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The Rule of Benedict teaches that joy is what orients Benedictines towards others. Joy connects us to God. Joy sustains us through life. Spirit of Joy gives witness to the joy of community with one another, family, friends and oblates through prayer, ministry and daily life. It is a clear reminder that God is the source of our joy and our joy is an “infallible sign of the presence of God” (Teilard de Chardin).
Spirit of Joy
News and Events
Community Prepares to Welcome New Postulant
January 25, 2013
Jan Seeley, a veteran Montessori teacher from Rochester, NY, will begin the postulancy on Sunday, January 27. The postulancy is a time to become more familiar with Benedictine spirituality as it is lived daily. It is also a time to discern the authenticity of the call to be a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.
Vocation Director, Sister Marilyn Schauble, has been companioning and guiding Jan in her quest to seek God in a Benedictine community. As a postulant, Jan will participate in the prayer, work and life of...
2013 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18, 2013
The WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY is jointly observed every year from January 18 through January 25 by the Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches. This year’s theme asks a question: What does God require of us? It is a reference to words from the Prophet Micah: “Act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Each day of the WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2013 has its own theme:
- January 18: Walking in conversation
- January 19: Walking with the broken body...
Canisius College Students Spend a Week at the Mount
January 12, 2013
The Canisius College Winter Break Service Trip found a place and a purpose with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery. For one week the monastery became home to a wonderful group of young people who joined the community for prayer and meals and served in a variety of Benedictine ministries. Evenings provided the opportunity for input and discussion on various aspects of monastic life and Benedictine values. Social time was also an important part of the week.
Sister Marilyn Schauble, Vocation Director...
The Christmas Season Draws to a Close
January 10, 2013
With the Solemnity of the Baptism of Jesus on Sunday, January 13, the Christmas Season will draw to a close. Before it does, enjoy a slide show of pictures that shows how the Benedictine Sisters of Erie marked the days of Christmas, both in preparation and celebration. To view, click on the icon.
After almost three weeks of festive days the Church Year returns to Ordinary Time. An excerpt from The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister, OSB, gives that transition special meaning:
The feast days of...
New Art House Video and Slide Show Posted
January 4, 2013
The Inner City Neighborhood Art House web page is featuring both a video and a SMILEBOX slide show recapping the December Open House. It is a treat to watch the children perform on the video and also to view their art work in the SMILEBOX slide show.
Click here to read new stories and to view both the video and the slide show that highlight what the children have accomplished in the performing and visual arts.
The New Year Begins
January 1, 2013
There is a sense of newness in the monastery as we begin another year. Whatever was is no more. Life is like that. It is a recurring cycle, ever changing, always new. It is simply a matter of learning to let go of the past so that we can all begin again.
—From A Monastery Almanac by Joan Chittister, OSB
This New Year provides us with the opportunity start anew. Let us do so with mindfulness and attention, with generosity and care, so that we can be a presence of kindness and peace in any and all situations.
May you know a blessed New Year!
Sister Mary Miller: One of Erie’s Inspirational People of the Year
December 25, 2012
Sister Mary Miller, OSB, director of Emmaus Ministries, has been named one of 2012’s most inspirational people in the city of Erie. Those who come in contact with Sister Mary are in no doubt about the mission of Emmaus Ministries. Her commitment to the forgotten and the marginal, as well as her reverence for the inherent dignity of each and every person, is extraordinary. She lives her passion for the poor in ways that are truly a blessing for all.
Sister Mary extends beauty in all ways possible. Most recently, she...
Christmas Spirit
December 25, 2012
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie wish you a most blessed Christmas. "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." To these words of Calvin Coolidge, prioress, Sisters Anne Wambach adds, “Christmas is also a state of heart.” When peace and joy, love and care, kindness and compassion are deeply rooted in our hearts, the real spirit of Christmas is reflected in our thoughts, words, actions and prayers.
Click here to...
Fourth Week of Advent: Make Haste!
December 22, 2012
As is the tradition of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, the fourth Advent candle was placed by the community member eldest in rank, Sister Phyllis Weaver. This ritual was the start of the last Advent vigil and the beginning of the fourth week of Advent that is but two days long.
The Sunday Gospel tells the story of Mary making haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Both of them were unexpectedly blessed to be with child. Mary hastened to share that wonder with Elizabeth.
Perhaps with only two days of Advent left we, too, are being called to make haste. Sister Ann Hoffman, in...
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear: In Remembrance of the Tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut
December 19, 2012
The Corporate Commitment of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie includes women and children in a special way. Days have passed since the shootings at Sandy Hill School in Newtown, Connecticut but the memory of unspeakable tragedy remains real. We remember the innocent women and children who were killed and pray for all those who mourn their loss: “God is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed will be saved.” (Psalm 34)
We grieve with the grief-stricken and uphold them with prayer and compassion. We...
Gaudete Sunday Begins the Third Week of Advent
December 16, 2012
The Third Sunday of Advent—Gaudete Sunday—a mid-point to stop and ponder, to pause and refresh our souls, by reflecting on the presence and power of God in our life and the life of the world. Gaudete! Rejoice! God is near! The color pink, which marks this Sunday in the Liturgical Year, is symbolic of joy. It is a reminder to open ourselves to joy, to the pure delight of God. Christ the Light is coming to make the darkest places bright. Rejoice!
Sister Katherine Horan carried the third candle into the darkened chapel at the Advent Vigil and Sister Audrey Berdis offered reflections...