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In keeping with our Corporate Commitment to work for sustainability and justice for all, especially women and children, and in being faithful to the Gospel of peace and...
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
A Special Valentine
Erie Benedictine Sister Carolyn Gorny-Kopkowski began offering retreats based on the seasons of Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring connected with the four Paths of Creation Spirituality (Via Positiva, Via Negativa, Via Creativa and Via...
Valentine's Day
St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century. Prior to his death, Valentine was imprisoned but he continued to witness to Christianity.
One day, a...
Photo Recap of a Memorable Occasion: 2019 Prophet of Peace Award
Enjoy a slide show of photo memories from the annual Prophet of Peace Award event. The Benedictine Sisters of Erie celebrated Edwina Gately as their 2019 Prophet of Peace on February 9, the Vigil of Scholastica, twin sister of Benedict who is...
Mark your calendar now for an evening of sharing celebrating poet Mary Oliver
The words of the poet Mary Oliver have affected and inspired many of us. To honor the life of this beloved poet, who died in January, we will gather to share and reflect on the impact she has made in our own lives on Thursday, March 7...
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie trace their beginnings to the Benedictine nuns at St. Walburg Abbey in Eichstätt, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1035. Sisters from there first came to St. Marys, PA in 1852 to educate the children of the newly arrived German immigrants.