Sisters of Grace

Epiphany

2012-01-07T18:02:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd share an Epiphany poem. It is written by Sr. Mary Margaret Funk

Epiphany shows a sleepy world that Christmas
is not stillborn
or a crib feast to remain in gift shops
and cultural miniatures.

Epiphany is a bold eastern feast of
symbol and connectedness
to Christ's ongoing life of preaching and healing.

Though gifts were brought, the favor sought was peace
before nations began to dominate.

We kneel today; homage is fitting.
One star more than galaxies enlightens us:
Born is the Christ.

Journeying Toward Christmas - O Antiphons

2011-12-19T09:07:00.000-05:00

As we celebrate the fourth week of Advent, we journey closer to the birth of the Christ Child. On the 17th of December we begin singing the O Antiphons at Evening Prayer. Each evening we sing one of the antiphons to remind us remind us of who Christ is.

O Wisdom reminds us that Christ is the Word of God through whom all things are created.

O Adonai calls upon the Lord who spoke from the Burning Bush, telling Moses to lead his people to freedom.

O Root of Jesse speaks of Christ, born of the line of David; God born into the human family.

O Key of David refers to Christ who has the power to open all the prisons we find ourselves in, and to lock away all things that hinder us in our journey to God.

O Rising Dawn is the promise that even in our darkest times, Christ the Light of the World will shine forth.

O King of Nations looks forward to Christ's reign of justice and peace.

O Emmanuel brings us to Bethlehem, to that moment in history when Christ became a human being.

Beginning the Monastic Journey

2011-10-04T15:03:00.000-04:00

Susan being welcomed as a
Postulant by our Prioress,
Sr. Juliann Babcock

Our new postulant, Susan Rakers sends out an email (postcard) every so often letting her friends know about her life as a postulant at Our Lady of Grace. I was particularly struck by this one and so we thought we'd share it with you.

For this reason prayer ought to be short and pure, unless, perhaps it is lengthened by the inspiration of divine grace. At the community exercises, however, let the prayer always be short, and the sign having been given by the Superior, let all rise together.
(RB 20)

As I got ready for bed this Monday night, I was a little bit sore. I had been physically active during the last few days. I helped setup and take down a benefit fashion show and luncheon to support the retreat center, Benedict Inn. I went to clean the house that I have up for sale in Fishers, IN. On Monday morning, I was gathering and doing laundry for housekeeping.

Just as I have been physically active, I have been exercising some new and rusty spiritual muscles. As I mention in my previous postcard, Postulancy is like being at base camp for a long mountain climbing expedition. One focus at base camp is physical training. For me and my fellow climbers (the Sisters), it is Cross training, spiritual exercising or prayer.

Daily, as a community, we have Morning and Evening prayer (Lauds and Vespers) along with Mass. There is also Mid-Day prayer on weekdays and Saturday before lunch. They are scheduled team practices where we support each other by our presence and praying in one voice. Everyone also does private weight lifting training. I do night prayer (Compline) on my own which includes an exam of conscience. Individually (but sometimes as a group ), we do Lectio Divina or reflective Scripture reading. That is a postcard in itself. I also take some time to reflect each morning and night in my room or cell.

As we are strengthening our relationship with God, we are also praying for our benefactors, family, friends and the cares of the world. Prayer builds that faith and trust in God or those anchors and lines that I mention in my first postcard.

Peace,

Postulant Susan Rakers

P.S.

Wednesday, I had my baptism of flour from the industrial size mixer in the kitchen as I was trying to making a large batch of Snickerdoodle cookies. I learned not to try mixing in 22 cups of flour all at once. It took me a half of an hour to clean up the mess.

September Growth!

2011-09-30T12:45:00.000-04:00

September has been a wonderful month as we celebrated with two wonderful women who both happen to be called SUSAN!

On September 7th, Susan Rakers entered Our Lady of Grace Monastery. Following Evening Prayer, the community gathered in the narthex of the chapel to welcome Susan as a postulant. Standing in front of the statue of Our Lady of Grace Susan received a copy of the Rule of Benedict and the Office Books that she will use for prayer everyday. After a prayer of blessing, each member of community came forward to welcome Susan. It was a great day for Susan and for our community.

On September 28th, Susan Reuber was received as an affiliate of our community. During this time she will continue to discern her call to our community and complete the requirements for entrance into our community. Before Evening Prayer, the community gathered in the lobby of our monastery to welcome Susan.

Please pray for Postulant Susan Rakers and Affiliate Susan Reuber as they continue to journey along the monastic way. We also ask your prayers for vocations to our community so that we might continue to share the Benedictine way with the Church and our world.

Fall is upon our grove!

2011-09-28T14:39:00.004-04:00

The season of Fall is upon us. Our grove is showing signs of letting go as some trees are beginning to lose their green. Outside my office window I have the view of a tree that is already turning red. What a sight and what a spiritual lesson on letting go. Here's a photo of our cemetery last Fall.

SR. JULIE'S FINAL MONASTIC PROFESSION

2011-08-10T15:23:00.000-04:00

This summer was filled with wonderful events and opportunities our monastic community. One that brought great joy to our community was Sr. Julie Sewell's Final Monastic Profession. What a great day it was to witness Sr. Julie standing before the altar making her vows to God in the midst of her community. This video will give you a glimpse into the beauty and power of this day.

"You're the Berries" Donor Party

2011-06-06T10:27:00.000-04:00

We are blessed to have wonderful friends who support us through their love, time, treasure and talent. We keep them in our hearts and prayer throughout the year but we also stop to celebrate them for their kindness to us. Yesterday we had a special "You're the Berries" Donor Party. As I'm sure you can tell by the words and pictures, the party included LOTS of STRAWBERRIES. All kinds of desserts were at hand as we said thank you to our friends. Enjoy some pictures of our celebration. It was a wonderful time spent with friends!

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Gospel of John 10:1-10

2011-05-15T13:12:00.002-04:00

Commentary for the Fourth Sunday of Easter – Gospel John 10:1-10

In the Gospel of John, we are reminded that the sheep do not follow a stranger but rather they follow the shepherd because they know the shepherd’s voice. In the Rule, Benedict reminds us to “Listen, carefully, to my instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” Listening, tuning in to the voice of the one who gives us life, is very important if we are going to make any headway on the spiritual journey. However, as we very well know, listening is no easy task.

What does it mean to listen, to truly listen? How do we discern God’s voice in our lives from the many voices that cry out around us? God speaks to us and through us in a myriad of ways. Sometimes God speaks to us in ways we expect and, at other times, God surprises us. It is our duty to continually tune our hearts to God’s heart so that we recognize God’s voice whenever God speaks.

Benedict knew that if we want to tune our hearts to God’s heart we must listen daily with the ear of our heart. As Benedictines, our call is to seek God in each person and moment of our lives. As we gather each day for prayer, we tune our hearts to God’s heart so that we will more readily notice God’s voice at other times. As we take time for our Lectio Divina, our hearts slowly grow in recognizing God’s voice when God speaks. Through our obedience to our prioress and to one another, we allow ourselves to hear God’s voice in a way we might not have heard it before. Through hospitality, the tent of our heart is stretched to hear God’s voice in the other and, in that way, our understanding of God grows and so do we.

Christ, the Good Shepherd, came so that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). It is this abundant life that Benedict desired for all who desire to listen to God with the ear of their hearts. As we grow in recognizing God’s voice, our hearts expand “with the inexpressible delight of God’s love”(Cf. RB Prol. 40).

Let us take a moment this evening to reflect on the ways God is calling us to listen. It might be something God is asking of us. It might be that we are called to listen in a way we have never listened before. Or it might be a deeper listening than we have ever experienced before. Whatever the call is for us at this particular time in our lives, let us open our hearts to follow God’s call.

Sr. Mary Sylvester's 99th Birthday

2011-05-13T15:36:00.000-04:00

Today we celebrate Sr. Mary Sylvester Will's 99th Birthday. It is a big day for her and for us. She is an amazing person. You would never guess she's 99. Sister is so interested in the world around her and in helping others. On Wednesdays she goes to St. Vincent DePaul to help bag food for the shut-ins. She loves this ministry and loves being able to be a part of it. Today, when I wished her a happy birthday, she said to me "Can you believe that next year I'll be 100!" She is so excited about that possibility. Sister has had a wonderful life and has been deeply blessed by God. She is so thankful for the gift of being a Benedictine Sister.

Goose Delights In Her Little Ones

2011-05-05T14:55:00.000-04:00

Each year we have a goose and gander that come to the monastery to lay their eggs. It is quite a faith experience to watch her (we've named her Gladys) as she sits on her eggs through storms and beautiful weather. She is the faithful mother who watches over her children. Nothing frightens her away. Many of the sisters have commented on how much it reminds them of God's love for us that is unwavering. God holds us under the wings of love and never lets us go.

Thought you might enjoy seeing a couple of videos. One is of the goslings exploring the world around them. The other is of Mama and Papa processing from our retreat center towards our monastery to the sound of our bells. It is almost as if they are making a procession to the chapel.

Enjoy! We certainly have enjoyed them.

Christ has risen as He promised, Alleluia!

2011-04-24T18:26:00.001-04:00

Chapel

At Easter Morning Prayer we always begin with the song "Light Breaks Forth." It is one of my favorites. The words are by Sr. Dolores Dufner, OSB (St. Benedict's in St. Joseph, MN) and the music is by our Sr. Mary Sue Freiberger. It is absolutely beautiful.

"Brightness of beauty, gleaming of glory. Morning Star, rise in our hearts!
Lamp ever burning sun never setting, Star of the Universe shine!

Light breaks forth, empty the tomb. Jesus Christ with us living, giving.
Rise we from slumber to Easter splendor, Daystar dawning."

Each time we sing it, I feel such gratitude for the gift of salvation. Our God lives!

Chapel Podium

Last night the chapel was full with our sisters and many guests as we celebrated the Vigil. Even though there had been the forecast of rain, we were able to all be outside for the lighting of the Easter fire. The procession into church and the singing of the Exultet is always glorious! God has gifted us with wonderful musicians with beautiful voices. As we sang together, I could certainly understand why St. Augustine said that "those who sing, pray twice." It is such a gift to be in community worshiping our God together. St. Benedict called us to live a life of deep prayer living each day reflecting on the Paschal Mystery. As we gathered for the Vigil, we celebrated the depth of this reality. After the Vigil, we always invite all of our guests to stay for breakfast (sweet breads and easter eggs). It is always to continue the celebration together.

Our Lady of Grace Easter Garden

Today we had lots of guests for our Easter Sunday Mass and Easter meal. It is always fun to see family and friends and to invite them to share a meal with us. Most of all, it is a gift to know that we all seek God together. As we celebrated Christ's resurrection, joy and hope resonated around the monastery. What a gift it is that we have a God who loves us so much! My hope is that we will spend our lives sharing that love with everyone we meet. I hope that everyone who comes to Our Lady of Grace Monastery will know the joy, hope and peace of Christ.

Entering into the silence of the Triduum

2011-04-22T10:02:00.000-04:00

The Triduum begins with the Holy Thursday Mass and ends with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. I love this time in the monastery as we enter into silence together and we reflect on the Paschal Mystery together.

On Holy Thursday evening we begin with a community meal served by our Prioress and Sub-Prioress. It is a leisurely meal where we can savor the food and one another's company. After the meal and the dishes are done, we move upstairs to prepare for the Mass of the Lord's Supper. This is one of my favorite liturgies of the year. I love the footwashing where we are reminded to bend to wash others' feet just as Christ did. The Mass ends with the procession of the Eucharist to the Blessed Sacrament chapel. This begins the silence in the monastery that will continue until the Holy Saturday Vigil.

The silence in the monastery gives us the opportunity to ponder, reflect on Christ's life, death and resurrection and our desire to die and rise with Christ. We have silence at meals with table reading that helps us to continue reflecting on the power of this holy time.

Of course there is lots to be done during this time - chapel needs to be decorated, the Easter meal prepared - so there is activity in the monastery. The gift is that we try to do it all in a spirit of silence that lends to a deepening of our inner life.

Know that as we enter more deeply into the Triduum, we hold you in the heart of our prayer.

Palm Sunday Procession

2011-04-20T14:55:00.000-04:00

RISING FROM OUR TOMBS

2011-04-10T20:20:00.001-04:00

This week we have the powerful Gospel of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This Gospel is laden with different images and themes. We have Martha’s powerful profession of faith, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” The image of Jesus weeping that shows us Jesus’ great love and deep humanity. We have Lazarus in a tomb for four days and Jesus telling him, “Lazarus, come out!” And, of course, we have Lazarus walking out of the tomb still all bound up, and Jesus telling those around him to take the burial cloths off Lazarus. Too many to reflect on so let’s stay with Lazarus.

Can you imagine being in a tomb for four days? Can you imagine the stench that Martha spoke of when Jesus said to take the stone away? Can you imagine what it must have felt like for Lazarus to rise and walk out of that tomb alive but still bound up? And then imagine for a moment what it felt like for Lazarus to have those around him help to unbind him? Initially, it might be easy for us to say no I can’t imagine any of that. But, I think if we reflect on our lives more deeply, we could easily imagine it.

How many tombs have each of us inhabited in our lives? It might be the tomb of low self-esteem that keeps you from truly being who God calls you to be and so you find yourself trying to be like others instead of yourself. It could be the tomb of being disconnected from another and using all your energy to avoid this person so that you don’t have to talk or heal the relationship. Maybe you’re caught in the tomb of murmuring and find yourself grumbling to others in community. The tomb of unworthiness can be another we find ourselves in. When we live in this tomb, we can find ourselves comparing ourselves to others and always coming up short or putting them down to feel better about ourselves. Of course, when we live in these tombs for too long there is a horrible stench that pervades us and all of those around us. This odor is not the beautiful odor of good zeal that Benedict talks about but bad zeal that does not lead us to God or others.

Yes, we all inhabit tombs in our lives. Maybe we inhabit them for a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime. Maybe we inhabit more than one tomb at a time. But Jesus tells us that we do not have to live in these tombs. Yes, Jesus tells us that we will rise on the last day but we are also called to rise each day, in the here and now, to new life. It is not an easy thing to do because even though our tombs aren’t fun, they are familiar. And, yet, Jesus calls each of us to come out. When we have the courage to walk out of these tombs, we will need a new courage. We will need the courage to allow others to help unbind us from the burial cloths that have held us captive. We will also need to look around community for others who are trying to rise from their tombs and we will need to go and help unbind them as well.

We all have a tomb that we live in, at least one. Which tomb is the tomb that is hurting you the most? (give a moment for them to think) Do you have the courage to stand up and walk out of it? As we journey closer to Easter, let us each stand up and rise from a tomb that we have inhabited so that we might more joyfully greet the risen Christ on Easter morn.

Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent by Sr. Kathleen Yeadon, OSB

2011-03-20T20:58:00.005-04:00

Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration

Rise and do not be afraid Matthew 17

It is the second week of Lent and we have Resurrection language in the Gospel passage! Yeah! I think when you start off on any journey, you have to keep the goal in mind. We have begun Lent not for the sake of Lent but for the sake of the Resurrection. Rise and do not be afraid! This line calls us to leave behind the fear of the struggle and walk bravely toward God’s call.

Mountain climbing is hard work. We want the beautiful view but to get there requires rigorous effort. It costs us to reach our goal.

Where do we want to be as a monastic group of women? As Christian people?

· It will take hard work—giving up our own desires

· showing up when we prefer something else

· reaching out to someone who is not our favorite person

You can add your own one that is hard for you.

We know the mountain top view we want. Let us keep our eyes on who is leading us up the mountain—Jesus

Let us listen for the voice of the Lord calling to us. Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. Rule of Benedict Prologue 19,48

The effort and view will be worth it.

Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent by Sr. Kathleen Yeadon, OSB

2011-03-20T20:58:00.002-04:00

Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration

Rise and do not be afraid Matthew 17

Mountain climbing is hard work. We want the beautiful view but to get there requires rigorous effort. It costs us to reach our goal.

Where do we want to be as a monastic group of women? As Christian people?

· It will take hard work—giving up our own desires

· showing up when we prefer something else

· reaching out to someone who is not our favorite person

You can add your own one that is hard for you.

We know the mountain top view we want. Let us keep our eyes on who is leading us up the mountain—Jesus

Let us listen for the voice of the Lord calling to us. Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. Rule of Benedict Prologue 19,48

The effort and view will be worth it.

Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent by Sr. Kathleen Yeadon, OSB

2011-03-20T20:58:00.000-04:00

Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration

Rise and do not be afraid Matthew 17

Mountain climbing is hard work. We want the beautiful view but to get there requires rigorous effort. It costs us to reach our goal.

Where do we want to be as a monastic group of women? As Christian people?

· It will take hard work—giving up our own desires

· showing up when we prefer something else

· reaching out to someone who is not our favorite person

You can add your own one that is hard for you.

We know the mountain top view we want. Let us keep our eyes on who is leading us up the mountain—Jesus

Let us listen for the voice of the Lord calling to us. Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. Rule of Benedict Prologue 19,48

The effort and view will be worth it.

Time For Spring Cleaning

2011-03-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

The Gospel for this Sunday connects deeply as we prepare to begin another season of Lent. The word Lent comes from old English word meaning “Spring.” Sometimes we hear Lent compared to a type of spring cleaning, a time to take an assessment of where we are so that we can clean out our lives. Such a cleaning is needed so that we can grow closer to God. Whenever I think of this comparison, I am immediately taken back to my childhood. My sister, Kerry, and I shared a room for many years. We loved to play and it wouldn’t take long before our room became quite a mess. We were fine with a messy room. The problem was that my mom wasn’t. She didn’t only believe in a spring-cleaning but a monthly deep cleaning. I can still remember her saying, “Girls, no playing today until that room is cleaned.” This usually got us moving and we’d head into our rooms and rearrange the mess. We’d shove things under the bed and into the closet until we had a clean looking room to show her. My mom was not to be fooled, however. She would walk in and go right to the core of our cover up. She’d open the closet door or look under the bed and our scheme would be over. She would always end by saying, “You’d think you would have learned the last time.” Back to work we’d go except this time we’d get to the bottom of the mess and truly show here a clean room at the end.

I share this story because I think it is way too easy to move around the mess in our lives and not get to the bottom of it. And, yet, through the season of, we are called to go to the core of the things we need to change. It is not enough to move around the furniture of our lives and call it good. No, we have to get under things, look at the why of what we are about and begin to make serious changes, changes that are life-changing and life-giving.

In the Gospel for this Sunday we read “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of God.” In his Rule, Saint Benedict reminds us, “Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset. But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.” (Prol. 48-49). Both of these readings remind us that it is not always easy to do the will of God and, yet, if we persevere our hearts will be changed and we will know the saving love of God.

During this season of Lent we are being called to look not only at the surface of our life but at its very foundation. Is our life built on rock that will stand or sand that will wash away when storms come? Isn’t it a gift to have this time of Lent, to have the opportunity to look at our foundation from the inside out and the outside in. In a sense, it is like receiving a spiritual check-up so that we can continue to build on solid rock. May it indeed be a time of deep cleaning so that we when we arrive at Easter we will be filled with the joy that Benedict speaks of so powerfully when he speaks of the season of Lent.

Welcome to Indianapolis Bishop Christopher Coyne

2011-03-03T10:18:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, March 2, Father Christopher Coyne was ordained a bishop at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis. He will serve as Auxiliary Bishop to Archbishop Daniel Buechlein. Bishop Christopher Coyne is from the Boston Archdiocese. When he spoke to the people at the end of the Mass, his personality shined through. He showed himself to be a man of deep reflection as well as one with a great sense of humor. We welcome him and look forward to working with him as we all continue to share the good news of the Gospel. (The picture of Bishop Christopher Coyne was taken as he spoke to the people at the end of Mass.)

We had a wonderful surprise this week when Bishop Paul Etienne, the Bishop of Cheyenne, WY, celebrated Mass with us on Monday evening. How did Bishop Paul end up being at our monastery on a Monday evening, you might ask? Well, he happens to be Sr. Nicolette's brother and a long time friend of our community. He has been in town all week for Bishop Christopher's ordination. It was wonderful to have him with us. He is a great person and a humble and holy servant of God. (The picture is of Bishop Paul and his sister, Sister Nicolette, at Bishop Paul's ordination.)

Indy Nun Run

2011-02-18T16:27:00.000-05:00

This is the weekend for the Indy Nun Run. There are 8 women making it. They will have the opportunity to meet sisters of 5 different religious communities. They will end at our monastery and join us for Evening Prayer, supper and then sharing about the Benedictine way of life. It will be lots of fun. I've enjoyed the other ones that I have participated in. I always enjoy meeting the young adults who participate as they have such a desire to grow closer to God.

55 & Under Workshop for Benedictine Sisters

2011-02-04T10:51:00.000-05:00

This past weekend a group of us from Our Lady of Grace Monastery attended the 55 & Under Workshop for Benedictine Sisters at St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, KS. There were 92 Benedictine sisters under the age of 55 present. It was a gathering full of joy and vitality. The theme of the conference was Unity in Hope. We certainly felt hopeful as we gathered to pray, share and learn more about one another and reflect on our future together. The love of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our hope as we move into the future together.

There were 6 sisters from our community who went (there were supposed to be 8 but 2 sisters got sick). We actually have 18 sisters under the age of 55 but some couldn't go this time because of other responsibilities.

Sisters who went from our community:

Sr. Jennifer Mechtild, Sr. Maureen Therese, Sr. Susan Marie, Sr. Sheila Marie, Sr. Pamela Kay and Sr. Cathy Anne.

Sisters who attended from the Federation of St. Gertrude - Our Lady of Grace Monastery belongs to this federation.

All the participants at the Under 55 Gathering - Federation of St. Gertrude, Federation of St. Scholastica, Federation of St. Benedict and Sisters of Perpetual Adoration -- plus the Presidents of each of these Federations and the Prioress General of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

Listening for God this New Year (Part 2)

2011-01-26T15:06:00.000-05:00

Circumstances of Our Daily Lives

Of course it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we are called to listen for God in our daily lives. However, it seems that it is easy to go through each day in a hurry, not fully awake to the presence of God in each and every moment. Throughout each day we have many experiences – some we name as great, wonderful, and maybe others as bad or not so good. We might enjoy an experience or want it to be over and yet, do we reflect on how God is speaking to us in our daily lives? Could God be speaking to me in that disagreement I had with my father this weekend or that wonderful conversation I had with my sister? When I passed that homeless man this morning and found myself looking down rather than meeting the sad gaze in his eyes, could God have been speaking to me then? When I arrived this evening and someone welcomed me with a hug, did I take time to reflect on the warmth of God’s presence? God is speaking in every moment. How do we listen? Are we listening?

Integrity of Daily Life

And, finally, how is God speaking to me and how am I listening for God through the integrity of my life. What do I mean by this? Well, it seems to me that, in today’s world, there are so many ways to present ourselves to others. We can so easily compartmentalize our lives and not be true to God’s call in all places. For instance, we can present ourselves one way on Facebook and another way with our Church community. Or it might be that we look one way with our Church community and another way at a party. People can meet different versions of us in different places rather than meeting who we really are. Who is God calling you to be? Can you risk being the person God calls you to be in every place you find yourself? I think as we listen for God’s voice in 2011, we might do well to listen to our own lives and see if we are living our with integrity for God.

As we begin this New Year, we have been given the gift of 365 days (we’ve already lived 26 of them) to listen for God. Let us use this time well and may we find ourselves transformed by the experienced and filled with the love that God gives. May we truly be astonished by what we hear when we truly listen for God in everyone and everything, every day of our lives.

Listening for God this New Year (Part 1)

2011-01-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

How are we called to Listen for God in the New Year. God is close to us, always present, ever near. In a sense, all we need to do is to listen, to open ourselves up to the presence that is already within and all around us. It is so easy to walk through our life not fully awake. But God wants to communicate with us and offers us a multitude of ways to listen. So the first thing we need to do is wake up. How and where is God speaking, and how are you called to listen?

If you have or would visit our monastery, you would read the words Seek God above the entryway as soon as you enter the doors of the monastery. It is a reminder to each of the sisters and to all of our guests that we are called to Seek God to listen for God in each moment of our lives. In fact, we have a refrain that is sung at the election of a superior, the vows of a sister, and at any other important moment in our monastery – “Seek God in everyone and everything, every day of your life.” We could just as easily say Listen for God in everyone and everything, every day of your life.” And yet, how do we do this? I would like to offer us four ways of listening for God.

Prayer

I believe that the foundation of all of our listening is found in prayer. It is so important to take time each day for silence so that we can open up a space within to hear the voice of God that speaks to us in every moment and every place. It is easy during our time of prayer to forget to listen for God. We might have lots on our mind that we want to share with God and, as a result, we talk a lot but forget to listen. So one way to listen for God is to include within your time of prayer time for silence so that you can listen to God with the ear of your heart. Maybe this time will come after you have spoken to God, maybe it will come before. It is not important when you take time for silence but that you take time for silence. As we learn to listen for God in the silence, we slowly tune our hearts to the sound of God’s voice. There is no substitute for prayer. It is on the foundation of prayer that all of our life is built. It is through prayer, that we will more readily hear God’s voice in other places.

Relationships

God also speaks to us through our relationships. Sometimes God nurtures us through these relationships and at other times God challenges us. I think it is important to take time to look at our relationships and reflect on who the people are in my life that helps me listen for God more clearly. As we reflect on these relationships, we will also want to take time to look at ourselves and reflect on how we help others listen for God in their lives. It might be that as we reflect we realize that some of our relationships are not relationships that open us up to God’s voice. It would do us well to spend time with this reality and discern what we need to do to change the quality of these relationships.

I know that in my own life I am very thankful for the relationships that help me listen for God more deeply and more clearly. In these relationships, I can be myself, I can be vulnerable and I am able to hear God speaking to me through them.

Courage to Follow God's Call

2011-01-12T20:19:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, we received a new Affiliate to our Community. As I was waiting with our Sisters in the lobby, I couldn’t help but reflect back on the day that I became an Affiliate nearly 11 years ago. I had been discerning my vocation to religious life and was spending some time at Our Lady of Grace Monastery, learning about and experiencing Benedictine monastic life and getting to know some of the Sisters here. One day, I was telling my story to Sr. Catherine, one of our Senior Sisters. When I was finished, she pondered a bit, and said to me, “I think you are ready.” So, she walked with me down the hall to Sr. Joan Marie’s office (Vocation Director at the time) and then she got on the elevator.

I know Sr. Catherine was praying for me as I stood on the threshold of my future life. I stepped into Sr. Joan Marie’s office, took a deep breath, and before I would run out of courage, I told her that I would like to become an Affiliate of this Community. As we began planning the next steps, I felt a slight panic. What was I doing? My whole life could change if I pursued this call that I felt deep in my heart. I told her, “I feel really reckless right now.” “How do you think Simon and Andrew felt when Jesus called them?” was her response. I felt in good company then, and a deep peace in taking this first step toward the rest of my life. Actually, I knew deep down, as those early disciples of Jesus must also have known, that my heart had been “seized by Christ.” I could make no other choice than to follow him.

My spiritual director at the time had been helping me to understand that Christ was laboring within me to lead me to where I would find union with him. On the evening of my Affiliation ceremony, I had this image of Christ riding on a stationary bike (laboring within me). For a brief moment, Christ stopped pedaling, raised his hands off the bars, rejoiced that I had taken this first step, and returned to his pedaling – he knew he still had a lot of labor to do on my behalf. In the weeks and months that followed, I received a profound grace to prepare to begin my life here at Our Lady of Grace Monastery. Christ’s labor within me and God’s love, grace and mercy continues to keep me here as a Sister of St. Benedict.

During this National Vocations Awareness Week I thank God for the gift of my vocation and for the abundance of blessings I continue to receive as I strive to follow God’s will. I know for certain that God cannot be outdone in generosity. And, I am continually encouraged by a saying that appeared on a bookmark that my mother gave me on the day I entered: “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”

Holding Christmas and the Triduum Together

2011-01-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, we will come to the end of the Christmas Season. This Christmas Season was short and it seems hard to believe that it will be over so soon. In just two months from Sunday we will begin the season of Lent. Sometimes the seasons of Advent/Christmas and the season of Lent/Easter can seem so different and yet they are so closely connected. The reading from the Orthodox Royal Hours is deeply moving to me and makes the deep connection that we cannot celebrate one with the other. I hope that you find it meaningful as well.

“The Winter Pascha”

(Verses from the Orthodox “Royal Hours”

for Christmas Eve and Good Friday)

The One who holds all creation in the hollow of a hand is born today

of a Virgin.

The One who hung the earth upon the waters is hung today upon

the Cross.

The One whose essence none can touch is wrapped in swaddling clothes

as a mortal.

The One who rules the angels is crowned today with thorns.

God, who in the beginning created the heavens, lies now in a manger.

God, who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in mocking purple.

The One who rained manna down on the people in the wilderness is fed on milk from a mother’s breast.

The One who set Eve and Adam free in the Jordan is slapped in the face.

Today the Church’s Spouse calls forth the Magi.

Today the Church’s Spouse is nailed to the cross.

The Virgin’s Child accepts their gifts.

The Virgin’s Child is pierced with a spear.

We worship your nativity, O Christ!

We worship you passion, O Christ!

Show us your glorious Nativity!

Show us, too, your glorious Resurrection!

The Gift of Christmas

2010-12-28T09:17:00.000-05:00

The celebration of the Feast of Christmas was a time of great joy at Our Lady of Grace Monastery. There is so much to prepare - music, chapel environment, food, dining room decorations. And yet, that is so much a part of the celebration of Christmas. I love the days before Christmas as each person in community uses her gifts to help prepare.

Our Evening and Morning Prayer liturgies were beautiful. I love the special verses from Scripture that remind us of the amazing gift that we are receiving and the mystery of it all astounds me. Our Eucharistic liturgy was beautiful with the sounds of our Bell Choir and the beautiful voices of our Schola praising God together. Christ coming to us in human form. As I received Christ at the Eucharist, I was reminded once again that I am called to become that same gift for others. What a challenge and gift this is! God comes to us in human form so that we might come to know him intimately. And, because of this intimate relationship with him, we are never the same. Now we, too, must become for others a life-changing experience. May our relationship with others help them see Christ so that their lives might be changed through this experience.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

2010-12-22T09:43:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that Christmas Eve is just a couple of days away. Christmas trees are appearing all over the monastery. We will start putting the lights on the trees in the chapel this afternoon/evening. Tomorrow and Friday the rest of the chapel decorations will be done. I love this time of the year. It is such a time of community. Each person is involved in their little part of making the celebration of Christmas special. Of course, it is our daily prayer and Eucharist that is preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Know that we pray for all of you in our daily prayer.

Whose In Your Family Tree?

2010-12-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

The Gospel for today is the genealogy of Jesus. For a long time I struggled with this Gospel passage. I guess I didn't know how to reflect on it. However, in recent years, it has begun to hold deep meaning in my life. As reflect on Jesus' genealogy, I realize that it is filled with the great ancestors and the not so great. The Gospel writer includes them all. Each ancestor is an important part of Jesus' history. It helps me reflect on my family tree. There are those in my family tree who were a gift and added so much to my family and then there are those who were a challenge and caused great struggle. It is easy to focus on the "good" ones and forget about the ones that were a challenge. Yet, each person in my family tree is a part of my story, a story that is part of the Story. I encourage you to reflect on your family tree and give thanks for each person that has been a part of your story. Many of them you never met and yet they helped shape your family. I give gratitude for the family that God chose to give me. The gifts and the struggles are all a part of my story, a story still being told by God.

My Soul In Stillness Waits

2010-12-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

At Mass yesterday, we sang the song
"My Soul in Stillness Waits." I love this song because it is a reminder of what Advent is all about. The words of the chorus keep running through my heart, "For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits, truly my hope is in you." I am always moved by this song. However, yesterday as I

looked out at the beauty of creation and the deep stillness of the fallen snow that covered the earth, I felt like I had been given a special gift by God. God's grace covers me gently and leads me into the stillness of God's presence just like the snow that covers the earth.

Sr. Mary Margaret took these pictures of our grounds covered with snow. I hope you enjoy seeing them

much as we did. We are blessed by beauty all around us but sometimes it takes a first snow to open our eyes to the beauty God provides each day.

I want to take this gift with me into the rest of the Advent season so that each day I might touch into the beauty and stillness that God offers me. Know of my prayers as you enjoy God's gifts this Advent.

Sr. Julie Sewell and Sr. Heather Jean enjoyed an Advent walk together. All bundled up they stayed warm as they took in the beauty of God's gift.

The Importance of Passion

2010-12-03T11:34:00.000-05:00

As I have talked with people about their lives and what they desire, I have often heard them talk about the importance of passion for what you do. I would totally agree and find it sad when I meet someone who does not seem to have passion for what they are doing. However, passion can never be separated from the source of our lives: Jesus Christ!

A couple of Sundays ago, I was at Mass at Christ the King Parish and read Fr. Steve Jarrell's column in their bulletin. In his column, he used this quote from Pastor Frederick Buechner. I have been reflecting on it this Advent and invite you do do the same.

"Passion must be grounded, or, like lightning without a lightning rod, it can blow fuses and burn the house down. Passion must be related not just to the world inside your skin but the world outside your skin . . . . Passion must be harnessed and put to work, and the power that first stirs the heart must become the power that also stirs your hand and feet, because it is the places your feet take you to and the work you find for your hands that finally proclaim who you are and who Christ is. Passion without wisdom to give it shape and direction is as empty as wisdom without passion to give it shape and purpose."

A New Year Begins ... The Season of Advent

2010-11-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

I love the season of Advent! It is such a gift to begin again. Another liturgical year is before us and we can embrace it by entering deeply into this season of Advent. Our culture seems to skip over Advent as it busily prepares for Christmas. Advent invites us to reflect on what we are preparing for at this time of year. It is a season of hope and anticipation as we await the birth of the Christ child into our hearts and our world.

I find it helpful during Advent to take a little extra time each day for silence. As I enter this time of silence, I find myself reflecting on the gift of Christ in my own life. It also challenges me to look at the ways I share, or need to share, the gift of Christ with others. These times of silence stretch my heart and make it a little bigger, a little more welcoming for Christ to dwell. I am so thankful for the gift of Advent. I pray that it is a time of blessing for you as well.

Thanksgiving At Our Lady of Grace Monastery

2010-11-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thankgiving at Our Lady of Grace. We had a beautiful liturgy followed by an absolutely delicious meal. We were joined by family and friends for both Mass and the meal. It is always a gift to share our blessings with others. It takes a lot of community participation to decorate the chapel, prepare the meal and decorate the dining room. Of course, it is all worth it. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Gratitude

2010-11-24T20:08:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd share a poem I received from my friend, John Hay, Jr. It expresses the depth of what I understand Thanksgiving to be. Blessings!

*** *** **** ****

GRATITUDE
Gratitude comes from some place deeper than mouthing the words “thank you”

I penned this poem thinking of gratitude, which is a grace that runs much deeper than the socially-expected etiquette that surrounds “giving thanks.” As important as it is to celebrate thanksgiving and to take up the practice of saying “thank you,” finding gratitude reverberating authentically in one’s heart is the surpassing gift. I pray that you experience and express it this season.

Thanksgiving doesn’t live in a vacuum;
We do not pluck it from thin air.
We cannot be grateful on command,
Genuflecting at the drop of hat.

Talk is cheap when it comes to thanking,
Yet beyond courteous etiquette
Lies a deeper reality that beckons,
Inviting us to reckon with grace.

Native American graciousness
And Pilgrim hospitality,
Turkey and all the trimmings point
Beyond finely folded, praying hands.

Through and beyond these images
We glimpse a sacred connection,
As generations across time
Hail some gracious provision.

It’s not so much a debt we owe
Or tribute for posterity
As it is a virtue we receive
And reflect into eternity.

We deep-down know we are held
By sustaining, life-giving hands.
Not our own or on our own,
We belong and are lovingly known.

We cannot utter such mystery--
Tradition and rite fall short;
But these, and we, can point and say
“Thanks” for life and grace today.

St. Gertrude the Great and St. Mechtild of Hackeborn

2010-11-17T09:55:00.001-05:00

This week we celebrate two great Benedictine saints of our church. Yesterday, Tuesday November 16, we celebrated St. Gertrude the Great. She was the only mystic to be named "Great". She went to the monastery of Helfta at the age of five to be taken care of by the nuns. Later she chose to become a nun and grew in holiness in the midst of her community. The Church celebrates St. Mechtild's feast on November 19. St. Mechtild served as St. Gertrude's Formation Director and they grew close in spiritual friendship.

Both of them had a deep love of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. It was through the liturgy that they grew closer to Christ and gained strength. Both of them had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart. Both of these saints had visions and deep experiences of contemplation that have been written down for others to share.

As we grow in our faith and commitment to Christ through the liturgy, let us ask Sts. Gertrude and Mechtild to pray for us.

Blessed Pope John XXIII's Feast Day

2010-10-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, Pope John XXIII, was born on November 25, 1881 in Bergamo, Itali. As a young priest, he served as a hospital orderly during World War I, a military chaplain, a papal diplomat in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and in France during World War II. He was the cardinal archbishop of Venice and finally the pope who convened Vatican Council II 48 years ago. He died on June 3, 1963 and was beatified in 2000 by Pope John Paul.

At the homily given at Pope John’s beatification, Pope John Paul shared these words in his homily:

Today we contemplate in the glory of the Lord another Pontiff, John XXIII, the Pope who impressed the world with the friendliness of his manner which radiated the remarkable goodness of his soul. Everyone remembers the image of Pope John's smiling face and two outstretched arms embracing the whole world. How many people were won over by his simplicity of heart, combined with a broad experience of people and things! The breath of newness he brought certainly did not concern doctrine, but rather the way to explain it; his style of speaking and acting was new, as was his friendly approach to ordinary people and to the powerful of the world. It was in this spirit that he called the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, thereby turning a new page in the Church's history: Christians heard themselves called to proclaim the Gospel with renewed courage and greater attentiveness to the "signs" of the times. The Council was a truly prophetic insight of this elderly Pontiff who, even amid many difficulties, opened a season of hope for Christians and for humanity.

8th Graders Visit Our Lady of Grace

2010-10-08T13:48:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, October 7th, the Serra Club of Indianapolis planned a Vocation Exploration day for 8th Graders. The young men went to the Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary and the young women came to Our Lady of Grace Monastery.

It was wonderful to have these young women with us. They represented several schools in the Archdiocese and were accompanied by four chaperones. They arrived at 10:00 a.m. and stayed until 2:00 p.m. They joined us for prayer and a meal, a tour of the monastery and a talk on vocations. I was so impressed with these young women. It was fun to get to know them and learn more about the questions they have. Each of them was so respectful and participated in the day fully. It is a gift to know that these young women are a part of our faith and desire to take their faith seriously.

Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to discern God's call in their lives. A big thanks to the Serra Club who continue to pray for vocations and offer opportunities for vocation exploration.

Saint in the making ...

2010-10-01T14:29:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity and privilege of attending the baptism of my friend's little boy. The baptism took place during the 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Monica-St. George parish in Ohio. Pax Gabriel was wearing a baptismal garment that has been in his family for five generations. It was amazing to think that Pax Gabriel's Great-Great Grandfather had been baptized in this same white garment. What a powerful example of passing on the faith. Although Pax was fairly upset before the actual baptism began, he seemed to get very interested as he was being held over the baptismal font. As Fr. Tom was pouring the water over his head, Pax tried to grab the water and pour it over himself. It seemed as if he was very eager to be baptized. It made me smile. What a wonderful gift Pax was receiving and participating in. Through his baptism Pax is called to live a life of holiness. This is his vocation and it is our vocation. Each day we have the opportunity to grow in becoming a saint. This is our calling. I wonder how many times I miss the opportunities that God gives me to grow. I'm going to pay more attention and wake up to all the opportunities to grow, to be the saint I'm called to be.

Celebrating the Feast of St. Hildegard

2010-09-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Hildegard of Bingen. She was the Abbess of the Benedictine Abbey in Bingen, Germany. A woman of great wisdom and understanding, St. Hildegard had a deep love for Christ and glorified him with her words and music. She lived from 1098 - 1179. Let us remember her today. May we, like her, grow in our love of Christ and seek him with our whole lives.

Enjoy these words of hers:

“Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.”

“There is the Music of Heaven in all things and we have forgotten how to hear it until we sing”.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

2010-09-10T11:22:00.000-04:00

This past summer several of us had the opportunity to go the Monastic Institute held at St. John's Abbey in Minnesota. It is a wonderful conference that focuses on Benedictine life. The speakers were very good and it was wonderful to meet Benedictines from all over the country.

Another highlight of our time there was enjoying the beautiful campus of St. John's. They have a beautiful lake that is surrounded by woods. On two of the days we were there, we had the chance to go canoeing. The first day the water was calm but the next day was very choppy. There were several times that Sr. Heather Jean and I almost tipped the boat. When we were trying to head back to shore, we got stuck in the middle of lake because of the strong wind. We just kept going in circles. It took great team work to get back to shore. Sr. Heather and I had to focus our eyes on the shore and work together to get back. Figuring out how to use our oars in tandem we slowly headed back to shore.

I learned a lot that day. How journeying with others makes all the difference. How we need to focus our eyes on the goal and start toward it. And, finally, how the oars we have make a big difference in how we proceed. As I think of the oars of my life, I realize that the Gospel, the Rule of Benedict and the Benedictine values serve as oars that help me navigate the paths of life.

2010-07-30T08:25:00.002-04:00

Friday, July 30th

Today is the last day of our annual chapter meetings. The week is a full one with business, input on various topics, reports and of course some fun time together as community.

Yesterday we had a morning session on vocations. Our speaker challenged us to think of our own call to this community and how unique it is to each person. She then went through a list of calls in the Old and New Testament - Moses-Jeremiah-Naomi-Mary, etc. Each was called, each felt that they were not worthy enough for this call from God.

But that is how we all feel from time to time - not worthy of what God is calling us to do.

I take from the meeting the saying - "Is anything too marvelous for God?"

God is the one who calls us - God knows the plan - we just need to listen and respond.

A Wonderful Week

2010-07-06T15:35:00.000-04:00

Today we begin the Monastic Live-In, an opportunity for others to experience the daily living of monastic life with us. We have three women joining us. They will pray, eat, work and play with us. They will also have the opportunity to hear some input about the Benedictine way of life as well as some time for reflection. It is going to be a GREAT week! They will be with us until Sunday.

Sunday, July 11, the Feast of St. Benedict, is always a very special day for us as we celebrate our founder. This year it is made extra-special as we will celebrate the Final Monastic Profession of Sr. Mary Ann Koetter. Please keep her and all of our community in your prayers as we prepare for this IMPORTANT DAY!!

98/27 . . . Beautiful Friendship!

2010-06-19T10:42:00.000-04:00

On June 17, Postulant Heather celebrated her first birthday in the monastery. It was a great day for her as she celebrated the gift of life and the gift of friendship in community. One of the gifts Heather brings to our community is the gift of energy and enthusiasm.

Heather's parents sent her a birthday gift that no other sister has received - ROLLERBLADES! They came with all the accessories needed to keep her safe. I was sitting in my office when Heather came rolling in to show me her new gift. She asked if we could find Sr. Mary Sylvester to show her the gift as well. So off we went to find her. As you can see from the picture, Sr. Mary Sylvester has her own wheels and won't be asking to use Heather's rollerblades anytime soon.

It has been beautiful to witness the friendship that has developed between the two of them. Sr. Mary Sylvester is ONLY 71 years older than Heather! They share deeply and delight in life together. She laughs as Heather teases her and Heather listens intently as she shares stories from the history of our community. Their beautiful friendship shares the gift of generational living. As St. Benedict teaches us there is always something to be shared and learned by the young and the old.

The Little Things In Life

2010-06-08T15:49:00.002-04:00

A good number of the sisters in our monastery are retired from active ministry (although they contribute much to community in terms of both small jobs and prayer) We call them our "senior sisters", not because of their age as much as in recognition of the years of wisdom and life experience which they now share with us. I have the privilege of coordinating activities for them once or twice a month.

Today we had an ice cream party. Nothing fantastic, just a cone or a bowl of some 'fun' flavors, a class of lemonade and some casual conversation. There is something that seems almost decadent about taking an ice cream break at 2 pm in the afternoon. Several of the other sisters and even a guest or two joined us for a tasty treat.

I was overwhelmed by the gratitude the senior sisters expressed for what seemed like such a small thing for me. To have something different in their very scheduled day, to give themselves permission to relax in the midst of their work was something they saw as gift. Their genuinely happy response reminded me again that it is the small things we do each day, sometimes without even thinking, that often have the greatest impact. Imagine how much more our little deeds could mean if we did them mindfully! Who know there was so much wisdom in an ice cream cone?

Sr. Theresine's Jubilee

2010-06-08T10:40:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, June 6, Sr. Theresine Will celebrated her 60th Jubilee. It was a wonderful celebration with her monastic community and her family. Enjoy the video!

Theresine's Jubilee

2010-06-08T10:38:00.000-04:00

Learning How to Feed Others

2010-06-06T16:33:00.003-04:00

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi, the body and blood of Christ. I am always struck at the sequence of Sunday celebrations in spring: Easter, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi. It's as if, in a nutshell, I am being reminded of the core elements of my Catholic faith: the paschal mystery, the presence of the Spirit, the mystery of three persons in one God, and the Bread of Life which is intended to nourish me for Kingdom living and Kingdom building.
Being a disciple means imitating Jesus. Jesus fed the hungry, using what was at hand to nourish hungry people. In today's gospel (Lk 9:11-17), the apostles urge Jesus to send the crowds away to find food. Jesus says, "Give them some food yourselves." Aside from the fact that they had little, the apostles were used to going to Jesus to solve the problems that arose. I like to think that Jesus was helping His apostles realize that they had something to offer the crowd, both in terms of physical food and spiritual nourishment. In this monastic community we might call that "hospitality", the ability to respond to others' needs, to invite them to rest and relax, to sit and 'chew on' the Word, to taste the goodness of God. This week, I am going to pray that God will help me see the ways I am being called each day to feed my sister, my neighbor, the stranger. I invite you to do the same!

Celebrating Sr. Mary Henry's Life

2010-05-21T09:38:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Sr. Mary Henry Schiff went to be with the God she sought her whole life. I got close to Sr. Mary Henry in her later life. When I would visit her at our nursing health care center, she would always give me a big smile. When I would leave she would always thank me for coming. She never took anyone's care for granted. She was always very thankful.

One of my greatest memories of her was how much she enjoyed her 75th Jubilee in 2007. She radiated the joy she felt that day. It was a gift to celebrate with her. I have included pictures of this day for you to enjoy. I have also included some words from her obituary so that you can get a sense of her ministry to the community, church and beyond. May the witness of her life as a Benedictine sister continue to be a light to the world. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Words from her obituary:
Sr. Mary Henry Schiff (formerly Gertrude Madeline) died at St. Paul Hermitage on May 18, 2010. She was 94 years old. Sr. Mary Henry was one of seven daughters born to Fred and Theresa Schiff in Johnston City, Illinois in 1915. She entered Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana in 1930 and made her Perpetual Monastic Profession in 1937. She was a founding member of Our Lady of Grace Monastery. She received a BS Degree in education from St. Benedict College, Ferdinand, Indiana and a MS Degree in education from St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sr. Mary Henry began her illustrious teaching career in 1934 and taught at various Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Evansville and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. In 1981, after 47 years in the classroom, she became the receptionist and secretary at St. Anthony Rectory, Clarksville, Indiana and then at St. Paul Hermitage from 1984 – 1993. She retired to Our Lady of Grace in 1994 and also served as a receptionist for the monastery.

Race for Vocations

2010-05-10T10:30:00.002-04:00

Each year the Archdiocese of Indianapolis sponsors the Race for Vocations as part of the Mini Marathon/5K that takes place the first full weekend of May.

The Race for Vocations begins with Mass followed by a pasta dinner the night before the race. This year Msgr. Schaedel was the celebrant for the Mass. He gave a wonderful homily about the importance of running to God not from God. He reminded us that when we follow God's call we find great happiness.

200 runners took part in the Race for Vocations. Of course we were part of a sea of thousands of runners. It was amazing to see so many people downtown. As we walked the 5K we were aware that many people were praying for vocations. Rather than sponsoring the Race for Vocations with money, people sponsored it with prayers.

The day was cold and we had to move around to stay warm before the race began. However, the excitement about the race and the realization that so many people were praying for vocations brought warmth to my heart. Keep praying for vocations! Remember that everyone has a vocation, what's yours?

The Miracle of New Life

2010-05-04T11:43:00.002-04:00

The Miracle of New Life

2010-05-04T11:40:00.000-04:00

Each year we have a goose and gander who visit our monastery. The goose (we've named her Gladys) lays her eggs in the flowerbed right by the front door of the monastery, Yesterday the goslings hatched - all SEVEN of them. It was so much fun to watch them learn how to live in their new environment. Gladys is a very protective mother so we had to be careful.

Enjoy the video of the goslings!

Retreat - Quality Time With Jesus

2010-04-26T16:44:00.000-04:00

Each sister in our monastery makes a week- long retreat once a year. This retreat gives each of us the opportunity to reflect on our lives with the One who is the center of our lives, Jesus Christ. Last week I was blessed to be able to go on retreat. I got to go to a retreat center in Kentucky and spend time in a hermitage. I was especially blessed to be able to go on retreat during the spring. Creation was fully alive with trees and flowers blooming everywhere.

It was a great gift to spend the week in silence taking time for reading, prayer and reflection. This quality time with Jesus helped me to reflect on my life and to grow deeper in my relationship with him. I also took time to reflect on the areas of my life I need to celebrate and those I need to work on. Spending time with Jesus helped me take a long and loving look at my life. I am thankful for the time I to retreat, to step back and take a closer look at my life with Jesus. It gives me hope and renewed energy as I engage daily life again.

A Goose and God's Love

2010-04-24T14:00:00.003-04:00

Each year a goose and gander come to our monastery for their yearly visit. We have affectionately named them Gladys and Cyril. Each year Gladys lays her eggs in a flower box close to the front door of our monastery. Initially they would hiss at us as we passed by. It seems that for now there is a truce between us because as we pass by they look at us intensely but don't seem as aggressive anymore.

I never thought that a goose had much to teach me but then I met Gladys. She has taught me so much about God's love. You see Gladys shows a motherly love. She sits on her eggs She covers them with down from her own body so they they have a warm place to grow. She never ventures far from her little ones and when she does, Cyril is close by watching to see if any danger is present. A couple of weeks ago we had a storm with heavy rain, wind and thunder. I thought for sure that Gladys would have run for cover. And yet, when I looked out the window, there she was sitting with her little ones. Her head was tucked down against the wind but she stayed there keeping her eggs warm. By providing this warm and safe place her little ones will keep growing until in a week or two they will be ready to hatch. And, when they hatch, she will teach them to walk and then fly so that they can make it to water and begin the journey to maturity.

God has nurtured and loved me in this way as well. God never leaves me even in the midst of the storms of my life. God is always close loving me with a motherly love. Even when I struggle and feel alone, God is always close by calling me home to the warmth of love. I am so thankful for this God who provides me with all I need to grow into the person I am called to be. May I learn to share this same love with others. Always being there for them so that they might grow into who they are called to be.

When the goslings hatch in a couple of weeks, I hope to be able to get some pictures to share with you. It will be a big event for us because we've grown rather fond of Gladys and Cyril. And, of course, the gift of life is ALWAYS something to be excited about!

Rooted in Love

2010-04-22T14:57:00.004-04:00

This Spring I have found a new favorite plant. I have been told that it is called a bleeding heart, but I am attracted to it because it is a beautiful image of what I have learned about the Benedictine way of life. Benedictine life is a life that is focused on seeking God. The roots of our life is our prayer life both personal and communal in which together we seek to grow in our love for God, one another, and all those we come in contact with. Our life of prayer and community living fills us up and enables us to live out our values of work and hospitality.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see this lived out . I spent a few days shadowing some of our sister in their ministries. It was during those days that I was able to see clearly that by rooting ourselves in prayer and community life the love that we receive overflows into the work that we do. I spent time that week with Sr. Pam, Sr. Anna Marie, and Sr. Becky. Each of these women, have uniquely different ministries, but each of them serve out of our Benedictine values. Sr. Pam’s ministry involves helping families with children who are having problems in school. She works with each family to provide support and resources so that each child can succeed. During our time together we visited homes providing support to the parents and visited the children at school to see how they were doing. Sr. Anna Marie is responsible for Hispanic ministries at a local parish. She spends her time teaching classes, making home visits, and running a clothing pantry. I was able to help her prepare for her first communion class, work in the clothing pantry, and make some home visits with her. Sr. Becky works at a clinic in Terre Haute that serves individuals who do not have health insurance. The clinic Sr. Becky works at provides comprehensive services that include education for chronic diseases, mental health care, primary care, eye, and dental care. I went on a tour of this amazing clinic and then I assisted in the pharmacy.

Each of these experiences taught me a great deal more about what it means to be a Benedictine monastic woman. I learned that being rooted in a life of prayer and supported by a loving community provides the foundation to service our neighbors in God’s love. Although each ministry I visited was different, I was able to see my sisters living out their passions and our values in their daily ministries. This time that I spent sharing in my sisters ministries has made me grateful for my time in formation. It is a time when I am able to root myself in monastic life, learn about our values, live communal life, and grow in love. Once my roots have been firmly established I know that like my sisters I will be able to serve with my heart overflowing with love and in gratitude for my monastic community.

Easter Grace

2010-04-10T13:46:00.000-04:00

I love the daily readings during the season of Easter. There is so much to reflect on as I read about Jesus and the disciples. Jesus appears to the disciples and it takes them a while to recognize him. In my own life, I am aware that I do not always recognize Christ when he appears in my own life. It often takes me a while to get the message of his coming. Just as Jesus patiently works with the disciples until they recognize him, Jesus works patiently with me. Eventually I am able to see and I am changed by his coming.

The fifty days of Easter are such a gift of grace to us all. During these days, let us open our eyes to Christ's coming and may we share his presence with others.

EASTER BLESSINGS!

PALM SUNDAY AND THE GIFT OF GUESTS

2010-03-28T14:15:00.000-04:00

The rainy weather outside might have stopped our outdoor Palm Sunday procession but it didn't stop the beauty of our liturgy inside. We gathered in our lounge for the blessing of the palms and the reading of the Gospel. We then processed around the cloister walk into our chapel. It was beautiful to hear the instrumental music and then, as the procession progressed, the beauty of our voices joining the organ in song. As we begin this holy week, we are reminded that we walk the way of the cross with Jesus so that we might also rise with him. May we be faithful to the journey before us.

This weekend we had special guests that joined us for the Palm Sunday liturgy. Twelve students from St. Bede's Academy in Peru, Illinois, spent the weekend with us. Their chaplain, Fr. Ronald Margheiro, OSB, brought them for a Benedictine Hospitality Weekend.

They joined us for meals, prayer and Mass. Five of our sisters shared the Benedictine charism with them through conversations about prayer, work, community, hospitality and stewardship. Sisters also served as their prayer partners . They had the opportunity to participate in service as they helped us clean out flower beds at the Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center. On Friday evening they joined the community for recreation and then on Saturday evening they enjoyed a movie with some of the sisters. A fun trip to downtown Indy was also on the schedule with a stop at Steak & Shake for a treat.

They were delightful young men and women and so much fun to be with. My prayer for each of them is that they may continue to grow in the love of Christ and neighbor.

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

2010-03-25T09:18:00.000-04:00

The Annunciation . . . Today we celebrate the Mary's resounding YES to God's call. What a day of celebration it is. At Mass today, we sang Dan Schutte's song - "Song of Mary". I love the refrain "Blessed be the name of Mary, she who trusted the love of God." May we, like Mary, listen to God's call in our lives. And may we, like Mary, respond with a resounding YES!

Students model treating each other like Christ

2010-03-22T11:14:00.005-04:00

I am the K-8 Music Teacher at St. Malachy Parish School in Brownsburg, IN. Last week, we held our annual 4^th/5^th Grade concert. Our students sang various folk songs, played instruments, and even performed a folk dance. But the unique, and probably most exciting and rewarding aspect of this concert for our students is that we hosted the Middle School/High School Choir from the Indianapolis School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to perform on our concert. We sang our songs, they sang theirs, and then we closed the concert by performing two songs together.

This concert has been a joint effort between our two schools for the past several years. A couple of years ago, we decided to have the students be pen pals. So, each year, as the time for the concert approaches, pen pals are assigned, and our students write to each other. This has been such a wonderful experience for all of the students. The St. Malachy students are so excited receive letters in Braille (transcribed by their teachers) or large font, and the ISBVI students are thrilled to receive those from St. Malachy.

As the evening of the concert approaches, the excitement builds as the students anticipate meeting and talking to their pen pals before the concert begins. For my students, this is always the most exciting part of the evening. Last week I was so touched by how accepting and caring the students were of each other when they finally met – it was truly heartwarming. Here are some of the comments made by some of my 4^th grade students as they reflected on the experience a couple of days after the concert. “I was surprised by how much they know and do.” “It was nice to realize people aren’t always just what’s on the outside.” “You understand that with determination you can do anything.” “It seems like they aren’t really blind.” “I saw how lucky I am to be able to see.” “I felt sad that he had to work extra hard.” [I will always remember] “how beautiful we sang together.”

These young students modeled for me how Christ desires us to accept and love each other, and how St. Benedict instructs us to treat each other as Christ. How different our world would be if we could all respond to those different from us in such a caring way. That night I understood more clearly why Jesus tells us that we must become like little children in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Spring is in the air . . .

2010-03-19T10:38:00.001-04:00

Today is a beautiful day at Our Lady of Grace Monastery. This morning we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with Morning Prayer and Mass. The music and texts for this feast are so powerful. Joseph opened himself to God's grace and stepped into the mystery of his calling with deep trust and hope. He is a model for each of us as we follow God's call in our own lives. May St. Joseph intercede for us this day.

The Feast of St. Joseph falls on the edge of SPRING. Today we are enjoying a beautiful spring day. The sun is shining and it is a gift to be able to take a walk outside. We are just beginning to see signs of spring. A few green buds on a FEW trees, beautiful purple crocuses and daffodils that are ready to open themselves to the sun.

I absolutely love this time of year. The earth is coming alive again after the long winter. All that has been dormant is now waking up. It is only a couple of weeks until we celebrate the Feast of Easter. May all that has been working within us this Lent wake up to the joy of life in the resurrection! I absolutely love this time of year. The earth is coming alive again after the long winter. All that has been dormant is now waking up. It is only a couple of weeks until we celebrate the Feast of Easter. May all that has been working within us this Lent wake up to the joy of life in the resurrection!

Lenten Check-Up

2010-03-16T15:37:00.000-04:00

This morning as I took time for silence and some journaling, I became deeply aware of the gift that the season of Lent is in my life. It is a time of spring cleaning both outwardly and inwardly. Usually during Lent I take time to go through the things that I have and take inventory of what I really need. This is a great exercise because it is amazing how much one can accumulate without even realizing it. As I do this, it also reminds me of the clutter within that also needs tending to and must not be forgotten. The Lenten disciplines that I have been practicing are supposed to help me let go of some of this clutter and turn my attention more fully to God. As I reflected on the disciplines I have been practicing, I became aware of those areas that I have been faithful to and those that need a little more attention. Today God blessed me with a Lenten Check-Up. There are still more days of Lent for me to deeper in my practices. By doing so, I will truly be able to look forward to Easter with the "holy longing" that Benedict speaks about.

Discerning God's Call

2010-03-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

The past two weekends have been busy ones at Our Lady of Grace Monastery. Over the weekend of February 19 - 21 six women joined us for the Benedictine Experience weekend. They joined us for prayer, meals and recreation. Throughout the weekend sisters shared different aspects of the Benedictine life with these women. Each woman that attended the retreat had a deep desire to seek God in her life. As they asked questions and shared experiences, it was evident that they want to follow God's call.

This past weekend we were part of the Nun Run. Five women joined us on Friday evening for a meal and sharing about the Benedictine life. They spent the night at our retreat center. The next day they visited the Providence sisters, Franciscan sisters, Sisters of Charity and the Little Sisters of the Poor. They returned to our Lady of Grace at 9:00 p.m. to get their cars and head home. While they looked tired from their day, they were filled with enthusiasm for what they had learned.

Both of these experiences were life-giving! It is a gift and a privilege to journey with women who are trying to listen to God's call with humility and integrity. Please pray for these young women that they might have the courage and generosity to respond to God's call.

Congratulations Sr. Mary Ann Koetter!

2010-02-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday our community met for a special meeting. We call this an Admissions Chapter. During this meeting, Sr. Mary Ann Koetter asked the community to accept her for Final Monastic Profession. Sr. Mary Ann has been part of our community since 2004. She is a beautiful person with a deep and loving heart that seeks God. Our community accepted her request with great joy!

Sr. Mary Ann will make her Final Monastic Profession on July 11, 2010, the Feast of St. Benedict. What a wonderful day that will be for Sr. Mary Ann, our community and her family. Please keep her and our community in your prayers as we prepare for this great day!

Reading the Rule of St. Benedict

2010-02-12T16:07:00.003-05:00

Tonight we will read the rule from beginning to end as we prepare for the Chapter of Admissions tomorrow.

I love when we do this each year because it reminds me what it is I am to be doing each day. St. Benedict's rule is so appropriate for our world today as he sets out a way to live in community and how to treat one another. Probably one of my favorite sayings is to do all things with moderation. What would our world look like if we all did this?

As we read the rule tonight one chapter will stick out and this is what I will then ponder the next few days as I try to put into practice something that may need a little work or it may just affirm an area I am working on already. No matter what it is, I will come away from this reading charged up and ready to work at being a better Benedictine.

Lent Is Just Around the Corner

2010-02-10T10:36:00.003-05:00

Ash Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Traditionally, Catholics have been encouraged to mark the season by making some kind of sacrifice, by "giving up" something such as sweets or sodas.

At the monastery we perform a 'Bona Opera'(good work). Each sister is asked to choose a book for spiritual reading, and to include prayer, fasting and almsgiving as part of her Lenten practice. It's a wonderful reminder to stay focused on Jesus as He anticipates His Passion and to enter more fully and intentionally into the solemnity of Lent.

We pray often in the monastery; the Bona Opera invites us to be more deliberate, more aware of the kinds of prayer we choose, the reasons we pray, the causes for which we pray.

It was eye-opening for me to think of fasting with regard to something other than food. To fast from criticism, complaining, or selfishness allows me to recognize God's goodness and grace as reflected in those with whom I live or work.

Almsgiving has also taken on new dimension. I can give of my time or talents as well as of my treasure. Rather than tossing a dollar or two in a collection plate, I mindfully give of my time or use my gifts to serve those in need.

Jesus did a great work for each of us by offering us salvation. Lent gives us a chance to do a good work for Jesus, reflecting our gratitude for His love and sacrifice.

Happy Feast of St. Scholastica

2010-02-10T10:09:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Scholastica. It is a big day in a Benedictine monastery, especially a women's monastery. Scholastica was the twin sister of our founder, St. Benedict of Nursia.

Our morning prayer was absolutely beautiful this as we sang the antiphons that tell the story of Benedict and Scholastica and their deep love for God and for one another.

Scholastica lived in a monastery in close proximity to Benedict's monastery. St. Gregory tells a wonderful story about Benedict and Scholastica. Since they were not able to enter each other's monastery, it is said that they met each year at another place to share spiritual conversation. One of these times they were having a wonderful conversation when night began to fall. Scholastica didn't want her brother to leave and asked him to stay longer. Benedict could not believe that she would ask such a thing and told her so. Scholastica, saddened by his response, cried openly. She put her head on the table and prayed that God would hear her prayer. As she did so, a storm began that made it impossible for Benedict to leave. When Benedict asked her why she had done such a thing, she responded, "From you I asked a favor and you refused to hear me; so I have asked my Lord and He has heard me."

I love this story because it reminds me of how God intercedes when God sees our need. Scholastica knew that God would her her prayer. I ask God to give all of us that same faith and deep trust in our God.

The Beauty of God's Creation

2010-02-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

God blessed us with a beautiful snowfall this past weekend. The monastery grounds were clothed with snow and it looked absolutely glorious. There is nothing like a gentle snowfall to gentle one's spirit. It is as if God is asking us to stop, look and slow down a little. Some of the sisters were able to go for a walk in the snow and one sister was able to cross country ski. Many enjoyed it from a window view. Sister Mary Margaret enjoyed it with her camera and I share some of her pictures with you today.

It is snowing again today and is supposed to snow through the night. Let's all take a chance to enjoy it, to slow down and receive God's gracious gift.

Women's Retreat for Butler University Students

2010-02-01T14:44:00.000-05:00

On Friday, January 29, I had the great gift of leading a retreat for 20 students from Butler University. It began at Butler University where we gathered for pizza with the men and women who would be making the evening retreat. After supper the women drove to Our Lady of Grace for the evening and the men stayed at Butler with Fr. Jeff Godecker and Fr. Rick Nagel for their evening retreat.

The theme of the retreat was living and growing in love. I was deeply touched by the young women making the retreat. They have such a desire to seek God in their lives. Their comments and reflections showed that they want to be people who mirror God's love for others. There was time for input, reflection and a creative activity.

The evening ended in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for adoration, praise and worship. Sr. Cathy Anne Lepore played her guitar as we sang in praise and worship of our God. It was a powerful experience and a very blessed evening. May God continue to live and work in the lives of these young people and may they always know God's deep and abiding love for each of them.