Month: February 2016

February 8, 2016

Ash Wednesday: A Big, Red Stop Sign

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By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

I made an appointment at a Moline office at 8:30 on  Wednesday, February 11. Uh-oh.

When I realized it was Ash Wednesday and we would not be finished with Eucharist and the distribution of ashes until about 9:00, I knew I had to change the appointment. It was going to be tough because this office frowned upon appointment changes.

Mustering up my courage, I called, saying I had made an error and could not get to their office until 9:30. I explained why in a weak voice. It’s the beginning of Lent. Continue Reading

February 8, 2016

Week #1: Be a Grain of Wheat

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By Sister Mary Core, OSB

Amen, Amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. (John 12:24)

I don’t much like the idea of dying, in any way, but then, neither do I want to remain the same – to stagnate.

I like the notion of growing and becoming a better me, but l’d rather do it without the cost of “dying to myself.”

I suspect I’m not alone in those feelings. Continue Reading

February 7, 2016

Springtime for your soul: A Lenten/Easter mini-retreat

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By Sister Mary Core, OSB

Spring is the perfect season for spiritual renewal! This 15-part online mini-retreat is perfect for anytime you need a breath of fresh air … or maybe even a change of mental scenery. Follow the links for the spiritual nourishment you need to take a new look at yourself and the world around you:

Easter: Personal Emmaus/Resurrection Moments

Mid-Week: Let it Shine!

Holy Week: Be the Light

Mid-Week #6: Persevere!

Week #6: What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

Mid-Week #5: Letting Go to Move Forward

Week #5: See, I’m Doing Something New!

Mid-Week #4: Walking WITH God

Week #4: Do Justice! Love Goodness!

Mid-Week#3: How Weakness becomes Holiness in God’s Hands

Week #3: Finding Strength in Weakness

Mid-Week #2: Sitting Still with God

Week #2: Be Still and Know I Am God

Mid-Week #1: Who is Your Sun, Soil, Rain?

Week #1: Be a Grain of Wheat

Sister Mary is a Catholic Benedictine Sister of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL. To learn more about our community, visit www.smmsisters.org. Blessings!

February 5, 2016

The Voice that Would Not Be Still

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Sr. Catherine Cleary, left, poses for a photo with her sister Sr. Audrey Cleary during a recent community event.

In celebration of the World Day for Consecrate Life, Sister Catherine Cleary reflects on her childhood, and how and why she became a Sister. If you are discerning religious life, perhaps Sister Catherine’s memory will help you!

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Growing up in an ideal Irish Catholic family for me meant an unquestioned acceptance of faith and fidelity to the Catholic Church. It also meant loving and really liking my parents, brothers and sisters. It also meant being raised by parents who were dedicated to education, music and reading, who loved a social life, and who served on many civic boards. In general, we were a well-balanced family.   Continue Reading