On Having a Passion for LIFE

I am a person who approaches everything in life whole-heartedly. Whatever I am involved in, you have all of me (sometimes a little too much of me, since I can be hyper at times).

Today, Benedict talks to us about good & bad zeal. Benedict tells us that while good zeal can be healthy and enlivening; evil zeal can deaden the spirit of a community. Benedict invites us to treasure the drive and desire to create a strong bond within groups that can be characterized with love and passion.

May I always bring good zeal to all of my encounters.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Obeying Life

Just when life seems to be planned cozily (just the way I wanted it), there always seems to be something that gets in the way. I prefer life on my terms because then I know what is coming next. Unfortunately, that rarely seems to give God the space needed to interrupt my seemingly perfect life with a bit of grace.

Today I am reminded that part of living life fully calls for an openness to God's intervention daily. It could come in the form of the hurting co-worker, the grieving family member or the ill teammate that needs an extra few minutes in my already crowded life. I have found that it is these encounters that present God to me in various forms.

May I always be alert for God's face in my daily life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Remembering Who I Am

If I give myself the chance, I can often find many little things that set my teeth on edge. ( I have many qualities that probably drive others wild also.) When I was younger, I would fantasize about what I thought would remedy most of these edgy moments. Fantasize as I might, I am very grateful that I was never able to implement my solutions.

Chapter 70 in the Rule of Benedict talks about the presumption of harshly correcting one's peers. It is not about the proper use of authority because the concept of peer implies that all are at the same level--these are my age cohort, my co-workers, my teammates. If I forget that we are all basically the same, then I tend to become bossy, judgemental and over-bearing. That is not the same as the use of authority. I need to remember to be as forgiving of others and their faults as others are of me. I need to remember that I am not the BOSS of everything, all the time.

May I have the humility required to remember my place in community (all of my communities) and to graciously forgive others as they have forgiven me many times.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Danger of Particular Friendships

Particular Friendships can be deadly to communities, groups and teams. Although most of us do not use the term particular friendships (pf) often, we all recognize them when we see them.

A PF is an exclusive relationship within a group. It is generally divisive, based on a system of double messages and circuitous communication. It is the adult version of an adolescent clique.

What happens in these relationships is that alliances are formed on the basis of likes, similarities, secrets and who's in and who's out. This can be harmful to a group since in many cases everyone needs to interact with one another and work together not according to factions but according to a unifying goal.

I have had an experience of this kind of relationship and found it deadening to my spiritual life and to my relationships within community. I pray daily for stronger relationships.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Stretching Towards the Impossible

I like to believe that I am pretty self-aware and know my gifts and my limitations well. I have realized in community and in other group situations that I am not always the best judge of my capabilities. Many of the things that I thought were impossible when I first entered community, I have discovered I enjoy doing more things than I thought I would.

When asked to do something out of my normal comfort zone, I have learned to take time to pray about things before giving a definite answer. This allows me the time I need to get comfortable with the idea, at least. I have learned that that little bit of trust in another's wisdom gives me the freedom to grow and see new aspects of myself. I am still free to question and discuss the new proposal be I usually find a fuller life in being open to new possibilities.

May I continue to grow daily.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Let What Happens Outside...Stay Outside

I do a fair amount of traveling outside the Monastery for various projects with which I am involved. Traveling sounds glamourous and exotic and exciting. I, personally, love to travel. There are times though when the journey can get long and wearisome (especially since long flight delays, lost luggage or car problems may be involved). And although I do love to see new places and have new experiences, there comes a time when the only place I want to be is HOME.

Benedict advises that it is best or wiser to leave some of the experiences of travel on the road rather than bring them into the community. No one really wants to hear of the trauma of going through Security at the airport or how long the shuttle ride was on my last journey. If I want to share anything about my trip maybe just a summary of what I learned and my gratitude for being home is sufficient.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Welcoming Face

Hospitality was vital to Benedict's vision of community. During his time, pilgrims and travelers were very common--most traveled on foot and there were no welcoming hotels along the way. It was up to those who lived along the road to provide housing and shelter for travelers.

Monasteries provided safe places to stop for the night while on a journey. Benedict asks that there be a stable, wise, polite person near the entrance to provide for the needs of the guest. Those are all great qualities to have in a greeter.

I know that when I travel and am needing directions back to the highway or to my destination I am always grateful to those who can clearly tell me where my next turn should be. It is also helpful when the person is able to say they don't know but can direct me to someone who might. There is definite wisdom in knowing our limits.

I hope to be a welcoming face to those who visit our home and to be able to provide reasonable directions.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Proper Use of Authoriry

For me, one of the hardest aspects of authority is communication and equality issues. I strive always to be clear and fair in my communication and decision making (sometimes to the point of examining an issue to death). My concern is to make sure that I am not speaking from hidden motives. I long to be a person of integrity.

Being the oldest in my family, I had many opportunities to exercise my leadership and responsibility skills. I learned to use various different approaches to help others see where there is benefit to compromise and dialogue. I have increased my tolerance and patience over the years. Where I would have yelled or cried when I was younger, I have now learned to take many of these issues to prayer or to a wise friend. I am still far from an expert at this--but I hope to become more skilled in this art daily.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Getting the Right Blend

Benedict asks the leader of the community to have a multitude of people skills. It would almost be easier for all leaders to be extroverts but then we would lose much wisdom from the more reserved leaders among us.

In reading the list of qualities and attributes that the superior needs to lead a group well, I am reminded of an artist mixing paints. My parents and younger sister are all artists of sorts and I remember watching them spend hours mixing and blending paints to get various nuances of colors. Where I (a definite, non-artist) would be tempted to just slosh some colors together and call it good enough, my sister would patiently add a dab of two or three colors, stir and evaluate before finishing. That is the type of care that is required of the Prioress.

Every person and every situation must be considered individually--what is good in one situation is totally inappropriate in another. Care must be taken to ponder every option and do what seems best. This process is usually not a rush job. The leader holds the burden of everyone's failure as well as the glory of all successes. Benedict encourages those in authority to pray well and to adjust all responses to the particular circumstance.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Qualities of A Leader

The qualities of the prioress or superior of a community are proposed by Benedict in Chapter 64 of the Rule. The two major criteria for leadership are: merit of life and wisdom in teaching. So, it seems that for Benedict setting a good example and teaching truth seem to be what is necessary to lead. No where in this chapter do we hear about the leader being the most popular, the most charming, or the most powerful. It is more important to be authentic and to have integrity. A very different picture from what is seen in our social and political lives.

I get the image of the leader in Benedict's model as a conductor of an orchestra that can blend the various instruments and their qualities into a beautiful tapestry of sound--even those of us that are sometimes slightly out of tune.

May we continue to learn to live this life in the footsteps of our founding generations.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Naming

There is power in a name.



I remember growing up that I could always tell whether I was in trouble by the way my parents called my name. There was a particular form of my name they used that can still strike fear in my heart. There was also a way of calling me that would calm me down if I was extra nervous or anxious.



Today, Benedict talks about people, names and forms of respect in Chapter 63 of the Rule. Benedict reminds us to strive to be the first to show respect and reverence to the other person. This is yet another way in which our acting should be different from the world's way. I am invited to show respect, reverence and care for the others even in the way that I address them.



May I always remember to show the same respect for others that I would like shown to me.



Sr. Catherine, OSB

Community Rank

In many ways, Benedict tried to form a classless society. A group where your former status in life (wealth, power, prestige) had little to do with your new form of life. This was a way in which the rich and poor could interact daily, the noble and the peasant could work side by side and enemies could share a table and not be aware of former differences. In some cases, this could be valuable to keep physical peace.

There needed to be some way of putting a neutral order to community and that was rank. Persons were placed in order according to their date of arrival. Once the order was established the only way of moving up or down was based on the person's behaviour. Habitually good behaviour and an exemplary life could raise one's status. Consistent exhibits of pride, disobedience or vices could move a person down.

Although rank is not as prominent these days for setting place in community, I need to remember that my own choices can help raise me in virtue or bring me down in vice. I need to ask myself daily, how am I living in God's grace today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Golden Rule

Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.

The Golden Rule as we know it comes into effect daily in community life, work, family, teams...it is played out anytime two or more persons interact.

• It is seen when I remember to pass the salt to the Sister at my table who always salts her food--rather than wait to be asked.
  

• The Golden Rule is displayed when I remember to hold the door open for those entering the house with me and when I tell my co-worker that I am back from lunch so he can go.

• The Rule is used when I remember that others might be sleeping, resting, or praying by not running the vacuum cleaner or calling down the hall to a friend at 5 am on a Saturday.

There are many ways in which we can practice the Golden Rule everyday.

How are you practicing the Golden Rule today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

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Traveling Monastics

I love to travel and have done much of it recently. My most recent trip was to Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs for a regional treasurers meeting.

Although I gain much from my experiences away, I am always grateful to return home to my community and to my normal routine. I have found that monastic communities come in a variety of flavors. The essentials are the same--prayer, the Rule, community living--but each community puts it's own mark through their interpretation of the Rule.

In my travels, I am continually reminded of what first drew me to our community--what that specialness was for me. And after 25 years, I am still called to our community in new and varied ways.

May my fidelity to our monastic way of life continue to grow daily.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Seeking God / Monastic Vows

Seeking God

In assessing whether to accept a person into community, Benedict places the novice's desire to seek God and God's will in their life. There is also an expectation tbat the newcomer will grow into a deeper desire for union but the initial potential must exist.

I am grateful for the initial desire that brought me to monastic life. May I continue to grow in that desire.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

MON

Monastic Vows

Obedience, stability, conversion are the three monastic vows.

Obedience invites me to listen to God's voice in my life--in Scripture, in others, in daily life. I need to be open to God's call.

Stability gives me the freedom to build relationships and share freely with others. I am reminded to be faithful and singlehearted in seeking God.

Conversion encourages me to keep growing and maturing in God's love. I am not perfect yet.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Community Artists

What is my special talent? That seemed to be my perpetual question growing up. My brother was a tech guy since he was young. My sister was an artist since she learned how to hold a crayon. And me...well I wasn't artistic or musical or a dancer or a poet. Where was my talent? ??

As I matured I came to appreciate my own giftedness. My talent is making others feel comfortable. That can be seen as an art. I enjoy people and getting to know people. I like to talk.

In community everyone is valued and all gifts are appreciated.

Sr Catherine,OSB

The Guest Table

At home we would often have a steady stream of guests, especially for holidays. We always had enough for one more. There would many times be an adult/guest table and a kid table.

The monastery is not much different. The prioress or Abbot usually dines with the guests along with a few of the community members. No one is envious of the guest table since eventually everyone gets a chance to eat there. All enjoy the presence of the guest.

Please visit our new website. http://www.stjosephmonastery.org/.

Sr Catherine, OSB

Taking Care of the Crew

The leader of the group (parent, Abbot, Prioress, captain, coach) is to be aware of the needs of the entire team. That person is to make sure that there is no undue distress, worry or concern about the necessary items for life. The leader is to see that all concerns are address in a timely fashion. This responsibility is very important for Benedict since he reminds the superior once again that at judment time he will be responsible for any stress caused due to neglect.

This passage reminds me of my tendency to hold on to things even when I don't need them sometimes if I am concerned that I might run out soon. I might save that squeezed-flat tube of toothpaste or the almost dried out pen in case it might come in handy in an emergency. Benedict knew about that tendency and tried to curtail it by having one person be concerned about the necessaries. It makes life more simple when I don't get involved in thinking of all the potential issues that might arise in the future and how to make sure that I have enought to survive.

Benedict was also inviting the community members to rely more on God and God's providence--after all, I don't have to do everything myself every time.

May I continue to grow in my awareness of God's care.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Clothing

I grew up as a clothes horse. Growing up my closets were filled to bursting with outfits of every color, texture and description. What I could not wear was handed down to younger cousins, in almost new condition. I could not imagine a life without clothes being the thing that defined me and my personality.

In entering our monastic community, I really did not encounter clothing to be the issue that I thought it might be. When I entered our community, I discovered that the bond and the attachment I had to our community and to our way of life far surpassed the thought of not being able to wear a rainbow of colors daily. I found that God's love and my awareness of that and my desire to pray and serve within this group actually made everything worthwhile.

As I have matured in community, I have come to realize that our choice of simple dress and a veil not only simplify our life but also provide a unifying symbol for our society that we are different. It speaks of the values that we hold and also invites a conversation among people of who we are. There is a value to this differentness.

I pray to continue being a witness within our world of who we are.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Gifts, Presents and Other Things

I am constantly amazed how quickly possessions can accumulate many times without my noticing them proliferate. I do not necessarily need lots of things around to make me happy or keep me entertained. I am into pens, markers, paper clips and yarns (for knitting hats)--all things that seem to multiply and have a life of their own without me noticing very much.

I do try to remember to pass on and share things with others when possible. With my yarns, for example, although I have tons of different yarn balls and enjoy working with various textures I distribute the hats I make with the material as quickly as possible with the homeless population in town. I find that as a way of enjoying myself, relaxing and sharing my gifts with others.

Benedict warns against the accumulation of possessions for the sake of gathering things that I own. It is more beneficial to look for ways to share from the bounty that I possess.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Mutual Hospitality

Hospitality takes many forms. It can be welcoming the guest to our home, welcoming the other into our lives, being open to God's presence in our experience, accepting our humanity when it confronts us.

Benedict reminds us that guests are always present--in their many forms. Those of us, who like me, like to service and host others, need to learn to also receive graciously when hospitality is offered to us. I need to remember to be open to God's love and God's indwelling presence and communicate that to others.

During this holy and blessed season, may I continue to find ways to reflect God to others.

Sr. Catherine

Don't Run Away

I do not like pain--not in any way, shape or form.

Sacrifice is not my friend.

At the least obstacle, my natural tendency would definitely be to run away from trouble--take a nap, play another video game, eat another serving of mac and cheese, read another book. ANYTHING as long as it distracts me for at least a little while. Then I can pretend that the problem really does not exist.

Benedict reminds me that I am not to look for distractions in life. I signed up to SEEK GOD not the next pleasurable experience. Seeking God requires that I tackle some unpleasantness sometimes. Sometimes I need to change my life, sometimes I need to confront issues. I might be called upon to be there with someone in pain. In all this, I am to be my fullest self possible for the other.

May God help me to see where I would rather run away. May God help me to grow in integrity and compassion.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Praise God Wherever You Are

Chapter 50 of the Rule invites us to remember to praise God wherever we may be, in whatever circumstance we might find ourselves. Benedict uses the example of a person going on a long journey--one that might keep me away from remembering who I am and what I am about in life. His injunction to praise God wherever I may find myself reminds me that I desire to be the same person in the monastery as I am on a journey, at work, on the ball field or in the classroom. The same elements that go into shaping my character for community need to be present in my daily life no matter what I am doing.

I have always longed to be a person of true integrity. May God mold me daily into the person that I am created to be.

Sr. Catherine, OSB