Joyfully Sing to Our God: Easter 2012

The Benedictine Sisters sing "Joyfully Sing to Our God," one of many works
composed by Sister Mary David Callahan, OSB. Sister Marilyn Schauble is the
director and Oblate Jo Clarke created the video meditation.

News and Events

Successful Start to Enrichment Series
May 17, 2012

Approximately 150 people attended the first presentation in the Enrichment Series* at Mount Saint Benedict monastery and had the opportunity to have their minds stretched and their understanding deepened as regards “Evangelizing in a Postmodern World.” Father Detisch, a priest of the Erie Diocese, laid out the challenges of postmodernism with exceptional clarity before presenting the opportunities for evangelization for a sacramental Church in a postmodern world. Based on the understanding that a sacrament is at heart an experience of God, Father Detisch said, “If all of life is...

Enrichment Series to Begin at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery
May 11, 2012

Throughout history monasteries have been renowned as centers of learning and culture. Study is reverenced as a means of enlarging the mind and the heart. Benedictines are committed to ongoing education. In an effort to grow in knowledge and understanding and to stay informed about current issues, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie are launching an ongoing Enrichment Series.

The first lecture will be given by Father Scott Detisch on May 16, 7:00 p.m., at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, 6101 East Lake Road. Father Detisch will explore the topic: Evangelizing in a Post-modern...

The Results are In!
May 9, 2012

Several Benedictine sisters participated in the 5th Annual Art&Sole 5k Walk/Run sponsored by the Neighborhood Art House (NAH). We are happy to announce that Sister Anne Wambach, prioress, came in first in her age division of walkers!

Congratulations, Sister Anne! And a special thank you to all of the runners and walkers, families and friends, volunteers and organizers who helped to make this event a successful and memorable one.

Click...

Rolling Ridge and NAH Children Gather for Joint Project
May 8, 2012

It is always especially gratifying when children reach out to other children. The children of Rolling Ridge Elementary School’s Project You, a voluntary after-school program, did just that. After exploring several charities that they could support, the students chose the Neighborhood Art House as the recipient of their fundraiser this year. Their Hoops for Hope event raised $3,000 for NAH!!

A new framed piece is now hanging at the Art House. It was made by...

Fifth TBTS Vigil in 2012 is the Third in 22 Days
May 4, 2012

The fifth Take Back the Site Vigil of 2012 honored Nelson Irizarry-Reyes, Jr., a father of four who was found shot to death less than three weeks ago. “This is the third Take Back the Site vigil in 22 days,” said Sister Marlene Bertke, OSB. “That is senseless in a city the size of Erie. We have to learn that there's a different way to resolve conflicts than with violence. We're hoping these vigils say this murder was senseless and absolutely unnecessary.”

As is their custom, the Benedictines,...

Gratitude Shown to Major Benefactors
May 2, 2012

The Benedictine Sisters of Erie recently hosted their annual Major Benefactor Brunch. The event was an opportunity to express gratitude to a group of people who provide major support to the mission and vision of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. In her welcome and expression of appreciation, Sister Anne Wambach, prioress, quoted Sandra Day O’Connor, “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone, and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another creates something.” Friends and benefactors of the...

Sister Joan Chittister Receives Award
May 1, 2012
Sister Joan (left) with Mary Yonkers (center) and Sister Maureen Tobin.

Sister Joan Chittister,OSB received the District 13 Toastmaster’s Communication & Leadership Award at its Spring Conference on Saturday, April 28, Sheraton Hotel, Erie, PA. The award is given to “a person in the community who is an outstanding communicator or leader.” Mary Yonkers, (pictured between Sister Joan [left] and Sister Maureen Tobin), former student and member of the conference committee, nominated Sister Joan for the award. In Mary’s words, “Sister Joan was my high school teacher. She challenged me to excel. I often tell people she was the best teacher of...

Sister Mary Lou: Inner-City Monk and Poet
April 28, 2012
Sister Mary Lou Kownacki and Keiko Miller

Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, author of Between Two Souls: Conversations with Ryokan, shared her reflections on poems written by 18th century Japanese Zen Buddist monk Ryokan at Erie's Mercyhurst University. Keiko Miller, professor of Japanese and Asian Studies at Mercyhurst, introduced Mary Lou and read Ryokan's poems interspersed with Mary Lou reading her own poems. Sister Mary Lou described the monastic concept of "lectio divina," contemplative reading of texts, and how she used that process to sit with...

Take Back The Site
April 27, 2012

With violence on the rise, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, along with the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Sisters of Mercy, know first hand that their "Take Back the Site" ministry is crucial. In an effort to reclaim the site for non-violence, consolation and support is offered to family and friends of both the victim and the perpetrator. On April 26, a large group of individuals gathered at the place where Michael Henry was found shot to death just two weeks ago. Prayer, song and words of comfort...

Neighborhood Art House to hold its Fifth Annual Art&Sole 5K Run/Walk
April 23, 2012

Join us for the 5th Annual Art & Sole 5K Run/Walk being held on Saturday, May 5, 2012. The run/walk begins at 8:30 am at the Neighborhood Art House (10th and Holland Street), moves through downtown Erie on a course that has been certified by USA Track & Field, and finishes back at the Art House.

Register Here or download the registration...

Benedictine Sisters of Erie Support LCWR
April 21, 2012

The Benedictine Sisters of Erie stand in solidarity with women religious throughout the United States who are affected by the findings of the Doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) that were released Thursday, April 19, by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (CDF). While the ramifications of this decree are yet to be known it brings dismay and causes great concern. At the same time, it strengthens our resolve to live our...

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