April 29, 2012

Sr. Sandra Brunenn elected prioress of St. Mary Monastery

By Jennifer Willems, The Catholic Post

ROCK ISLAND — As Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB, considers her future as the new prioress of St. Mary Monastery, she acknowledges that there’s “a huge mixed bag” of emotions to sort through.

In that bag are awe, gratitude, immense respect for the giftedness of the members of her Benedictine community and a sense of coming loss as she prepares to leave her ministry as pastoral associate at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Coal Valley, where she has served since 1997. Continue Reading

April 22, 2012

Prioress Election Results

We are delighted to let you know that Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB has been elected as our new prioress. Her term will begin with her installation in June. We’ll post more information this week!

April 20, 2012

Election Weekend Begins

We begin an election process today to discern our new prioress. She will replace Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB, who has served as prioress for the past 8 years. (This photo is from her installation in 2004. She is being blessed by outgoing prioress Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB.) Continue Reading

April 15, 2012

Softening Our Hearts Benedictine-Style

By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB

In the Prologue of the Rule, St. Benedict urges us to continue to practice answering the calls we receive. He quotes from Scripture, “It is high time for us to arise from sleep,” “to open our eyes to the light that comes from God,” and “our ears to the voice from the heavens that every day calls out this charge: ‘If today you hear God’s voice, do not harden your hearts.’” Continue Reading

April 12, 2012

My Dance, My Song, My Call

Waves

What strange moving splendor,
That comes without our call,
That plays a rushing symphony
With long white fingers on the sandy shore;
That comes and comes, always coming
And always more. Continue Reading

April 8, 2012

Easter: The Energy of the Holy

By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB

Which story of the resurrection speaks to you most compellingly?

I have to say I have many favorite stories of the resurrection, a few of which are: Mary of Magdala meeting Jesus in the Garden, Peter and Paul racing to the tomb to verify the report of the women that Jesus had been raised from the dead, and the story of the two disciples meeting up with Jesus on their way to Emmaus. Continue Reading