Mount St. Benedict Chapel Renovation Progress
August 2006 - June 2007


Community process and renovation decisions
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie have been engaged in a chapel renovation process since October, 2003. During this time it has become clear that the Benedictine ideals of simplicity, hospitality and community have provided both the internal and external motivation for the process as well as the project. It is the community's desire to have a liturgical space that is graceful in its simplicity, hospitable in its accessibility, and community-centered in its harmoniousness. Sufficiency, sustainability, beauty and balance are goals the community hopes to achieve in a space that will resonate with the spirit and identity of Benedictinism, and be a particular expression of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.

The community began the process toward chapel renovation by reocnizing that extensive repair of both the flooring and the ceiling in the 35-year-old chapel was imperative. This need provided an opportunity for the community to discuss additional renovations in the chapel and surrounding areas: as long as the pews and light fixtures would need to be removed, why not look at other needs that have evolved over time and address them at once. Through a process of community discussions and a chapter vote, it was decided to pursue additional renovations at the same time.

Over the course of more than two years and under the direction of the Chapel Project Task Force, the community met regularly to discuss multiple options in all aspects of chapel renovation. "A often as anything important is to be done in the monastery, the prioress shall call the whole community together and explain what the business is; and after hearing the advice of the members, let her ponder it and follow what she judges the wiser course." (Rule of Benedict 3:1-2)

The first major decision was to flatten the steeply inclined chapel floor making it easier for all to access the chapel. Another major decision was to change the orientation of the chapel and arrange the monastic choir in antiphonal seating. This seating derives from an early Christian tradition in which a group is divided into two parts for praying the psalms with each choir facing the other. In time it became part of the monastic tradition and continues to serve monastic prayer well.

The size of the gathering space where the community and guests often gather to begin liturgy or assemble for a procession will be increased. A water symbol designed by Nebraska artist John Lajiba and incorporating good theology, truth and spiritual depth will be a centerpiece of the gathering space.

Additional space will be available for the community's musicians and cantors, an integral part of community prayer and liturgy.

A clerestory window will be put in the ceiling and the antiquated heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems will be replaced. The sound system will also be enhanced.

Design enhancements will be incorporated throughout the chapel as part of the renovation.

Throughout the process the common good of the community guided discussions and decision making. In chapter 72 of his Rule, Benedict writes, "No monastics are to pursue what the judge better for themselves, but instead, what they judge better for someone else." In this manner, the design of the monastic chapel took shape.