God’s grace in the russet leaves that fall … the wild birds that call … the harvest of land and heart. Enjoy our little video!
Month: October 2013
Boo!!!!
Sister Stefanie shares spooktacular photos from the monastery (proving we do more than just pray). Check them out!
Q and A: Sister Stefanie on family, ministry, daily life
You entered in your 30s, after establishing your career, enjoying life in your own apartment with your own stuff, being active in your parish. You had a lot of friends and could go out with them any time. You also were very active in your family, taking your nephews on adventures and vacations whenever you wished. How did entering the convent change or affect this?
I did go home less, but that’s true of whatever new family you become a part of. That said, my birth family is very important to me. I chose this community in part because it was welcoming of family involvement. I quit discerning with another community because it only allowed limited contact with birth families. Continue Reading
A Monastic Social
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Last weekend, the Monks from St. Bede’s came to spend some time with us.
It was wonderful to have our brothers here to share prayer, conversation and a meal with. Continue Reading
A beautiful gift from God: Sister Cabrini
By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
Almost all of us know what a faithful and interesting letter-writer Sister Cabrini was! You may also be aware that in addition to writing letters, she had a penchant for holding on to ones she had received. I told Sister Marilyn Roman that she will have a treasure trove for the archives as she reviews letters Sister has saved through the years. Continue Reading
Letting go to hold on
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
As of Monday morning our dear Sister Cabrini passed away and is now with the angels in heaven.
Insights from The Road to Eternal Life by Michael Casey are helping me. (I know some of you are thinking will she ever finish that book – but Wow! The thoughts and ideas are wonderful and I am drinking it in).
Michael says, “First comes attachment and only then detachment, not the other way round.” This is so very true. Continue Reading
Sister Cabrini Rael, OSB 1928-2013
Sister Cabrini A. Rael O.S.B., 85, of St Mary Monastery, Rock Island, died Monday, October 14, 2013 at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Rock Island.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday in the Chapel of St. Mary Monastery, 2200 88th Ave. W., Rock Island. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.
Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Continue Reading
Genuine caring and presence: Benedictine Hospitality
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Saturday I went to a workshop on liturgy given by David Haas. If you ever get a chance to hear him it is worth it. He was excellent!
In addition to other topics, David talked about hospitality. Of course as a Benedictine with hospitality being one of our charisms, my ears perked up.
David was clear: hospitality is about extending ourselves for the sake of another. It’s about asking someone how they are doing … and meaning it. It’s about remembering them. Continue Reading
Sister Marguerite Adams, 1918-2013
Sister Marguerite Adams O.S.B., 95, of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, died Tues., Oct. 1, 2013 at the Monastery.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday in the Chapel of St. Mary Monastery, 2200 88th Ave. W., Rock Island. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan is assisting with arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Mary Monastery. Continue Reading
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