November 14, 2016

Week #8: Waiting … Just Waiting

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“After decades of living on the edge, Heather King settled into sobriety, marriage, and a financially lucrative but unfulfilling career as an upwardly mobile lawyer.” Amazon calls her book, Redeemed, “An unforgettable, fervent, darkly funny tale of an ongoing, stumbling conversion.” Join us as we read, discuss, and share our thoughts about it in our Fall, 2016 Wisdom Seekers Book Club!

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

This week’s discussion brings us to the end of our book! Most of the group agree that they have noticed a shift in the way King looks at life since we met her in the beginning pages of her memoir. Continue Reading

November 11, 2016

Holiday Advice: Don’t Hit Back!

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You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you … if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 38-45)

By Sister Mary Jane Wallace, OSB

Many are now making plans to get together with family over the coming holidays. For some, those plans are filled with dread. Old grievances can undermine the most joyous time.

So, I’m going to give you some advice: Don’t hit back! Continue Reading

November 7, 2016

Week #7: Broken People

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“After decades of living on the edge, Heather King settled into sobriety, marriage, and a financially lucrative but unfulfilling career as an upwardly mobile lawyer.” Amazon calls her book, Redeemed, “An unforgettable, fervent, darkly funny tale of an ongoing, stumbling conversion.” Join us as we read, discuss, and share our thoughts about it in our Fall, 2016 Wisdom Seekers Book Club!

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

CHAPTER 17  (The Ragtag Lent and Advent Group)

In this chapter King shares her experience with a ragtag prayer and scripture discussion group and the recovering alcoholic priest, Father Terry, who leads the group. Continue Reading

October 28, 2016

Week #6: Marriage, Gratitude, Suffering, Compassion

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“After decades of living on the edge, Heather King settled into sobriety, marriage, and a financially lucrative but unfulfilling career as an upwardly mobile lawyer.” Amazon calls her book, Redeemed, “An unforgettable, fervent, darkly funny tale of an ongoing, stumbling conversion.” Join us as we read, discuss, and share our thoughts about it in our Fall, 2016 Wisdom Seekers Book Club!

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

CHAPTER 15  (Marriage, Gratitude)

Married by a Justice of the Peace, basically oblivious of the hard work involved in a marriage, and with her $35 wedding ring, King remained married for over 14 years.  Continue Reading

October 28, 2016

Celebrating Loved Ones on All Saints Day

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The Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, celebrate All Saints Day by remembering the Sisters who have gone before us, as well as all of our other loved ones.

By Sister Charlotte Sonneville, OSB

“Happy Feast Day!” I called out to my grumpy brother.

It was All Saints Day, and he was feeling a bit grouchy. I, on the other hand, was feeling joyful. All Saints Day is a lovely feast day! Continue Reading

October 26, 2016

What Will Upset Your Whole Life … and Lead Somewhere Wonderful?

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… 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

October 24, 2016

Week #5: The Willed Optimism of a Born Pessimist

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“After decades of living on the edge, Heather King settled into sobriety, marriage, and a financially lucrative but unfulfilling career as an upwardly mobile lawyer.” Amazon calls her book, Redeemed, “An unforgettable, fervent, darkly funny tale of an ongoing, stumbling conversion.” Join us as we read, discuss, and share our thoughts about it in our Fall, 2016 Wisdom Seekers Book Club!

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

CHAPTER 13  (Barbara, the Dancer)

Living in Los Angeles, King’s “willed optimism of a born pessimist” slowly begins to let her see some good and positive things about the city.  Where does she find the good? Continue Reading