Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict

St. Ben Sisters Blog Now Online!

Administrator — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:37:00 GMT

A group of Sisters from Saint Benedict's Monastery has officially started a blog at the address: www.stbensisters.blogspot.com

Entries will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday by a rotating group of Sisters. The blog will be on a variety of topics and the focus is simply on life as a woman Benedictine in Central Minnesota. S. Dolores Super and S. Carol Berg will no doubt provide some insight into history, while S. Kate Casper is more likely to blog about spirituality topics. S. Helene Mercier will add pieces of interest to Oblates, and S. Mary Catherine Holicky, our vocations director, might write entries that are directed more at seekers—but not necessarily. The topic choice is up to individual bloggers. The goal is to give a portrait of our community.

Blogs are an informal means of communication on the internet that are rapidly catching on, particularly with religious orders. We’re happy to add our blog to the large number of “Sister blogs” out there.

Check out the "St. Ben Sisters" and our first entry by S. Carol Berg marking National Native American History Month!

Christmas at Whitby

Editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:19:00 GMT

Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping! Find unique, handcrafted items made by the Sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Christmas at Whitby Gift Shop and Gallery, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, opens on Saturday, November 7, with extended hours from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

S. Mara Faulkner Interview Podcast Available

Administrator — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:05:00 GMT

An audio podcast of an interview with Sister Mara Faulkner discussing her book Going Blind with Kathy Parker, head of the libraries at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University is now available.

Click here to launch the podcast.

Marl (Martha) Gapinski, OSB, Died on Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Editor — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:27:00 GMT

Sister Marl (Martha) Gapinski, OSB, 82
St. Joseph, Minn.
November 1, 1926 – September 15, 2009

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2009, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Marl (Martha) Gapinski who died on September 15, 2009, at St. Cloud Hospital. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud, on Thursday, September 17, from 1-6 p.m., or for a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. on September 18 until the funeral at 3:30 p.m.

Michaela (Cecilia) Fuchs, OSB, Died on Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Editor — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2009, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Michaela Fuchs, who died on September 8, 2009, at Saint Scholastica Convent. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent on Thursday, September 10, from 1-6 p.m. or for a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Friday, September 11, at 4 p.m.

Mara Faulkner, OSB, Publishes Memoir Exploring Meaning of Blindness

Editor — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:50:00 GMT

“Blindness was my father’s blind spot, and it became my family’s, the word we didn’t dare say.” So begins Going Blind, Mara Faulkner’s memoir about her father Dennis Faulkner, a hard-working Irishman struggling to raise a big family in Mandan, North Dakota, during the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. A genetic disease gradually blinded him, but he and the family conspired to keep his blindness a secret. This book is the author’s effort to understand what blindness was like for her father and how it affected each member of the family, several of whom, including herself, have inherited the disease.

Federation of St. Benedict Holds International Meeting at Saint Benedict's Monastery

Editor — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:03:00 GMT

The Federation of St. Benedict, an association of 12 women's Benedictine monasteries, held its 23rd chapter meeting from July 21 through July 27, 2009, at Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minn. The federation meets every three years to discuss business and issues important to members. This year, the 35 delegates in attendance chose a new federation president to replace Sister Michaela Hedican, whose six-year term expires. Although ordinarily eligible for two terms, S. Michaela has recently been elected prioress of St. Bede Monastery in Eau Claire, Wis., a position which precludes a second term according to the constitution of the federation. The new president of the federation is Sister Susan Hutchens of St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island, Ill. Two councilors, Sister Mary Jane Berger of Saint Benedict's Monastery and Sister Linda Soler of St. Paul's Monastery in St. Paul, Minn., were also elected during the meeting.

Sister Trish Dick celebrated her perpetual monastic profession to Benedictine life on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Saint Benedict's Monastery

Editor — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:04:00 GMT

The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict are pleased to announce that Trish Dick, OSB, made her perpetual monastic profession to Benedictine monastic life on Saturday, July 11, 2009. The ceremony took place during the Eucharist at Sacred Heart Chapel at Saint Benedict’s Monastery, and was followed by a public reception.

Sister Karen Rose celebrated her first monastic profession to Benedictine life on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Saint Benedict’s Monastery

Editor — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:52:00 GMT

The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict are pleased to announce that Karen Rose professed her first commitment to Benedictine monastic life on Saturday, July 11, 2009. The ceremony took place during a 5 p.m. Evening Prayer service in Sacred Heart Chapel at Saint Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minn. A private reception with friends and the Benedictine community followed.

Gracemarie (Madonna) Maiers, OSB, Celebrates 50 years of religious life

Editor — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:15:00 GMT

Growing up 15th in a family of 17 gave Sister Gracemarie an early start in community living. Benedictine values of prayer, work, hospitality and stewardship seemed to be in her parents’ genes. In a rhythm of work, prayer and fun, she learned responsibility at an early age. A high point for her came with some of the changes in Vatican II, especially praying in English instead of Latin. A trip to Ireland in 2004 touched her Irish-ness!

For 33 years in elementary education, both as teacher and administrator, coworkers praised her. Sister Jean Schwartz, her coworker, praised her for being “so gentle and loving … always wanting the best for the students.” Sister Mary Schumer remembered her “firm yet compassionate style … sense of humor … [and] love for popcorn.” Parents respected her, including Mary Mathews, who described her as “an extremely caring administrator … a joyful spirit.”

Wherever she finds herself, be that in education, with the elders at Saint Benedict’s Senior Community and now working with the Sisters at their assisted living center, Saint Scholastica Convent, S. Gracemarie comments: “I love religious life, the opportunities given me, and especially those I work with. How they have gifted me, nurtured my life as a Benedictine—all a rich treasure!”

Eugenia (Margaret) Hartung, OSB, Died Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Eugenia (Margaret) Hartung, OSB (75)
St. Joseph, Minn.
November 11, 1933–July 1, 2009

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2009, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Eugenia Hartung, who died on July 1, 2009, at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent on Sunday, July 5, from 1-6 p.m., or for a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the funeral on Monday, July 6, at 4 p.m.

Benedictine Sisters Leaving Red Lake Mission, story featured on WJON

Administrator — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:18:00 GMT

Click here to read an article and listen to an interview with Sister Owen Lindblad about the history between Saint Benedict's Monastery and St. Mary's Mission in Red Lake recorded by WJON in St. Cloud. After 121 years, the Sisters will no longer maintain a presence at the mission, which is being run by the Crookston diocese. A celebration of the relationship with the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict was held on Sunday, June 21.

To purchase Sister Owen's book, Full of Fair Hope, chronicling the history of the mission at Red Lake, contact Sister Ione Jesh at Whitby Gift Shop at ijesh@csbsju.edu.

Join Us for a Benedictine Pilgrimage to Italy in 2010

Editor — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:22:00 GMT

Join the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict

for an 11-day pilgrimage to ITALY

February 25 -- March 7, 2010

Click on the title or image for more information.

Novice Karen Rose featured in St. Cloud Visitor June 5, 2009

Administrator — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:06:00 GMT

Novice Karen Rose and Novice Director Katherine Howard, OSB, were featured in the article, "Benedictine novices, directors share their views on monastic life." The article was coverage of the Novice and Directors Institute (NADI) held this year at Saint Benedict's Monastery from May 14-28. During the conference, 10 novice directors and 13 novices shared their experiences and explored the topic "Finding God in Benedictine Life."

The title of this article is a link that will take you to the Q&A with novices. Click on the open page to enlarge for a more clear and readable image.

For the complete story, go to the links at the bottom of our "Join Us As a Sister" page.

Firmin (Fern) Escher, OSB, Died Monday, June 8, 2009

Editor — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:21:00 GMT

Firmin (Fern) Escher, OSB, 93
St. Joseph
October 17, 1915 – June 8, 2009

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2009, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Firmin Escher, OSB, who died on June 8, 2009, at Saint Scholastica Convent. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud, on Thursday, June 11, from 1-6 p.m. or for a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Friday, June 12 at 11 a.m.

"Sisters in Sync" CD Featured in St. Cloud Times

Editor — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:37:00 GMT

"Sisters in Sync," a CD by Sisters Margaret Mandernach and Ellen Cotone, is profiled in the Sunday, May 31, 2009 issue of the St. Cloud Times. For the full text of the article, click on the title above.

Ancille (Mary Louise) Vertin, OSB, Died Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Editor — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:21:00 GMT

Ancille (Mary Louise) Vertin, OSB, 85
St. Joseph
March 16, 1924 – May 13, 2009

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Ancille Vertin, who died on May 13, 2009, at St. Cloud Hospital. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent on Sunday, May 17, from 1-6 p.m. or for a Vigil Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Monday, May 18, at 4 p.m.

Eleta (Gertrude) Gapinski, OSB, Died Thursday, May 7, 2009

Editor — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:50:00 GMT

Sister Eleta (Gertrude) Gapinski, OSB, 86
St. Joseph, Minnesota
March 16, 1923 – May 7, 2009

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Eleta (Gertrude) Gapinski, who died on May 7, 2009, at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent on Monday, May 11, from 1-6 p.m. or for a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Tuesday, May 12, at 4 p.m.

Marcus (Margaret) Salzer, OSB, Died Saturday, April 25, 2009

Editor — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:01:00 GMT

Marcus (Margaret) Salzer, OSB, 96
St. Joseph, Minnesota
August 7, 1912 – April 25, 2009

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Marcus Salzer, who died on April 25, 2009, at St. Cloud Hospital. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud, on Friday, May 1, from 1−6 p.m. or for a Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Saturday, May 2, at 10:30 a.m.

Brian (Connie) Spain, OSB, Celebrates 60 years of religious life

Editor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:23:00 GMT

Sister Brian (Spain) touched hundreds of lives through her ministry as teacher, counselor, social worker, grade school principal, student development coordinator, residence hall director and community builder. She was born in Grand Forks, N. D. Though an only child, she was part of a very active extended family of cousins. Her love of people and their stories probably led to her election as homecoming queen and class president in high school.

S. Brian majored in social work at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), wanting to follow Dorothy Day and share the message of Christ’s love in work with the poor. During her senior year in college, she entered the monastery. She had a broad range of ministry assignments, beginning with teacher and principal at several local parochial schools. When she completed her master’s degree in counseling from St. Cloud State University in 1974, her major professor asked her to join the faculty, saying “You have something that is not in the books.” Instead, she chose to minister in student development at CSB. She became known for implementing a “challenge and support” model in her work with students.

In 1996, S. Brian received the first Brian Klinefelter Award for service as “bridge-builder” between the City of St. Joseph and the colleges. A residence hall at the College of Saint Benedict is also named in her honor. She currently resides at Saint Scholastica Convent.

Brian (Connie) Spain, OSB, Died April 23, 2009

Editor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:22:00 GMT

Brian (Connie) Spain, OSB, 83
St. Joseph, Minnesota
December 4, 1925 – April 23, 2009

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Brian Spain who died on April 23, 2009, at Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent on Monday, April 27, from 1−6 p.m., or for a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the funeral on Tuesday, April 28, at 4 p.m.

Dolores (Nathan) Super, OSB, Celebrates 60 years of religious life

Editor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:20:00 GMT

Born in Little Falls, the 10th of 11 children, Sister Dolores joined Saint Benedict’s Monastery in part because “the Sisters looked happy.” Reflecting upon 60 years in community, she says, “I am filled with gratitude for the call, the privilege of being a Benedictine.”

Except for two “missions,” St. Mary’s in St. Cloud and St. Mary’s in Breckenridge, during the 1950s, S. Dolores has spent her community life at the monastery, serving in music, education, administration and health care. She has also been a community organist, a position she prizes. When Mother Richarda Peters asked her to “find the best music school,” she chose Indiana University and, upon graduation, began teaching at the College of Saint Benedict in 1960. She spent 1960–1977 in the Music Department, followed by a number of years in college administration.

In 1984 S. Dolores (she) was asked to serve on the St. Cloud Hospital Board, becoming chair within the first year. She served 10 years in that position and nine years with CentraCare and Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague. The Catholic Health Association invited S. Dolores to testify in Washington, D.C., before a Senate subcommittee organized by Sen. Dave Durenberger, pleading the case of the uninsured for added health care assistance in the early 1990s.

From 1994–2008, S. Dolores was Director of Studium, in which Sisters collaborate with one another and visiting scholars to promote intellectual life. She is proud of the Scholars in Residence Program, which has brought 130 scholars to the monastery to participate in the life of the Sisters as they pursue their intellectual work.

“I thank God for my very rich life, one with so many blessings and opportunities,” she said.

Madonna (Mary Ann) Niebolte, OSB, Celebrates 60 years of religious life

Editor — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:17:00 GMT

A native of St. Augusta, Sister Madonna learned from Benedictine Sisters in both elementary and high school. The summer after her junior year at Cathedral High School, she worked in food service at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. “The Sisters were real models for me,” S. Madonna said. “Their prayer life, working together in community projects and their sense of happiness encouraged me to join and be among them.” She completed her senior year at Saint Benedict High School and joined the community upon graduation.

S. Madonna spent 31 years in elementary education. Maple Lake remains her favorite school, her first and last teaching position. She recalls having the children of her first students the second time around and feeling very much at home. From teaching, she moved into health care, assisting the nurses at St. Raphael’s in St. Cloud and at Saint Scholastica’s. Her last assignment has been home health at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. S. Madonna found it hard moving from helping the young to being with the elderly, “but letting go of the familiar and moving within the needs of community brings much peace and happiness.”

S. Madonna enjoys visiting with the Sisters, assisting in whatever way she can. “I love my work—helping each Sister on a one-to-one basis is a rewarding experience.”

Adelia (Elizabeth) Sirek, OSB, Celebrates 50 years of religious life

Editor — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:42:00 GMT

Sister Adelia Sirek has spent nearly her entire religious life caring for the elderly. She smiles when she says this. Because of the way her family valued her grandparents, caring for the elderly comes naturally to her. She sees her service as her way of living out her Benedictine life with respect and hospitality for others. When she gets up in the morning, she looks forward to going to her workplace. Where she works doesn’t matter, only that she can give loving service. Because her workplace, Saint Benedict Senior Center, stresses “customer service,” she sees this as another way of describing the Benedictine values of hospitality and respect for the dignity of others. This gives her added pleasure.

Believing that all the people she has journeyed with have touched her life also adds to S. Adelia’s gratitude for her fifty years of Benedictine life. They have indeed been her servants while she has been theirs.

Alice (Bernarda) Imdieke, OSB, Celebrates 50 years of religious life

Editor — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:40:00 GMT

Sister Alice’s lifelong devotion to God and her Benedictine community has helped shape her own, personal version of the Alice in Wonderland adventures. After being taught by Sisters for 12 years in Meire Grove and Melrose, S. Alice entered Saint Benedict’s Monastery with the intention of giving herself “completely to God and God’s work.” S. Alice recalls that she always wanted to help people. She valued listening while cherishing prayer and reflection, embracing the words, “Listen with the ear of your heart” from the Rule of St. Benedict.

S. Alice has always been open to whatever way the Spirit moved, which has resulted in many “adventures.” Her work life has been filled with variety, primarily as a teacher but also as a director of faith formation, youth ministry, home health care aid and foster care provider. In every service, people have blessed her. The deep roots of her ministry over all these years has always been the Liturgy of the Hours and witnessing the Gospel in daily living as St. Benedict encourages. She currently serves as faith formation coordinator at the Church of Seven Dolors in Albany, Minn. She appreciates the prayer, love and support of her family and all the people she has encountered in her 50 years.