VOLUME 55, NUMBER 2 / 3190 BENET LANE, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 80921-1509 / Spring 2017
Resurrection, Donald Jackson, 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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“Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” -Romans 6:4
Dear Friends and Families,
Recently, all of us in the Christian world celebrated Easter. Easter is a reminder that death doesn’t have the last word, rather that we are meant for life. Take a moment to pray with the cover of our Review. Note the cave in the background, a place of darkness and loss, and an end of life for a beloved one. So many of us have lost loved ones. It leaves us feeling bereft and questioning, “Is this all there is?” Many of the disciples were sad and terrified that their fates would be the same as Jesus, crucifixion. Some of them struggled to understand what Jesus’ life meant. The Gospel reads, “As yet they did not understand the scriptures that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” They were so human, so like us.
Message from Prioress by Sister Clare Carr, OSB, Prioress
In deepest sympathy we remember our dear sisters and their families who have lost loved ones.
Sister Deb Kuhl, OSB for the loss of her mother, Charlotte Kuhl.
Sister Rose Ann Barmann, OSB for the loss of her cousin, Bernard Gram.
Sisters Elizabeth and Kathleen Cogan, OSB for the loss of their nephew, Daniel Cogan.
Sister Mary Jane Vigil, OSB on the loss of her niece, Angela Vigil.
Sister Josie Sanchez, OSB on the loss of her nephew, Kenneth Sanchez.
Resurrection, Donald Jackson, 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University,
Collegeville, Minnesota, USA. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
T he Saint John’s Bible Image on Front Cover
In the Gospel of John we hear Jesus asking Peter three times, “Do you love me”? This was after Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. We also hear about the struggle of Thomas, “Unless I see the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” –John 20:25. These disciples were eye witnesses, and yet they struggled with their faith. This is true for us as well. And yet, a sweeping movement took place among both the Jews and Gentiles, a movement of hope and trust in a plan beyond the obvious. A trust in the living Spirit of Jesus among us and with us in our everyday struggles.
May you find hope in the resurrected Jesus this holy season of Easter. May you meet Him in the locked places of your heart and in the confusion and uncertainties of this time and history.
Blessings and Peace,
The excerpts below are taken from page 97 of The Art of The Saint John’s Bible: The Complete Reader’s Guide by Susan Sink. Published by Liturgical Press © 2013 by Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, Minnesota.
“This time Mary is the most detailed figure on the page, fully corporeal in her decorated red garment. Her face is red, reflecting the glory she sees in Jesus’ face. Instead of seeing Jesus, we see him in her response. Her hand becomes translucent, however, as she reaches to touch Jesus’ face. We can see that she wants to hold on to the Jesus she knew on earth, but he tells her to embrace instead the fullness of the resurrection, the new life of Jesus ascended to the Father.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” -John 20:15
Reflection: How many elements of the passion of Christ do you see in this illumination?
Please go to The Saint John’s Bible website to learn about more Illuminations.https://www.saintjohnsbible.org/
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Vocation
Virginia
Sister Maria Plafcan, OSB ~ Novice Reflections by Sister Maria Plafcan, OSB
In 2009 and 2010 I was a live-in volunteer at Benet Hill Monastery. With a desire to seek God through communal and individual relationships, I returned to the monastery in June 2015 as a live-in affiliate. I became a candidate at Vespers on Easter of 2016, and this Easter during Vespers, I entered the community as a novice.
Most of my Lent was spent in the desert of southern Utah, a place that I find magical and sacred. Its beauty does not stand up and present itself like the Tetons of Yellowstone. Instead, the southern Utah desert is a land of extremes – harsh, yet fragile. These extremes created and continue to create the desert’s beauty. Massive rock faces become bridges and arches, first chiseled by freeze and thaw cycles and then polished by sandstorms to create a smooth surface. Similarly, extremes in life – particularly in community – change and shape us.
Naming the struggles, challenges and difficult encounters in community as “extreme” sounds like an exaggeration, but these are the encounters that lead me to self-awareness and my experience of God. Ultimately I ask myself, “Can I respond from a place of love?” My goal in monastic life is not to become a better me. My ultimate transformation is to become Christ. To die to the bitterness, anger, and all the little ways that separate me from God and keep me from reaching out in love as Christ does, to draw us closer to God.
As I was evaluating the Lenten observances I might make this year, I learned that these observances are not something to be endured such that we look forward to the end of Lent. Rather, the observance that we make, as we journey through Lent, becomes integrated into our lives as part of who we are as seekers of God. So it is the change, no matter how small, large, or somewhere in between, that moves us toward transformation and union with God. Understanding Lent in this way clarifies the Rule of Benedict Chapter 49 verse 1: The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent.
L to R: Sisters Clare Carr, Prioress, Maria Plafcan, Mary Teresa Hicks and Anne Stedman.
Change is never easy. In religious life, a new paradigm is taking shape as a smaller number of sisters are living in community and a larger number of sisters are 75 years of age and older. For women interested in joining the religious life, it presents the reality of living in an intergenerational environment. This new intergenerational living brings challenges of different energy levels, interests, and even spiritual practices. Older and younger sisters must learn to accommodate and adapt to one another.
I find that women with a new vocation value the same things I value, but manifest those values differently. They genuinely want to take the risk to live the Gospel authentically and fully. These women seek interconnectedness, diversity, something greater than themselves, and the desire to be valued along with the freedom to dream. This speaks of a pioneer spirit now and for the future. It also describes the Sisters of the Benet Hill community. They, too, had a vision of something better and took responsibility for their own lives and future. New members need to learn from the experiences of those who have lived the life. I hope they discover what gifts we offer and more and more importantly, how we can find mutual gifts to offer each other.
So how do we create a new interrelatedness in an intergenerational community? It begins with deep compassion, an open heart, a desire for connectedness, the acceptance of diversity, the sharing of wisdom, and a fidelity to the monastic way of life.
The challenge for us is to become compassionate bridge builders and to patiently share our faith in love in order that we may live in hope.
Vocations: T he New Diverse Intergenerational Community by Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB, Vocation Director
“Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” -Thomas Merton
L to R: Dennis (Sister Maria’s brother), Sister Maria and Sue (Sister Maria’s mother on the right front).
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As I reflect on our oblates, I am deeply touched by their generosity. While the AFP Donor Bill of Rights protects the anonymity of our donors, as treasurer I am sometimes aware of the gifts that come to the monastery. There are small and large gifts from cars, to planned giving, to white boards showing up at opportune times because a need was expressed at an oblate meeting. These are the donations I am aware of, and there are many more that I am not able to see because the mission advancement office is very careful in their donor care.
There are also countless hours of service our oblates give visiting our retired sisters, cleaning and volunteering at our monastery, as well as serving on committees and teams. Their service through time, talent and treasure renews our community and freshens our spirit. This is a living example and reminder of the creative goodness of God reflected through the generosity of those we love.
As the oblate director, I am humbled by the Benedictine values expressed through these good people. We are so blessed as a community because of our oblate members. We are grateful from the depths of our hearts for this precious gift.
For more information about our Oblate program, please contact Sister MT Summers, OSB at
[email protected] or call 719-355-1616.
Oblates meet regularly for classes, workshops, study of the Rule of St. Benedict, prayer and for social events. The above image was after an art class.
“It is in community that we come to see God in the other. It is in community that we see our own emptiness filled up.”
-Joan Chittister, OSB
by Sister MT Summers, OSB, Oblate Director
St. Benedict Oblates are a Precious Gift
Composting and gardening were a way of life when I grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s. So my decision to start composting wasn’t political, environmental, or to “make a statement”. It is a way of being that is familiar to me.
My first attempt at composting was after I moved to dry, windy, and cold Cheyenne, WY from hot and humid Arkansas. As a renter, there wasn’t enough yard space for a vegetable garden, but I could compost in a space-saving, critter-free, 30-gallon trash can. After a summer of collecting compost, I discovered I had made a brick! It seemed so simple when my mom composted.
Composting can be really simple and issues such as creating bricks, offensive odors and attracting pesky insects and critters can be avoided by following a few simple steps. A healthy compost pile is teeming with life such as worms, pill bugs, and centipedes. There is a great satisfaction in transforming food scraps into rich, dark, earthy compost using yard waste, water, and nature’s helpers.
Along the way to becoming an accomplished composter, I’ve become more aware of my environment. Even so, the reason I compost goes beyond “the right thing to do”. Compost is part of the life and death cycle. By taking organic material, seemingly at the end of its life, and transforming it into compost, the life and health of existing plants can be maintained and restored. In addition, new life can rise up from once lifeless soil.
Top: In 2016, with Sister Maria leading the monastery’s efforts, a total of 7,240 pounds of paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastic, tin and glass were recycled. During the first quarter of 2017 the
monastery has recycled 2,240 pounds.
GOD BEYOND PRAISEWhen beams of Wisdom strike soils and claysReceptive to the seed, Earth keeps her trust;In springtime all depends she repays,Taught by eternal justice to be just.
-from Selected Poems of Rumi, 2001
New Life Can Rise Up by Sister Maria Plafcan, OSB
I grew up on a rice farm in Arkansas, where many families had a garden. Surprisingly, not everyone composted their food and yard waste, but my mother did. You could say that composting is in my blood.
www.benethillmonastery.org
Seasonal Joys of Community Living - Lent to Easter by Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB, Vocation Director
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“In Christ, there is newness of life.”
-Lailah Gifty Akita
Our Community Lenten theme this year was, “Rend your Hearts and
turn toward God’s Mercy”
-Sacred Heart by Linda McCray
The Stations of the Cross shows how “agony” hidden in our lives is a
compassionate bridge toward humility.
Sacred oils are received from the Diocese at the
beginning of Holy Week. These oils lead us deeper into the mystery of your
presence in our daily lives. We rejoice in the life-giving sacraments of our church.
GOD’S GIFT TO THE CHURCH: Each year we hold these
men, women and children in daily prayer on their
journey to enter the church.
We displayed empty jars and bare twigs by the chapel entrance to remind us that
“Empty and barren the Soul waits.”
We sing alleluias at the Resurrection of Jesus on
Easter Sunday.
On Holy Thursday we celebrate an Agape service with bread and wine. This means
our love lies in benevolence, goodwill, and acts of faithfulness.
It opens our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters calling us to be
active contemplatives.
During Community Days in February each Sister shared the beauty of each
one’s heart. This demonstrated the grace of wonderment and delight!
On Palm Sunday we are invited to stay awake and experience the depth of Jesus’ love for each of us in
this final week of His life.
The Holy Fire at the Vigil of Easter inflames us with passion to spread the Good News: Christ has risen from the dead.
Love triumphs!
Good Friday is a time we remember an unselfish act of total surrender in silent
compassion and gratefulness.
On Holy Saturday we wait in quiet hope together at the tomb.
“The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet.” -Thomas Merton
www.benethillmonastery.org
I felt like I was dreaming when I awoke on a March morning and I looked out of my window to see the sunrise on the blue-green gentle Sea of Galilee. I pinched myself periodically to be sure it was me walking around the grounds, smelling the sea, listening to the birdsongs and enjoying a blossoming fig tree. I thought: “This is the seashore where Jesus encountered and called James and John, where he calmed the storm, where Peter compulsively walks to Jesus on the water and where Jesus, after His Resurrection, prepared breakfast on a charcoal fire for the disciples.”
I journeyed to the many places that Jesus and His disciples experienced the power of God-Man walking among us: Mt. Tabor, Mount of the Beatitudes, Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum, Bethsaida, the Jordan River, Bethlehem, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, (a 3,000 year old olive tree that was actually in the garden during Jesus’s agony) and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher- Calvary. These are just a few of the many sites where Jesus carried out his Mission of Love for you and me.
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Dear Benet Hill Academy Alumnae, SAVE THE DATES: Saturday, July 22, 2017 there will be a fun-filled day beginning at 12:30 pm with a picnic for ALL alumnae and their families.
Sunday, July 23, 2017 there will be a Mass at 10:15 am for Alumnae followed by coffee & rolls, pictures and tours.PLEASE RSVP to Sister Lucile at [email protected] or call for reservations. 719-633-0655 Ext. 118.
L to R: Diana Erpelding Allegre, Dorthea Alfonsin Watkins, Mary Dubois Carrothers, Theresa Hurd Deritick, Alice Kuhn Busby,
Kathy Sharkey McLaughlin and Ellen Depatie
After graduating from Benet Hill Academy in 1966, I attended Benedictine Colleges in Atchison, KS for two years and then returned to Colorado Springs where I attended UCCS. I then moved to Kansas City for six years and worked in medical records. Upon returning to Denver, I spent the next nine years working for Frontier Airlines until their eventual bankruptcy, precipitating a move to Continental Airlines for one year in Houston and Denver.
At long last I got a job with Hawaiian Air in Honolulu for six years. I then moved back to Colorado and lived in Denver where I worked for Polo Ralph Lauren, the American Lung Association and then the new Frontier Airlines where I have been employed for the past twenty years. My favorite job was negotiating contracts for pilot and flight attendant hotel rooms around the country. (Just ask somebody working in a hotel. I bet they know me!)
In between all of the working and travel I have enjoyed playing and coaching women’s softball and a lot of pet sitting. (What a second income!) I am looking forward to retirement.
Special Note: It wasn’t until our 40th reunion for Benet Hill Academy that I really began keeping in touch with some of my classmates. After the monastery’s 50th Jubilee, six or seven of us regularly have lunch and look forward to the summer for the reunion picnic.
When I returned from an eight-day spiritual journey, I was met with the query, “Did you have a good trip?” I responded that the trip more than good; it was an overwhelming and life-changing event. I shared about the long flights, the good food, feeling safe, and the beautiful weather. More importantly, I told of the powerful intensity of each day visiting the sites where Jesus lived, loved, walked, healed and fed the multitudes. This pilgrimage was more than I could have imagined and out of all my travels experienced over the years, this trip was the most heartfelt.
Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus experienced His agony before He was crucified. In the foreground
is a 3,000 year old olive tree.
Sister Rose Ann Barmann, OSB is walking on the same road that Jesus took over 2,000 years ago (Palm Sunday).
Holy Land Journey: A Pilgrimage of the Heart
by Sister Rose Ann Barmann, OSB
Academy Alumnae by Ellen Depatie Class of ‘66
National Catholic Sisters Week
My pilgrimage made the Gospel stories and Psalms I have listened to since my childhood come alive for me, and yes, deepened my faith in the Knowing of Jesus. I was standing in the place where the Incarnation took place and God “pitched His tent” to dwell with us and among us; this journey was truly a pilgrimage of the heart.
National Catholic Sisters Week is celebrated annually from March 8 to March 14. It was created to honor women religious and to bring a greater focus to the lives of these special women. Women religious serve in a variety of ways, whether they live cloistered lives or work within our communities or ministries abroad. They seek to improve our lives through health care reform, human rights issues, prayer, and in a multitude of other ways. We celebrated our community of Benedictine sisters with a special tea, a scrumptious array of scones, and the wearing of silly hats. To learn more about our sisters, visit our Facebook page or our website www.benethillmonastery.org.
by Sonja Ragaller, Interim Volunteer Coordinator and Administrative Assistant
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Colorado College Students
Gleneagle Women’s Club On February 17, 2017 Sister Rose Ann Barmannspoke to members of the Gleneagle Women’s Club. She presented a brief history of the Benedictine Order and the purpose and role of Benedictine monasteries today. She noted that a monastery can be a spiritual home for men or women. Sister Rose Ann concluded her presentation by relating how Benet Hill carries out its mission by being a “contemporary Benedictine presence” through our ministries and services.
A Day in the Life
by Terence Berger, Concert AttendeeChamber Concert Series
Chamber concerts at Benet Hill Monastery are special. I can listen to fine music while gazing at the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The acoustics are great, and the musicians enjoy the opportunity to play in a wonderful environment.
Quilters Visit Twice a YearCarol Keen and friends have come together twice per year since 2011. They use one of the retreat houses to create and fellowship while quilting.
Devaka Premawardhana, PhD teaches a History of Christianity class at The Colorado
College. A very important part of the Christian story is monasticism. To give the
students an experience of how monasticism is lived out today, Dr. Premawardhana
brings them to the monastery. They enjoyed a short lesson on monastic history and a
conversation about the sisters’ lives before enjoying a meal together. These days are a
unique gift for both the students and the community.
“Accept that you are not
finished, and a new and better
life is just beginning.”
-Bryant McGill
Sister Evangeline Salazar participated in “Patriarchy From a Religious Perspective” panel discussion on March 15, 2017, at the Curious Theatre in Denver. Along with Sister Evangeline, representatives from Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh religious leaders shared their views. Sister Evangeline enjoyed sharing her views and felt this was a great experience.
Quilts at Benet Gifts
Compiled by Gina Berger, Communications Director
Sister Lucile Hartmann and other sisters have created hand embroidered quilts for sale in the monastery gift shop. The quilts are assembled and machine quilted by Nancy Offutt, Jeanne Swanson and Kathy Thomas.
Please visit Benet Gifts to purchase these beautiful quilts which range in size from baby, twin or queen with varying prices.
The setting is intimate and no matter where one sits, you can see the faces of the musicians and appreciate their efforts and joy playing the music. The musicians often discuss the program pieces and the types of instruments used in the compositions; and they do so in layman’s terms, which is great if you do not have a musical background. I also enjoy the selection of music, everything from Renaissance to modern, from well-known composers to those less-known outside of the musical community. I learned to appreciate lesser known, but accomplished composers by attending these concerts. The sisters are most accommodating, and I love the tasty cookies and punch served during intermission. Again, these concerts are a treat and I would recommend them to anyone. You may want to purchase a season ticket!
All Programs Available in June on the website:www.benethillmonastery.org
Save the Dates for the next Chamber Concert Series :Sunday, October 29, 2017, Sunday, January 14, 2018,
Sunday, March 4, 2018 and Sunday, April 15, 2018
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Spiritual Conversations by Sister Ana Cloughly, OSB, Director of Contemplative Vision
Spiritual Conversations is a new offering from the Contemplative Vision Ministry. For our first conversation, we journeyed together through Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si: Care for Our Common Home. In the encyclical, Pope Francis addresses many of the world’s environmental issues and the economics associated with them. We are so grateful to Amy Agape and John Wolf for facilitating our conversation groups. They both have the experience of living abroad and bring a wider perspective to the groups.
The idea of having Spiritual Conversations comes from the Pope’s encyclical itself. He says, “We need a conversation which includes everyone” (paragraph 14). Our conversations are oriented to giving voice to a variety of perspectives so that a fuller understanding may come to everyone. A unique part of this series is that participants are encouraged to share both articles and videos that bring a greater knowledge to the whole group.
Our next Spiritual Conversation will be with the Pope’s Apostolic Letter Misericordia et Misera (Mercy and Peace). We will also offer another opportunity to converse with Laudato Si. (See Pathways catalog for details in June.)
Part I – A background in context and tradition of these altarpieces; The Merode Altarpiece by Robert Campin, The Ghent Altarpiece or the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan Van Eyck – This session will thoroughly explore the “Worlds within Worlds” of this incredible work of Western Civilization!Part II- We will continue on to explore the Saint John Altarpiece of Hans Memling and his Last Judgement as well, and then explore The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch. We will conclude session #2 with a look at The Darmstadt Madonna by Hans Holbein.
L to R: Dick LaRue, Amy Agape, Sue Cox, John Cox, Sharon Friedman, Dorothy Nelson, Faye Fuentes
“What does it take for ‘every person living on this planet’ to become aware and proactive to forge a new path to “Care for Our Common Home”? Sister Ana Cloughly, with Amy Agape and John Wolf, led the 6-week study and discussions of the Encyclical Letter from Pope Francis at Benet Hill. We examined the environmental and economic factors involved in the degradation of the earth and its inhabitants and the many ways we each can share our awareness and educate others through our love and honor of all of God’s creation.” -Dorothy Nelson, Participant
Introducing Katherine Flahive New BSFP Director
Her comprehensive and compassionate holistic view of spirituality comes with an open, inclusive spirit. Katherine brings years of experience in communication and team development, organizational skills, program promotion, retreat and workshop planning, and teaching. She has a heart for educating women in developing countries and her creative and expressive spirit is a welcome addition to our program. Katherine lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband, Roger and they have two daughters and two adorable grandchildren. Her passions include spiritual connectedness, journal writing, cooking, and tennis.
Retreat Description: Deacon Rick Klein presents the work of Franciscan Sister Ilia Delio, OSF. She combines the discoveries of modern science with the insights of Christian mysticism leading to a new vision of wholeness. The retreat day will be partial presentation and some time for personal reflection and retreat.
PRESENTER: Deacon Richard KleinSaturday, June 24, 2017 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Please bring your own lunch, as lunch is not provided.Fee: $65
We welcome Katherine Flahive as our new Director of the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program. Katherine has a Master’s of Nursing from the University of Colorado and a Master’s of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology. As a graduate of the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program, she is a spiritual director, as well as an Oblate of Benet Hill Monastery.
T he Mystical T hought of Ilia Delio, OSF
Great Altarpieces of Europe: A T hree Part Journey
Sundays: September 17 & 24 and October 1, 201711:30 am to 12:30 pm Presented by Chuck Benson
Donations Accepted
Part III – Our third and final session will start with the incomparable Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthius Gruenwald – perhaps the most sublime European Altarpiece of the High Northern European Renaissance! Finally, we will examine the carved altarpieces of both Veit Stoss and Tilman Riemenschneider in both Krakow, Poland and a few of the greatest in Southern Germany. www.benethillmonastery.org
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Grand Junction
2017 Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program Graduates
Global Online
Back Row L to R: Dixie Schull, Teresa Briese, Sue Cooper, Cindy Kramer, Michelle Chasse,
Rick Klein (Colorado Springs Facilitator)Front Row L to R: Ruth Valdez, Becky Luis, Michaeleen Smith; Inset: Lisa Eisenhardt
L to R: Sister Mary Glenn, OSB (Co-Facilitator), Gabrielle Arterburn, John Seebach, Jess Stieler, Shellie Miles, Michelle Akcar, Maria Purser,
Dagger Miles, Sister Anne Madeleine Brost, OSB (Co-Facilitator).
Back Row L to R: Elaine Novak, Bobbie Morrell, Sonya Sanders, Vincent Crowder, Peg Schmitz, Rick Charles, Megan Nagel and
Katrina Bristol; Front Row L to R: (sitting): Aurilla Woodburn, Amy Berryman, Rev. Joanne Buchanan-Brown (Denver Coordinator),
Terri Murphy and Lori Banks
“ I’ve learned to listen. For the first time in my life that I’m aware of, I’ve actually listened deeply. I pray to be able to listen
deeply to my family and in all parts of my life. I’m not there yet, by far, but it is the desire of my heart. That is the greatest
teaching and gift that I have received from this program.”
-BSFP Graduate
Denver Colorado Springs
Shelly KrispinLitchfield Park, Arizona
R: Maria Mandarino Denver, Colorado
R: Debra Avezzano Estes Park, Colorado
Liz BeelerAuckland, New Zealand
R: Susan BenningtonAnnapolis, Maryland
R: Marni LevingerNampa, Idaho
Darla J. CederbergStuart, Florida
Judy MohrazPhoenix, Arizona
L: Aprille JordanMissoula, Montana
Mary Mc DonaldCatawba, Virginia
Martin FaragunaEstes Park, Colorado
L: Sabrina FilaNew York, New York
www.benethillmonastery.org
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“We Have Been Called Here; T hat’s Why We Are T ied by Liz Wolf
by Carin Willis, Interim Director of Mission Advancement and Project Coordinator
Mission Advancement
John and Liz Wolf, Loyal Donors
Sister Mary John Thomas shares her thoughts about her story of service being shared in the Spring Appeal letter, and the impact her story had to the donors she called to thank for their gifts:
“The donor’s personal experience certainly touched my own heart!” -Sister Mary John Thomas, OSB
My husband John and I have been asked to answer the question of why we are tied to the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery. Last week I came upon a spiritual writing, explaining that humans are naturally drawn to goodness, kindness, repose, nourishment and refreshment. We celebrated Easter with the sisters, and our hearts sang with the chorus of bells, announcing “All Shall be Well.” How wonderful in that moment to feel the goodness of that Easter promise. It is good to celebrate that knowing with our Benedictine Sisters.
The Sisters of Benet Hill wish to thank their generous Sunday liturgy attendees for helping to raise $4,000 for the Alliance for International Monasticism (AIM USA). AIM USA is an organization comprised of 115 Benedictine/Cistercian monasteries of men and women in the United States and Canada. Monies raised for AIM USA helps them to respond to the needs of monasteries in developing countries by providing both financial and spiritual assistance which assists with education and new member formation.
2016 Annual ReportWe are happy to let our donors and supporters know that our 2016 Annual Report is available as an electronic version on our website. Look for it on our Mission Advancement tab.
We wish to thank our loyal donors for helping us exceed our $15,000 goal for Spring Appeal. Our heartfelt thanks for supporting the Sisters with your Spring Appeal gifts totaling $18,898.50!
I know many of you have also felt the breath of repose as you enter the Benet Hill property. We are given permission to “be” rather than to “do” as we contemplate the grandeur of God’s vista. There is a peace in moving about God’s grandeur. John and I have savored the enormity of God in this place. God is bigger than I can envision and becomes the God of all Names.
Reflections“Benet Hill Monastery is a positive spot in a
negative world.”
“I enjoyed engaging with the sisters as they have a humbling servant’s heart.”
“As a non-Catholic, I find it healing to be welcomed at Benet Hill. Thank you!”
Pathways to Peace Invites All to Experience Benedictine Hospitality
Guests are welcome to come to any of the sessions below, held on the second Thursday every other month. All events are from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Carin Willis: [email protected] or 719-355-1636. May 11th - July 13th - September 14th - November 9th
Last year, John and I traveled around the world and visited 20 countries and visited countless Catholic churches, large and small, old and new. In that year we did not experience a sermon in English. For our travels, I took with me a print out of the Benedictine Creed. I would say the Creed and it became my spiritual nourishment over the year: “God the beginning and end of our lives, God who is Father in His love and Mother in Her care. … of faith that finds joy in trusting in the wisdom of God, of hope that believes this earth can rejoice in peace and prosperity, of love that risks everything for what is right, of commitment to losing one’s life in order to gain it.”
I was fed and nourished by those words which were first introduced to me here, at Benet Hill. And that is why we are tied to the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery: for the goodness, kindness, repose, nourishment and of course the refreshment of Sister Lucile’s cinnamon rolls. We have been called, and so remain tied.
To join our St. Scholastica Giving Circle please contact the Mission Advancement office at: 719.355.1636 or Carin at [email protected]
Spring Appeal
St. Scholastica Giving Circle
www.benethillmonastery.org
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by Shari Lynn Tron, Assistant Manager
Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique: Making Something New
WATCH OUR NEW VIDEO ON YELP!
We have many folks who generously donate their treasures to Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique for which we are grateful. Many family heirlooms, vintage and eclectic pieces of glassware are donated daily. Folks are so generous with their donations we sometimes have an over abundance of glassware and on occasion some pieces do not sell. Not wanting to let pieces “GO”, I found myself wanting to repurpose these treasures. I was inspired by the website Pinterest and my very talented and creative stepmother for ideas to make bird feeders out of the glassware.
The materials I use with the glassware includes heavy duty glue, different ropes, and bird seed satchels attached with ribbon. Lastly, I embellish the bird feeder with a decorative tag which is labelled: Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique “Repurposed Donations, Bird Feeders $10.00.” Creating bird feeders for the boutique is fun, relaxing and a creative outlet for me and I enjoy making something new. Most importantly, the “new” bird feeders provide a small, but additional income for our Sisters at Benet Hill Monastery.
When Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique is bursting with donations the five managers collaborate and evaluate inventory to decide what should “GO”. The “GO” process can make us managers crazy! When I say “GO” that does not mean it goes to the trash. Our “GO” process helps us to either repurpose or forward to other nonprofits in our community, such as The Epilepsy Foundation, The ARC, The Salvation Army and One Nation Walking Together. Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique is proud of being able to generously share with other nonprofits and know our donations are being used to their full capacity within the community.
Shari Lynn Tron transforms glass and other items into beautiful bird feeders that
are resold at the boutique.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” -Elizabeth Andrew
Volunteer for the “Health of It” by Sonja Ragaller, Interim Volunteer Coordinator
““GO” ~ A Recycle Story by Shari Lynn Tron, Assistant Manager
WANT TO FEEL HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER? Benet Hill can help.
Studies indicate volunteering helps: reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, provide a sense of purpose.
For volunteer opportunities, please contact Sonja Ragaller at 633-0655 X 106 or visit our website
www.benethillmonastery.org and click on “Ways to Belong”
One of our favorite volunteers, Cindy Constanza, certainly has a heart for Benet Hill. A former employee, Cindy has returned to the monastery as a volunteer and to offer her talents in support of our mission. In addition, Cindy volunteers weekly at Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique. She brings knowledge and enthusiasm to her tasks, always arrives with a smile, and provides a bit of joy to all those she encounters. We are truly blessed to have Cindy as a volunteer and a friend.
If you would like more information on volunteering at the monastery or Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique. please contact Sonja Ragaller at [email protected] or visit our website www.benethillmonastery.org on “Ways to Belong.” We’d love to meet you.
Store Hours: Monday-Friday10:00 am -5:30 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pmPhone: 719-282-0316
GO
www.benethillmonastery.org
Benet Hill Monastery3190 Benet LaneColorado Springs, CO 80921-1509
Non-profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDColorado Springs
COPermit No. 576RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The Review is published quarterly by Benet Hill Monastery of Colorado Springs, Inc., 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-1509 PHONE: 719/633-0655 FAX: 719/471-0403 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.benethillmonastery.org
EDITOR/LAYOUT- Gina Berger, Communications Director; Assisted by Barbara Lynette, Online Communications Assistant COVER DESIGN-Resurrection, Donald Jackson, 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, USA. All rights reserved. Used with permission. CONTRIBUTORS - Sisters and staff of Benet Hill Monastery, students, alumnae and friends.
Benet Hill Monastery * 3190 Benet Ln. * Colorado Springs, CO 80921* PH:719-633-0655The Monastery is situated in the woodland setting of the Black Forest
located in northeast Colorado Springs, off Highway 83.
Spiritual DirectionNo matter where you are in the world, we are capable of doing
spiritual direction online!
Human Trafficking “Not on my watch…not my son, not my daughter” was the focus of an intergenerational educational series in increasing awareness of human trafficking sponsored by Benet Hill Monastery and hosted at the Pikes Peak East Library. Over ninety participants attended a four-part series in February and March, calling attention to this social evil that is so prevalent in our state, nation, and world. Along with Nelson Mandela, Benet Hill believes and acts upon the truth that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Watch for more prevention programs on trafficking sponsored by Benet Hill in the future. Contact Sister Rose Ann Barman at [email protected] if you would like to be a part of planning our ongoing educational opportunities on this topic.
Cindy Mizes graduated from Benet Hill Monastery’s Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program in 2014 where she learned “how to listen openly with my heart and how to serve others through the ministry of spiritual presence.” She is currently living in Kingston, Jamaica for two years of service with the Franciscan Mission Service where she will serve alongside the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.
Cindy Mizes - BSFP Graduate Goes on Mission to Jamaica
For more information about spiritual direction, please contact Sister Therese O’Grady, OSB
719-473-8764 or email: [email protected]
Spiritual Direction as defined by Spiritual Directors InternationalARE YOU A SEEKER?Are you seeking a closer relationship with God? Are you interested in deepening your spiritual journey? Sisters of Benet Hill invite you to explore with spiritual direction.
by Carin Willis, Interim Director of Mission Advancement
Prevention of Human Trafficking
Benet Gifts at the Monastery
Stop by and look at our unique gifts at our on site gift shop! We have some new items from Columbia!These religious statues are hand painted by Colombian women who are widows because of violence in their country. Looking for that unique gift for Mother’s Day, Graduation, First Communion or Confirmation? We have beautiful brace-lets, earrings, necklaces and religious jewelry. We also have some beautiful new wall crosses.
Gift Shop Hours:Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pmSunday 11:30 am-1:30 pmCall 719-633-0655 for additional times
by Sister Rose Ann Barman, OSB
www.benethillmonastery.org
