Receive COVID-19 Vaccine |
As of March 5, sisters at both Saint Benedict's Monastery and Saint Scholastica Convent are vaccinated! If you would like to read more about these vaccinations and how we have been handling the pandemic, we have two resources available:
- Sister Mary Weidner gave an interview prior to receiving the vaccinations about how the monastery has kept itself safe.
- Minnesota Public Radio published a story about CentraCare’s mobile “strike team” setting up the vaccination clinic at Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
Photo: Sister Juliana Lauer (left) receives her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, taken by Sister Marina Schlangen
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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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3G Camp Update
for Summer 2021
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Due to the continued prevalence of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel both 2021 sessions for Girls, God and Good Times (3G) Camp. We know the disappointment this will cause, and you can be assured of our prayers. If you would like your daughter to stay connected, please email Sister Laura Suhr at [email protected] with your daughter’s name and grade, and S. Laura will provide more information. We sincerely hope that we can finally reunite in 2022!
Photo: 3G campers from one of our 2019 camps
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Prayer in
Troubled Times
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On Sunday, April 11, we will premiere the sixth prayer service in our series titled Prayer in Troubled Times. This service focuses on moving from darkness to Easter light. We will post the link on our website and social media channels once it is ready. Be sure to mark your calendars!
Photo: Sunrise over Sacred Heart Chapel, taken by Amanda Hackett
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Curbside Pick-Up at Whitby Gift Shop |
Photo: A quilt created by Sister Julie Schleper, taken by Sister Carleen Schomer
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Upcoming Opportunities at the Spirituality Center●Studium |
As we move into spring and look forward to summer, you may be interested in joining the Spirituality Center●Studium for a program or retreat. Good news: Our May through August offerings are set and open for registration! Take a look at our upcoming opportunities now!
Stay updated on Spirituality Center●Studium news:
Photo: Leaders at the Spirituality Center●Studium meeting via Zoom
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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 offer competitive pay and benefit packages and are currently hiring for the following positions:
- Certified Nursing Assistants
- Environmental Services Assistant
- Food Services Assistant/Dining
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Photo: Sister Rosemary Lenneman (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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