Benedictines are no strangers to the concept of “apprenticeship.” Benedictine life is a “school for God’s service” (Rule of Benedict, Prologue 45) — a place to learn the “trade” and “skill” of living the Christian life as an “apprentice” who desires to seek, know and love God. Thus, it is not surprising that Benedictines have great respect for apprentices of any kind. For the Benedictines of Erie, that respect for apprenticeship became gift in the shape of a new roof. The “beneficiary” of the new roof was the Timber Lodge on the Glinodo property and thanks are in order.

The Timber Lodge provided the workplace for 24 apprentices to continue their training to become qualified “journeymen” (or "journeywomen" as may be the case!)— those who have completed an apprenticeship and are fully educated in a trade. To become a qualified roofer there is a 3 year apprenticeship and this project allowed for approximately 20 hours of needed work and experience for this group of trainees. The labor of the apprentices was donated through Union Local 210 under the management of Jack Lee and the instruction of Steve Argeny and Scott Johnson. McCreary Roofing of Erie supplied the necessary equipment. For two and a half days the place buzzed with workers in unseasonably warm but perfect roofing weather.

The sisters bought the materials; the apprentices provided the labor. What could be better than that? The end result—a much needed and greatly appreciated new roof for the Timber Lodge. Thanks to all who helped bring this project to completion.