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The Rule of Benedict teaches that joy is what orients Benedictines towards others. Joy connects us to God. Joy sustains us through life. Spirit of Joy gives witness to the joy of community with one another, family, friends and oblates through prayer, ministry and daily life. It is a clear reminder that God is the source of our joy and our joy is an “infallible sign of the presence of God” (Teilard de Chardin).
Spirit of Joy
News and Events
February 18: Enrichment Series at the Mount
February 10, 2013
Dr. Mary Hembrow Snyder, PhD will be the featured presenter in the ongoing Enrichment Series sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie on Monday, February 18. Her presentation, Death: The Great Adventure, is an invitation to reflect on death in an adult manner, to "see it differently" in light of provocative insights gleaned from contemporary theology, evolutionary biology and quantum physics.
The presentation is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the...
2013 Prophet of Peace Award
February 9, 2013
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie presented the 2013 Prophet of Peace Award to Gary Horton of Erie for his extraordinary efforts to better the Erie area by working for a more hopeful future and quality life for its people. “This award recognizes an individual or group that embodies some aspect of the community’s corporate commitment and its concerns for peace and justice, sustainability, and the needs of women and children,” said Sister Anne Wambach, Prioress. “With the Prophet of Peace Award we specifically recognize Gary for his organization of Walking in Black History.”
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The Benedictine Way in Sioux Falls
February 3, 2013
Jean Bhatti, past participant in the Benedicta Riepp program, continues to live the Benedictine way in Sioux Halls, South Dakota. Having lived and worked with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie for several years Jean was very familiar with the Take Back the Site Vigils held in Erie. Upon returning to her home town she initiated the Take Back the Site Vigil as part of the southeastern South Dakota chapter of Pax Christi. The vigil takes place whenever a violent homicide occurs in Sioux Falls. Its purpose is two-fold: to unite against violence and to bring peace back to a...
Rite of Entrance into the Postulancy Celebrated
January 28, 2013
Jan Seeley, a Montessori teacher from Rochester, NY, became a postulant in a ritual ceremony held on Sunday, January 27. Sister Marilyn Schauble, who as Vocation Director had journeyed with Jan in her discernment, met Jan at the door and led her into the monastery foyer where the community was gathered to welcome her. "When I walked in the door and saw all the sisters there I felt as if I was seeing my future in front of me," said Jan.
As part of the ritual, Prioress Sister Anne Wambach asked Jan, “What is it that you seek?” Jan responded, “I seek to live the monastic way of life in...
Ecumenical Celebration Brings 2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to a Close
January 27, 2013
The annual Ecumenical Worship Service sponsored by Inter-Church Ministries (ICM) of Erie County was held at Abiding Hope Lutheran Church where Rev. John Coleman, an Oblate of Mount St. Benedict, is the pastor. Participants from various Christian traditions gathered to sing and pray for Christian Unity by celebrating the theme: “What does God require of us?”(Micah 6:6–8)
Benedictine Sister Mary Ellen Plumb, who is actively involved in ICM and part of the local worship planning team, shared: “This gathering in...
Community Prepares to Welcome New Postulant
January 25, 2013
Jan Seeley, a veteran Montessori teacher from Rochester, NY, will begin the postulancy on Sunday, January 27. The postulancy is a time to become more familiar with Benedictine spirituality as it is lived daily. It is also a time to discern the authenticity of the call to be a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.
Vocation Director, Sister Marilyn Schauble, has been companioning and guiding Jan in her quest to seek God in a Benedictine community. As a postulant, Jan will participate in the prayer, work and life of...
2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18, 2013
The WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY is jointly observed every year from January 18 through January 25 by the Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches. This year’s theme asks a question: What does God require of us? It is a reference to words from the Prophet Micah: “Act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Each day of the WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2013 has its own theme:
- January 18: Walking in conversation
- January 19: Walking with the broken body...
Canisius College Students Spend a Week at the Mount
January 12, 2013
The Canisius College Winter Break Service Trip found a place and a purpose with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery. For one week the monastery became home to a wonderful group of young people who joined the community for prayer and meals and served in a variety of Benedictine ministries. Evenings provided the opportunity for input and discussion on various aspects of monastic life and Benedictine values. Social time was also an important part of the week.
Sister Marilyn Schauble, Vocation Director...
The Christmas Season Draws to a Close
January 10, 2013
With the Solemnity of the Baptism of Jesus on Sunday, January 13, the Christmas Season will draw to a close. Before it does, enjoy a slide show of pictures that shows how the Benedictine Sisters of Erie marked the days of Christmas, both in preparation and celebration. To view, click on the icon.
After almost three weeks of festive days the Church Year returns to Ordinary Time. An excerpt from The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister, OSB, gives that transition special meaning:
The feast days of...
New Art House Video and Slide Show Posted
January 4, 2013
The Inner City Neighborhood Art House web page is featuring both a video and a SMILEBOX slide show recapping the December Open House. It is a treat to watch the children perform on the video and also to view their art work in the SMILEBOX slide show.
Click here to read new stories and to view both the video and the slide show that highlight what the children have accomplished in the performing and visual arts.
The New Year Begins
January 1, 2013
There is a sense of newness in the monastery as we begin another year. Whatever was is no more. Life is like that. It is a recurring cycle, ever changing, always new. It is simply a matter of learning to let go of the past so that we can all begin again.
—From A Monastery Almanac by Joan Chittister, OSB
This New Year provides us with the opportunity start anew. Let us do so with mindfulness and attention, with generosity and care, so that we can be a presence of kindness and peace in any and all situations.
May you know a blessed New Year!