It may be that Benedictines come by longevity honestly--Benedictine monasticism has been around for 1,500 years. But that alone is not sufficient explanation for an alumnae association that has remained strong and vibrant 35 years after the school from which they graduated has closed. Nor does it explain why their children and grandchildren also feel a connection to the school that had such an impact on their mothers and grandmothers.
Whatever the rare chemistry of an era that spanned 120 years before the doors of St. Benedict Academy closed for the final time in 1988, it was again celebrated at the monastery with a thank you dinner honoring past and present members of the SBA Academy Alumnae Association Board of Directors.
Amid the memories and stories, paging through decades-old yearbooks, singing the school song, identifying friends and teachers in a slide show, the sisters offered gratitude to the leaders of an organization that has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support Benedictine ministries and the sisters who provided the high school environment that started them on their lives' journeys.
"Our deepest common bond is our love for St. Benedict Academy, a school that nurtured us in values and visions that have been life-giving and rich in blessings. But what makes this bond uniquely valuable is that it has empowered us to nurture others, inspiring the faithfulness with which each SBA girl here continues to uphold the ministries and good works of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie with the compassion and generosity they taught us over so many years," said Sister Stephanie Schmidt, prioress and former teacher at SBA, in her table blessing.
"It was a lovely event, so good to see people we hadn't seen for awhile--in some cases, in years," said Judy Lynch Allison, '61. "And yet, we pick up right where we left off! I was also happy to see the board so involved with the association and as committed as ever to supporting the ministries of the sisters."
A reminder for all SBA Alum, our annual Christmas party will be in person again this year. Save the date: Sunday, November 26, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center, 7794 Peach Street.
The Summer 2023 SBA Alum Newsletter is now available, click here to access it as well as previous issues. You can find information about the SBA and Benedictine Sisters Oral History Project in the most recent issues as well as contact information if you'd like to be interviewed for the project that will include a public performance in Erie next spring.
