A message from Sister Stephanie Schmidt, Prioress:
As a monastic community, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie are part of many other communities, including our online community. The connections between us vary in degree but not in commitment to concern for each other and the well-being of all.
One of our major concerns is the coronavirus. Unfortunately, just before Christmas, we had a sister at the monastery diagnosed with COVID. We immediately quarantined, each sister staying in her room with meals delivered to her. Over the next few days we had more positive diagnoses and on December 30 the entire community was tested and 19 sisters have COVID. Our health care staff is exemplary not only in the care of our sisters but also in their collaboration with CDC guidelines and our local health department. Thankfully, none of our sisters is critical and we hope for a full recovery for each.
We count on your prayer as we move through this time. We also continue to remember all of you, our extended community, in our prayers. Many of you have lost friends and family members to COVID or suffered through it. We also remember the valiant health care workers who have been battling this pandemic for so many months at such great sacrifice. There are other essential workers on whom we have counted and who have also made great sacrifice. We remember all of you. Thank you for your prayerful support.