By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
After taking a few years to work and live my Catholic parish life, God sent me another message.
I was at church with my father and youngest sisters, when Sisters from a habited community filed in. The pastor introduced them, and they seemed very nice.
Sister Stefanie MacDonald signs her monastic promises during a simple but beautiful ceremony in our chapel during her first monastic profession.
One of the differences between apostolic communities (like the Franciscans and Dominicans) and Benedictine monastic communities is our vows. In fact, we don’t actually make “vows.” We make promises. It’s more than a word difference!
Our promises underscore our commitment to each other, as Sisters of St. Benedict. They underscore our commitment to seeking God together. They underscore our commitment to be faithful for life. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“Whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13:20)
Have you ever tried to play catch with a small child?
You show her the ball, tell her what you’re going to do, tell her what she should do, then throw gently … and watch it bounce off of her onto the grass. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“If we take it for granted that storms will come and that at various junctures in our lives we will experience real hardship, then we can prepare ourselves to endure what comes and be ready to bounce back at the first opportunity … Storms do not last forever and even in the worst storms there are interludes of respite that enable us to catch our breath and continue the struggle.” Michael Casey, The Road to Eternal Life Continue Reading
By Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“Prayer … is a practice of attention, of attentiveness, an attitude of receptiveness to God’s sustaining presences.” Martin Poulsom, SDB
Reading a paper by Poulsom yesterday made me ask myself how I am coming to prayer. Am I paying attention? Am I coming to pray with an open heart, mind and soul?
I admit sometimes I’m off track. My own worries and distractions can undermine my attentiveness and receptiveness. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Welcome to my home … and to Sister Jackie’s and Sister Mary Jane’s and Sister Claudia’s and Sister Sheila’s home, too!
It belongs to all of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery. We have chosen to make our life here, with our shared prayer and purpose.
We have chosen to seek God together.
We welcome you to learn more … to discern whether your call might bring you here, to seek God with us. Contact us anytime!
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Are you discerning? Although I’ve found my home, this quote from Michael Casey, OSB, still resonates for me:
“The Lord’s call to follow him has an effect on us similar to that which it had on the first disciples. Once we heed the call, we willingly leave behind whatever we are doing and walk with him, wherever he goes. We are not dragging our feet, but walking and running, full of happiness to be called.”
Let’s talk when you have time!
Blessings,
Sister Stefanie
Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
The following excerpt comes from the excellent book, “Catholics on Call.”
The quote below is from Bishop Robert Morneau, who is quoted heavily in the book.
There comes a time in the process of discernment when we have to make the best decision that we can, according to the lights that we have been given. Continue Reading
Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
I had a strange experience while reading Matthew 8 last week. As Jesus said, “Follow me,” I had a sudden vision of Whoopi Goldberg dressed in full habit singing “Follow Me” in the movie Sister Act. This sure isn’t an image I want people to see when they think of Sisters! Talk about stereotypes. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
I’ve been thinking about the game Jenga ever since our recent reading about the fool who built his house on sand.
Have you ever played Jenga? You start with a strong tower of wood blocks, removing the blocks, one by one, till it falls. Obviously, the loser is the one who causes the tower to fall. Continue Reading
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