Like clockwork: Sacred Heart Monastery. ...a ceaseless rhythm, a cycle of time

Transcription

1 Benedictine Update Benedictine Update Sacred Heart Monastery Volume XXII, No. 2 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2009 Dear Friend, Those of you who have visited our Monastery may have noticed the beautiful clock hanging on the wall at our main entrance. Over the years it was used to call Academy and College students to their classes as well as the Sisters to their meals. For quite a few years now the clock hasn t worked at all. Just recently we finally found someone who could repair the beautiful time piece. Now when we walk down the hall we hear the gentle ticking of time passing by. This secular time piece blends in with the ringing of the Monastery bells which call us to our daily prayer times of the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist. Sacred time mixed with the passing of the days and seasons pretty well define our lives. As we turn once again to the sacred time of Advent we attempt to do what John the Baptist calls us all to do. Prepare the Way of the Lord. In the pages of this Update you will see many different ways in which our community continues to prepare the way for the coming of our Savior into our own lives and the lives of all we come in contact with. As we near the closing of another year, I would like to thank all of you whose prayers and generosity help support and make possible the work of God done by the members of this Monastic Community. Each of you holds a special place in our hearts and we continue to lift your prayer intentions with those of the whole world as we daily raise our voices in thanksgiving for all the good things that God continues to do for us. Sister Janet Marie, OSB Like clockwork:...a ceaseless rhythm, a cycle of time MASTER PLAN Day by day, for over 100 years, the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery have joined our voices to those of saints and angels in the eternal hymn of praise to God. This timeless song anchors our days as we move through the seasons of the liturgy, of nature, and of our lives. As we sing this hymn, our hands stay in motion at the daily tasks God has given us, which include tending to the temporal needs of our monastery. In the last few Benedictine Updates we have kept you apprised of some of these needs, including the vital need to renovate and update our monastery and retreat facilities. For several years we have engaged in Community discussions and extensive consultation with outside experts, and the Master Plan for the facilities of Sacred Heart Monastery is now complete. We are currently making the necessary preparations so that the plan may be implemented. The Master Plan will be accomplished in three phases over several years. During this period, the timeless rhythm of liturgy will not cease; nor will our ministry to the People of God. The plan includes: Phase 1: Renovation of Ottilia Hall and the auditorium, to include: replacing and updating aging mechanical systems (plumbing, heating/air, and electricity); updating the Sisters living quarters; installing an elevator and a new stairwell; moving the infirmary to the first floor of Ottilia Hall; converting the former Academy auditorium into the Sisters dining room; and constructing a new centralized kitchen to the rear of the renovated auditorium to serve both the Sisters and the Retreat Center. After this phase is completed, Ottilia Hall will become the primary living space for Sisters residing at the monastery. Phase 2: Reconfiguring the first floor of Annunicata Hall and the current infirmary to accommodate Retreat Center meeting rooms and offices; re-configuring exterior landscaping, ramps, sidewalks, and parking to accommodate Retreat Center access; construction of a new Retreat Center dining room behind the new kitchen; adding five new guest rooms and updating two handicapped accessible (A.D.A.) guest rooms; and deconstructing Joseph Hall, the current kitchen, and the current Sisters dining room. Phase 3: Construction of two new buildings to add up to 24 private (Continued on page 4)

2 Page 2 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2009 Sisters Celebrate 280 Years of Monastic Profession It has been a year of jubilation for the Benedictine Sisters in Cullman as they marked the anniversaries of the Monastic Profession of five members: Sisters Emilie Schmitt, Mary Grace Mecke, and Mary Stella Williams celebrated sixty years in June; Sisters Kathleen Gallas and Eleanor Harrison, fifty years in October. Monsignor Michael Sexton, friend and benefactor of the Community and pastor of Our Lady of the Lake in Pell City, was the homilist at the Eucharist for both groups of Jubilarians. Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, received the renewals of their Professions at both ceremonies. The Jubilarians were raised in strong Catholic families. Sr. Emilie was born in Eufaula, AL, one of the three daughters of Eugene and Mary Kramer Schmitt; she had three aunts in the Cullman Community. Sr. Mary Grace, born in St. Florian, AL, was one of the seven children of Leo and Magdalena Kobus Mecke. Sr. Mary Stella was born in West Palm Beach, FL, one of the eight children of Thomas W. and Rosa Julia Grabber Williams; she had an aunt in the Community. Sr. Kathleen was born in a suburb of South Bend, IN, one of the four children of John Francis and Ukraine-born Pauline Anna Bilaniuk Gallas. Sr. Eleanor was born in Birmingham, AL, the youngest of the eight children of Isaac Fletcher and Margaret McCue Harrison and one of four siblings who became Benedictines. Benefiting from the Community s policy of providing their members with excellent educations, the five Sisters attended various colleges and universities. The three celebrating sixty years all received their first degrees from Sacred Heart College and St. Bernard College. Sr. Mary Grace received an M.B.A. (Business) from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. (English) from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Sr. Mary Stella earned an M.A. (Educational Administration) from Catherine Spalding/Louisville University. Sr. Kathleen received a B.S.(Home Economics) from Bowling Green State College in Ohio and an M.A. (Religious Studies) from the University of Notre Dame. Sr. Eleanor earned an A.B. (Mathematics) at Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, and an M.A. (Secondary Education) from The Catholic University of America. All five attended courses and special workshops in other institutions. For most of their religious lives, all five of the Jubilarians achieved excellent reputations in the education ministry: Sisters Emilie and Mary Stella in elementary schools; Sr. Mary Grace in elementary and secondary schools; Sisters Kathleen and Eleanor in secondary schools and in the Community s college. All five were administrators: Sr. Emilie at St. Clement s School and St. Margaret s in Birmingham; Sr. Mary Grace at St. Pius X in Mobile, among other schools; Sr. Mary Stella, at St. Francis Xavier School and as a Supervisor in the Diocesan School Office in Birmingham; Sr. Kathleen as Director of Food Services in the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center; Sr. Eleanor as Assistant Principal at John Carroll High in Birmingham and other Catholic high schools, Academic Dean at Sacred Heart/Cullman College, and Dean of Students at Southern Benedictine College in Cullman. The Sisters were active in the Community s efforts to meet the mandate of Vatican Council II to update major aspects of their lives: prayer, liturgy, governance, ministry, finances, and various customs. All took important roles in the multitude of committees that spearheaded those efforts, especially in self-studies preparing for regular visitations by the Federation of St. Scholastica, in which Sacred Heart Monastery was among the charter members in Like other Community members, the five Jubilarians embarked on new ministries after their educational involvements. Sr. Emilie served on the staff of the Retreat Center and was the Community sacristan for some years. Sr. Mary Grace worked as an Administrative Legal Assistant at several law firms in Atlanta and then directed our computerized mailings when she returned to Cullman. Sr. Mary Stella organized the monastery Development Office at Sacred Heart and led in the major efforts to raise substantial funds for long-overdue repairs to the 67-year-old chapel roof and the roofs of several other monastery buildings, as well as support for Sister-education and for our retired members. Sr. Kathleen pursued the eremitical (hermit) life for several years and now is a spiritual director, gives retreats, provides workshops on prayer at parishes, and is Director of the Monastery Grounds. Sr. Eleanor was Director of the Retreat Center for eleven years and later Director of Alumni Relations, keeping in touch with graduates of the Community s academy and college. Many family members and friends, as well as Abbot Cletus and monks of St. Bernard Abbey, diocesan priests, and Bishop William Houck, joined the Sisters in June and October to honor the five Jubilarians. Sr. Emilie Schmitt Sr. Mary Grace Sr. Mary Mecke Stella Williams Sr. Eleanor Harrison Sr. Kathleen Gallas

3 Winter, 2009 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 3 Sisters Enriched by Experiences in Rome Sr. Margaret Mary Liang and Sr. Marian Davis participated in the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses Renewal Program in Rome from June 11-July 14th. A series of lectures and visits to significant Benedictine sites developed the theme, To Be a Benedictine To Be a Blessing. The Sisters stayed at Casa Santo Spirito, the generalate of the Missionary Benedictines of Tutzing. Sr. Margaret Mary was delighted to encounter Sisters with whom she had worked in Africa several years ago. The renewal group was comprised of twenty-one sisters from various parts of the United States, two from India, six from Australia, and one from Canada. Coordinators Sisters Marcia Ziska, Karen Joseph, and Kym Harris also In a simple ceremony during Lauds on June 12, the Community welcomed Postulant Sara Burress into the next stage of monastic formation, the Novitiate. During the entrance rite, Sara received from Sr. Janet Marie a new name, Sara Aiden, and she is now known as Sister Sara Aiden Burress, O.S.B. Sister Sara Aiden not only received made presentations on early monasticism and led expeditions to many ancient Roman churches. Benedictine scholars Sr. Aquinata Bockmann and Sr. Manuela Schieba gave a series of lectures on the Holy Rule of St. Benedict. Highlights of the program included the Papal Mass on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, as well as trips to the historic Benedictine sites of Norcia, Subiaco, and Monte Cassino. Abbot Primate Notker Wolf celebrated a Sunday Eucharist for the group, and later welcomed them to Sant Anselmo. Benedictine Fr. James Leachman and Fr. Dan McCarthy also had Eucharist with the Sisters and spoke on Benedictine life and early Church architecture, respectively. Both Sisters a new name, she was clothed in a distinctive white garment, the cuculla, the traditional Benedictine choir robe. To further put on the distinctive Benedictine way, she was given a spiritual guide, her novice director, Sr. Magdalena Craig, and offered tools for study, the Holy Rule of St. Benedict and the Constitution of the Federation of St. Scholastica. Service Award Presented to Sr. Jane and Parish Community felt privileged to take part in the program, and agree that the experience was enriching and provided insights and topics of study for years to come. Sr. Marian Davis (l), and Sr. Margaret Mary Liang (r) with Sr. Aquinta Bockmann, OSB. Progressing in the Monastic Life and in Faith (Rule The Center for Aging at the University of Alabama in Birmingham honored Sr. Jane Bishop and the community of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church with their New Horizons Award. The award is Sr. Jane Bishop with Dr. Marcas Bamman, Associate Director of the UAB Center for Aging (Photo by Mike Strawn). presented annually to non-profit organizations that enhance the health and well-being of older adults. The award was presented to Sr. Jane and the parish community for their service to seniors in their parish and beyond. For 24 years, Sr. Jane has served the parish community of St. Francis Xavier in Birmingham as a Special Minister to the Sick, Homebound, Senior Adults and Bereaved. Sister has demonstrated a special love and compassion toward the older adults of the parish and those beyond the parish boundaries. Her ministry has borne fruit in the development of a special Caring Ministry for those in need. Sr. Jane expressed both pride and humility regarding the award. She remarked that I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve in this ministry of care, and so very proud of the many who have shared this ministry with me over these many years. God s gift of compassion is no small gift, and it is a privilege and blessing to share His gracious compassion with others. of Benedict Prologue) The Novitiate is a period of withdrawal from the usual demands of life and ministry in order to draw closer to God, deepen one s understanding of monastic life and the commitments of monastic profession, develop one s relationship with the Community, and experience on a sustained basis the unique rhythms of Benedictine life. It is both a time of discernment and formation, as the Novice further discerns her call, and begins to take on a monastic identity through a gradual reorientation of life. Study is an important part of monastic formation; Sr. Sara Aiden is taking classes in prayer, liturgy and the sacraments, monastic history, and the Psalms. As the Novitiate is a period of intense prayer and discernment, Sr. Sara Aiden is afforded increased time for personal prayer and spiritual reading. Please join us in praying for Sr. Sara Aiden as she deepens her understanding of monastic life and grows closer to God. Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress (r), and Sr. Magdalena Craig, Novice Director, clothe Sr. Sara Aiden in the white cuculla during the Novitiate entrance ceremony.

4 Page 4 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2009 Like clockwork: MASTER PLAN Sr. Mary McGehee (l), auction committee member, monitored the event Sr. Mary Adrian McLean, a Yard Sale committee member, displays items for sale in the barn (Continued from page 1) bedrooms with baths for Retreat Center overnight accommodations. Deconstruction of Mary Hall. This plan will not only create a safer and more appropriate monastic living environment for the Sisters, it will result in an overall decrease in the square-footage of facilities. The heart of the monastery Ottilia Hall, the Chapel, and Annunciata Hall will remain as the central living, praying, and working environment for the monastery and for reception of guests. As ArchitectureWorks of Birmingham develops the detailed construction documents (blueprints), they continue to meet with the Master Planning Committee to discuss specifics for reconfiguring the structures. They have also made renderings that can be used to help the public visualize the future buildings. The contractor, Golden and Associates, continues to give pricing updates. Initial preparation for the construction work has included deconstructing the Rock House and investigating the removal of an old underground oil tank to make room for the future kitchen and Retreat Center dining room. Engineering studies have been completed on the aged water and sewage systems, with wonderful cooperation by city officials. As this work has progressed, the Sisters have been taking steps to gradually remove all furnishings from Ottilia Hall. On May 16, a yard sale was held to clean out all storage areas. Then on September 19, an auction generated more funds with the selling of antiques, musical instruments, artworks, and accessories. The majority of a stamp and coin collection that had been kept by the Sisters for many years was also sold. The funds from these events, along with the sale of the old Thirteen carport bays were filled with furniture for the yard sale The auction was held in the former Sacred Heart College/Cullman College auditorium An early crowd gathers near the Sacred Heart statue, awaiting the opening of the yard sale

5 Winter, 2009 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 5...a ceaseless rhythm, a cycle of time college gym and a house in Birmingham, have well covered the plan-development costs thus far. These expenses have included payments to architects, expert consultants, and the costs of hiring a company to assist us in planning a capital campaign. American City Bureau is spending this year training the Sisters and organizing lay committees for this campaign that will hopefully get started in early If all continues as planned, construction should begin next summer. While the Sisters daily lives will be significantly impacted during renovation and construction, their song of praise to God will continue uninterrupted through each of the phases. As they tend to the task before them, the Sisters will, like the enduring hands of a clock, continue the ceaseless rhythm of their Benedictine lives of prayer, community, and ministry. MASTER PLAN Sr. Mary Vincent Beckman, Yard Sale committee member, monitored sales of china and crystal A Note From Development Sr. Tonette Sperando, Devlopment Director Although plans for a capital campaign have been in the works all year, the daily rhythm found in the Development Office has not missed a beat. Friends and family members of the Sisters have continued to respond generously to the various appeals, projects and prayer requests by the Sisters. We are grateful for your faithfulness. We continue to keep you our friends and family in our prayers as we gather morning, noon, and night for the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist. The steadfastness of your relationship with us helps to sustain that daily rhythm. We truly feel your presence with us as we gather to praise God and intercede for the needs of our family, friends, the Church, and the world. As we have shared our dream with you over the past months and years, your enthusiastic response and encouragement helped us move forward into planning our capital campaign. American City Bureau (ACB) has been instrumental in paving the road in our planning process. Carl Meirose, one of ACB s senior consultants, has met with us on a monthly basis since February By May, Task Forces consisting of lay volunteers were created to help strategically organize and plan for the campaign. Although we are not yet ready to begin the campaign, many of the preparatory tasks are in their final stages. Four such Task Forces were established to focus on various aspects of organization for the campaign. The Audit/Procedures Task Force is responsible for creating the campaign policies and gift acceptance procedures. This task force will help oversee the financial aspect of the campaign. The Communications Task Force is working to create the case summary, Q&A, logo, and other marketing resources for the advanced stage of the campaign. Open Creative Group from Birmingham is working diligently with this task force in the creation of the various marketing materials. The Recognition Task Force is working to identify commemorative opportunities and donor recognition guidelines. This task force, along with the Sisters, is discerning how best to recognize benefactors of this project. The Resource Development Task Force is working to identify individuals, foundations and corporations who may be interested in financially supporting the renovation project. The numerous volunteers who make up these task forces have been a true blessing to the Sisters. The time and talent these volunteers are giving to assist us with the campaign planning inspire us. Their expertise, insights, and dedication are invaluable to us for a project of this magnitude. This is an exciting and challenging time in our Community s life. As we tend to the important task of improving our facilities, our daily rounds of prayer and praise keep us anchored in God s eternal love. Your goodness to us helps anchor us as well. We are so very grateful.

6 Page 6 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2009 Sisters Madeline Contorno, Karen Ann Lortscher, and Thérèse Haydel represented the Community at the Steubenville Atlanta Youth Conference this past summer. Jointly sponsored by LifeTeen and Franciscan University of Steubenville, the event was attended by around 2500 youth. The Sisters participated in conferences and liturgies, and spent considerable time mingling with attendees, sharing with the youth their enthusiasm for their faith and their religious vocation. Sr. Madeline gave a presentation during one of the conference sessions, and was later invited to speak about the call to consecrated life during the final Eucharistic liturgy. All three Sisters joined clergy and Sr. Madeline Contorno speaks to the gathered youth, as Sisters Karen Ann Lortscher (l) and Thérèse Haydel look on. (Photo: Copyright Life Teen, Inc. Used with permission, Photographer: L. Womack). Retreat Center Sees Rise in Number of Private Retreatants The Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center has seen a significant increase in the number of private and directed retreatants. In the last fiscal year we saw a 42% increase in the number of private retreatants from the previous year, reports Sr. Thérèse Haydel, Director of the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center. I believe that this testifies to the desire that many people have to deepen their relationship with God in a quiet and sacred environment. Private retreatants, some of whom choose to speak with a spiritual director during their stay, spend their time in silence and have the opportunity to join the monastic community for the Liturgy of the Hours and for Eucharist. The simple yet comfortable accommodations allow retreatants to rest and to pray without the usual distractions of daily life. For those interested in learning more about private retreats or for scheduling a private or directed retreat, contact the Retreat Center: (256) or retreats@shmon.org. News Briefs other religious in a special prayer of blessing over those considering God s call. Sr. Treva Heinberg and Sr. Marie Leonard were among the presenters at the annual diocesan in-services for new religious educators held this past July in Birmingham and Huntsville. Sr. Treva offered Huntville-area educators a presentation on Sacred Scripture, while Sr. Marie s Birmingham talk focused on the Sacraments. This past summer, Sr. Magdalena Craig and Sr. Elisabeth Meadows attended the joint meeting of Benedictine Musicians of the Americas and Monastic Liturgy Forum, held at St. John s Abbey in Collegeville, MN. The theme of the conference was Universal Church, Local Church: Liturgical Law and Monastic Practice. In addition to topical sessions, the meeting featured a session by Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, on Sing to the Lord, a recent document published the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops. New work by monastic composers and hymn text writers was also featured at the conference. A hymn text written by Sr. Elisabeth was among the new work presented, with accompanying music composed by Sr. Anne DeMers, OSB, of Mount St. Benedict Monastery in Crookston, MN. In September, Sr. Bernadette Sachs and Sr. Priscilla Cohen traveled to Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS for the Sr. Eileen Gallagher and Sr. Sherrie Brainard have recently made transitions in their places of ministry. Following nine years of rural health ministry in the small town of Eva, Sr. Eileen has taken on a new role as a physician at the Good Samaritan Clinic in Cullman. The clinic provides free primary health care for individuals without access to insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Many of the patients have chronic medical conditions and benefit from the continuity of care provided by the clinic, which is staffed by a combination of paid personnel and volunteers. In addition to this role, Sister serves as Medical Director of Comfort Care Hospice in Cullman. A particular joy of this ministry is the opportunity to make home visits to hospice patients and their families. Sr. Sherrie has taken a new ministry position at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham where she serves as Information Technology Director and Physical Plant Manager. In this administrative role, Sr. Sherrie oversees all aspects of John Carroll buildings, grounds, and computer systems, including management of the physical annual gathering of Benedictine Subprioresses and House Coordinators. Conferences on topics relevant to these vital monastic leadership roles were presented by Sr. Esther Fangman and Sr. Irene Nowell. As part of the event, conference attendees visited the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, MO. Sr. Tonette Sperando met with six other Sisters from the Federation of St. Scholastica at Emmanuel Monastery in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 12-13, This committee prepared materials for the Chapter meeting of the Federation of St. Scholastica to be held in June of The topic for the presentation is Our Benedictine Heritage in the 21st Century Shaping our Lives and our Witness. Sr. Tonette also traveled to Atlanta in October for the annual meeting of the Resource Center for Religious Institutes, a national organization that serves as a resource for religious institutions in the areas of finance and legal matters, of which she is an active member. Sr. Magdalena Craig attended the National Benedictine Vocation Directors Conference, which was held in October at St. John s Abbey in Collegeville, MN. The conference offered an opportunity for Benedictine vocation ministers to reflect upon aspect of vocation ministry that are unique to Benedictines. Among the featured presenters was Abbot John Klassen, OSB, Ph.D., of St. John s Abbey. Two Sisters Begin New Ministries plant personnel. In her first few months of ministry Sr. Sherrie has already had a significant positive impact, particularly in the area of information technology. A gifted musician, Sr. Sherrie also shares her musical talents with the school community, primarily through assisting with liturgy. Sister expressed gratitude to the John Carroll community, especially Fr. John McDonald, Principal, for their support as she has transitioned into this new role. Sr. Eileen reviews a patient chart at the Good Samaritan Clinic Sr. Sherrie with Fr. John McDonald, Principal, in front of John Carroll.

7 Winter, 2009 Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Page 7 Sr. Cecilia MacDermott, OSB (r), and Sr. Barbara Gallagher, OSF, with Manor resident Tony Nasetta In Sympathy We join families and friends in prayer and thanksgiving for our deceased: Among our Sisters families Mrs. Lois Hammond (Mark Eugene) Meadows, mother of Sr. Lynn Elisabeth Meadows; Patrick Devlin, cousin of Sr. Kathleen Christa Murphy; Mrs. Frances Plaia (Peter J.) Campisi, aunt of Sr. Madeline Contorno, and mother of Rose Campisi (Brian) Cameron, cg 71. Among the families of former Community members: Dennis Weixelman, the brother of Bernadine (formerly Sr. M. Christopher) Weixelman; and Roy V. Tallon, the husband of Eugenia (formerly Sr. M Martin) Muller Tallon. Our prayer and sympathy go to the families of other Alumni who died: Pamela Salter (Charles F.) Kelly, cg 62; Maxine Falzone (John) Simon, ag 59; Willodean Mickey Lovvorn (Emil) Skipper, ag 45; Gretchen Hamel (Bruce) Jones, cg 52; Felice McGoldrick (Marvin) Geeslin, cg 50. Dr. Alfred Habeeb, husband of Carmen McKoy Habeeb, ag 45; Clo Arie M Bachmann, mother of Judy Bachmann Cooper, ag 55; Phillip C. Weissend, husband of Mary Jane Boike Weissend, ag 61. Among friends whom we commend gratefully to God: Pernie Fuller Wooten, longtime Admissions secretary at Sacred Heart College; Joe McGeever, husband of Anita Lassetter McGeever; Art Porter, husband of Danna Porter; Charles Schilleci, husband of Diane Bianchi Schilleci; Mary Egan, mother of Fr. Patrick Egan, OSB; Isabelle Joan Ike Rickets, wife of Melvin Rickets; Tillie Malchow; Chris Lower, son of Dana and Linn Lower; Mark Casmus; Nina Miglionico; and Margaret Howley, mother of Michael Howley, faculty member at Southern Benedictine College. Benedictine Manor Granted Beautification Award The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce has granted one of its 2009 Beautification Awards to Benedictine Manor. The efforts that led to the coveted award are primarily those of Manor resident Tony Nassetta. Mr. Nassetta has long tended beautiful flower gardens at the Manor. His recent work around the main resident entrance drew the attention of the Chamber. Sr. Cecilia MacDermott, On August 30, Sr. Mary Leo Arnold was honored at the dedication service for the new altar and chapel appointments at John Carroll Catholic High School. Funds for the new chapel furnishings had been donated in tribute to Sr. Mary Leo and her many years of devoted service to John Carroll. Bishop Robert Baker presided over the liturgy, assisted by Fr. John McDonald, the current Principal of John Carroll. In their remarks acknowledging Sr. Mary Leo s loyal and successful service, Bishop Baker and Fr. McDonald also recognized the faithful ministry that OSB, Director of Benedictine Manor, remarked that All of our residents enrich the life of our Manor community in so many ways. We are grateful to Tony for bringing beauty to our grounds and lives, and for sharing with us so many other gifts. Sr. Cecilia also expressed appreciation to the Chamber for recognizing the Manor with this award. Regular Canonical Visitation scheduled Every six years, member monasteries of the Federation of St. Scholastica hold a year of self-study, followed by a Canonical Visitation by the Federation. The visitation is a process to assist a member monastery in reviewing its fidelity to the common search for God. Through its self-study and on-site visitation, a community assesses its growth in the spirit of the Gospel, the Rule of Benedict, and the lived tradition of Benedictine women as reflected in Call to Life, the Federation s Constitution. many Cullman Benedictines have given to John Carroll over the years from its founding in 1947 until the present day. Sr. Mary Leo Arnold with Fr. John McDonald, Principal, in the John Carroll chapel (Photo credit: Catherine Bailey) Oblates Gather for Annual Retreat Weekend The Oblates of Sacred Heart Monastery met October 9-11, 2009, to renew their commitment to the Benedictine way of life through prayer, study and community with the Sisters. Sr. Mary McGehee, OSB, of Sacred Heart Monastery facilitated the weekend with a review of the life of St. Benedict and themes in the Rule of St. Benedict. Presenting material she received in Italy under the direction of renowned scholar Sr. Aquinata Bockmann, OSB, Sr. Mary Sisters Mary McGehee, Treva Heinberg, and Priscilla Cohen were appointed by the Council to lead the selfstudy. Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, prioress of St. Walburg Monastery in Covington, KY will chair the visitation team, with Sr. Anne Shepard, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS serving on the team. The visitation will be held in February of The recommendations that result from the self-study and the recommendations of the visitators usually become the goals for the community for the next six years. Sr. Mary Leo Arnold Honored at Dedication Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, OSB, with Candidates Juana Colvin, Nan Moak, Mary Jane Brown emphasized that St. Benedict, in his life, reflected a model of Christ. In his Rule, St. Benedict defines the way to respond to God s call and live the Benedictine way through a life of prayer, work, and community. Sr. Mary guided the Oblates through a reflection of Scripture images in the Rule and positive actions that St. Benedict expects for a follower s daily commitment. Front row (l-r) Mary Reid, Barbara Hammond, Joan Porter, Joe Adams, Florence Hollingsworth, Beverly Temerson. Back row (lr) Sr. Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, Bunny Cox, Nita Caldwell, Tina DeLoach, Sr. Priscilla Cohen, Oblate Director, Kathy West

8 Retreat Center Offerings Winter/Spring 2010 Page 8 retreats@shmon.org Seeking God: The Benedictine Way of Living January 15-17, 2010 Sister Magdalena Craig, O.S.B. and Team Slow Prayer in a Fast World January 16, 2010 ~ 9:30-4:00 Sister Eileen Gallagher, O.S.B. Liturgy of the Hours Retreat January 22-24, 2010 Benedictine Sisters Introduction to Centering Prayer January 29-31, 2010 Contemplative Outreach Staff Lenten Retreat February 26-28, 2010 Father Bede Marcy, O.S.B. Tending the Vineyard: Christian Perspectives on Work March 6, 2010 ~ 9:30-4:00 Sister Elisabeth Meadows, O.S.B. Centering Prayer Contemplative Retreat March 18-21, 2010 Sister Mary McGehee, O.S.B. and Contemplative Outreach Staff Lenten Desert Day March 27, 2010 ~ 9:30 4:00 (with 40 hour retreat option) Sister Mary McGehee, O.S.B. The Sacred Triduum April 1-4, 2010 Benedictine Sisters 8-Day Intensive/Post-Intensive Center Prayer June 29 July 6, 2010 Contemplative Outreach Staff Benedictine Journeys Wales: A Land Beyond Time including highlights of Southwestern England September 22 October 6 or 7, 2010 Sister Magdalena Craig, O.S.B. Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama Winter, 2009 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 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, Mary McGehee, Elisabeth Meadows, Thérèse Haydel, Mary Ruth Coffman, Priscilla Cohen, Jane Bishop, Marian Davis, Eleanor Harrison, Eileen Gallagher, Sara Aiden Burress, OSB; and Barbara Gallagher, OSF Photography: Srs. Regina Barrett, Thérèse Haydel, Elisabeth Meadows, OSB; and contributing photographers Catherine Bailey, Laura Womack, and Mike Strawn Circulation: Sherri Arndt and Stephanie Cupp 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. 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