By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
On Sunday, January 1, we celebrate the “Solemnity of Mary.” The word solemnity may appear too regal, too hallowed for us to grasp what the Church is celebrating. Continue Reading
Month: December 2016
What else is there to say about Christmas?
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
When asked to write a piece about Christmas for our blog, I decided to see what was on hand in our library.
I found the shelves filled with stories, legends, poems, carols, and customs from every nationality and every corner of the earth. What else was there to say about Christmas? Continue Reading
Christmas in a Benedictine Monastery
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
First published several years ago, this story tells why we wait so long to decorate for Christmas … and what we do once it arrives!
Seventeen poinsettias, 7 trees, 6 candles and a nativity scene – minus Baby Jesus – have been carted into the chapel.
After the final Sunday of Advent (and weeks after many other folks!), the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery are decorating for Christmas. Continue Reading
What Highway Am I Following?
By Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB
When I was a novice in community (first full year) I recall that it was my assignment to decorate the community room in the monastery for Christmas.
It was a very large room! It seemed like an overwhelming task for someone who had trouble just decorating classroom bulletin boards each season! Continue Reading
Mooring Ourselves to Weather Future Storms
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Advent is a time for quiet, for prayer, for trusting in the presence of God, and expecting that God’s presence will save us from whatever danger threatens us.
On the 4th Sunday we pray, “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm.” Continue Reading
Join Us for Our Christmas Vigil and Mass
As the Christmas season begins, the chapel of the monastery glows with warmth and joy. Christ has come!
Join us in our chapel for our Christmas Vigil and Christmas Mass (schedule below). Continue Reading
This Advent, A New Thing
By Sister Marianne Burkhard, OSB
Elizabeth, the mother of John Baptist, is somewhat in the shadow of Mary, but she really shouldn’t be.
Her experience is a miracle in itself because she was considered ‘barren’ and was, like Sarah, way past her child-bearing age. Continue Reading
This Advent, Producing Good Fruit
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
I am sending a messenger ahead of you; he will prepare the way before you. – Matthew 11:10
In this enigmatic statement, Jesus responds to the question: Are you the one who is to come or should we look for another? Continue Reading
Who is Crying Out in Your Desert?
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Today’s gospel, Matthew 3:1-12, presents John the Baptist preaching in the desert, perhaps to remind the people that the Israelites once crossed the desert and the Jordan to enter into the Promised Land.
This time, the Promised Land will be in the form of a person. Continue Reading
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