St. Paul’s Monastery, St. Paul, MN
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Sisters of St. Benedict
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sp r i n g 2 0 1 0
Passages
Volume 20 / Issue 3
Maple Tree Childcare
Tubman
CommonBond
2675 Benet Road
Hill-Murray
New Senior Rentals
“God, I can push the grass apart
and lay my finger on thy heart.”
Edna St. Vincent Millay
1
Leadership
Dear Friend,
SPRING moves into summer with the gentleness of a growing child. At the monastery, we
are awed daily by the changing landscape as bushes sprout, trees flower and animals emerge
from the woods to taste the fresh greens. Life is ever changing and so are we.
BENEDICTINES have been praying and serving the people of God for over 1,500 years.
Sister Lucia
Common prayer is most significant in the life of all Benedictines and the choice of ministries Schwickerath,
OSB
that address current needs are strong factors in our longevity of traditions and heritage. Is it
any wonder that we, the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery, have formed a Visioning Our Future committee to bring
us into the future with intentionality and hope? Charlie Keffer has been selected to steer the strategic planning of
this group comprised of sisters and lay people.
EVEN though we welcomed hundreds of you at our multiple Open House Events of the year, we continue to look
forward to your presence at our Eucharist, prayers and other special events. Simply call 651-777-8181 for the
exact time.
THESE days cause me to reflect on God’s many blessings as my first year anniversary nears serving as Prioress of
this community. In our Holy Rule, St. Benedict says, “The Abbot/Prioress takes the place of Christ in the monastery. (RB 2) This call from God which came through the sisters, is both awe inspiring and frightening, as I daily
pray with and serve the sisters, encouraging them to do the same for each other. As we walk this mutual journey,
we promise to be a blessing to each other, our relatives, friends, oblates and benefactors, just as you have been
to us. Our future is filled with faith which builds a firm foundation, energizing hope and love. This is the life in
which you have already shared through your personal relationship with us, your generosity in volunteering your
time, talent, treasure or attendance at prayer.
MAY this time of late Spring initiate a summer filled with enjoyment, spiritual enrichment and time with loved
ones, all in a safe environment. This year, let us pray especially for the children in our families. Childhood is
known to be the “Springtime of Life,” is it not?
Sincerely in St. Benedict,
Sister Lucia Schwickerath, OSB, Prioress
S. Linda Soler was appointed as Assistant to the Prioress by S. Lucia Schwickerath as of
March 15, 2010. S. Linda joins the leadership team with a BA in Theology, Pastoral and
Catechetical Ministry Certification, and Befriender leadership training. She serves on the
monastic council at the monastery, and on the Federation of St. Benedict Council. She
will continue to work part time at St. John’s of Little Canada. S. Linda has past experience in vocation ministry as well as building and grounds.
S. Linda Soler
2
SISTER VIOLA IRENE SCHLICHT died February 20, 2010. She
was 100 years old having lived her monastic profession for 81 years. Born to Michael
and Anna (Waltz) in Freeport, MN, S. Viola Irene was the sixth in a merchant family
of ten, five girls and five boys. Having received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation at Sacred Heart church in Freeport and St. Boniface church in Melrose,
she entered the Scholasticate in 1926 at St. Benedict’s in St. Joseph, MN. After her
first vows in 1929, she began a teaching career in Montgomery, MN staying for
nineteen years. Her teaching ministry then took her to St. Anne’s, Minneapolis,
St. Philip’s, Litchfield, St. Bernard’s, St. Paul, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Paul,
retiring to the monastery in 1986, 1990 and finally in 1992. Sister also taught vacation school classes intermittently from 1949 to 1967 at St. Margaret Mary, Minneapolis, Greenleaf, Darwin, North Branch, St. Anne’s and St. Bernard’s.
SISTER was a charter member of the monastery arriving in St. Paul in 1948 with
177 other Benedictines from St. Benedict’s in St. Joseph, MN. S. Viola Irene had a
wonderful sense of humor and was filled with many stories. Her parents were dear
to her and sometimes her voice softened when she told of her father who in her youth
would give her a nickel for any deed she might do to please him. Sister loved to sing, being
active in choirs and other liturgical functions. Her joy was catchy and easy to come by. She loved teaching and it
was proven by the many former students who continued to write and visit her throughout the years. Sister, being
an avid reader, had a special devotion to angels reading about them whenever she could. Having celebrated her
golden jubilee in 1979, her diamond in 1989, she was privileged to celebrate her seventy-fifth in 2004 and her
eightieth in 2009. We pray those angels she cherished here may welcome her and guide her into the everlasting
Light as she can now, at long last, rest after her many years of devoted service, greeting those she loves amid the
endless multitude where day is everlasting, love does not fail and goodness reigns.
happenings
Archbishop flynn
visits in December
S. Annette Esboldt, S. Linda Soler, S. Lucia Schwickerath,
S. Mary Courteau with Archbishop Harry Flynn.
PATRICIA ROBERTS
Patricia Roberts
visited the monastery April 15th-27th, a former
Director of the Benedictine Center from 1993-1999. She was in the United States at the
invitation of Spiritual Directors International having led morning prayer with movement
for their 20th Anniversary Conference in San Francisco. She now lives in Arequipa, Peru
and continues her international ministry of retreats and spiritual direction. While with
us, she assisted with retreats and hospitality.
Sam Rahberg
3
“IF YOU WANT PEACE, WORK FOR JUSTICE”
(Pope Paul VI, 1972)
LaVerne Hudalla, OSB
THE ministries of St. Paul’s Monastery
extend beyond our campus in wide and
varied ways. Yearly the community commits 1% or more of the sisters’ earnings as
donations for local needs of women and
children and requests from the sisters.
THE Donations Committee, chaired by
Sister Sharon Schiller, distributes these
funds. The committee includes Sisters
Bernadine Frischmon, Jeron Osterfeld,
Anne Boeckers, and Pat Collins. North
St. Paul Emergency Food Shelf, Second
Harvest Heartland, Dorothy Day Center,
S. Sharon Schiller (left), S. Margaret Kramer, S. LaVerne Hudalla coordinating
donations from Donations Committee and Justice and Peace Committee.
Joseph’s Coat, and Life Care Centers are
among the recipients.
MONIES donated to the monastery, and restricted to be used for justice and peace issues, are allocated by the
Justice and Peace Committee. The mission statement of the Justice and Peace Committee states “Guided by the
Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict, our mission is to raise individual and community consciousness of the value
of peace, human dignity, and the sacredness of all creation.” Donations are local, regional, national, and global
partnering with those who serve women and children and those in need. These partnerships can be in time, space
and/or monetary contributions.
SOME recent donations were made to Meds and Food for Kids (Haiti), Environmental Defense Action Fund,
Bread for the World, Earth Justice, Hill-Murray Service Learning, Tartan Uprising, Doctors Without Borders,
Chilean Relief and Amnesty International.
JUSTICE and Peace Committee members are: Sisters LaVerne Hudalla and Margaret Kramer, co-chair, Joan
Utecht, secretary, and Mary White, Jean Hartman and Pat Melody.
IN the interest of our planet, the community has committed itself to “Take Back the Tap;” to drink tap water rather
than bottled to help protect the environment from the pollution caused by plastic bottles. Employees and guests
are invited to join us in this endeavor, as are you, our readers.
A representative from Catholic Charities Office of Social Justice addressed the community regarding the need to
save General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) funding which was scheduled to end March 1. Sisters were asked
to sign post cards to be sent to our legislators.
POSTCARDS were also sent to Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and Representative Betty McCollum supporting the plan offered by the American Bishops regarding the issue of immigration.
“Anything will give up its secret
if you love it enough.”
George Washington Carver
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Valiant Women Series
REMEMBERING…
VALIANT WOMEN
SISTER JEROMA JOHNSON left us in 1981; she was a Benedictine mentor to many, college and high school English teacher
to thousands and a dear friend to those who remember her
with love. An Elk River lass, she entered St. Benedict’s
in St. Joseph, MN, and came to St. Paul’s Priory in 1948.
She was among the first to join the pioneering few living
at 301 Summit Avenue those beginning June days when
beds were few, food was scarce and companionship was at
a premium. Eventually, with young novices appearing on
the scene and becoming junior sisters, S. Jeroma became
the directress of the junior sisters—the third, fourth and
fifth year of convent entry when they were attending college
classes or were in another form of ministry and need. It was
her “shining moment” for sixteen years as she prepared young
sisters in formation for religious life. It was also a time of discernment for them as well since they had not yet taken final
vows. Even though her teaching background was English while
being the monastery librarian, she was steadfast in her own monastic calling, a stronghold of Benedictine history and heritage.
Because Sister was short of stature (Zachaeus was a favorite Biblical character of hers because he had to climb a tree to see Christ), she
had a strong heart as varied maladies had claimed their rights throughout the
years but she always recovered. There were certain physical attributes she could
not accomplish like a swift walking gait so if another walked with her, she would
S. Jeroma Johnson - at Catholic U.
gently remind the other she was not equal to her pace and would the other please
the summer of 1947.
walk slowly. A common cold could be fatal for her limited breathing space, the
result of calcification in that area, so she was extremely careful when colds were being exchanged but it was a
cold that finally caught her.
Sister Jeroma was very fond of her mother and would delight listeners with favorite stories about her. Not only
were the stories a treasure but Jeroma’s gift of storytelling became just as grand as her stories. She was a wonderful listener so anyone in various degrees of “hot water” would be assured of confidentiality and the minimum of
laughter since Jeroma’s objectivity would be a vital part of the listening process. Jeroma could break up in quiet
laughter as humor would come upon her with ease. Sometimes, if one might be in distress because of another’s
unusual behavior, Jeroma might say, “She’s cut on the bias.” In other words, the behavior is inherent and cannot be
easily changed, only understood if possible. If a person told a funny story and was laughing about it, Sister would
say, “My mother taught me not to laugh at my own jokes.” One time when I was passing her room, she was visiting with a lovely white haired and veiled stranger and called me in saying, “I want you to meet a former student of
mine from St. Benedict’s who was in my writing class.” The student was S. Kathryn Zimmer from Annunciation
Monastery in Bismarck and the rest is a pleasant history.
Continued on page 7
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Valiant Women Series continued
S. Jeroma had a great sense of adventure, would readily welcome new experiences
along with new people in her life, visitors always receiving a gracious welcome
befitting strangers in the midst. One prominent new adventure which was the talk
of the former monastery years ago was when there was a fire drill that had to be
conducted from the fifth story porch with a crane and a living body in the attached
apparatus. Who was that living body but S. Jeroma! She was the talk of the day for
months to come because of this act of bravery.
Finally, she was one of our early feminists and worked to change to inclusive language or other twists in liturgical readings to benefit women but sometimes was
ambushed by the nearest clergyman. She held her own in a determined style which
often was gentle humor and did not give up easily. Sister was a writer and would
occasionally present her musings at community events or to varied individuals depending upon the occasion. To receive a letter from her was not only a gift in itself
but it was an art form. The art of conversation was not lost upon her. One would
S. Jeroma Johnson
wish to have her near in the presence of strangers lest there be prolonged moments
of silence. She had a listening heart with a presence and wisdom that we continue to miss. Her death was ill timed
but for those we love, whose is not? Those of us who remember her with love call ourselves blessed to have been
with her in our monastic journey.
S. Carole Sweely, OSB.
This is the third in the series of Valiant Women
ACCEPTABLE TIMES
Marie Fujan, OSB
Often I have counted on God’s help to make a decision or to choose between things.
My first question might be, Lord, what are you asking of me now? Sometimes my
next question is: am I able to do that, or perhaps more honestly, do I want to do that
now? At other times I challenge God to make it so clear that I won’t miss the direction.
What follows is the result of one such challenge made before evening prayer. “In
an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you....” In the
Marie Fujan, OSB
reading St. Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah as he tries to encourage the Corinthians to
respond to God’s grace by reflecting on his own experience of being a minister of God. Chapter 6 of Second Corinthians could serve as a reflection on our ministry, no matter what that ministry is, no matter who we are.
St. Paul ends a series of contrasting, often contradictory expressions of his experience of ministry by saying
“ . . . as sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing and yet possessing all
things.” How can that be? And yet it is!
As having nothing and yet possessing all things takes me back many years, watching a magnificent sunset when a
friend said: “This (meaning the beautiful sky) has been given to me, and I give it to you.” It has been ever so long
since I recalled that moment and that precious gift. What experience are you recalling in this acceptable time? I
would love to hear about it.
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JUBILARIAN CELEBRATIONS 60th and 50th
60 Years – Diamond Jubilee!
S. Rosemary Rader
SISTER ROSEMARY RADER, celebrating her 60th jubilee, hails from St. Leo, MN was
drawn to the concept of religious life and the fact that her sister, Cecile Marie, was a
Benedictine in the St. Paul community, which was established in 1948 at 301 Summit
Avenue. Rosemary entered the Scholasticate in September that same year making her first
vows in 1950 and beginning her scholarly career at the College of St. Catherine, an M.A.
in Latin from the University of Minnesota, an M.A. in Religious Studies from Stanford,
CA with a Ph. D in 1977. She is steadfast to the goals of the Benedictine tradition with the
support of her Benedictine sisters. Of the commitments she’s had all these years, she was
most pleased while teaching in the parishes with other Benedictine sisters since it was
“family-oriented.” She remembers with most appreciation the guidance and leadership
of Mother Loraine Tracy along with Sister Adelia Schmidt, the companionship of Sisters
Pauline Johnson, Cecile Marie, Noreen Rader and many others. Congratulations!
50 Years – Golden Jubilee
SISTER SARAH VOSS was initially working for the Sisters of St. Joseph and attended
their College of St. Catherine eventually wishing to enter a community close to her home
in St. Paul. While working at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sister met Benedictines from St.
Paul’s Priory and St. Benedict’s. Mother Marcelline Jung and Sister Luanne Meagher
were touring Bethany Convent seeking construction ideas when S. Sarah was working
there while introductions followed and three years later she found herself at 301 Summit
Avenue.
Holding Sister Sarah to the Benedictine spirit is the impact of the Divine Office, the liturgy and the beauty of the Mass. Of all her 52 years in community, she has had four types
of commitments: teacher, art student, health care and nursing home administrator. Of the
S. Sarah Voss
four, that of Chief Executive Officer of acute care is her favorite. She feels her travels
have taken her to more states stretching her vow of stability.
Having the greatest impact on Sister Sarah and her development as a Benedictine were Mother Marcelline Jung,
S. Jeroma Johnson, S. Gladys Hartman and S. Monita Ballman. Not only Benedictines but the Sisters of St. Joseph
had the initial influence on her religious vocation especially S. Agnes Veronica Lunney, CSJ. Congratulations!
Sisters Lucia Schwickerath, Rosemary Rader, Sarah Voss
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DEVELOPMENT NEWS
2010 Christmas at the “New” Monastery –
Saturday, December 4, 2010
December 4, 2010 has been selected for the third Christmas at
the Monastery event which will be held at the “new” St. Paul’s
Monastery.
The Event Committee has begun planning for this unique and
well-loved event. Marilyn and Paul Piazza are this year’s committee chairs with Brad and Colleen Wood from the McGough
Foundation as Honorary Chairs. A special musical event is
being planned for the new monastery chapel.
Other committee members include: Mary Kaase, Linda &
Bob Lawrence, Al Rohweder, Jeff Conlin, Sue & Joe Buelow,
Paul and Marilyn Piazza
LuAnn Schwickerath, Sam Rahberg, John Joslin, Sisters Paula
Hagen, Linda Soler, Mary Lou Dummer, Eleanor Wartman and
Lucia Schwickerath, Prioress.
Mark your calendar NOW for this illustrious event! You won’t want to miss this grand celebration of the Christmas season!
Valuable End of Life Seminars a Grand Success
Three End-of-Life Seminars attracted a full-house at the monastery in early April. The three highly-attended
seminars covered a cross-section of critical end of life issues.
Topics included: directives that the Church reasonably requires in sustaining life while allowing persons to die
peacefully, the practical role of Hospice care, the importance of having health care directives, appropriate powers
of attorney, general estate and tax planning, and lastly, avoiding family disputes in the distribution of personal
items of highly emotional and personal value among family members.
Outstanding presentations on the issues were given by Kathryn Lilla Cox, PhD, Assistant Professor of Moral
Theology of St. John’s School Theology and Seminary, Deborah Flaa, Certified Hospice Nurse, Specialist of
HealthEast Hospice and St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tara Mattessich of Moore, Costello & Hart P.L.L.P. and Mary Anderson, retired faculty member from the University of Minnesota Extension Society.
From the evaluations of nearly 150 attendees the presenters gave “rave” reviews and thanked the sisters and monastery staff for sponsoring these worthwhile programs. Attendees also took home excellent materials to share
with family members for future financial and estate planning. The sisters were grateful to all who attended and to
the law firm of Moore, Costello & Hart, P.L.L.P. the oldest law firm in Saint Paul that generously helped underwrite these seminars. For further information, contact John Joslin at the monastery, 651-777-8181.
Interest in St Paul’s Monastery Legacy Society Continues to Grow
One important issue attorney, Tara Mattessich, JD, from Moore, Costello & Hart addressed in her presentation
was the significant tax advantages of charitable giving in financial and estate planning. She pointed out how taxes
can be saved when persons make charitable gifts during their lifetime as well as through charitable designations
in their will, through beneficiary designations in IRA’s and life insurance and through other alternatives in their
estate planning.
The Legacy Society of St. Paul’s Monastery continues to include special friends of the sisters who have shared
they have remembered the sisters in their will and/or estate plans. Each year the Society gathers on a Fall Sunday
morning at the monastery with a peaceful celebration of gratitude with the sisters for Mass, brunch and a blessing
from the sisters. The sisters daily remember their benefactors and Legacy Society members, living and deceased,
in their prayers.
Continued on page 9
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Recently and over this past year the sisters were grateful recipients of several bequests and gifts from life insurance and annuity plans from deceased
friends who, out of love and gratitude to the sisters, chose to remember the
sisters in their wills and estate.
Persons having an interest or wishing information in the Monastery’s Legacy
Society may phone or email John Joslin, Director of Development and
Planned Giving at 651-777-8181, [email protected] or write at
the monastery’s address, 2675 Benet Rd, St. Paul, MN 55109.
Important note: Information on Legacy Society members’ estate plans or of
persons seeking information on the St. Paul’s Monastery Legacy Society is
kept strictly confidential.
COMING EVENTS:
July 11
Feast of St. Benedict
December 4
Christmas at the Monastery
Tara Mattessich
We sincerely apologize to those listed incorrectly in our Annual
Report. Corrections to Annual Report listed in Winter Passages should
be listed under St. Hildegard of Bingen Society $500+
Ann Gaul
Tom Jorissen
OBLATE’S CORNER
Jim Bartol
REMODELING
IT was just a small drip coming from the faucet, and it only leaked when the shower was in use. Nothing serious
or urgent, something that I could easily put off for awhile. So I procrastinated. As an experienced home owner I
knew that I would find other items in need of attention once I started work on the shower. But over time this inner voice (or was it my wife?) kept suggesting that I should take this project more seriously and get started. So
four weeks ago I took the plunge and ripped out the leaking shower. And the rotting wood… And the outdated
wall tile... And the worn out flooring... And the ugly sink and counter top…AS I contemplated what I had gotten
myself into, it struck me that home remodeling and spiritual development have quite a bit in common. I remember
the day I decided that my spiritual life could use a little tweaking, so I stopped by the monastery for noon prayer.
No big deal, just 15 minutes from my day once each week. I could do that much. But it wasn’t long before this
inner voice (or was it Carol Rennie?) invited me to look into the oblate program. I hesitated, suspecting that this
would lead to more extensive ‘remodeling’ than what I first had in mind. But eventually I became an oblate. And
found myself on the Maple Childcare Tree board… And volunteering with the Benedictine Center… And helping to bake some of the many cookies I so enjoy eating...THERE were days over the past several weeks when I
wondered where this bathroom project was headed. Had I gotten myself in over my head? Will the work ever
end? Will the end result turn out as I had hoped? But as I finished with the shower this morning I stepped back
and saw how well it had turned out! Likewise I’ve sometimes wondered whether the whole spiritual renewal
process is more than I can handle. Is it really necessary? Where will it lead? Can I handle it? But as I look back
on the last few years I marvel at the subtle yet significant transformation of my life. Though it is far from done
(this clearly is a bigger job than home remodeling), I can say I’m pleased with the progress. Having a Rule for
guidance, and other oblates and a community of sisters as companions, I know this is something that I can do. It
is exciting to see what will emerge as I continue to listen with the ear of my heart. AND now to put up some sheet
rock… And get that new floor in…
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SISTER VIRGINIA BIEREN will be leaving
us in May after five and a half years as administrative assistant in the development office. She will
be moving to Chicago, IL in August to help
form a community for postulants entering the
SSND’s across North America. Sister has
been with us since October of 2004.
Her time with us has been all too short.
However, she has experienced some
highlights being here: her expertise in
development helped her initiate some
additional programs in the department;
events sponsored by the monastery became
wonderful gatherings for friends and donors
through the hard work of an energetic committee. “The placement of the Cloister Gift Shop became an addition to the tasks of the Development office and starting a gift shop was a dream I had had for
several years. I liked the concept of oblates and volunteers
S. Virginia Bieren
working in the gift shop.”
Before Sister was in development, she was a teacher and administrator in Catholic schools for 30 years. We’d like to keep her but since we cannot, we wish her the best in
her new adventure.
Harriet Rydel from Shriners’ Hospital for Children assumed this position May 3, 2010.
MAYOR VISITS MAPLE TREE CHILDCARE CENTER
Jennie Schlauch
In recognition of the Week of the Young Child, Maplewood Mayor Will Rossbach visited Maple Tree Childcare Center on April 15, 2010. The program director,
Jennie Schlauch, took the mayor on a tour of the infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. The preschool
children sang some of their favorite songs to their
special guest. Mayor Rossbach read two story books
to the older children. The youngsters showed him the
plans for their new playground slated for construction
in mid-May. The mayor left with a welcome banner
the children created and a thank you card in appreciation of his visit.
10
A Lifetime of Learning
Victor Klimoski
Most of us know that there are few shortcuts to what really matters. The skills we most value, the relationships
that give us life, or the achievements in which we take our greatest satisfaction all require time and sustained
commitment. That is the case with the spiritual life. While there are a wide range of practices that help guide
and enrich one’s efforts to grow as a disciple of Christ, none in themselves work magic. Reading about those we
recognize as saints, we often discover the times of drudgery many faced when their hearts were leaden and their
spirits discouraged. What got them to the other side of those bleak periods were persistence and hard work.
When the sisters established the Benedictine Center over twenty-five years ago, it was with a recognition that people benefit from resources that support their spiritual growth. While a person does not need to come to a monastery
to find God, there is something wonderfully symbolic about the journey to Benet Road where you might spend a
weekend on retreat, an evening in a workshop,
or an hour with a spiritual director. For
in the journey one embodies the intention to embrace opportunities
that expand one’s lifetime of
learning about what it means
to follow Christ, to live with
a Gospel heart, to look more
deeply into what one believes, and to stay steady
when life’s busyness and
demands are a powerful
source of distraction. This idea of a lifetime of
learning underscores that
we will never know it all, that
we are in a process of formation calling for prayer and study
that only ends when we draw our last
breath. That means that we cannot coast,
assuming that what we learned once is sufficient
forever. Those monastics who have practiced lectio divina for decades, for example, will be the first to say that
what may appear as an easily understood Scripture passage continues to produce fresh, new and challenging insights year after year. So it is with those who study central teachings of Christian life: a lifetime of study opens up
deeper and deeper meaning. This frees us from a brittle narrowness as we strive to grow in knowledge and grace.
As we plan the Benedictine Center’s program for the coming year, we are mindful that we are only one of the
sources people use as they seek to grow in knowledge and grace. The distinctive aspect of what we do comes
from the long monastic tradition that influences the choices we make and the setting we try to create for guests
whether they come for an hour of spiritual direction or a weekend retreat. Hospitality is fundamental for our
spirit of welcome conveys the desire of the community that guests find here a place of peace and serenity that the
voice of God might be heard more clearly. The themes of workshops and retreats return to core beliefs about how
the Good News shapes one’s heart and calls one to practices of study and prayer that keep a person grounded no
matter what life brings. As the monastery itself reflects faithful witness to a 1500 year old vision of discipleship
so its outreach through the Benedictine Center reminds guests of the vigor that vision still holds.
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Ministry of Mothers Sharing…
…empowering women from the inside out for the transformation of society.
Ministry of Mothers Sharing has roots dating back to the mid-1980’s. What began as
a spiritual resource for mothers of young children at St. Timothy’s in Mesa, Arizona,
has evolved into an international
ministry touching the lives of countless women of all In the late 90’s, an ad caught my eye – an 8
ages and life experiences. Just as S. Paula Hagen, Week ‘journey’…I was a grandmother in my
Vickie Jennett, and Patricia Hoyt responded to the needs 50’s, but the prospect of learning to do things
of women then, the current National Leadership Team differently and get better results was intriguing. As it turned out, it was the journey that
responds to the needs of women in today’s society. In
changed my life.
a culture of more—more wealth, more activities, more
Martha M. Van Zant, Altamonte Springs, FL
noise—this ministry encourages the individual to move
into less. By entering into the experience of silence,
reflection, journaling, prayer rituals, and small group discussion, women are invited to slow down and
consciously seek to acknowledge and understand the presence of God in their daily lives. In the fast-paced
world of more, it is challenging to be present to the now.
Through Ministry of Mothers Sharing, women learn
Ministry of Mothers Sharing
skills to do just that: to be present in the ‘now’ moments
National Training & Conference of their lives. As women are empowered, they begin to
discover and nurture their gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
July 15 -17, 2010
In turn, families grow in their understanding of God as
St. Paul’s Monastery
the center of their lives.
Training Workshops
Enrichment Sessions
Networking
In recent years, Ministry of Mothers Sharing has
continued to grow in a number of ways. Beyond its
roots in the parish, the ministry now reaches directly
Evening Speaker:
into the homes of families through a monthly newsletter
Friday, July 16th, 7pm
rich with resources for personal reflection and growth.
‘Spirituality of Humor’
While the foundation of the ministry remains the 8
with Linda Hutchinson
Week Session with peer-facilitated small groups, the On
the Journey Retreat Series provides a peer-facilitated retreat
experience for the busy woman not yet ready to commit to 8 weeks as well as the one who wants more than
just 8 weeks. S. Paula Hagen remains active in the retreat aspect of the ministry, touching thousands of lives
each year through community-based retreats and workshops.
Through the generosity of countless donors, Ministry of Mothers Sharing Special thanks to Scott Claire,
continues to move forward with our mission to provide an outreach
who gave not only time but
donated office furniture to
ministry that embodies the commitment of the Sisters of St. Benedict
support
the relocation of the
of St. Paul’s Monastery to women, family and community values. We
National Office within the
invite you to consider being a part of this ministry as a donor.
Tubman building.
12
Open Houses
Neighborhood Open House Welcomes Many
St. Paul’s Monastery opened it doors to the Twin Cities community at a monastery open house on Sunday,
April 11, 2010. Between 250 and 300 people from Maplewood and other surrounding communities received tours
of the sisters’ new home. Many visitors who took advantage of a lovely spring day commented on the “beautiful
chapel,” “the peaceful environment,” and “the exquisite art.”
Open House for Religious
S. Pat Collins greets
S. Mary O’Hara.
Yes or maybe?
S. Duane Moes “gathers them in.”
13
Creating a New Neighborhood
We, the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery, have created something new at the corner of Century and Larpenteur! We
have been intentional in collaborating with other ministries in forming a neighborhood that expresses Gospel and
Benedictine Values, especially hospitality and service to others. Since last November, we, along with oblates and
volunteers, have engaged in a renewed study of the Rule of Benedict, reflecting on how we will live St. Benedict’s
challenge of hospitality today. We met in discussion groups using the guide Radical Hospitality: Benedict’s Way
of Love by Daniel Holman, OSB and Lonnie Collins Pratt. We cited concrete ways we are a contemplative
presence in our ministries on this campus.
On Sunday, March 7th, in order to broaden our perspective on hospitality, we gathered a panel of leaders of
the eight ministries on the campus: Hill-Murray School, Tubman, CommonBond, St. Paul’s Monastery, Maple
Tree Childcare Center, Ministry of Mothers Sharing, Benedictine Center and iLLUMINARE. Each shared their
unique mission of service. They spoke of how they could work together in serving others. Some have already
established relationships while others are in the process. This interaction is strengthening the neighborhood, a
visible expression of living the Gospel and Benedictine value of welcoming the stranger and receiving all as
Christ.
This unique neighborhood at the corner of Century and Larpenteur Avenues is about service, especially serving
women, children, families and those seeking spiritual renewal and enrichment. We are committed to working
together, providing an environment that is safe and peace-filled for everyone.
Submitted by The Quality of Life Committee: Ss. Paula Hagen, LaVerne Hudalla, Catherine Nehotte,
Carol Rennie, Eleanor Wartman; Oblates Sam Rahberg, Monica Roy with Ann Thompson,
photographer.
Campus ministries gather to share their missions
of service. Pictured from left to right: Paul Deziel,
teacher, Campus Minister-Hill Murray School; Sister
Lucia Schwickerath, Prioress-St. Paul’s Monastery;
Jennie Schlauch, Director-Maple Tree Childcare
Center; Jen Polzin, Development-Tubman; Sara
Riegle, In-home Counselor-Tubman; Darrin
Francis, Program Director-CommonBond.
Jacqueline Witter, Director-iLLUMINARE (left), and Mary
Boespflug (right), National Director-Ministry of Mothers
Sharing, listen as Sam Rahberg (standing), describes the
mission of the Benedictine Center which he serves as
Associate Director.
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LIBRARY LORE
Carole Sweely, OSB.
ROSEMARY Sutcliff’s SWORD AT SUNSET is not to be missed if you
are a lover of the Arthurian legends. For years I have had the book close by
and finally when I was seeking another read, I picked it up and I have been
enthralled with it since I landed on the first page and it is with some sorrow
when I see its end is near.
IF you have read other books about Arthur, this one has some wonderful
twists and turns but the characters remain strong and true. There is a dignity
and reverence throughout the story whether they are in the midst of battle or
simply arriving at winter camp. Guenevere is as stately as ever even though
her name has more syllables (in this text) and Arthur is known as Artos the
Bear. Bedwyr and Cei are still around and there are two dogs in the 498
page story. The first dog dies in the early pages and Arthur patiently comes
upon his second, Cabal, in the presence of the dog’s dead master and Arthur
has to tame him for his own—charming and informative scenes.
ARTHUR, in this story as well, has some tainted blood in him and is not
complete in his royal bloodline but is raised by a second father, Ambrosius,
the High King of Britain. Arthur is a born leader and has all the strengths of
one as a war lord and natural qualities of kingship.
MORDRED, usually the evil son of Arthur, has a key place in this story.
There was something twisted in the son’s mother who originally charmed
Arthur and “after the fact” released Arthur from her spell. But since the
mother raised Mordred, the son has captured her twisted soul in the very
depths of his being. With the death of his mother, the son joins his father
and almost within moments Arthur can “read” his son’s emptiness and is
left with nothing of which to be proud.
SUTCLIFF is an exquisite wordsmith and her style throughout the
story is nothing less as even in the battle sequences she describes the scenes
with a visual beauty for the reader: the geography of the sites, the foliage,
the weather changes, the “badge” Arthur and his companions claim for their
own as they charge into battle. The “badge” is simply some small wild
flower each places in their helmet comb or shield buckle such as a moon
daisy to meet the enemy with panache and identification.
OF course, the story of Arthur cannot go on forever and he discovers betrayal in his own household which is the beginning of his end in this legend.
And there is a last battle when Arthur must muster his troops since they are
so greatly outnumbered and meet his son for the final time.
AND, here I am awishing this version of Arthur’s story could outlast him
which it has for many and awishing again and again the legends were true
and sometime in the great beyond, we might be given a chance to meet
Arthur and Guenevere with their companions Bedwyr and Cei, Prosper, Arthur’s trumpeter, and those dear other champions. I would delight in meeting Cabal, Arthur’s faithful and protective dog, who might even be with him
in that final hereafter—providing I am there as well!
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Passages
Non-Profit
Organization
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St. Paul’s Monastery
2675 Benet Road
St. Paul, MN 55109-4808
Passages
PASSAGES is published three times
a year by the:
Sisters of St. Benedict
of St. Paul’s Monastery
2675 Benet Road
St. Paul, MN 55109-4808
Phone: 651-777-8181
Fax: 651-777-4442
www.stpaulsmonastery.org
Editor
Carole Sweely, OSB
Contributing Writers
Jim Bartol
Virginia Bieren, SSND
Mary Boespflug
Marie Fujan, OSB
Jean Glaraton
LaVerne Hudalla, OSB
John Joslin
Victor Klimoski
Sam Rahberg
Jennie Schlauch
Lucia Schwickerath, OSB
Carole Sweely, OSB
Ann Thompson
Photographers
Karen Sames, OSB
Carole Sweely, OSB
Ann Thompson
Proofreaders
Mary Courteau, OSB
Catherine Schoenecker, OSB
Layout Design and Printing
Graphic Design, Inc.
The Development Office of
St. Paul’s Monastery does not
lend, sell, share or trade names
on our database.
Permit No. 3908
St. Paul, MN
GUENEVERE
I was a queen, and I have lost my crown;
A wife, and I have broken all my vows;
A lover, and I ruined him I loved:-There is no other havoc left to do.
A little month ago I was a queen,
And mothers held their babies up to see
When I came riding out of Camelot.
The women smiled, and all the world smiled too.
And now, what woman’s eyes would smile on me?
I am still beautiful, and yet what child
Would think of me as some high, heaven-sent thing,
An angel, clad in gold and miniver?
The world would run from me, and yet I am
No different from the queen they used to love.
If water, flowing silver over stones,
Is forded, and beneath the horses’ feet
Grows turbid suddenly, it clears again,
And men will drink it with no thought of harm.
Yet I am branded for a single fault.
………………………………….
-- Sara Teasdale
“I felt it shelter to speak to you.”
Emily Dickinson
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