“I never wanted to be a nun.” This is the first of several surprising admissions from Sister Marlene Miller, OSB, who obviously changed her mind. “I wanted to get married and have 6 children.” Continue Reading
vocation
Jesus’ Personal, Loving Invitation
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
Give 1 Single Day to God
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Here’s your chance to say Yes to that nagging feeling that you should learn about life as a Catholic Sister.
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!
Why: To be called to a lifestyle where we immerse ourselves in Jesus, as a community, is great joy for us. Learn whether it is right for you, too!
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.
Look inside … and see for yourself
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.”
I sure appreciate that.
Like anyone else, my gut instinct is to seek safety, even when I SAY I want to say Yes to Christ.
“Yes … Tell me more.”
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
How to Be True to Yourself
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
Don’t let fear of change stop you from listening!
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
Staying Faithful to Our Promises
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
Waiting for a Sign? Maybe this is it!
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“Make Time for Yourself: It’s Your Time” by Abbot Primate Notker Wolf has a lot to teach us about waiting and patience. These may not be your favorite subjects – they sure aren’t mine – but they’re important, so stick with me.
There are 2 kinds of waiting we can experience in life.
There is empty waiting, where there is no hope or anticipation for what is to come. There is no goal. Then there is fulfilled waiting. Continue Reading
Catching God’s Gifts
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
