By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Yesterday at Mass, Father Duane Jack spoke about invitation in his homily. It’s worth thinking about!
Invitations come in many forms: formal and casual, professional and personal. On another level, invitations also come from Jesus. Continue Reading
Sister Stefanie shares some thoughts about what Monastic Benedictine life has meant to her … and how it differs from life on her own.
What have you found to be most challenging about your new life?
Living with other people means I can’t let my oatmeal bowl sit in the sink till I get home from work in the afternoon! Continue Reading
… something completely new and unexpected happens, something that upsets their hearts and their plans, something that will upset their whole life. They see the stone removed from before the tomb; they draw near, and they do not find the Lord’s body. It is an event that leaves them perplexed and hesitant, full of questions … (Pope Francis)
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Newness – change – challenges us. When out of our control, it often makes us fearful. As Pope Francis says, it can leave us perplexed and hesitant … full of questions.
This quote has stayed with me since I read it a couple of weeks ago. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Join other single Catholic women 18-50 years old who are coming to find out more.
You will enjoy prayer, meals and conversation with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery.
You will learn about the process of discernment and the traditions of Benedictine life.
(Did you know, for example, that we live together under one roof, and pray together as a community 3 times a day?)
Join us May 21-22 and take the step you need to learn whether God really is calling you to religious life.
Who: You!
What: Catholic Sister for a Day
When: Sat. May 21, 9 am – Sun. May 22, 1 pm
Where: St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL
Fee: There is no cost; you are our guest!
Don’t wait another day to learn more about who we are and how we live. Contact Sister Stefanie at (309) 283-2300 or smacdonald@smmsisters.org.
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Sister Joan Chittister, OSB talks about passion in her excellent book, “Following the Path.”
She says the right kind of passion – real passion – “is what I care about enough to spend my life doing … so that someone else’s life can be better.” Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
I am re-reading Seeking God: The Rule of St. Benedict, by Esther de Waal, a book I read when I was a novice.
So far, this line has spoken to me: “…life in Christ means life through a succession of opening doors, not a life that is always static or safe.”
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Sometimes when I’m at Mass with my 3- and 4-year-olds, it’s impossible to concentrate on a homily. They are squirming, making eye contact with each other and on the verge of … something.
Yesterday was different. I heard Father Freddie’s words, and I have to share them with you now.
It was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The time Mary said, “Yes.” Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“We live in a world that talks about individualism and then expects everyone to conform – in styles, in priorities and in ideas.(Sister Joan Chittister, Following the Path)
How ironic, to herald individualism as a badge of honor but expect everyone to be just like us. Let me tell you, choosing religious life gets you off that wheel fast. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Ugh! I hate change … and I bet you do, too (at least sometimes).
Every time our curriculum or policies or procedures change at school (unless I’m the one suggesting the changes :)), I think, Do I have to?
And every time I am hit with an idea that means I have to change ME, well, I try to get the idea right out of my head. Continue Reading
By Sister Marianne Burkhard, OSB
Recently I celebrated the Silver Jubilee of my monastic profession – an occasion to reflect about time.
25 years – where have they gone? How did I get through them – the good, the bad and the indifferent?
How do we get through the rough places in our lives? Continue Reading
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