Follow us on Facebook
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
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...
Sister Marilyn Schauble Sings with the North East Choral Club
December 16, 2012
Ring Those Christmas Bells was the theme of the annual Christmas Concert Celebration presented by the North East Choral Club (NECC) at Park United Methodist Church. Sister Marilyn Schauble, in her fourth year with the group, shared, “Being part of this wonderful group of women has provided me with the opportunity to do one of the things I love most and that is to sing.”
A beautiful selection of sacred and secular Christmas music was presented to a packed church. A free will offering was accepted to benefit the...
Sister Augustine Arrives from South Africa!
December 13, 2012
Welcome to Sister Augustine Mohale, OSB, subprioress of the Benedictine Sisters in Polokwane, South Africa. Sister Augustine, a high school teacher, is here to experience another Benedictine community and to see how the Benedictine Sisters of Erie live monastic life. She will celebrate these last days of Advent, Christmas and the New Year before returning to her duties in South Africa.
Upon arriving at the monastery Sister Augustine was greeted with a chorus of alleluias and lots of hugs. Though tired from hours of travel, she graciously posed for some pictures before heading off...
Large Crowd Gathers for Take Back the Site Vigil
December 13, 2012
Once again a Take Back the Site Vigil, sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Sisters of Mercy, was held to take back a site of violence in the city of Erie. As darkness fell, a large crowd gathered outside the home where Mary Anne Smith was beaten to death by her boyfriend. Through prayer and song the group consoled Mary Anne’s family, friends and neighbors who struggle to understand this horrific act of violence.
The message, “Teach us the sanctity of human life, of human love. Help us live in peace with one another,” was especially...
Oblate Afternoon of Reflection Focuses on Hildegard of Bingen
December 10, 2012
Oblate co-directors, Sisters Audrey Steff and Ann Hoffman, welcomed more than 45 oblates to the annual Advent gathering. The event began with the opportunity to learn and reflect on the music and art of Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century Benedictine Abbess who was recently named a saint and Doctor of the Church.
Sisters Charlotte Anne Zalot and Marilyn Schauble introduced the oblates to Hildegard’s music. Her chants are filled with excited emotion and soaring melodies that “leave the singer breathless because the singer has expended her/himself so totally that she/he is now...
The Light Increases!
December 10, 2012
The chapel was wrapped in a peaceful silence when the candle, carried by Postulant Pat Witulski to mark the second week of Advent, made its entrance. The Vigil had begun. Now, with two candles, the brightness has grown. The waiting is infused with yet more hope.
In her reflections on the Gospel (Luke 3: 1 – 6), Sister Sallie Harrington reminded the assembly that John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for Jesus, challenges believers to “prepare for a new sort of world order, one in which Jesus and love prevail, not consumerism and self-interest.” Just as John’s message...
Christmas Appeal 2012
December 8, 2012
And, lo, an angel came upon them, and the glory of God shone round about them; and they were very much afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Savior. (Luke 2:9-11)
Do you wish you could have been there? I know I do!
It’s hard to imagine but just think of the mixture of fear and amazement experienced by those who were there 2000 years ago! This momentous event was such a mixture of the ordinary and the...
Peppermint Twist 2012: SBA Christmas Party
December 7, 2012
Peppermint Twist 2012 was the theme for the annual Saint Benedict Academy Alumnae Association Christmas party. A beautiful sight unfolded as nearly 500 alum gathered to share old memories and make new ones. Joy and laughter filled the room as friendships were rekindled and stories were recounted as if it were just yesterday that the halls of the Academy had been walked. Anticipation ran high as the group waited to hear if they were a lucky winner of one or even two of the more than 90 beautiful, themed gift...
Come, Come, Emmanuel!
December 2, 2012
Advent, the season of hope, has begun! At the first Advent Vigil the wreath was blessed and the first candle was lit. In a darkened chapel, all sang: “Come, Come, Emmanuel! Son of God, appear. Heaven and earth, rejoice! Salvation is drawing near.” The single candle shone brightly. It was an invitation to understand yet again that “Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark” (Charles Iles).
In the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent (Luke 21: 25 – 36) Jesus spoke to his disciples about the need for vigilance and prayer as they wait for the coming of God in glory. In...
December 9: Customer Appreciation Day Includes Emmaus Ministries
December 1, 2012
Want to give yourself a special gift and help Emmaus too? Panache Salon and Spa is inviting you to do that on Customer Appreciation Day, December 9. "We are offering discounts on many retail items,” explained Edna Siegel, Panache owner and artistic director, “but if a customer brings a donation for Emmaus we will increase the discount.” Donations of coffee, peanut butter, baby formula, hot sauce, dry milk, sugar and baby food are suggested. Cash donations are always welcome.
“Edna is a long time friend and benefactor of Emmaus,” notes Sister Mary Miller, director...
By NOON, December 12: The LAST CHANCE to Vote! NAH Needs Your Vote!
December 1, 2012
With your help the Neighborhood Art House (NAH) will be able to obtain computers and software to edit both photos and video, and to use computer assisted instruction in the tutoring program. WE NEED YOUR VOTE!
To vote go to http://www.erieuchoose.com between Nov. 26 and Dec. 12.
The Neighborhood Art House has an opportunity to obtain a grant for $10,000 through the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority’s UChoose program.
We are asking our friends to help us by:
VOTING...