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“Where flowers bloom, so does hope,” said Lady Bird Johnson. Right now, there is great hope in bloom at Emmaus Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. Sister Pat Lupo, OSB, along with a group of her students from the...
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 and justice by actively addressing the climate crisis and the rights of 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
World Day Against Human Trafficking
In 2013, the United Nations member states adopted a resolution which designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. They declared that such a day was necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human...
Seeing the world in a single ray of light
Sister Ann Hoffman, Executive Director of Alliance for International Monasticism (AIM) USA was one of the presenters for the American Benedictine Academy (...
Highlights from the Ritual of Election of Prioress
On Sunday, July 12, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie elected Sister Stephanie Schmidt as their next prioress. Enjoy highlights from the ritual of election by clicking here or on the photo...
Golf Tournament to honor Sister Anne Wambach
Interested in golfing in the Benedictines Sisters of Erie Golf Tournament on Tuesday, August 4 at Lake Shore Country Club in Erie? We can take up to 144 golfers and have a few spots available. The tournament is being held to...
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.