Saying goodbye to the first Peacemaker Program cohort
After a year in the monastery, sisters, coworkers, and friends gathered to celebrate Emily, Erin, and Melissa, the first three women in the Peacemakers Program. Program director Michelle Scully thanked everyone for the role they played in supporting the women through their time in Erie through ministry placements and friendships and the sisters who welcomed them into the monastery. "And to Erin, Emily, and Melissa, thank you for trusting a year of your lives to this community and this program. You have embraced your time here in beautiful ways, and you have enriched this community--the Benedictine community and the greater Erie community--with your presence," she said. Sister Diane Rabe, administrator, invited everyone to bless the women, "May you go forward with confidence, peace, and the knowledge that you have made a lasting impact on all of us," she prayed. Following dinner and blessing, Melissa, Erin, and Emily emceed a talent show they put together for the evening. See photos of the evening below and read more about the program here.
Benedictine Peacemakers Farewell and Talent Show
Peacemakers Program Director Michelle Scully introduces the three women who are completing their year in the monastery so that the community can give them a blessing.
Sister Diane Rabe leads those gathered in offering a blessing for Melissa, Erin, and Emily.
Emily has her turn at the mic to share about the past year.
Erin offers a few words about her time in the monastery.
Melissa shares some reflections on her year at the monastery.
Sister Charlotte introduce the drumstick ensemble and their two numbers--Love Will Keep Us Together and Locomotion.
Sisters Anne W, Colleen, Sue D, and Dianne S are the members of the drumstick ensemble.
Sisters Jacqueline and Mary Jane whistle a duet.
Sister Judith tells jokes...ask her about "wise" cracks!
Michelle serves as Sister Marcia's magician's assistant for a couple tricks.
Sister Val recites a poem about ice cream...and then she distributed cake-filled and sprinkle-topped ice cream cones.
Hannah, on staff at the Art House, and Emily, who worked at the Art House, do a tap dance.
Development associate Michelle B and Michelle S enjoy the show.
Sister Therese shares entertaining news.
Oblate Co-Director Susan Jenczka leads sisters and guests in a sing along.
Sister Rosanne and her niece Kimberly enjoy the sing-a-long.
Sisters Jean and Val sing in between bites of cake ice cream cones.
Friends and co-workers Erin and Katie join in the singing.
Sisters Judith B and Rosanne LH adding their voices.
Melissa, Erin, Michelle, and Emily gather for a closing picture.
