Check out our online Chapter 57 store where this month we are highlighting the work of Oblate Jackie Burns. Jackie, an ordained Episcopal deacon and a prison chaplain, is offering a selection of hand-crafted jewelry with a Benedictine touch. There are also a limited number of "Forgiveness Bowls."

Every item is unique and made with special care―view the selections, read more about Jackie and place your order here.

“I like this,” said Kathy Wyrosdick, Erie City Planner, while she looked around Emmaus Soup Kitchen. “I like how it feels like a house.”

The City Planner, Kathy, asked to visit Emmaus’ ministries to better learn about community efforts in the “East Bayfront neighborhood.” Kathy is helping to implement the Erie Refocus Plan, the goal of which is to strengthen neighborhoods by first understanding the needs and how needs are being addressed in each neighborhood and then working to further develop effective responses.

“We know that community meetings aren’t always the best way to...

Dwelling in the past used to be considered a sign of senility, but reminiscing can be an important and therapeutic aspect of aging. “Today we honor Sister Mary Bernadette Ladner,” explained Mary Rita Grocutt, Director of Health Services at Mount St. Benedict monastery. “We will take time to reminisce with her about her life.”

A group of sisters was on hand to enjoy the event. Sister Mary Susan Hallstein had prepared a “Reminiscence Board” with the help of Sister Marcia Sigler; it was filled with stories and photos and tidbits about Sister Mary Bernadette’s life. By the end of the...

July 4 gives Americans reason to celebrate. Gratitude for the gift of freedom will be marked with cookouts and family time, parades and parties. In the midst of this day on which we give thanks for our many blessings let us take time to reflect and pray; let us be renewed to continue the good work that was begun when America became an independent nation in 1776.

When the United States was young, its ideals high, its goals so blazing and brilliant in a world whose ideas had grown old and sclerotic, no effort to achieve them was too much, no failure fatal. Now freedom has new...

Age is just a number to Erie Benedictine Oblate Victor Rutkoski who began competitively running in 2017 at age 75. Early that year, after deciding it was “now or never,” he began his training. By the end of 2017 Victor had run seven races and he has already run more than ten races in 2018—including a January 1 race at Erie’s Presque Isle State Park in 20° weather with 15-20 mph winds.

“I’ve been amazed that I’m able to do this and want to keep running as long as I can,” Victor says. He gives much credit for this new-found passion to his daughter Rachel, an avid long-time runner. She...