January 30, 2014

Wholehearted and Courageous Listening … to God

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Sitting next to the fireplace in the community room recently, I could hear the heat kick on, the cold wind blowing outside (which has given me extra days off school), voices rising and falling in the kitchen. I heard but did not listen. Listening means much more.

As a Benedictine Sister, I deeply value listening. St. Benedict begins his Rule with, “Listen with the ear of your heart.” It means active listening … active pondering … active supporting, or obeying, if appropriate. It means, ultimately, doing. Continue Reading

January 20, 2014

Your Personal Call to the Table

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

If you want a sign from Scripture about religious life – and whether you are being called – read Mark 2:13.

It’s the story where Jesus is questioned about eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responds, “Those who are well do not need a physician. … I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Continue Reading

January 13, 2014

Lesson from a Snowman in the Woods

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

During my last few days of Christmas vacation, I drove to Chicago to visit Sister Belinda, a friend I have made through Benedictine conferences and gatherings such as the Under 55 group. She’s a member of St. Scholastica’s Monastery in Chicago. We stayed at the monastery’s lake house.

We enjoyed long conversations, coffee (and the internet) at a little cafe, and daily hikes. One hike was in a beautiful, snowy forest preserve … only I missed the beauty for a bit. The snow was too deep – and the path too uncertain – to look up! Continue Reading

January 8, 2014

A New Year's Resolution for Inquirers

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

In my part of the world right now, a beautiful blanket of sparkling snow covers field and lake, bush and path. Deer tracks connect woods and parking lot. Icicles cling to the bell tower.

This quiet beauty fills me up … especially during prayers. Our chapel is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the woods and lake and path. We really commune with God’s creation as we pray!

I know that it’s counter-cultural to spend my time (when I’m not teaching preschool or working around the monastery) in prayer, but it’s my life.

In some sense, it should be everyone’s life. Continue Reading

January 7, 2014

Winter? Who cares? It's the season of Downton Abbey!

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Sunday this week began as usual. I woke up late (well, late for me, 7:00), had some coffee and got ready for the day. Then I went downstairs for a 2nd cup and to do some spiritual reading before Lauds.

The snow-covered lake and woods glittered in the sun. Saturday’s snowfall had been beautiful – and still was – but the roads were bad. And the temperature was supposed to start falling. So I decided to work from home instead of driving in to school. Continue Reading

January 4, 2014

Seeing the Light

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Recently I met a woman who said, “I understand the season of Advent, I surely understand Christmas, but I do not get the feast of the Epiphany.”

We talked a bit about the meaning of King Herod,  panicky at the thought of a new king who would take his power, and the 3 wise men seeking a new king to pay him homage.

As we parted she said, “I still don’t understood why it is so important. But I’ll pray about it.” Continue Reading

December 26, 2013

Like Mary, helping children along the path to God

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Back in the day of nuns in habits filling schools and hospitals, little girls saw the mystery and beauty of religious life before them all the time.

They had a first-hand view of a counter-cultural life that would give them education, purpose and joy.

Today, fewer of us teach or nurse. (We established the institutions and then taught young women how to run them. They didn’t need us there anymore!)

Today, you’re more likely to see us in parish offices, social justice venues, college campuses and even on the bus! (We do all of those things, and Sister Janet and I teach, too.)

And after Pope John XXIII suggested we return to wearing the clothes of those we minister to (as opposed to the habits that were the common clothes of Middle Ages folks), we began dressing like common folk.

The upshot? We aren’t as visible. Now, we must ask you, the parents, to help your daughters and sons see the value and blessing of religious life!

I thought about this during our Christmas Vigil this year, as Sister Mary Jane placed the Infant in the manger. Jesus’ mother certainly knew she would raised her beloved son to walk another path entirely … whether it was what she would choose for him or not. Continue Reading

December 24, 2013

Preparing for the Lord: A Final Thought

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

A few days ago, Sister Sandra spoke to us about Advent coming to an end.

Christmas is popping up around the house, she noted. Christmas trees are being hauled into place, decorated and lighted. Nativity sets are filling the Welcome Area, the Heritage Area, bedrooms, offices – wherever you look! Wrapping paper and ribbons and bows spill out of boxes. The chapel has been transformed. Continue Reading