August 16, 2013

The mystery of a religious vocation

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

In today’s society, we do not deal well with the mystery. Mysteries are to be solved, not accepted and even – the horror! – embraced.

We read and watch mysteries with great excitement (sometimes we skip to the end to find out who done it). Scientists explore mysteries to get to the bottom of why. Our culture demands to know … everything.

Sometimes, though, we forget about the importance of faith. No matter what invisible-to-the-naked-eye particle we discover, we simply must take the why of it on faith. And that’s true of our path in life as well. Continue Reading

August 12, 2013

Wisdom calls Benedictine Sisters under 55 to play and learn

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

This has been a hectic but mostly wonderful summer (as you know if you’ve been reading my blog). :)

My most recent adventure was to Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, South Dakota, to a fabulous gathering of Benedictine Sisters under the age of 55 (this photo is of Sister Edith Bodge, who spoke to us on the theme of cultural shifts). 82 women attended from all of our Federations. Our theme was Wisdom Calls.

August 9, 2013

A Vision of Hope and the Courage to Persevere

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Perseverance forges character, and character, hope; and hope does not disappoint. Romans 5:3-5

This Bible passage hangs on the wall in the large meeting room at Notre Dame in the building for the Alliance for Catholic Education. (I saw it while at the Latino Enrollment Institute for school; although this photo is actually of our Sisters down in Nauvoo.) Continue Reading

August 6, 2013

Funeral Reflection for Sr. Phyllis

By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB

The hour has come for the name of our Sister Phyllis to be glorified!

As I consider Phyllis in light of this Gospel, I ponder the countless times and ways the grain of wheat of her life has fallen to the earth, been broken open, and borne fruit in the lives of others.  Your presence here…and the many messages we have received is testimony to that fruitfulness. Continue Reading

June 30, 2013

Focus on "I can"

By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB

Perseverance forges character, and character, hope; and hope does not disappoint. Romans 5:3-5

I’ve been at Notre Dame learning strategies to improve Catholic schools’ outreach to and success with Latino children, and the program has been quite helpful. But lots of what we’ve learned is applicable to other things … including, in this case, religious life.

Consider this line: “I can think of all the reasons of why I can’t … or I can do all the reasons that makes it I can.” Continue Reading