Monastic Life Is...
Sister Paula Burke, OSB, 88, died on June 18, 2025, at Mount St. Benedict Monastery in Erie.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of NW Pennsylvania, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, and Network Advocates of Western Pennsylvania are sponsoring local participation in a nationwide action “Sisters Speak Out Prayer & Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy” organized by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, an association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the US.
Long-time, award-winning advocate for the environment Sister Pat Lupo organized a week-long Nature Camp for local children. The program is sponsored by the Housing Authority of the City of Erie and was offered as one the summer programs at the Kids Club at the John E. Horan Garden Apartments in Erie.
Sister Ann Muczynski, Formation Director, presents retreat director Sister Elizabeth Carrillo, from Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, Kansas, with a gift at the conclusion of the annual community retreat. Sister Elizabeth led sisters and oblates through a week of reflections titled, "Together Unto Everlasting Life: A Benedictine Ethos of Creation Care." Sister Elizabeth recently earned an MA in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee and her reflections wove together environmental and Benedictine spirituality. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. Sister Elizabeth is a member of her community’s Wangari Maathai Sustainability Committee and leads retreats and workshops on creation care and integral ecology through the Sophia Spirituality Center.
Matt Fedak, Sister Therese Glass, and Mike Sadler: The Wabtec Foundation awarded the Benedictine Sisters a $5,000 grant at their May board of directors meeting. The check was delivered to the monastery by Community Labor Coalition Fund members Matt Fedak and Mike Sadler, representing the Local UE 506 Union whose members work at Wabtec's Erie plant. Benedictine sisters and oblates supported the union’s workers during their June 2023 strike. As to why the Benedictine Sisters were selected to receive the funds, Mike told Michelle Basista from the Benedictine Sisters Development Office, “You supported us during the strike and with your peace walks. That’s what made us think of you all. You do great work for our community.” The funds will support the sisters good works, including the new Benedictine Peaceamakers live-in program for young women, learn more here: Benedictine Peacemakers
Volunteers and sisters braved a wet Saturday to tackle some of the invasive species in the landscaping around the monastery. "We have been working to eliminate invasive species here at the Mount," said Sister Annette Marshall, chair of the Care for the Earth committee. She explained that invasive species are types of plants and animals that have been introduced into an area that do not belong there naturally and are prone to take over an area and not allow the native plants or animals to live there. The main invasive species that we have been working to eliminate has been multifloral rose - which the goats we have hired for the past three summers have been helping us do. Another invasive that is often used in landscaping and was introduced onto monastery property in that way is English ivy. It has been growing since 1970 and has gotten out of hand and has been growing on the trees. It needs to be manually removed and replaced with a native ground cover.
“Laudato Sí, mi Signore” – “Praise be to you, My Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “…. who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.” #1
Prioress Sister Stephanie Schmidt was honored as the 2025 Religious of the Year by the Serra Club at a special liturgy and dinner on May 27. Sister Stephanie was nominated for the award by by Judge Stephanie Domitrovich. In her brief remarks, Sister Stephanie noted that we must cultivate “holy families,” the place where all our vocations begin. The Serra Club will make a $200 donation to a Benedictine ministry in her name. Serrans promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Pictured are Mike Elia, outgoing Serra Club president, and awardees Deacon Dennis Deiner, Layperson Charlie Rutkowski, Sister Stephanie, and Father Michael Kesicki.
