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For the past year, Patricia Witulski has continued to discern her call to the monastic way of life with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. As a postulant Pat became more familiar with Benedictine spirituality through participation in the prayer,...
About the Benedictine Sisters of Erie
Corporate Commitment
A corporate commitment is a vision or goal that we agree to promote as a community and as individuals no matter where we are or in how many diverse ministries we might be engaged. The corporate commitment of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie is:
As Benedictine Sisters of Erie we commit ourselves to be a healing presence and prophetic witness for peace by working for sustainability and justice, especially for women and children.Charism Statement
A charism is a particular way in which people respond to God's call. A community’s charism embodies the way the members carry out their mission and ministries. The Benedictine charism is:
The Benedictine way is to seek God in the communal life and to respond in prayer and ministry.Common Life
Community
Life as a Benedictine Sister of Erie is centered in community, following the Rule of St. Benedict under the guidance of the Prioress. We are vowed in the Catholic tradition promising with perpetual vows: stability, fidelity to the monastic way of life and obedience. A commitment to the common good and respect for each other support us in our search for God and nurture the bonds of community.
Prayer and Liturgy
As Benedictine women, prayer is central to our monastic life. The community gathers three times a day for the Liturgy of the Hours, the basis of our communal prayer. The festive marking of Sunday, along with the great feasts and seasons of the liturgical year, includes the celebration of Eucharist as well. Daily lectio divina, occasional reconciliation services, and various annual events complete the community’s liturgical life.
Ongoing Formation
How does one keep fresh and alive the energy and joy of responding to one’s call to monastic life? The community’s commitment to continuing education – to our On-going Formation Program – is one way. This program is implemented through a series of regularly scheduled community meetings. The meetings focus on areas that will aid in our growth and development as human persons and monastic women in church and society.
Ministry
Ministry is an integral part of monastic life. Inspired by the Gospel and the Rule of Benedict we respond to the needs of God’s people. We steward the gifts, talents and skills that have been given to us and extend them through service. Community and non-community ministries alike provide the opportunity for meaningful work that is consistent with our monastic commitment to glorify God in all things.
Community Life
Sister Patricia Hause: Recipient of the ICA Member of the Year Award
Every month the members of the Independent Council on Aging (ICA) meet to report on the work they are doing with seniors and to be enriched by input from various speakers on topics of interest...
SBA Alum Gather for a “Weekend to Remember”
This year marks 25 years since the last class walked the halls of St. Benedict Academy (SBA). And yet, the spirit of SBA could not be more alive and well!
A “Weekend to Remember” was an opportunity for the alum to share memories and renew...
Maryknoller Shares His Mission Experience in China with the Sisters
Twins? No! Siblings? Yes! Sister Mary Therese Egan welcomed her look-alike brother to the Mount to share with the community the story of his ministry and the Church in China. Father Tom Egan, M.M., a...
Emmaus Grove in the News!
A garden with 56 raised beds. More than 70 varieties of vegetables and fruits from all over the world. Non–genetically-modified organic seeds and starters. An urban farm school.
All these interesting facts─and more─are presented in a...
The Greenhouse Garden: Part V
The seedlings are in! “The garden is growing vegetables and spices,” said Sister Dianne. “At the same time it is growing excitement among the community and our oblates, families, and friends.”
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