Benedictine Update, we share with you some of the many

Transcription

1 Volume XXIII, No. 2 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2010 Dear Friend, Here at Sacred Heart Monastery we have been busy about many aspects of our monastic life during the past year. Several articles in this Update explain our involvements with the larger Benedictine family, not only in the United States but all over the world. This is one of the real blessings that come from belonging to an Order with a Rule of Life that not only spans the centuries but quite literally spans the globe. When we travel to other monasteries we feel quite at home as we experience the familiarity of the prayer life and the community life. For the past eleven months we have been engaged in the Advance Phase of our Capital Campaign for the renovation of the Monastery and the Retreat Center. Our lives here at the Monastery are taking on quite a new feel as we get closer to the public phase of our campaign and the actual beginning of the renovation work. Most of you have experienced the process of downsizing either for yourselves or someone in your family. Imagine downsizing a home that your family has lived in for over a hundred years. I am sure that you remember the excitement of our yard sale and our auction. As we near the end of the Advance Phase of our campaign we are now going back through the Monastery and packing up those things the Sisters will keep and gathering other things together for another yard sale in preparation for the great move and the emptying out of the whole of Ottilia Hall for a period of at least 18 months. By the time you receive this newsletter, the Sisters will have already started moving out of Ottilia Hall into every nook and cranny available in the other buildings in preparation for the renovations to begin. By January we hope to be passing along even more exciting news to all of you who have supported us so faithfully. Sincerely in Christ, Sr. Janet Marie, OSB Sacred Heart Monastery A Single Ray of Light: One Charism, One Bond The whole world was gathered up before his eyes in what appeared to be a single ray of light. So goes the narrative of St. Gregory the Great as he relates the vision of St. Benedict. This single ray within which St. Benedict beheld all of creation could also be used to describe the Benedictine charism itself many expressions of a single charism gathered into one Benedictine bond. From the time of St. Benedict onward, Benedictines have been forging connections as the charism has passed from monastery to monastery and generation to generation. In the earliest centuries, the Rule of St. Benedict was handcopied and disseminated from monastery to monastery. Traveling monks passed along the monastic practices of their particular locale. Traditional stories of St. Benedict and other holy monks were narrated. From person to person and community to community, Benedictine networks formed and monastic life grew and flourished. The Benedictine Sisters of Cullman are steeped in this collegial tradition of sharing the charism. In this issue of Benedictine Update, we share with you some of the many ways in which we connect with monastics both close to home and around the world as we continue to pass along the charism and help each other seek God through the way of St. Benedict, gathered together into a single Benedictine bond. This image of the Benedictine medal is from a stained glass window in Sacred Heart Chapel. The medal is instantly recognizable to Benedictines around the world as an identifying marker of our common charism. Sr. Virginia takes helm at Benedictine Manor This past June, Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, announced the appointment of Sr. Virginia Rohling to the position of Director of Benedictine Manor. The appointment was effective July 3. Sr. Virginia replaces Sr. Cecilia MacDermott who is enjoying a well-earned sabbatical in Ireland with her family. Sr. Virginia brings to the Manor many years of administrative experience as well as extensive experience as an educator (Continued on page 7) Sr. Virginia Rohling

2 Page 2 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2010 We celebrate with our Jubilarians The Benedictine Community had special reasons for joy this summer. Three of our Sisters celebrated the anniversaries of their Monastic Professions: Sr. Mary Leo Arnold, 75 years; Sr. Francine Hasenbein, 60 years; Sr. Brigid Clarke, 25 years. They added to the variety of the already richly diverse Benedictine Sisters: Sr. Mary Leo was born in the North (Binghamton, NY); Sr. Francine, in the local area (Cullman); Sr. Brigid, in the Deep South (Savannah, GA). Both Sisters Francine and Mary Leo spent many fruitful years in the ministry of education, first in elementary and then in secondary schools. As Procurator of the Community for several years, Sr. Mary Leo served on the Prioress s Council. She majored in biology, but also specialized in teaching theology at John Carroll High and at Pensacola Catholic High. She set a record for length of service at John Carroll, becoming Alumni Director when she left the classroom. Hers is one of three large portraits in the Commons at John Carroll. (The other two are of alumni who won a Heisman Trophy and a Nobel Prize.) Sr. Francine added to her service in education by earning a degree as a Sr. Sara Aiden makes first monastic profession On July 15, 2010, Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, received the First Monastic Profession of Sr. Sara Aiden Burress. The ceremony was held during Vespers in the monastery chapel. After reading the profession document before the gathered assembly, Sr. Sara Adien signed the document on the altar. Signing as witnesses were Sr. Janet Marie, Sr. Magdalena Craig, Novice Director, and Sr. Mary McGehee, Scholastic Director. Following the profession, the novice s white cuculla was Sr. Sara Aiden signs her profession document, as Sr. Mary McGehee (L) and Sr. Janet Marie look on Sr. Mary Leo Arnold Sr. Brigid Clarke Sr. Francine Hasenbein professional librarian. In this capacity she served at John Carroll High and Holy Family High in Birmingham, and in Cullman at Sacred Heart Elementary, at St. Bernard Preparatory School, and at the Cullman County Public Library, where she was Interim Director and then Assistant to the Director. When she retired, she volunteered to teach English as a second language to Hispanic children in a local public school Sr. Brigid brought to the Community her rich experience as wife, as mother of four small children whom she raised alone after her husband died, as a successful secretary in several businesses, as a volunteer in her parish, and as an ardent participant in peace and justice activities in Atlanta. After her Monastic Profession at Sacred Heart she added two new kinds of ministry to her experiences. She served as pastoral minister in rural Winfield, AL, and then became a chaplain at St. Vincent s Hospital in Birmingham. All three Jubilarians are model monastics in their wisdom years: joyful and faithful participants in the Community s life and regularly present for liturgies and all other community activities. exchanged for the professed s black cuculla. Sr. Sara Aiden will continue her discernment and initial formation into the monastic way of life Sr. Sara Aiden (R) takes her place in the monastic choir, now clad in the black cuculla of the professed through classes and regular meetings with Sr. Mary McGehee, leading toward the eventual step of final monastic profession. In August, Sr. Sara Aiden began her ministry at Sacred Heart School in Cullman as religion teacher for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students, as well as directing and helping teach the parish s R.C.I.A. process. Celebrating with the monastic community were monks from St. Bernard Abbey, Oblates of Sacred Heart Monastery, residents of Benedictine Manor, parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Cullman, and numerous friends and relatives. Sisters host Benedictine Subprioresses In September, the Sacred Heart community welcomed Benedictine Subprioresses and House Coordinators from around the country for their annual meeting. Sr. Bernadette Sachs, Subprioress, and Sr. Priscilla Cohen, Monastic Coordinator, hosted the gathering. The 22 sisters in attendance represented 19 monasteries in 12 states. Sr. Jane Becker of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN, led the workshop portion of the meeting, giving presentations and leading discussions on Transition: The Inside Story of Monastic Life as it affects both individuals and communities. The Subprioresses set aside one afternoon for leisure, and enjoyed outings to nearby St. Bernard Abbey and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery followed by a cookout at Smith Lake.

3 Sr. Florence Veigl dies at age 94 Winter, 2010 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 3 Sr. Florence Veigl, O.S.B., died August 23, She was in her 94th year and the 73rd year of her monastic profession. She had suffered a fall some weeks earlier and was receiving physical therapy at a local rehabilitation center. Though she longed to come home, she accepted an extended period of rehabilitation, hoping to achieve her usual level of independence. Walking back to her room with an aide after a therapy session, she suddenly collapsed. She was literally on her feet to the day of her death. Solemn Vespers of the Dead, with Bishop Robert Baker presiding, was led by Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, O.S.B., Prioress, on Friday, August 27, in Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel. It was followed by a time of remembrance after supper in the Sisters dining room. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, August 28, by the Most Reverend Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey. Rev. Marcus Voss, O.S.B. gave the homily. Sr. Janet Marie presided at the interment in Sacred Heart Monastery Cemetery. Born Anna Lee Veigl on February 3, 1916, to a devoted Catholic family, she was the eldest of the two daughters and three sons of Adolph John and Elizabeth Schaffer Veigl. Prepared for the ministry of education, she earned a B.S. in Education with a minor in English at Florence State Teachers College and then an M.A. in Elementary Education Administration at the University of Notre Dame. For some fifty years she taught various grades in elementary schools throughout Alabama and northern Florida; for many years she also served as principal in schools and superior in mission convents. In the summers, at the Community s two-year college, she often taught arts and crafts for teachers, displaying her own considerable talents and nourishing the gifts of her students. Still energetic in her retirement years at Sacred Heart Monastery, she found countless ways to serve the Community. She cooked breakfast until well up in her 80 s, often adding a special touch to ordinary meals. She washed dishes, table-waited, cleaned the serving area, staffed the telephone switchboard, and a special joy took Communion to the sick both at Mass and in the infirmary. Sr. Florence had a wide acquaintance in Cullman and a number of relatives, and it was a ministry of hers to attend wakes and funerals for as many as possible. Sr. Florence was a constant presence in the Community, at prayers and Mass, at meals, at recreations. She added joy to celebrations, especially when Hallowe en or Mardi Gras parties called for her unique costumes. And she loved visiting her siblings and having adventures with them and their families. Joining the Sisters in their joyful remembrance and in the funeral rites were family members: her brother Adolph and his wife Marilyn; a host of Sr. Florence Veigl, O.S.B. nephews and nieces and grand nephews and grand nieces; and many friends from Cullman and beyond. A Note From Development Sr. Tonette Sperando, Development Director There are many exciting activities taking place within the Development Office this year that are keeping our staff members on their toes! Since the beginning of our new fiscal year in July, your response to our 2010 Annual Appeal has been an overwhelming blessing to us! Your generosity has already served a great purpose in meeting unexpected capital expenditures totaling over $10,000. These expenses were the result of a power failure originating in external transformers. Both the Monastery and Benedictine Manor incurred fire and smoke damage to large 3-phase equipment due to this power failure that was beyond our control. Damages sustained by the Manor included the following: large/small air handler motors and the chiller control board for the A/C and heating unit. The Monastery s damages included the large air handler motor, elevator parts, cleaning of duct work in Infirmary area where fire occurred, and the compressor to the large walkin freezer. The kindness and generosity of our local Piggly Wiggly came to our rescue late on a Friday afternoon when the manager graciously offered to allow us to store four large truckloads of frozen goods in their freezer. Within two hours the goods had been transferred and due to the store s generosity we did not lose any frozen food items. Luckily, the fire occurred on the one floor where a fire alarm exists. This allowed us to properly evacuate the Infirmary area in a timely manner and notify the local fire department of our situation thus preventing any further serious complications. Updated equipment complete with phase protection relays, in addition to a complete fire safety system, cannot happen soon enough! As Sr. Janet shared in her opening letter to you, we are now in the Advance Phase of our Capital Campaign for the renovation of our Monastery and Retreat Center. Therefore, the Development Office has taken on dual responsibilities. Sr. Mary Adrian McLean continues to assist our regular development efforts, while Mrs. Amy Sanford, our newest Development Office staff member, assists with the Capital Campaign. More details about the Campaign will be forthcoming in the near future. As December draws to a close, many of you are asking how best to take advantage of tax deductable gifts to the Sisters. Please refer to the Gift Options listed in the Want to Support Us? section of this Update edition. Your prayerful consideration of a financial gift to us at this time will continue to assist us in our daily operational expenses for the remainder of the year. Your continued prayers and support for the Sisters are evidence of your response to what Our Gracious God requires of us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:6-8). God bless you for your goodness to us and please be assured of the Sisters daily prayers for you and your loved ones.

4 Page 4 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2010 A Single Ray of Light: The charism in America: Sisterly bonds In 1922, the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman united with other communities of Benedictine women in North America to form the Federation of St. Scholastica. It was formed in order to help its member monasteries preserve and express their spiritual heritage and the Benedictine charism. The President of the Federation, elected from one of the member monasteries, is our official liaison with the Vatican. A Constitution approved by the Sr. Janet Marie (seated) visits with Sisters from Mexico, Florida, Virginia, and Illinois at this summer s Federation Chapter meeting at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Kansas In our desire to live with fidelity to the Gospel and to the Rule of St. Benedict we constantly seek to deepen our understanding of our monastic charism. To this end, we gather regularly with other Benedictines to learn, discuss and share. Among the many areas of collaborative focus are music, liturgy, formation, vocation, and monastic studies. Recently, Benedictine Sisters ages 55 and under have begun gathering periodically with selected elders to discuss issues unique to their age group. Initial Formation is a particular focus of inter-community collaboration. The American Benedictine Formation Conference sponsors two annual conferences which allow Sisters in Initial Formation the opportunity to gather for workshops focused on specific aspects of Benedictine spirituality. In recent years, Sr. Magdalena Craig has had a leadership role in several of these conferences. Regular readers of Benedictine Update will know of our many connections to these collaborative endeavors. In this issue alone, there are several references to conferences or retreats shared with The charism of leadership: Benedictine Prioresses The Federation of St. Scholastica is one of three Federations and one Congregation of Benedictine women in North America. The elected prioress from each member monastery of these four groups comprises the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses (CBP), an organization which collaborates on many endeavors to help support and sustain our Benedictine charism. The Conference has published a number of documents on topics of relevance to Benedictine women, often with a focus on living the tradition faithfully in our particular time and place. The CBP meets annually, and we have enjoyed hosting this group on several occasions, most recently in Sr. Janet Marie Flemming is an active member of the Conference. Sharing the charism: Benedictine collaboration Sr. Elisabeth Meadows (R) gathered this summer with Benedictines from four other states, including Sr. Vicki Ix (L) of Virginia, to plan an upcoming meeting of Benedictine Sisters ages 55 and under Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life at the Vatican guides the work of the Federation. Together with the Rule of St. Benedict and each community s local norms, this document governs the Benedictine Sisters way of life. The Federation offers far more than just structural and collegial support for its member houses. It provides a forum within which genuine sisterly support can be shared as member monasteries seek to live the Benedictine tradition within the particular circumstances of the North American experience. Every four years, the Federation Chapter convenes to discuss Federation business as well as topics relevant to living the Benedictine charism in today s world. Over the years, numerous Sisters from Cullman have served on the Federation Council or represented our community at the Federation Chapter. Elsewhere in this issue you will find a report from the Chapter meeting held this past June, as well as news of Sr. Lynn Marie McKenzie s election as First Councilor. those from other monasteries. We deeply value these connections which allow us to share the tradition, strengthen our bonds, and deepen our understanding of our treasured charism. Sr. Magdalena Craig (L) recently hosted Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Indiana in order to plan an upcoming formation program

5 Winter, 2010 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 5 One Charism, One Bond The charism spans the globe: Our worldwide bond The monastic charism has found expression within many cultures, and Benedictine monasteries can be found throughout the world. Our community here in northern Alabama is connected with these through both official and informal ties. Officially, we are associated with both the Benedictine Confederation and the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum. Both of these organizations provide international-level forums in which Benedictine communities from around the world can assist one another in fostering monastic life that is faithful to the Gospel, the Rule of St. Benedict, and the traditions of its own Federation or Congregation even as they adapt the Rule to particular times and places. The Alliance for International Monasticism is a third organization with which we have ties. AIM works for the growth and development of monastic life throughout the world, with a particular focus on developing countries. Sr. Margaret Mary Liang has traveled twice to Tanzania as part of AIM-sponsored educational projects. Each year as part of our Lenten almsgiving, our Sisters give generously in support of AIM projects. While these global ties may seem somewhat removed from day-to-day life here at the monastery in Cullman, we remain very aware of our deep spiritual ties to our monastic sisters and brothers in other parts of the world. Having met many at various meetings, and hosted international guests here in Alabama, our ties are not just institutional, but are knit deeply in our Benedictine bond. Sr. Margaret Mary Liang (R), visits with Tanzanian Sister Auxilia Horokoro, OSB The charism at home and work: Benedictine Oblates Benedictine oblates are women and men who, inspired by the charism of St. Benedict, associate themselves with a Benedictine community in order to enrich their Christian life. Through oblation, which means the offering of oneself, they shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict. Oblates do not live in a monastery, but instead share a spiritual connection with the monastic community as they incorporate the Rule of St. Benedict into their daily lives to the extent that their state in life permits. Oblates pray the Liturgy of the Hours and pray with Scripture (lectio divina) on a daily basis, and seek to manifest Christ s presence and bring Benedictine values into their own churches, families, and workplaces. The Benedictine Sisters of Cullman initiated Oblate affiliation in Currently around 100 oblates are affiliated with our monastery. Most live in Alabama, but many are from beyond the state. Some who live nearby are regulars at the monastery, joining us routinely in our monastic work and prayer. New oblates are enrolled each fall following a formal process of study and discernment. Oblates listen to a presentation on Benedictine spirituality during their annual retreat at Sacred Heart William Busic, Obl.S.B., regularly joins the Sisters in their monastic work and prayer Sr. Mary McGehee (R), in Rome with Sr. Aquinata Bockman of the Missionary Benedictines in Tutzing, Germany. Sr. Mary was in Rome studying the Rule of St. Benedict under Sr. Aquinata. Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, with Abbot Primate Noktor Wolf of the Benedictine Confederation during his 2009 visit to Sacred Heart Monastery 2010 Oblate retreat participants Would you like to receive periodic Retreat Center announcements and news updates from the Sisters via ? If so, send your name and contact information to retreats@shmon.org. Please specify add to announcement list.

6 Page 6 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2010 News Briefs Sr. Marian Davis, Assistant Professor of English at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, is teaching an eight-week course for the Ohlrich Life- Long Learning Institute at the University of Alabama. Entitled Pilgrims of the Absolute: The Poet in Search of God, the course will focus on poetry and religion, with particular attention paid to the works of John Donne, George Herbert and T.S. Eliot. Sr. Marian also recently presented a program at Canterbury Episcopal Church s Community of Hope, a group that ministers to the sick and is unified by the Rule of St. Benedict. In October, Sr. Lynn Marie McKenzie attended the annual convention of the Canon Law Society of America. The theme of the conference was Renewal of Law, a theme which encompassed reflections on the role and practice of canon law in relation to Church structures and the gospel message. At the October Manor Musings Life at Benedictine Manor continues to offer many varied opportunities for active senior citizens. Weekly Scripture classes, Game Days, knitting classes, as well as bi-weekly movies invite the participation of many residents. Cullman Oktoberfest activities brought entertainment on two occasions to the Manor. German music, featuring Wolfgang Moritz along with local dancers, proved to be a big hit with the residents. Some residents also attended the Oktoberfest entertainment and senior citizen s picnic offered in town that festival week. New this fall are sing-a-long sessions provided by students of St. Bernard Preparatory School. These bi-weekly visits add a fresh dimension of joy to Manor life and are eagerly anticipated by the residents. Sacred Heart School Kindergartners made their annual Halloween appearance at the Manor. Residents always enjoy the little ones Trick or Treat visit. The Manor s annual Open House during the Christmas Season will be held on Sunday afternoon, December 12. All are invited to attend this festive occasion. convention, Sr. Lynn Marie completed her term as Senior Consultor on the Society s Board of Governors. In August, Sr. Sherrie L. Brainard fulfilled the requirements for CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) Security+ certification. CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that verifies competency in security of systems, networks, and overall technology infrastructure. This latest level of certification adds to the multiple technology certifications that Sr. Sherrie already holds. In her role as Director of Technology for John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Sr. Sherrie administers an extensive and growing networked information system. These certifications allow her to keep abreast of the latest advances in networked technology, increasing her effectiveness in her ministerial role. Sr. Karen Ann Lortscher recently exhibited an oil painting at a student exhibition held at Red Dot Gallery in Birmingham. The work, a landscape based on a photograph taken in Ireland, is one of many she has completed over the past few years. Sr. Karen Ann has been developing her skills in oil painting through classes with a nationally-recognized, Birmingham-based artist and instructor. Sr. Mary McGehee has had a busy schedule of speaking engagements in recent months. Among her presentations are talks on Personal Spirituality as part of the Mission and Mentoring training program of St. Sr. Karen Ann Lortscher participated in a three-week conference in Rome this past summer. Entitled Deepening Monastic Roots: A Renewal Experience for English-Speaking Benedictine Women, the program offers Benedictine women the opportunity to study their monastic heritage in the land of Saints Benedict and Scholastica. Sr. Karen Ann was joined by 28 other Benedictine women from Vincent s Health System, a program entitled Sabbath Rest and Delight for churches in Cullman, Birmingham, and Chesapeake, VA, and Images of God for the RCIA program at Sacred Heart Parish in Cullman. Sr. Mary also teamed with Sr. Therese Haydel in presenting a weekend retreat on Simplicity of Life in the Rule of Benedict. In her role as Scholastic Director for the monastic community, Sr. Mary leads monthly discussions for Sisters in Initial Formation. Sisters Magdalena Craig and Elisabeth Meadows spent three weeks at Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, ND, this past summer participating in the Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat (BSWR). BSWR is held each summer for Sisters in Initial Formation who are preparing for perpetual monastic profession. Sr. Magdalena served as Co-Director of the conference, while Sr. Elisabeth attended as a participant. Sacred Heart Monastery will host BSWR next summer, with Sr. Magdalena as Director. Sr. Elisabeth Meadows, a member of the community s Vocation Team, attended the Catholics on Call Partners Conference at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago this past September. Catholics on Call is a program for Catholic young adults who are seeking to discern God s call in their life. The Partners Conference offers an opportunity for those engaged in vocation ministry or otherwise ministering to young adults to learn and discuss ways to enhance their ministry. Sr. Karen Ann attends program in Rome around the world, including Uganda, Japan, India, Australia, and the United States. The program was sponsored by the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses. The conference featured a series of lectures by Benedictine scholars who spoke on various aspects of monastic history, Benedictine spirituality and the Rule of St. Benedict. Rounding out the experience were visits to numerous sites of significance in Benedictine history, including Norcia, Subiaco, and Monte Cassino. A special highlight of the program was attendance at the Papal Mass of Pentecost at St. Peter s Basilica.

7 Winter, 2010 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 7 Oblates gather for annual retreat October 8-10 The Oblates of Sacred Heart Monastery gathered for their annual retreat October 8-10, Father John Martin Shimkus, OSB, of St. Benedict s Monastery, Oxford, Michigan was the presenter. The theme of his presentation was Listening with the Ear of Our Hearts: The Spirituality of St. Benedict. Father John Martin showed how St. Benedict s approach to spirituality in the Rule has much to say to people living in the world at this time in history. In today s world, a listening, attentive stance in prayer and action are imperative in living out the Gospel values that Christians are called to live. St. Benedict gives the necessary tools in his Rule to assist followers to know and love God better. Through prayer, work, hospitality, and forgiveness, one is given the power to continue Jesus mission in the world today. The Oblates found this year s retreat to be very inspiring and beneficial as they Fr. John Martin Shimkus, OSB strive to live the Benedictine way of life in the world. (L-R) Juana Colvin, Jan Vinita White, Shauna Schafer and Mary Jane Brown make their final oblation before Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress (Continued from page 1) and school administrator. She has also served in pastoral ministry at two large parishes in Birmingham, and most recently at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Madison. Sr. Virginia has served the monastic community as Treasurer, and in 1983 was elected Prioress of the Community, serving two terms. In many ways, this appointment brings Sr. Virginia full circle in her ties to the Manor. In her role as Community Treasurer during the early 1980 s, Sr. Virginia was instrumental in establishing the Benedictine Manor ministry and planning the necessary facility renovations The retreat was attended by 43 participants. At Vespers on Saturday, Brenda Thomas (Florence, AL) and Yvonne Elmore (Montgomery, AL) were enrolled as Oblate candidates. During the coming year, they will study the Rule of St. Benedict in preparation for their final oblation in Final Oblations were made by Mary Jane Brown (Brentwood, TN), Shauna Schafer (Huntsville, AL), Juana Colvin (Birmingham, AL), and Jan Vinita White (Huntsville, AL). The following have started the inquiry process: Susan Browder and Jennifer Chandler (Columbia, SC) to convert Janeway Hall, a college dormitory, into comfortable, private apartments for senior adults. Additionally, Sr. Virginia was actively involved in developing policies and operational procedures for the ministry, and served on the first Manor Board of Directors. While policies and procedures may have changed over the years, two of Sr. Virginia s early contributions to Benedictine Manor have been enduring. In an effort to maintain a connection with the name of Mother Annunciata Janeway, our second Prioress and namesake of the original dormitory, Sr. Virginia worked with the City of Cullman and the U.S. Postal Service to designate the Manor address and Mae Harris (Birmingham, AL). Thirty-four Oblates renewed their Oblation commitment. Brenda Thomas (R) and Yvonne Elmore were enrolled as Oblate candidates Sisters attend Federation Chapter; Sr. Lynn Marie elected to Council Sisters Janet Marie Flemming, Tonette Sperando, Lynn Marie McKenzie, and Virginia Rohling traveled to Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, KS, this summer to attend the General Chapter meetings of the Federation of St. Scholastica. Sr. Janet Marie attended as Prioress and Sr. Lynn Marie was in attendance as a member of the Federation Council. Sisters Tonette and Virginia attended in their role as Chapter Delegates elected from our monastic community. Sr. Tonette served on the Core Committee that developed the overall theme of the meeting. Among the business items on the agenda was the election of a new Federation president and council members. Sr. Lynn Marie was elected to the position of First Councilor on the Federation council. In this particular council role, Sr. Lynn (L-R) Sisters Tonette Sperando, Virginia Rohling, Janet Marie Flemming, and Lynn Marie McKenzie attend Federation General Chapter in Atchison, KS. will function as an advisor to the Federation president. In addition to tending to routine Federation business, reflective presentations and discussion periods focused on the theme of listening during this time of transition in religious life. Sr. Virginia takes helm at Benedictine Manor as Janeway Drive. Sr. Virginia also submitted Benedictine Manor as a possible name for the new facility. In making the appointment, Sr. Janet Marie expressed confidence in Sr. Virginia s administrative skills and commitment to the Manor, stating Sr. Virginia brings a wealth of experience to the Manor, but more importantly, a heart devoted to ministry. Sr. Janet Marie also expressed gratitude to Sr. Cecilia for her tireless dedication as she ably guided Benedictine Manor over the past six years, as well as the many other Sisters upon whose good work Sr. Virginia will continue to build.

8 Page 8 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Retreat Center Offerings Winter/Spring 2010 retreats@shmon.org Introduction to Centering Prayer January 21-23, 2011 Contemplative Outreach Staff Day by Day: A Liturgy of the Hours Retreat February 11-13, 2011 Benedictine Sisters Flowers and Battering Rams: A Reflection Day with George Herbert And John Donne February 19, 2011 Sr. Marian Davis, Ph.D. Still Life: A Prayerful Pause During Lent March 18-20, 2011 Sr. Kathleen Gallas, Sr. Therese Haydel, Sr. Elisabeth Meadows On the Holy Mountain: A Lenten Day of Reflection March 22, 2011 Sr. Marie Leonard Seeking God: The Benedictine Way of Living March 25-27, 2011 Sr. Magdalena Craig, O.S.B. and Team Intensive Centering Prayer April 15-17, 2011 Contemplative Outreach Staff The Sacred Triduum April 21-24, 2011 Benedictine Sisters 8-Day Intensive/Post-Intensive Centering Prayer May 24-31, 2011 Contemplative Outreach Staff Benedictine Journeys Austria: A Lyrical Landscape November 2-11, 2011 Sr. Magdalena Craig, OSB Benedictine Update is published bi-annually by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, AL Editor: Benedictine Sisters Contributors: Srs. Janet Marie Flemming, Tonette Sperando, Priscilla Cohen, Virginia Rohling, Mary McGehee, Elisabeth Meadows, Sherrie Brainard, Mary Ruth Coffman, Eleanor Harrison, and Sara Aiden Burress Photography: Srs. Thérèse Haydel and Elisabeth Meadows Circulation: Sherri Arndt and Amy Sanford Printed by: Alabama Web Press, Cullman, AL Mission Statement We, the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Alabama, compelled by the Gospel of Christ and inspired by the charism of St. Benedict, commit ourselves to be a prophetic witness to all through a vowed life of monastic prayer, community, and ministry. Please help us conserve costs and stay in touch by notifying the Development Office of any name or address changes. Winter, 2010 Benedictine Sisters 916 Convent Road, NE Cullman, AL (256) shmon@shmon.org Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Cullman, AL Permit No. 351 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED In Sympathy As we enter the season of Advent, we remember with gratitude family and friends who have gone to God: Our own Sr. Florence (Anna Elizabeth) Veigl has gone gracefully to God (see story, page 3). We also remember Jessie Williams, brother of Sr. Mary Stella Williams, and Mary Williams, her niece; John Jenner and Sarah Jenner, in-law and niece of Sr. Emilie Schmitt; and Kipper McLean, nephew of Sr. Mary Adrian McLean. With our local Catholic community we mourn the loss of Father James J. Mulvaney, priest of the Diocese of Birmingham and Msgr. Anthony McDevitt of the Archdiocese of Mobile. Our sympathy goes to Oblate Dave Osmon on the death of his wife, Judy, who was long active in our Oblate program. We also mourn with Oblate Patricia Sharpton on the death of her mother, Mary Green. We think of Alumnae and send prayer and sympathy to their families and friends: Pamela Benson Hess, 66; Dorothy McGeever (William J.) Sullivan, 48, Mary-Jo Kramer (John T, Jr.) Alldredge, 45, 47; Mary Jo Howard, 55; Mary Mason (Guy) Diehl, 67. Other friends of the Community whom we remember include Janice Ann (Brian) Buegler; Francis J. Schmidt; Daniel H. Catt; John McCaffrey; Sam Ciulla, and Eileen Klyce. Want to Support Us? Here s How: Gift Options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card Bequests Life Insurance Stocks & Bonds Annuities Charitable Trusts Gifts-in-Kind Property When you meet to discuss your plans with your legal advisor you will need the following legal name for the Sisters: Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama or Sacred Heart Monastery of Cullman, Alabama Foundation Thank you for considering this important and tax effective form of supporting the Benedictine Sisters! May God bless you richly for your generosity to our Community. Sr. Tonette Sperando, OSB Development Office 916 Convent Road, NE Cullman, AL (256) development@shmon.org