Life at the Monastery

In our religious community, we live in small groups called deaneries.  These range between 2 to 13 or 14 people.  It's a way of not getting lost in a large community.  We see each other throughout the week, but we meet for a planned gathering usually once a week.  During this time, we make sure we celebrate birthdays, feastdays, and all major events in each person's life.  We share how we are, how our family is, how our ministry is going, or anything on our mind.  Some weeks may consist of faith sharing or a discussion on a topic.  Other weeks,we may play cards or board games or an activity that someone has planned.  We end these evenings by praying compline, or night prayer, together. 

We can interact and spend time with any of the sisters.  Our deaneries, however, provide opportunities for each of us to connect to a small group on a deeper level.  This is a way for each of us to be held accountable to living the monastic way of life. 

Walk to End Alzheimer's

Some of us recently participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's.  It was a beautiful day as we walked along the Riverwalk in Jasper, IN.  If you or someone you know suffers from Alzheimer's, we were walking for that person.  We were also walking for all the caregivers, doctors, and reseachers. 

We hope to do it every year.  I know I want to do it again to raise awareness for Alzheimer's and also so I can have my eyes open during the picture. 

Hope for the Future

A group of us recently attended a gathering at Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, South Dakota for Benedictine Sisters who are 55 years old and younger.  It was a fruitful gathering for all of us.

One word you hear often is "hope."  Seeing and having young people in religious communities gives hope that religious life, and in our case, the Benedictine charism, will continue.  In fact, just a few weeks ago, I was at a music convention and someone stopped me and said, "Good for you for being under 40 and a religious sister.  You give us hope." 

I'm glad we young Benedictines give others hope, but it's the older sisters who give us hope.  It's the sisters who have lived this life until death who give us hope.  It's the sisters in their 70s, 80s, and 90s who give us hope. 

Let's take a look at what these women have gone through.  Times were cetainly different back then.  To hear their stories and to think, "You persevered through that?" is simply awe inspiring.  They sacrificed a great deal and saw many changes, but stayed focused on God's call and their religious vocation. 

Some of the restrictions back then did not allow sisters to go to a parent's funeral.  Some had to choose between visiting when they were sick or going to the funeral.  They couldn't do both.  They also did not have much, if any, say in their ministry.  Some of our sisters taught Spanish, shorthand, chemistry, or any number of things by keeping one page ahead of the students.  They were told to teach what was needed regardless if they had any background in the subject.  They also had very short notice to prepare - maybe a day or two.

I'm glad my age gives people hope, but where would I or the other 55 and younger "kids" be without those who have gone before us?  That's where we get our hope.  Hope in knowing that God's call is stronger than any difficutly we face as long as we stay focused and open to truly discerning God's will.

Daily Dying and Rising

In the vestibule of church, there is a statue depicting the death of St. Joseph.  This, I've been told, is a rare statue because the death of St. Joseph is not mentioned in the Bible.  It is, therefore, the artist's rendition of what may have happened.

Growing up and even more recently, death was never anything I ever wanted to think about.  Sure, it'd be great to get to Heaven, but why can't we bypass the whole death thing?  I want my friends and family to go to Heaven also, but having them actually die would be too depressing and painful.  There has to be a better way. 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). 

Over the years, my concept of death and my comfort level have changed.  Every living thing and person has to die in order to experience new life.  Knowing this, of course, doesn't make death any easier or erase the pain and suffering, but there is an awareness that through death and suffering, new life emerges. 

Talking about death isn't something to avoid or be afraid of.  Death happens in everyone's life all the time, whether it is a physical death of a loved one or some kind of change or transition.  We are constantly dying to old ways of thinking and being.  We are constantly, if we allow it, rising to new life. 

As I look at the statue depicting the death of St. Joseph, I am reminded of my daily dyings, not in a morbid way, but in a healthy, growthful way.  The daily dyings that give way to life. 

Technology

I think the technology we have is fascinating.  Everything you ever needed or wanted to know can be found in an instant in the palm of your hand.  What I find troublesome, however, is the overabundant use of technology.  If we're not careful, it can run our lives and determine how we spend our day.  We can come to depend too much on technology rather than our own common sense, instincts and observations.  For example, I was with someone who cancelled an outdoor activity because her phone told her it was raining.  There wasn't a drop in sight. 

We're too cut off from nature because we are too busy texting or reading the latest posts and comments.  Do we notice our surroundings or are we too focused on the thing in our hand? 

There's also no privacy anymore or anything left untyped or unread.  Is it all necessary? 

I'm certainly not against technology, but I'm against how it's used and how obsessed or addicted people become. 

Sitting in silence, even for a few minutes, is a foreign concept because every minute is spent checking for updates.  How about sitting in silence and listening to what God is trying to say?  I wouldn't want a  friend who talked all the time and then said good-bye before I could get a word in edgewise.  God's the same way.  We don't want to be reading or saying prayers the whole time.  The prayers can be spontaneous, come from a book, phone, or iPad, but then put the device down and give God a chance to respond.  If we always have some kind of technological device in our hand, it would be difficult (at least for me) to hear what God is saying. 

Try 5 minutes a day of silence.  It may, at first, feel like an eternity, especially if you're used to always doing something.  After a few weeks, increase the time to 10 minutes a day.  Eventually, work up to 20.  If you relapse, go back to 5 and try again.  During this time, leave the phone off, forget about facebook, and don't worry about your next move in a game or any texts. 

Technology has changed the world we live in and so has silence.  Let's make sure we can still hear the silence amidst all the technology. 

Real Nuns

A student once asked if I was a real nun.  Contrary to popular belief, not all "real nuns" fit the stereotypes you see on T.V. and in movies.  In fact, these stereotypes hindered me from looking into religious life.  How could I be in my 20s, looking into religious life when there were so many negative images of nuns?  Dealing with and overcoming these stereotypes was one of the first topics I would discuss with vocation directors from different communities.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a habit, but you don't have to wear one to be considered a real nun.  I also don't know of any nuns who carry rulers, but that's certainly a stereotype that's taking a long time to dispel.

Now, I can't say that I keep up with the latest fads and fashions.  I can't name the top movies or songs.  I'm no good at identifying actors, actresses, or singers.  But, I wasn't good at any of that before I became a nun.  I'm sure, however, that there are nuns who know all that stuff and more.

The great thing about nuns is that once you get to know us, you'll realize that we're all different.  We all have different gifts and talents.  One of the best compliments I received from a teacher at school was, "You are shattering every stereotype I've ever had of nuns." 

The stereotype that I believe we all fit into is that we're all seeking God together.  We're getting to know ourselves better and growing closer to God and one another. 

Wearing a habit doesn't make anyone a real nun any more than wearing scrubs makes you a doctor.  I'll stay away from the hospitals where clothing is the main focus and the determining factor of who you are and what you can do. 

I loved when my student asked if I was a "real nun."  It meant I was opening his eyes to who nuns really are today.  I was helping to dispel some of the past stereotypes that still linger on today.

Elvis is Alive!

Recently Elvis Presley came to visit us as part of a birthday celebration for Srs. Anna Marie and Michelle W.  It was a lot of fun.  Since I've never seen any other Elvis impersonators, I can confidently say, "He's the best one I've seen."  In between songs, he told jokes and stories about his life as an Elvis impersonator.  He's traveled around the world and has opened for some big name celebrities.  He has also performed weddings on top of roller coasters and before bungee jumping.  It all sounded extremely entertaining. 

It was nice to have so many sisters and guests at the party.  Thanks to all who organized it.  It was a nice celebration for the birthday girls and also all of us.

A Small Act Will Make a Huge Difference

My 4 year old niece has a rare disease called ROHHAD, which stands for Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation and Autonomic Dysregulation.  There are only about 75 reported cases in the world.  My sister-in-law has been the one oftentimes educating the doctors.  Fortunately, they persevered and didn't listen to the first few doctors they had who tried to tell them it was something they were doing or something they were feeding her.  They have spent lots of time either traveling to hospitals, spending time in the hospitals, or waiting for test results.  The disease has sent them around the country searching for answers.  Now they're in Baltimore for intensive treatment at Johns Hopkins.  The decision for the treatment didn't come easily, but they believe it is best.  The Bible verse that gets them through this is Hebrews 6:19, "Hope anchors the soul."  They also pray to St. Anne. 

It's my sister-in-law's quest to make more people aware of this disease.  They've been through a lot and could use your prayers and support.  They have great hope that the treatment and care they are receiving at Johns Hopkins will be what is needed to cure Reagann.

Even though you don't know Reagann or her parents Joe and B.J. and big sister Connor, please consider writing them a note to let them know they are being prayed for.  It would mean a lot as they go through this horrific ordeal.  They've been able to maintain strength through it all because of the support, prayers, and love they've gained from others.  They'll be in Baltimore until August. 

They were able to leave the hospital after 20 days.  They are now staying at the Ronald McDonald House.  Their new address is

Ronald McDonald House Charities
Reagann Duenne - Room 221
635 West Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD  21201

Really, it only takes a few minutes to write a card.  The cost is a postage stamp, but the effects will be priceless.  Let's pray her back to health and give the family our support.