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Calendar of Events
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September 11, 2017 to October 6, 2017
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September 21, 2017
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September 26, 2017
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October 1, 2017
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October 11, 2017
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October 11, 2017
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October 21, 2017
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News and Events
The Loving Search for God
September 19, 2017
The Loving Search for God retreat, a collaborative effort sponsored by Erie Contemplative Outreach, Saint George Church, Our Lady of Mercy, the House of Prayer, and the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, drew a group of more than 100 participants to Mount St. Benedict Monastery. It was a group united in a common desire: to learn more about contemplation and centering prayer.
The retreat was directed by William Meninger, OSCO, a Trappist monk, prolific author, and retreat leader. Father Meninger is one of three principal architects of the Centering Prayer movement with Abbot Thomas...
Oblates taking the road less traveled
September 18, 2017
Oblates Marge and Neil Himber set off with the In the Footsteps of Jesus alternative tour of Palestine and Israel in July because they “wanted to interact with the Palestinian people, and go behind the wall . . . and wanted to visit the refugee camps and talk to the parents who’ve lost their children.” They had an experience of the holy lands and the Palestinian people that left them with this message to share: “We sincerely feel that a just peace will benefit everyone,” said Neil. “It’s not about religion, it’s about human rights.”
Read about their experience and their rare look...
Seek Peace and Pursue It
September 15, 2017
Benedictines for Peace (BFP) recently held a Holy Hour, a prayer for peace in Korea and for Nuclear Disarmament. They were joined by Benedictines throughout the United States, at the encouragement of Federation of Saint Scholastica President, Sister Lynn McKenzie, who had spread the word. She and Sister Anne Wambach, prioress, are both attending meetings in South Korea with Benedictine women from around the world. The CIB (...
Roof Replacement at SBEC
September 14, 2017
It began with a small drip. Then a larger one. Then a steady stream. First in the classrooms, then in the kitchen. The problem was clear – the roof was at the end of its life. And so this summer St. Benedict Education Center (SBEC) became a construction zone again, as the old roof was torn off and replaced with one that will serve for many years to come.
The staff, participants and neighboring ministries endured the smells, sounds and inconvenience for several weeks. Parking was disrupted and semi-trucks bringing...
Join us in a Holy Hour for Peace in Korea and for nuclear disarmament
September 13, 2017
Please join with us in a Holy Hour for Peace--a time of prayer for peace in Korea and for nuclear disarmament--to be held at Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Thursday, September 14, 7-8 PM.
If you are unable to come to the monastery, you can download the prayer here and pray with us from wherever you may be or at a time convenient for you.
The download and information about the Holy Hour is also available on the Benedictines for Peace web page.
Monks in our Midst highlight social justice issues with bicycles and social media
September 12, 2017
Monks in our Midst highlight social justice issues with bicycles and social media
Four Monasteries of the Heart “Monks in our Midst” columnists, Benedictine Sisters Anne McCarthy, Val Luckey and Linda Romey and former Joan Chittister intern now Emmaus Ministries staff person Breanna Mekuly are among a small group of cyclists who will ride 100 miles from Erie, PA, to Niagara Falls, Canada, on October 2. The ride is in conjunction with the opening of the annual...
"Don't deport our friends"
September 11, 2017
Several staff members of Emmaus Ministries participated in local gatherings supporting DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
At one, an Emmaus ministry assistant, Breanna Mekuly, said: “I believe in the dignity of all human beings, regardless of where they were born. To me, this means adequate food, clean water, housing, education, safety, and job opportunities. DACA has provided these necessities for many of my friends who came to the U.S. as children.”
Emmaus Ministries stands with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (...
Remembering 9/11
September 10, 2017
As we remember the heartbreaking events of 9/11, a tragedy that changed the world forever, we humbly turn to God in whom we place our hope and trust and renew our prayer for peace and nonviolence.
May my mind think no harm.
May my lips speak no harm.
May my hands do no harm.
May the children of tomorrow
bless the work I offer.
─Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB
Pray for peace in Korea and for nuclear disarmament
September 8, 2017
Benedictines for Peace (BFP) will hold a Holy Hour for Peace in Korea and for nuclear disarmament on Thursday, September 14, 2017, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Mount St. Benedict Monastery.
As leaders of the US and North Korea threaten nuclear war, we gather as seekers of peace to pray for the de-escalation of tensions between our countries and the complete disarming of these weapons of mass destruction.
We pray with the people of Korea and particularly with our Benedictine sisters from around the...
Annual Benetwood-Benedictine Dinner
September 7, 2017
“This is one of my favorite events,” shared one of the guests who arrived at the monastery from Benetwood. “It’s always nice to be with the sisters and I always look forward to the delicious meal and dessert pies!” And thus began a very pleasant evening as the Erie Benedictines welcomed their neighbors from Benetwood Apartments for what has become an annual event: Evening Prayer and a special dinner ─ a simple celebration of friendship, faith, food and fun.
Evening Prayer in the chapel was followed by a festive meal in the monastery dining room. Bruce, a newer resident shared: “...
Call for Action to Protect Dreamers
September 6, 2017
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie stand with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in the call for action to protect Dreamers. We accept and support the LCWR statement issued in response to the recent decision by President Trump to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)—a decision that has thrown thousands of immigrants who came to the US as children into turmoil as regards their status. Under DACA they were saved from deportation and allowed to live, study and work legally.
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