Back to the Beginning

Just when I think that I have gotten to the end--as in the end of the year, the end of the Rule, the end of this continuous reading, it is time to start all over again. The monastic life is not about reaching end goals, "making it," or achieving perfection--at least not in this life.

Benedict reminds us that after we have read the Rule through from beginning to end, we are all still basically beginners in the monastic way of life. It gives us the impression that monastic life is a life long process. While we are in the school of the Lord's service, this is a school that no one graduates from until death. That is a challenge and a comfort also because I do not have to have everything together yet.

As we prepare to begin the new year, let us resolve to continue the journey on this monastic way of life together.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Good & Evil Zeal

I am not a person who is known for half-measures. Whatever I may be doing, I will probably jump in whole heartedly, enthusiastically participating with every part of myself. I thoroughly enjoy life.

Today, Benedict talks to us about good and bad zeal. There is a passion which can separate and be isolating or divisive. There is also a passion that can unify, inspire, and encourage others to join. The latter is good zeal. It is that spirit which can make anything seem possible and that gives teamwork a selfless edge.

I desire always to be an example of good zeal--of a passion for life and for the good of the whole that transcends the person and speaks much more of God and God's presence in the world today.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

FLEXIBILITY=Mutual Obedience in Community

One of the outstanding characteristics of our community is our flexibility and adaptability. Guests and friends are often surprised how easily our Sisters seem to be able to take present circumstances in stride, make adjustments and make the best of everything--always having tons of fun in the meantime.



A recent example comes to mind: The Christmas Blizzard of 2009.



Why were we surprised that we started on Dec 24th with just a few raindrops that slowly turned to sleet that quickly turned to blowing snow? We had life neatly planned for ourselves--we would celebrate Midnight Eucharist (as we always have; and had invited just about everyone we know to come and celebrate with us), have our Christmas reception with tons of cookies, candy and spiced cidar, and continue celebrating leisurely throughout the following day. We had put it on Facebook, on Twitter, and every other social media available and still at 5:30 pm on Dec 24th we decided to cancel for this year...or at least readjust. We did it out of a concern for the safety of our guests and friends and also taking into account the raging blizzard outside.



SO...what did we do instead? We called the media to post our closing, and we contacted our friends again through texts, email, Facebook and Twitter and spread the word. We gathered at 8pm for a modified Christmas snack of cookies and cider and watched the blizzard continue. We made plans for a late morning Eucharist (which almost got cancelled also when our celebrant called to say that his car was stuck in BA). We readjusted again and found a different celebrant for our Eucharist.



Throughout all this, we remained faithful listening to one another and to what was happening around us. We were faithful to who we are and who we have become.



Please pray for the young men and women attending the Focus Conference this weekend in Orlando.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Golden Rule in Community

When I was younger, I would easily get irritated by the rustling, fidgeting and paper shuffling that always seemed to take place when I was trying to be still and focus and pray. I would spend entire prayer periods just obsessing over what the other persons were doing wrong and how insensitive everyone seemed to be. Hadn't they been taught like I had how to behave in Church...I wondered. If it were up to me there were may ways in which the Prioress could have dealt with all of these little things that irritated and annoyed me so much. I kept thinking that I would know how to handle things if I were ever in charge.

Thankfully, that day has not arrived and I have also matured some since my early days in community. I have come to know and to appreciate everyone of these women and the contribution that they make in our community. Whenever there are some sisters absent, or even just one, the character of our community changes. Today, I can say that I would not want to trade any of our Sisters or their personalities since that is what makes us all unique and make us a unique community.

We are all familiar with some version of the "Golden Rule" which basically states that we should treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated. In other words, don't do to another what you would not gladly want done to yourself. In chapter 70, Benedict deals with the presumption of some to brashly correct other's faults. I need to remind myself that I live in a very human community where we all have our share of quirks and idiosyncrasies. If I expect others to be kind, gentle and understand with me as I continue to grow, I need to give that same gift to others in my life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Defending Another

Toward the end of the movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, the character portrayed by Hilary Duff makes a statement about families and family ties--something like "I might feel like killing my family part of the time but I will kill for my family all of the time." This pretty much sums up my thinking about our community. Although our community is very human at times, I have a fierce loyalty to these women with whom I have connected my life.

These women are truly my Sisters in every sense of the word. These are the women who have seen me grow and have seen me at my best and at my worst.

There is a long history in our community of sets of siblings, cousins, aunts/nieces entering community. In these cases, it is not difficult to see where the familial bonds could either lead to very close community bonds or very stressful bonds.

As the year draws to a close, we remember the many Sisters who have gone before us in this monastic way of life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Dialogue and Obedience

When I first entered our monastic community, I had a long list of things that were not my realm of possibility, things that I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that I did not want to do, should not have to do and basically would never do without a whole lot of arguing and grumbling. After all, I was 23 yrs old and still thought that I knew everything.

One of the things that has changed in the last 20+ years is that my list of I can'ts has definitely gotten shorter. Here are some examples from my list:

THINGS I'LL NEVER DO......THINGS I HAVE HAD TO DO

1. drive in anything more solid than water......get home from ministry on a snowy day
2. eat unfamiliar foods......eat whatever is offered
3. teach......get a degree in education
4. type or use computers.....50% of my life is now computerized
5. sew......if I have to I can do it
6. drive a large car.......drive a van or a truck

Granted, these are not monumental things but they are examples of what can be accomplished if there is a willingness to at least try something different and allow God's grace to help. One thing I have learned over the years is that if I am willing to at least try there are usually plenty of folks who are willing to support the efforts.

Sr. Catherine

FOCUS

Preparing to spend New Year's Weekend at the National FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) Conference in Orlando (Dec 30-Jan 3). Blog will continue as normal throughout this time. Please pray for this amazing group of young adults from college campuses all over the country.

Follow us also on Facebook and Twitter during the conference.

Facebook: saintjosephmonastery or srcatherine
Twitter: @cathosb or @stjosephmon

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Holiday Hospitality

What could be more appropriate during this holiday season than to talk about hospitality one more time?

Midst the last minute rush to buy and wrap presents, dream up a wonderful meal and enjoy relatives and friends who happen to drop by, I need to remind myself that Christmas is not really about gift exchanges, cards and delicious, gourmet feasts. The original Christmas event over 2000 years ago was about God's gift of his Presence in our midst. God becoming human so that we could realize how loving and approachable God is. That is at the heart of hospitality--acknowledging that God comes in the ordinary of life and that he comes in human form. Recognizing this can be a lifetime task.

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you and your loved ones during this holiday season.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Conflict Among Leaders

There is a piece of wisdom which parents need to learn (or re-learn) but which children seem to grasp intuitively. When you want to do something one parent might not agree with or approve of, ask your parents separately. That way if parents happen to be caught off guard not knowing exactly what the other has said the child might slip by in the midst of the communication chaos.

Evidently not only children can fall into this dilemma but also superiors in community also. In Chapter 65 Benedict talks about what can happen if the two main leaders--Abbot and Prior, Prioress and Sub-Prioress, Mom & Dad, principal & teacher, are not on the same page and happen to actually be at odds with one another. This can create a power struggle and in a worst case setting can be divisive.

I need to ask myself regularly if I happen to be setting up situations at work, in community, among friends, in family that are divisive. How can I be a builder of community and unity rather than a destroyer.

Sr. Catherine

Service Within Community

One of the most striking ways in which monastic communities are different from secular culture are in the way we elect leadership in community.

The word "election" brings images of campaigning, voting, competition, promises to mind--all of which are part of the American election process. In a monastic context though, there are surprisingly few instances of campaigning, competition or promises found. In a monastic setting, election is made after much prayer, discernment, discussion and goal setting. It is a very dialogical type of process. The community strives to set goals for the future and to select the person who God seems to be preparing to help lead the community in the meeting of these goals. There is little illusion of power and most times the person feels somewhat overwhelmed at the task at hand.

Taking this model of servant-leadership that is directed by prayer, I often wonder what corporate America would look like if directed in this way.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Multigenerational Living

One of the blessings that I received from my family growing up was that I was able to live in a multigenerational setting.

Until I was 20, I lived with parents, siblings and at least one grandparent in our home. Although that is not terribly amazing, the experience gave me the opportunity to learn how to interact with those much older and much younger than myself. I learned about appreciating the wisdom that comes with age, valuing elders, caring for those who might be frail and live at a different pace. I also learned to treasure oral history. My grandmother, Tina, was not very educated but I learned to listen to her stories and memories and to love my time with her.

When I entered community, I was able to transfer many of my skills from growing up to daily life. I found that what I had learned at home prepared me to naturally accept many of our older sisters as my new wisdom figures and mentors for living this life. I thank God daily for these great women.

If you are interested in learning more about St. Joseph Monastery or about becoming an Oblate to our community please visit our website: stjosephmonastery.org.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

More Responsibility

I have found in my life that as I mature in the monastic way of life (sometimes just by the fact that I have been here a long time), I find myself getting some priveleges that I did not have when I was younger in community. But these "priveleges" are not necessarily just perks for living a long life--they often have responsibility attached to them.

For example, because of my ministry I have a car designated for my use on weekdays (perk) but with that comes the need to make sure it's filled, make sure to use the car responsibly, report any needs that might occur, try to keep track of when maintenance is needed (responsibility).

In Chapter 61 of the Rule, Benedict talks about those in community that receive extra honor or status and how that is to be viewed in community. This is also applicable in our families as children mature towards adulthood, more responsibility is placed upon them.

As we prepare for the coming of Christ in Christmas, may we be prepared to receive him and to share God's love with others as we continue to grow in faith.

You can now follow St. Joseph Monastery on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Joseph-Monastery/209241422409?v=wall
Twitter: http://twitter.com/stjosephmon

Sr. Catherine

Changing of Status

In Benedict's time, much like our own, there was great privilege awarded for wealth, lineage and outward forms of power. Benedict proposed a system where status was based on two things: length of time in faithful service (rank) and good conduct.

For the most part, all were given their place in community based on their time and date of entrance. That was something that was easy enough to verify through records of various types. The second way of changing status was based on the observed living of the monastic life. The example of the monastic's life and it's value in instructing others on the holy life were a method of rising in status in community. There are many stories in our community of women who lived this way of life before us who suffered patiently through numerous hardships. We are grateful for them.

I am often left to pray that one day my life may be counted among these holy women.

If you happen to be in Tulsa over the holidays, please feel free to come to our midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve. For more information please check our website: http://stjosephmonastery.org .

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Guests for the Holidays

As the Christmas draws closer, it is time to visit hospitality again as St. Benedict saw it.

Growing up our family would often host various relatives for the holidays especially those from out of town. After all, we were the southern California family--who were supposed to have balmy weather for the winter holidays...or at least better weather than our relatives in Ohio, Texas or North Carolina. We were also very accommodating about fitting as many people as necessary into our home. My family functioned under the premise that surely room for one more can be found somewhere.

I have many memories of those times...and for the most part my family enjoyed the company during the holidays. We were very flexible. I often wonder what would have happened if our family had had an offensive guest.

Benedict talks today Chapter 61 about visiting monastics. Before the days of Holiday Inn or Motel 6, monasteries provided shelter for travelers. Benedict understood this and made provisions for them. He also suggests that not everyone that appears at the door should be a long term guest. Benedict suggests that those who are overly critical or excessive in their demands should be invited to find other lodging.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Classless Community

In a world where there is competition for places of honor and for special forms of respect, the Rule proposes a somewhat classless society. The elders and the young service each other, side by side. The PhD and the high school graduate work together on committees to serve the whole. In our community, even the Prioress can be found scrubing pots and pans along with the novice. This service to community and to one another is essential for building relationships and for recognizing the dignity and the value of work and the worker.

It takes a fair amount of humility to be willing to put on an apron, roll up sleeves and get involved in the "daily" tasks of life...especially for those of us who have spent most of our lives either in a classroom or an office. There is a healthiness and a wholesome aspect of participating in the more mundane events, in listening to the stories shared, in getting to know one another in a new way--without titles, or fascades. As the holidays approach I look forward to spending more time just be-ing with our community.

Sr. Catherine

Being An Offering

Chapter 59 (on the offering of the children of the rich and the poor to the monastery) offers us a unique insight into monastic life and monastic profession.

Monastic life is to be a continual act of offering oneself to God and to the community daily. It is being present in the daily moments to our sisters, our coworkers, our neighbors, our family in whatever situation they might find themselves. It is a daily offering to God of our joys, sorrows and all experiences of that day.

It reminds me of the daily offering prayers that we learned in school. We recited them at the beginning of the day at school to remind us to unite our daily actions to God and to ask the intercession of Mary and the saints to see us through the day.

How am I uniting my life today to God and the saints and to the multitude of monastic women that went before us?

Sr. Catherine

A Life-Time of Yes

RB 58 “The one to be received comes before the whole community in the oratory and promises stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience.”

From our oldest Sister, Sr. Cabrini, who made her final profession in 1944, all the way down to me, who made my final profession in 1999, our Sisters have pronounced these words publicly from the Rule of St. Benedict, as our promise to God and to the community. This promise binds us together in living the Gospel in a particular way with a particular group of women for the rest of our lives. A beautiful life…… a challenging life. I have been asked how can you make that kind of promise for life? Well, I respond, how could you promise to be married to the same man or woman for the rest of your life? Or how can you commit to the same work or career? Or stay in one parish year after year? We are sustained by grace and called in faith. It is beyond our ability to stay committed and faithful. God is the Faithful and Steadfast One. God shares these gifts with us as we open ourselves to the ordinary circumstances of our lives and say “Yes”.

A seed cannot grow unless it is planted and takes root. So it is with us as we grow into who God is calling us to be.

Sr. Marie Therese, OSB

Knocking at the Door

RB 58: “Do not grant newcomers to the monastic life an easy entry…”

Our Sisters often share stories of their vocation with one another at table conversation in our dining room. Included in our stories is our first encounter with our community. My first visit to the monastery proved this line from the Rule to be true. The first time I came to St. Joseph Monastery for a monastic weekend retreat, I drove into the parking lot and saw a large, Tudor-style building. I had been instructed to meet one of the Sisters “at the front door”. I noted what I thought was the front door, on the south side of the building. As I started to walk closer, I spotted another door on the east side of the building. A dilemma….which is the front door? After some debate in my head, I chose the south door as it was closer and also it was large and wooden like a monastery front door should be. I approached, rang the doorbell and waited….and waited. After a time, a Sister opened the door, smiling. I introduced myself and stated that I was here to meet Sr. Barbara. I was relieved when she answered, “I am Sr. Barbara”, giving me a warm welcome. I made it in! She told me she had been waiting for me at the front door (the door I did not choose), but not to worry, the door I entered was actually closer to the guest room where I would be staying for the retreat.

If we keep knocking, God will meet us where we are, even if we are at the side door, waiting and wondering.

Sr. Marie Therese, OSB

The Arts in the Monastery

Chapter 57 of the Rule talks about art and artists that are present in monastic settings. This provides us with an opportunity to show some of the many and varied forms of art which can be found at St. Joseph Monastery. Whether it be our outdoor grotto, our new chainsaw sculpture, music or water colors, there are many examples of art in our home.

For more photos, please visit our website stjosephmonastery.org or visit us in person.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A New Table Etiquette

When I first entered community, one of the hardest things for me was understanding how mealtimes worked. Not that I had a problem with being a picky eater or with knowing which fork to use; I had more concerns and questions with how to eat slowly and enjoy a leisurely meal. I also did not appreciate small talk or pleasant table conversation. Considering that I definitely like to talk and usually have something to say that was a surprise for some folks.

As I have matured in community, I have come to appreciate story-telling at meal times. I don't panic as much when there are silences during the meal. I can pause to put my fork down for a few minutes between bites and know that it is acceptable--even expected.

Family time around the dinner table is one of the many things that community can show us. We can learn the value to listening politely, serving one another at table and just being present and attentive to the other.

These are all lessons that I would have missed if I had not be willing to learn a new table etiquette.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Private Ownership

Monastic life has long been considered to be counter-cultural. In few places is it more evident than in Chapter 55 of the Rule, where Benedict makes clear that private ownership has little place in community.

Monastic community life takes the image from the Acts of the Apostles of the early church as its model. In such a group, everything is held in common, there is no one in need, and all have what is necessary for their daily life. In the Rule's version, everyone receives from the superior not only what is essential for daily living but also what might be necessary for a particular ministry or situation. The needs and character of the person are taken into account.

In this type of community, everyone is seen as a steward or custodian of the common goods rather than owner. In a sense, if I am a custodian of the utensils or clothing or instruments then I have a responsibility to care for them because eventually I might be called to pass the goods on to someone else. This concept is very foreign to the concept of ownership where I am and will probably the only person to use something and I also have the power to lend my goods or to demand them back.

How am I caring for the materials I have to work with today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A View into History

This past weekend some of our Sisters were able to take a journey to Dallas to visit the exhibit on the History of Religious Life in the United States at the Women's Museum in Dallas. We were joined by the Little Flower Teen Group and some of their moms. We later got to have dinner with the group, spend the night with them and attend Eucharist with them before returning to Tulsa.

On the way home we reflected on what we had seen and what had impacted us the most during this journey. For me, one of the things that was highlighted was the impact that these faithful women had on our society--often serving in silence and doing many of the tasks that no one felt comfortable doing or would want to do. I am grateful for the many women who have gone before us as our models and examples of prayer and fidelity.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Be Prepared

RB 53: “The guest quarters (in the monastery) are to be entrusted to a God-fearing brother. Adequate bedding should be available there.”

One activity I enjoy is cooking and making a special meal for the Sisters in the community. I secretly admire women like Martha Stewart who can see what is available in her surroundings and make it into a simple yet welcoming and inviting setting for her family and friends.

We are all called to use our talents where they are needed. Details do matter in making others comfortable, in meeting their needs, whether it is being attentive to the neighbor who always seems to show up right in the middle of making dinner or accommodating the relatives who need a firm mattress and are allergic to feather pillows and wool blankets.

Be prepared. Jesus talked about the servant who was ready to serve the master on his arrival. As my mother would say, always have an angel food cake in the freezer that you can thaw out to serve to unexpected company.

Wisdom resides in the ordinary.

Sr. Marie Therese, OSB

Be Alert

RB 53: “All are to be welcomed as Christ……all humility is to be shown on arrival and departure…”

Last week, I walked into a local sandwich shop for lunch. The young woman behind the counter looked at me and said in a cheerful voice, “Welcome. Can I take your order?” As she prepared the sandwich to my wishes, she looked at me with a smile and said, “Have a blessed day.” This young woman understands the welcome and gift of hospitality by her words and her attitude. The food service industry aims to make people feel welcome. They train their employees to have the attitudes and behavior that convey the message: “We are at your service.” While their motivations may be different, we are followers of the Gospel of Christ as called to no less, but to have the same attitudes and behaviors that welcome the Christ present among us. St. Benedict points out the motivation for us Christians – to seek Christ in all who present themselves to us in our daily lives. We who give our lives in service of our brothers and sisters for the sake of the Gospel are called to welcome unconditionally the greatest and least, rich and poor, the expected and unexpected.

Be alert today as Christ comes to your door. Who will he look like today?

Sr. Marie Therese, OSB

New Addition to the Monastery Landscape

December 2007 is infamous in OK for a horrible ice storm that demolished many trees, thrust the city into darkness and paralyzed part of Northeast OK for weeks. But there was a silver lining in that for St. Joseph Monastery. One of the trees that was affected by the storm provided the material for Clayton Coss (chainsawsculpturesbycoss.com), local chain saw sculptor and artist, to carve a statue of St. Benedict complete with raven.

For additional photos, please look on our website: stjosephmonastery.org (under photo gallery).

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Living in God's Presence

God is everywhere.

Benedict instructs his disciples who might be on a journey, at ministry or doing important tasks away from the monastery at prayer times to remember God's presence with them and to stop and pray wherever they might find themselves. Afterall, God is always present at every moment and in every encounter.

Sometimes it is much easier to just say this than to actually believe that God is with me every single moment of every day. It is much easier to pretend to be unaware of God's presence or care for my life. I need to remember to stay alert and awake everyday to God speaking to me.

What is God's message to me today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Seasons in the Church

Like all of nature, our Church celebrates different seasons during the year. The major seasons are Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time is the longest season.

We are now beginning Advent. It is a season of waiting and preparation. It is a season of anticipation and expectancy. It is the time that reminds us of the original coming of Jesus at Christmas and his coming at the end of time. During this season, in the midst of preparation for the Christmas holidays, we also work on preparing a place in our hearts and lives for Jesus to be born in our world within us today.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Prayer and Work

Workaholiism can be a problem at times.



As in many other areas, Benedict advocated moderation--taking the middle road of balance between work, prayer and rest. It seems that he realized that that middle ground can be difficult to achieve for the community members. In Chapter 48, Benedict prescribes the division of time between prayer and work.

Being a person who has difficulty finding balance in my life at times, I have grown to appreciate the wisdom of Benedict's directives on moderation and balance.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Manual Labor

Manual labor has been a part of the monastic tradition throughout its history.

Whether it is the agrarian communities that lived by the work of their hands or the simple tasks of daily living there has always been the rhythm of work and prayer.

In our community, there are may stories of the years when we were much more rural--growing our own produce and raising chickens. There are also many memories of community recreation time when different Sisters would bring their hand work (knitting, crocheting, sewing) to work on as they shared the news of the day.

Work can have a way of bringing people together as we work on projects side by side.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Bells

Bells are very monastic. They call us to prayer and remind us throughout the day what the purpose of our life is--to become aware of God's presence among us and around us and to praise God throughout the day.

Since our recent renovation, we have had a bell tower added to our property. Now, not only are the daily hours announced, but also our neighbors are reminded throughout the day of our prayer schedule and other events in our community life. In a sense, we are proclaiming our presence daily in the heart of Tulsa.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Wise Companion

I have found in my life that those faults or flaws in my life that I acknowledge and share with another are more likely to diminish in force or importance than those flaws that I would rather keep hidden within myself. The more I try to hide the truth about myself from others and sometimes even from myself, the slower my progress in trying to build on my strengths and to ask for God's mercy and compassion as I continue striving for wholeness and holiness.

It's necessary for me to stop focusing on hiding myself from myself and from others so that God's patience and love can shine through me to others.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Mistakes in Prayer

Before I entered the monastery I fantasized that community prayer would be like praying with the angels. While some aspects of community prayer and some liturgies do invoke images of angelic beings among us, most days our prayer is pretty much a human endeavor. Very human.

St. Benedict addresses mistakes in common prayer today. Although reading Chapter 45 from a modern perspective makes some of his suggestions and remedies seem somewhat harsh, the basic idea he was trying to get across was that prayer requires our full attention. It is not the minor errors that he was trying to avoid (those happen naturally) but the mistakes that are due to inattentiveness. For Benedict, community prayer required everyones full attention.

I need to ask myself regularly if I am being fully present at prayers. Or is it just my body that is present.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Forgiveness in Community

Few things can tear apart a family, community or team faster than resentments and unresolved hurts.

I know that when I realize that I have hurt or wronged someone for whatever reason there is an uncomfortable feeling within myself as I struggle to find a way to make things better and to start rebuilding the relationship. That is not always easy to do since it will require lots of humility on my part to admit that I was wrong. There is also the fear of what the other person's reaction might be.

If I happen to be the person who was hurt, sometimes I try to make the person feel as miserable as I felt initially. There might even be a slight feeling of power as I realize that I can choose to accept the apology or not.

In the end, however, it is living with these unacknowledged wounds that slowly eat away both at the people involved and at community in general. It is in forgiving the hurts that I can start repairing the damage done in the past.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Common Table

Sharing a meals together can be teaching moments for all of us. I know that when I first entered our community I had a hard time appreciating the value of dinner time conversation and having a leisurely meal as a group.

Although my family generally had at least one daily meal together I had somehow missed the finer points of conversation and eating slowly rather than inhaling my meal. Over the years I have gotten better at participating in meal conversation and pleasantries. Our community also has the tradition of an after meal blessing to signal the end of the meal--that gives us an external signal of the end of the meal and also reminds us that all that happened in the dining room was in God's presence. This is also one more way in which Benedict's connection between table and oratory is emphasized.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Work of God

Indeed, nothing is to be preferred to the Work of God. RB 43.3

"The Work of God"...what is the Work of God? How am I invited to participate in that Work?

This phrase is found in the chapter dealing with tardiness or readiness for prayer or meals. It is a chapter that tends to equate what happens in chapel with what happens at the table in our dining room. That is an interesting parallel because at least in our house prayers and meals seem to carry an important connection. When planning our community schedule of events the main question often seems to be when do we pray and when do we eat. We often find ourselves going from the oratory to the table or from the table to the oratory.

Placing prayer and meals together in the Rule seems to suggest that there should be a natural carry over from prayer time to community time and vice versa. In a sense what we proclaim and commit to in the oratory we need to be able to live out in the dining room.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Table Reading

Our community has the custom of reading at table during the first half of dinner every evening. When I entered community, we reserved table reading for special liturgical seasons--such as Advent and Lent. Over the years, however, we have begun incorporating a period of silence and reading with all of our weekday evening meals.

While it took a while for me to see the value of sharing the silence and the reflective reading together, I have come to appreciate that quiet time...especially when the day leading up to dinner has been hectic. The reading period sets the tone for the meal and allows me to still myself enough to fully re-integrate myself into the community. The reading itself can also often provide starting points for mealtime conversation.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Shared Meals

This Tuesday our Sisters and Oblates had the opportunity to share a meal with some very special young adults. The Newman Center at the University of Tulsa provides free lunch every Tuesday for students, staff and anyone else that happens to drop in during the hour. It is a time of catching up on the weeks events, visiting with friends, and getting a meal in before moving on to the next event.

For the last three years Sister Marilyn and I have had the privilege of being included at these lunches. It is definitely a part of my week that I miss when I happen to be out of town. Our Community and Oblates have made a commitment to serve the students lunch at least once a year. It is usually a fun time for everyone and there is always TONS of food.

Watch our blog and website over the next few days for photos of this event.

website: stjosephmonastery.org

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Moderation in Life

Anyone who has been to Italy knows that good wine flows in Italy almost as abundantly as the water that available at the public fountains.

Benedict knew his community and understood human nature very well. He was a realist about the situations that arise within community--his and those that would follow. In setting guidelines for the use of food and drink in the monastery, he did not advocate strict mandates that few would be successful in following. He chose to follow a moderate path which allowed for the members to be able to challenge themselves to the next level--whatever that next level happened to be for them.

I need to remember that in my own life. Many times I start a new practice by striving for the gold medal rather than being comfortable with at least making a little progress every day.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Moderation in Food

Although Benedict never visited an all you can eat cafeteria, his wisdom on the variety and amount of food necessary is right on.

Benedict understood that there needed to be some variety in the food that was served. Not so much variety that it overwhelmed the person and the choice became too complicated. He suggests that in most cases a choice between two entrees is sufficient. This choice considers personal preferences and possible allergies or food sensitivities. The food is to be sufficient for the work performed during the day. If the work is hard, more food may be provided.

I wonder if there would be less need for diets and weight loss techniques if Benedict's thoughts on moderation were considered.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Listening to a Good Story

My first year teaching I was assigned a class of 70 seventh and eighth graders. Some days I had total bedlam, but not for 30 minutes on Monday afternoons.

On Mondays the girls, 40 of them, went to choir; this left me with 30 boys. I learned early on that they loved a good story and loved to be read to. So for that 30 minutes I read to them. It was the most peaceful 30 minutes in my day.

Sharing thought provoking reading and conversation, mealtimes are peaceful times in the monastery too.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

The Elders and The Young

At our family celebrations the old folks—Grandma, Grandpa, the great aunts and uncles—and the young folks, not yet teenagers, got the most attention.

The old folks got special places at the table and special food if required, and the young folks always got to eat early or have a snack before dinner. Isn’t it amazing that St. Benedict seems to favor the elderly and the young with special treatment, too.

At other times in the Rule when Benedict speaks of calling the community together for discussing issues, he asks the monks to listen to everyone in the community even the youngest. The elder monks may have wisdom and knowledge of how life was BACK THEN, but the younger monks have the wisdom and knowledge of how life is NOW.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

Caring for the Sick

We had the privilege of caring for my mother at home for five years before she died at age 92. Home health nurses took care of her during the day while my brothers and I worked at our jobs. In the evening and on weekends we were in charge. We fed her, bathed her, dressed her, did her therapy with her, and put her to bed. In the morning we did the same, then put her in her wheelchair or her lounge chair for the day. These were such enjoyable times for us. Mom had such a great sense of humor and every day she had new stories to share about her childhood, and the colorful characters she took care of in nursing homes where she worked for more than 20 years. At least 3 or 4 times each day she had us praying the Rosary with her.

Caring for the sick can teach us so much about how to live and how to die. Perhaps this is why St. Benedict says: “Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ, for he said, I was sick and you visited me, and What you did for one of these…you did for me.”

Sr. Veronica, OSB

On Serving One Another

Do you think our parents got the idea of assigning tasks to us from St. Benedict? It seems my parents had this idea. We had days assigned to set the table, to wash and dry the dishes, to help wash and hang the dish towels on the outside line (we had no dryer in those days). These tasks taught us that each member of the family, young and old, can by serving one another contribute to the smooth running of a household and build up relationships between brothers and sisters at the same time. St. Benedict’s monks may not have argued as much as we did about whose turn it was to do what task, but perhaps they learned the same lesson we did—serving one another is what family is all about.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

On Service

At Senator Ted Kennedy’s memorial service his nephew told this story about him. He said that when Kennedy was running for the Senate the first time, his opponent criticized him for having never worked a day in his life. A steel worker stopped Kennedy during his campaign and said, “I hear you have never worked a day in your life.” And Kennedy told him no, he had never really had a job and worked like most people. The steel worker replied, “I’ve worked all my life and I want you to know that you haven’t missed a thing.”

St. Benedict would never agree with the steel worker. Serving one another is the work Benedict calls us to do. This serving one another fosters love and builds up the community. If we don’t work at serving one another, we have missed the whole purpose of our Benedictine life.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

Want VS Need

Fr. Mike Roethler OSB was president of St Gregory’s University when I began teaching there. He was a kind and gentle person. Whenever any of us went to him with a request to spend money, his response was always: “Is this a WANT or a NEED”?

I think St Benedict is asking us to do the same thing—to consider if our request is a WANT or a NEED. After thoughtful consideration we may find that most things we think we need are really just wants to make our lives more comfortable.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

God's Return on Investment

Chapter 33 of the rule reminds me of Mark’s gospel story about the poor widow and her contribution of two coins; “she contributed her whole livelihood.” In a sense she was left with no money, with nothing to provide for her own well-being. And yet, at the same time she was left with everything, with a faith in God to sustain her, a hope in God to encourage her and a love of God to nourish her. She contributed her whole livelihood, but God returned it to her in a more precious kind of livelihood.

When people ask us how we can live without owning something, without having something to call our own, our response is the poor widow’s response. We may have contributed a livelihood with possessions , and yet , we have a more precious livelihood without possessions. We are cherished by God and community and have time to share our faith, our hope and love with others.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

Cleaning Up the Messes

“Whoever fails to keep the things belonging to the monastery clean or treats them carelessly should be reproved.” RB 32

How many times have you walked into the break room at the office, or into your own kitchen and found someone else’s mess? Have you seen the sign posted that says, “Your mother doesn’t work here,” reminding us to clean up after ourselves?

It is the same in the monastery. Benedict anticipates that we will take responsibility for our own actions, do the right things, and clean up our messes. This is particularly important in common spaces and with things available for general use by all.

Often we don’t intentionally leave things askew – we get called away and forget to go back. A kind reminder is sometimes all that’s needed. And some of us need those reminders most days!

Sr. Christine, OSB

Distribution of Goods

“Necessary items are to be requested and given at the proper times, so that no one may be disquieted or distressed in the house of God.” RB 31

Benedict makes it clear that although one member of the community is in charge of the distribution of goods (supplies, linens, even food), there is to be no withholding goods on a whim, no power plays to prove “who’s in charge.” The one who distributes what the community members need is to do so with all humbleness and with an awareness that ultimately it is God who will judge his or her motives.

Of course, the same goes for each of us – our motives may appear to be well-intentioned, but it is God who knows our mind and heart and reads our motivation for everything we do. Arrogance, passive aggressive behavior, or laziness are not excuses when it comes to doing what others rely on us to do. It is how we serve God – through serving one another.

Sr. Christine, OSB

Care of Goods

“…regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar.” RB 31

Benedict directs this statement to the monastic in charge of the community’s temporal goods, however, it is a practice the entire community embraces. The kind of stewardship Benedict expects is far beyond our present-day “throwaway” mindset.

Throughout the Rule, Benedict expects his followers to do even the smallest deed well and mindfully. Special care is to be taken with material goods, utensils and tools are to be inventoried regularly and amends are to be made if something is broken through carelessness or neglect.

If Benedict expects this kind of care for worldly goods, how much more he must expect us to care for one another!

Sr. Christine, OSB

Appropriate Discipline

Parents understand that each child is individual and responds differently to various forms of discipline. With some reasoning might work, with others a reward system works best, and for others a time out system is necessary. The same is true in any form of community, whether a family, a classroom or a business.

In setting up his community Benedict was aware of this need for individualization also. In Chapter 30, he advises that care should be taken to use the appropriate means to modify behavior in each situation. Benedict is very aware of the differences in personalities and approaches.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Returning Three Times

Benedict understands that it is not always easy to make a committment. Sometimes a committment needs to grow on you, in a sense.

In Chapter 29 of the Rule, Benedict allows for a person to leave and ask for readmission into community as many as three times. He seems to understand that sometimes there might still be issues from the past that need to be resolved or that there might be obstacles to true growth. Benedict also realized that at some point a committment of some sort must be made--thus the limit on number of entrances to community.

Sr. Catherine

Praying for Those in Need

Benedict considers prayer to be a "last resort" type of remedy for the erring. After the community has tried reasoning with the person, public sanctions, and separation from community, then the entire community is invited to pray for the person.

On one level it seems somewhat backward to use prayer as a last resort, yet I am reminded of the many times when prayer does seem to be the last place I turn to once I have exhausted all of the other remedies available to me. Maybe Benedict is telling us that once we have tried everything in our power to remedy the situation...then the one thing left (actually the best thing) is to place the person or situation in God's hands.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Wise Companion

I am reminded of the saying: "Misery loves company." when I read Chapter 27 of the Rule.

Once a person's behavior has caused separation from the community, it is very easy to either fall into deep dispair about the situation or to become even more defiant and try to find allies within the community...causing greater division. What Benedict suggests is for the superior to allow one person to encourage the wayward back into the community. Care must be taken that this is not going to be a misery party. Therefore, the companion must have an adequate amount of maturity not to become part of the problem.

This companion or senpectae is to act as a truth teller to the wayward. We all need people in our lives that care about us enough and that know us well enough to be able to challenge us into growth. I am fortunate to have many friends that have done that for me in my life. The truth tellers in our lives are our truest friends.

May I always be willing to hear and open to the truth presented to me by those wiser than me.

Sr. Catherine

In Memory of Those Who Have Gone Before

Sr. Assumpta

Sr. Mary Stephen

Sr. Mary Ellen

Sr. Imelda

Sr. Joachim

Sr. Louise
Sr. Mary Louis

Sr. Mary Esther

Sr. Fabian

Srs. Emily, Mary Ellen, Isabelle

Sr. Emily

Sr. Cornelia

We remember those who have gone before us during the month of November. One of the great things about community is that the women who have preceded us both into our community and into eternal life are part of our history, part of our heritage, part of who we are today whether we knew them personally or not. Their story gets mixed with our life and our stories and they all become one whole.

When someone dies in our community, we have the tradition of having an evening of sharing about the person, shortly after the funeral. It is a time to celebrate their life among us, their quirks, the joy they brought us, and sometimes even the pain and sorrow they brought. For me that is one of the best parts of growing in community because I get to experience our Sisters as others have known them at other times.

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

You can still send us the names of your beloved dead to be placed before the altar during the month of November. Address: Sr. Christine Ereiser, OSB, 2200 South Lewis Ave., Tulsa, OK 74114.

Sr. Catherine

More Serious Faults

Benedict believed in tough love as part of his code of discipline.

If I am being so disruptive and misguided in my behavior that it starts impacting the prayer and common life of the community, family or workplace, then it might be time to separate me entirely from the environment both for my own good and for the good of others.

In Chapter 25, Benedict does not only say that I should be separated but also that no one should speak or get close to me. In a sense, Benedict considers the inappropriate actions like a contagious disease that everyone needs to stay away from before the whole group becomes diseased.

Sr. Catherine. OSB

On Building Community

In legislating discipline for faults or wrong doing, Benedict seems to feel that it is best to let the offender set his own consequences. For instance, if someone seems determined to be isolated from the rest of the group--Benedict suggests that punishment should be separation from community.

If my actions and words are disrupting my ability to be part of community, Benedict suggests that maybe I am asking to be separated from everyone for a short while to give me time to think and reflect in silence. Actually not much different from our current concept of time out.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Correction of Faults

I tend to be a wimp when it comes to dealing with interpersonal issues. Benedict gives us a three strikes policy for issues in community.

When someone is disruptive to community, Benedict asks that the person be addressed privately. Giving the opportunity for the person to change. If that does not work, the person is to be disciplined publically. If the person is still unwilling to change, Benedict advocates expelling the person from the community.

I have had times when my own behavior has been destructive to myself and others around me. The wisdom of giving the offender three opportunities to amend has provided me with the strength needed to continue to grow.

Sr. Catherine

On the Dailiness of Life

There is a certain discipline needed to be able to share a room with another person, even a good friend. There are opportunities for compromising and for learning to be accepting of a roommate's quirks and for growth on everyone's part.

Chapter 22 of the Rule talks about the sleeping arrangement of the community. Benedict is painstakingly precise about how the monks should sleep. His preference if for the community to share one room and to sleep fully-clothed--ready to get up for prayer in the middle of the night.

Benedict provides one additional reason for the sleeping arrangement. He wants to provide some support and encouragement for the members who might find waking early harder to take than others. Being a person who loves early mornings I can appreciate how different persons can help ease one another into the day.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Sharing the Burdens of Office

Leadership can be a demanding task--whether it be parenting, supervising, advising, or monitoring. It can quickly become a 24/7 task. This fact was true even in the 6th century.


Benedict built in some ways for the superior of the community to be able to share some of the responsibilities of leadership with other members. He created the office of "deans". Deans were similar to monitors to whom he could entrust some of the daily responsibility.



The Deans were not to be a law unto themselves, however. They were to be people of humility who would willingly carry out the orders of the superior and lead through service and example. They were truly to be the helpers of the abbot and of the community.



Sr. Catherine, OSB

Short Prayer

We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words. (RB 20.3)

Most people don't need to know me long to realize that I am a talker. I firmly believe that if few words are good then a multitude of words must be much more meaningful.

When it comes to prayer, though, I have always been fascinated by silence and stillness. Even as a child, prayer was one of the few times when I could just be still and not need to do anything. Benedict reminds us in Chapter 20 of the Rule that God already knows what is in our hearts and what our needs are. God does not need us to explain in detail what we need. God just wants us to be still and be open to his love and will for us.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Having Our Minds in Harmony with Our Voices

...and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices. (RB 19.7)

I have always longed to be a person of integrity. A person who says what she means, acts on her principles and has no real separation between thought, word and deed. This image is an ideal, of course. As much as I would like to be totally in sync with all my actions it will probably never occur in my lifetime.

St. Benedict, however, provides a method for me to be a person of intergrity in at least one area off my life--prayer. In his instructions on prayer in this chapter, I find a key to being totally myself before God at all times. The key is humility.

May I always remember who I am before God in prayer.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Flexibility of the Rule

In the passages about community prayer, Benedict is very precise and ordered about when, how and which psalms are to be prayed. He regulates standing and bowing, time and manner. He definitely knows what the "ideal" for prayer is.

At the end of Chapter 18, however, Benedict shows true wisdom in allowing individual communities to adjust the order and manner if necessary to the circumstances of the local area. There is wisdom in placing this elasticity in the Rule so that although things might look a little different from monastery to monastery the basic values are still able to be preserved even 15 centuries later.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

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