Ninety persons who make Benedictine life both possible and visible in Erie gathered at the monastery last week for Ministry Days. The same program was offered on two different days to accommodate the work schedules of the staff at the monastery and the ministries. Volunteers and board members of the ministries were invited as was the St. Benedict Academy Alumnae Board, Benedictines for Peace, and Oblate Co-Directors. “We are grateful to each of you and very happy to share this time with you to talk about what it is that brings us together—making this Benedictine life possible here in Erie,” said Sister Diane Rabe, community administrator, in her welcome.
Sister Katherine Horan opened the gathering with a slide show and brief overview of each of the community’s ministries followed by a five-person panel who each spoke about their particular ministry and why it matters to them and to the community. Panelists were Sister Dianne Sabol, Oblate do-director Susan Jenczka, SBA Alumna, Oblate, and Health Services staff, Mary Rita Groucutt, St. Benedict Education Center Executive Director Stephanie Krauza, and SBA Alumna, Oblate, and Emmaus Ministries staff Margaret Kloecker.
Two breakout sessions were offered, one for those who were participating for the first time and the other for those who have been at a previous Ministry Days gathering. Sister Jacqueline Sanchez-Small shared elements of the Rule of Benedict with the new group and Sister Linda Romey engaged the other group into a discussion on carrying Benedictine ministries into the future. Both groups came together for an open mic sharing before concluding the input portion of the gathering.
Lunch was included and provided an opportunity for more conversation and networking with others who are committed to the same values but bring them to different ministries. Chapter 57, the monastery gift shop, was open and tours of the monastery were offered.
