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