January 18, 2012

Sister Joan' Kupfert, OSB 1921-2012

By Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB

From the wake service held Jan. 18, 2012

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” (Matt. 11:25)

This evening we celebrate the life of Sister Joan´ Kupfert.  And what a life she lived.  From 1944 until 1991, she spent her life educating youth.  She once wrote that her service to the Church was a particularly stable one.  She noted, “I have long felt a great need to witness to Catholicism in a Catholic high school setting.”  And that she did.  But where did it all start? Continue Reading

January 14, 2012

Sisters' Identity a Matter of Reverence, Not Habit

By Sister Charlotte Sonneville, OSB

In a recent article on contemporary religious life, the author asked young Sisters, priests, and brothers what attracted them to religious life.  They answered: “The group’s clarity of vision, a common life, ministries that respond to absolute human needs, a common focus, and the fact that the gospel message and a life of prayer are the foundation for the group’s life and work together.”

For many years, we recognized Sisters by their religious habit. It symbolized, for many, dedication and being set apart for service. Continue Reading

January 11, 2012

How Sister Charlotte said "Yes"!

Sister Charlotte Sonneville, OSB, reflects on her younger life as a single woman, and later as a Benedictine Sister in this article. We hope it inspires you!

As a child, I attended the Benedictine Sisters’ St. Mary’s School in Moline. I loved to stay after school and help clean the blackboards, sort papers, or run errands. I liked being with the Sisters and was curious to learn what they were really like. Was it the habit that made them seem different? Or was it something deep inside that you had to get to know? Continue Reading

January 7, 2012

Epiphany

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

“And behold a star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star.”  (Mt 2:1-12) Continue Reading

January 5, 2012

God's Gifts Found in Daily Life

By Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB

Happy Feast of the Epiphany, Feast of the Three Kings, Little Christmas, Feast of the Star! Though this feast previously fell on January 6, and was moved by the church some years ago to a Sunday, it officially ends the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Call it what you wish, we know that throughout the world this day is celebrated with many unique practices:  swimming in a frozen pond, receiving gifts under the bed, having high tea, baking cakes with trinkets inside.  In some countries it is the actual day when children receive their Christmas gifts.   Continue Reading

December 19, 2011

Called upon to Believe … and to Act upon our Belief

By Sister Catherine Cleary

In Luke’s gospel this week, I had a new understanding of the Holy Spirit’s words to Mary (and to all of us).

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Lk 1: 35)

Like Mary, we have all been through “annunciations.” Some have brought good news, such as an engagement, a long waited pregnancy, a new position with a raise. Some have brought bad news: an unexpected broken relationship, a  bleak health report, a sudden economic collapse, a pending divorce.

How different our response  would be if, when we receive the good or bad news, we call to mind this gospel passage. Mary trusted in the presence of the Spirit of God. Though perplexed, she trusted the immense love of God. “Be it done to me according to your will.”

The last week of Advent calls us to believe and really act upon our  belief in the loving presence of a tender, comforting God.