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May 2021
Volume 15, Issue 5
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Dear friend in Christ,
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8.
The psalms are the bedrock of Benedictine prayer, and you will hear many sisters say that whatever is happening in the world, or whatever they are experiencing in their personal life, there is always a line from the psalms that speaks to the situation. It's amazing how a person can chant these psalms day after day for decades and, suddenly, a line jumps out that you never paid much attention to before and says everything you need to hear.
Many people at this time are facing a roller coaster of emotion. In the U.S. and many other countries, the pandemic at last seems to be coming under control, yet many people, both at home and abroad, are still suffering from its effects. Nothing seems quite certain, things change all the time, and even when that's for the better, there's fear that it could all reverse. This is truly a time when we need to find those lines in the psalms and other inspirational texts that encourage us to keep on trusting. The quote from Psalm 32 is my "helper" for the day. I hope it speaks to you, too.
A piece of good news relating to change is that current CDC guidelines mean that the monastery is gradually opening up. Check the daily announcements on the website to keep up to date as things progress.
In hope and trust,
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Karen Rose, OSB
Director of Mission Advancement
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Benedictine Sisters and Friends
Spring 2021
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The spring 2021 edition of Benedictine Sisters and Friends is now available to read online! In this issue, we wanted to focus on how we have adapted our ways of communicating and connecting with you throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. You will read stories about sisters utilizing the virtual world of Zoom, how we have stayed connected to those inside and outside of our monastery walls, and more!
If you'd like to sign up to be on our mailing list and receive physical copies of Benedictine Sisters and Friends each spring, sign up now.
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From May 6 –12, we celebrated National Nurses Week. We are blessed to have a dedicated team of passionate nursing staff that care for our sisters at Saint Scholastica Convent. Are you looking for a new career in nursing? It's a great time to join our team! We have full and part-time positions available, and we offer competitive pay, benefits for full-time employees, shift differential pay, a sign-on bonus for night shift, AND a work environment where respect, compassion, gratitude and peace flourish. Enrich your life while making a difference in the lives of others! Learn more about our opportunities!
Photo: Heroes work at Saint Scholastica Convent!
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In Loving Memory: Renee Rau, OSB |
Sister Renee Rau entered eternal life on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud, Minn. She will be dearly missed, but we rejoice with her in her coming home to God.
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We are always blessed with a beautiful performance by the College of Saint Benedict Women's Choir at the end of the school year in our Gathering Place. We returned the favor through a blessing over the students, in particular the two seniors who graduated this year. Both the sisters and students followed social distancing guidelines and wore masks.
Photo: The sisters singing a traditional blessing over the CSB Women's Choir, taken by Sister Thomasette Scheeler
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Congratulations, CSB/SJU Graduates! |
Congratulations to all of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University graduates who walked across the commencement stage this month. We are grateful for the memories over these past four years, and we pray for a fruitful transition into the next phase of life and for all the years after that. We also pray for all high school and college graduates who are coming to the end of one journey and preparing for the next.
A blessing prayer from the sisters:
May God bless you and keep you,
May God's loving face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you,
May God look upon you kindly
and give you peace.
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Sisters, College of Saint Benedict (CSB) students and CSB staff participated in a beloved annual tradition: The Parade of Fish! Each spring, we form a processional and accompany our Koi fish from the CSB powerhouse, where they live for the winter, back to the fish pond. Sister Sharon Nohner, director of CSB Campus Ministry, led prayers, CSB Archivist Peggy Roske gave a short history of the fish pond, and CSB President Laurie Hamen gave a short reflection.
Photo: CSB students releasing fish into the koi pond, taken by Sister Thomasette Scheeler
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Benedictines Back
at the Border
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On May 20, Sisters Mary Weidner, Christian Morris, Bridgette Powers and Judy Kramer left for Laredo, Texas. In this partnership with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and Catholic Charities, these four sisters are serving God's people at the border. Please join us in praying for their safety and service as they answer the call to serve the most vulnerable and people of God.
Photo: The monastic community blessed the four sisters prior to their departure for the border, taken by Sister Karen Rose
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Experience Ecuador and Ethiopia at
Whitby Gift Shop!
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Take an international vacation without ever leaving your home state; come experience Ecuador and Ethiopia at the Whitby Gift Shop! We have an abundance of colorful, handcrafted items made by artisans in these two countries, including baskets, blankets, paintings, pottery, and more! Visit our website to see more items for sale.
Photo: Our Ecuador and Ethiopia display has lots of wonderful items for you to take home! Taken by Amanda Hackett
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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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SBHS Class of 1971 Reunion Postponed |
Due to the continued prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no reunion held this year for Saint Benedict's High School class of 1971. While we are disappointed to make this decision, we are holding the safety of our sisters and alumni in mind.
Photo: The monastery dome, taken by Amanda Hackett
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Upcoming Opportunities at the Spirituality Center●Studium |
As we move through spring and look forward to summer, you may be interested in joining the Spirituality Center●Studium for a program or retreat. Our summer offerings are open for registration, so check out our upcoming opportunities now!
Stay updated on Spirituality Center●Studium news:
Photo: The entrance to the Spirituality Center●Studium
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Join Our Team!
Career Opportunities
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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: It sure is fun to be part of the team at Saint Scholastica Convent!
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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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