Benedictine Oblates Begin New Season with Retreat

RB Notes Volume XXVII Number 2 - Fall 2011

What is an Oblate?  Oblates are any interested lay or cleric, single or married, male or female adult who wishes to follow the Rule of St. Benedict as their state in life permits.  Many oblates are Catholic as well as Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran, etc.  Oblates are affiliated with a local monastery or abbey.

The Oblates affiliated with St. Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, Maryland  will begin their 2011-2012 season with an Annual Retreat, “Dealing with Stress the Benedictine Way” with the help of Retreat Master Ray Studzinski, O.S.B., Ph.D., September 16^th through 18^th .  If you are considering joining an oblate group, please join us on November 13^th to meet our current oblates (29), novices (4), and inquirers (25) as well as the Benedictine Sisters.

Sister Roni Daniels, O.S.B., Directress of the Oblates will lead at least four new novices through instruction on the Rule of Benedict.  The novices will look forward to celebrating their oblations at the end of 2012.

The oblates generally meet the second Sunday of each month for Praise, Mass, and Brunch followed by a meeting.  Some past topics for instruction and discussion have been the Rule of Benedict, Lectio Divina, prayer, saints, stability, humility, and listening just to name a few. 

Oblates attend an Annual Weekend Retreat (mentioned above), an Annual One Day Retreat, and also a North American Oblates gathering every other year.  Several oblates are selected to attend the North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors Biennial meeting; and in 2013, the Benedictine Oblates affiliated with St. Gertrude Monastery may be chosen to send two oblates to the Third World Congress of Oblates in Rome.  Yes, there are 10,889 Benedictine Oblates in the United States, and 25,481 all over the world!

For additional information, please contact Sr. Roni Daniels, O.S.B., Directress at 410-634-2497 x1418, email:  vdaniels50@hotmail.com or Cyndy Ingram, Obl. O.S.B. at 410-479-1739, email:  cynthia.ingram@benschool.org

Oblate Retreat - July 23-25, 2004 - Rest & Relaxation the Benedictine Way

The first weekend retreat of the Ridgely Benedictine Oblates  - Rest and Relaxation the Benedictine Way was held July 23 – July 25 , 2004.

From check in to check out, the oblates experienced prayer, praise, eucharist, community, adoration, silence, conference and discussion.

Ably lead by their Directress, Sr. Mary Paul, thought provoked by the retreat speaker, Abbot Aiden Shaw, pilgrim-lead to Norcia, Subiacco, Monte Cassino and Rome by past Directress, Sr. Patricia Gamgort and discussion-inspired by Sr. Miriam Ruth, past Directress and Sr. Roni, the oblates ran the gamut from conversatio to lectio, from Eucharist to Scripture, prayer to prayer and from meal to meal.

Abbot Aiden, from St. Anselm Abbey in Washington, DC caused us to ponder and discuss and even left us with an assignment to draw the house that is us.

After the first evening’s lecture, he asked us:

·        What does power mean?

·        How do I use it?  How does it use me?

·        Who has power over me?

·        How much power do I give others over me?

·        How much power do I give Jesus?

Power is my ability to produce an effect and my ability to or willingness to undergo an effect.

God’s love for us and ours for him must come before ALL else.  Love is at the top and showers down on everything.

Abbot Aiden handed out the following meditation by St. Irenaeus of Lyons:

It is not you who shape God.  It is God

Who shapes you.  If then you are the work

Of God, await the hand of the artist who

Does all things in due season.

Offer him your heart, soft and tractable,

And keep the form in which the artist has

Fashioned you.  Let the clay be moist,

Lest you grow hard and lose the imprint

Of his fingers.

Then the Abbot went on to say we should acknowledge what power the Bible has over us.  Scripture has as much power as we give it.  If we hear questions in the scripture but settle for non-answers, we are fooling ourselves but not God.  Remember, the Bible is good news, not just information.  We should let it shape us.  Are we willing to be the clay for God to use and shape?  Are we willing to use the scripture to shape us?  He then gave us a quote from Deuteronomy 32:12 – Choose Life and from St. John 13, an invitation from Jesus to:

·        Live in God – honor the discipline of prayer.

·        Bear fruit – He doesn’t ask us to succeed.

·        Receive an offering from Jesus for joy – a joy we will know when we bond with Christ and it is a practice of healing by God (not to hurt another – “please forgive me.”

An abbot friend of Abbot Aiden’s told him, “When you become Abbot, pull out all the words in the Bible you wish God had not said and then re-read those passages again and again and again.”

If you think self is involved in anything, go apart and wrestle with God (as Jacob did – SEE Genesis 32).  Even though you may sustain an injury, the result will be that we will become people with bigger hearts.

In St. Luke, in the story of Jesus and Zachaeus, we are all too something (too short, too tall, too prejudiced).  Admit your shortcomings, stop using it as a crutch or as a weapon.  Admit it is there, accept it and use it.

Memorize – It is not you who shapes God;

                   It is God who shapes you.

Saturday evening we went on a pilgrimage to St. Benedict’s hometown, where he was a hermit and where he established his monasteries.  Sr. Patricia brought paintings, frescoes and actual photos she had taken in Italy to bring the Beginnings of Benedictinism alive for us.  We went from Norcia (Nursia) where St. Benedict was born, to Subiacco where he became a hermit to Monte Cassino where he wrote the Rule.  Sister also took us to Rome, the Beginnings of Christianity.  We also found out that it is believed that St. Benedict and St. Francis knew each other.  At Monte Cassino there have always been monks from St. Benedict’s time until now.

The room where St. Benedict wrote his Rule was NOT destroyed during WWII – the doorway still stands.

In Rome, Peter’s bones are there as well as all the Pope’s.

The last morning, the lecture of the Abbot pointed out that whether we like it or not we were born into a metaphor – everyone has a vocation.  That is to live in union with God as we are.  And a secondary vocation of what one does with one’s life is a collaboration of God and me.

You were born a person, a metaphor for consciousness – it means I accept responsibility for what I am.  You and I can be metaphors for God, but it depends on us.  I must be:

·        Alive to the mystery of God

·        Alive to the mystery of Life

·        Responsive to what is my Vocation.

Our covenant is that we, by choice, are linked to one another (all others) and to God.

Hebrews 3 – You are God’s house – metaphor – our assignment:  to sketch the house you are.

Imagine yourself as a living house.  God comes in to

Rebuild that house.  At first, perhaps, you can understand

What He is doing.  He is getting the drains right and

Stopping the leaks in the roof and so on:  you knew that

Those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.

But presently He starts knocking the house about in a

Way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make

Sense.  What on earth is He up to?  The explanation is

That He is building quite a different house from the

One you thought of—throwing out a new wing here,

Putting on an extra floor there, running up towers,

Making courtyards.  You thought you were going to be

Made into a decent little cottage:  but He is building a

Palace.  He intends to come and live in it Himself.

                                      Mere Christianity

                                      Book IV Chapter 9

                                      C. S. Lewis

I lived in a house

With two real windows and the other two painted on.

Those painted windows caused my first sorrow.

I’d touch the sides of the hall

Trying to reach the windows from inside.

I spent my whole childhood wanting

To lean out and see what could be seen

From the windows that weren’t there.

                                      Gloria Fuertes

Ring the bells that still can ring.

Forget the perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything—

It’s how the light gets in.

                                      Amnesty

                                      Leonard Cohen

May 1997 - Who or What is an Oblate?

from May 1997 RB "NOTES"

An Oblate of Saint Benedict is a Christian lay person who associates one's self with a Benedictine monastery in order to share in the spiritual and material good works of the community.  An Oblate does not live in community, nor take vows, but carries out the usual duties of one's particular state in life, wherever one is, continuing whatever profession or occupation in life one has while caring for family, friends and others.

The purpose of being affiliated with a Benedictine community is to receive help and guidance to develop a richer prayer life and to live a fuller Christian life.  Thus, the role of an Oblate in the Church is, to live in the world, to become holy in the world, and do what one can to bring the world to God.

May 1997 - An Enriching Journey with the Oblates of St. Gertrude Continues

from May 1997 RB "NOTES"

Picture 1 includes Betty and Gerry Millea, Fran Dunnington, Mary and Clarence Kibler, Susie Booze, ?, Rosemary Kinnamon, Mary Ann Palmer, ?Roland Fountain, Elizabeth Owens.
Picture 2 includes Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek, Sr. Mary Paul McLaughlin, and Sr. Claire Ableman

The transfer of leadership of the Oblates of St. Gertrude Monastery took place during the Annual Retreat Day in April.  Sr. Mary Paul McLaughlin, Prioress, presided over the ceremony in which Sr. Claire Ableman replaced Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek as Oblate Directress.

Sr. Barbara Ann first began working with the Oblates as an assistant to Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk, her predessor, from 1988 to 1990.  In May, 1990, Sr. Barbara Ann became Oblate Directress, a position she has enjoyed for the last seven years.

Having a Scripture and teaching background as well as possessing a keen interest in the RULE of BENEDICT, had helped prepare Sr. Barbara Ann for this enrichign experience.

"Being Oblate Directress put into practice Benedict's concept of the monastery as 'a school of the Lord's service,'" noted Sr. Barbara Ann.  "Although my role was to be the facilitator, at times, I became the student.  The experience of being Oblate Directress was an exchange of gifts as Matthew says in his Gospel, 'The gift you have received give as a gift.'"

Sr. Claire Ableman, who has a Scripture and teaching background as well as many years of ...[continued on page 6 which is temporarily not available]

September 1992 - A Decade Ends for Oblate Directress

from September 1992 RB "NOTES"

Often in years past, Sisters had expressed the desirability of having Oblates of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Gertrude's.  Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk was always the most ardent proponent of such a program.  During Lent of 1982, Sr. Patricia supported and encouraged her in inviting persons who might be interested in the idea.  Sixteen women and men responded by joining the Sisters for Mass and dinner on May 27 of that year.  Rev. Adrian Fuerst, OSB of St. Meinrad Archabbey, then discussed with them the meaning and advantages of Benedictine oblation.  A year and a half later, seven persons made their commitment.  Nearly every year since then, there has been a commitment ceremony for new Oblates.

During the first decade, Sr. Miriam Ruth directed the program.  Sr. Anselma Biskach has assisted, especially by her moral support and by chauferring.  Srs. Mary Joseph Dougherty, Marie Consolata Billingsley, and Mary Louise Robino have given invaluable help in meetings held in the Wilmington area.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek became co-directress and is now in charge of the program.

Although Sr. Miriam Ruth coordinated most of the monthly sessions, she often invited guest speakers, especially for days of recollection.  Frequently, too, Sr. Patricia or some other member of the community led a discussion on the Liturgy of the Hours or on some aspect of the RULE and monastic life.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann, as assistant, had addressed the group.  Hence, there was nothing unusual on the first Sunday of May when the latter chaired the session.  The theme and the outcome were a surprise to Sr. Miriam Ruth, however; for it was a farewell and ....[rest of article temporarily missing]

Fall 1990 - On Being an Oblate, Gerald Millea, Obl. OSB

from Fall 1990 RB "NOTES"

When Betty and I were invited to become acquainted with the Oblate program, I was not enthusiastic.  I was concerned that joining a "spiritual group" would become an onerous, unnecessary burden, even in the daily life of a retiree.  Was I not already striving to live the Christian life?

Now, I give heartfelt thanks to the Lord for having become an Oblate affiliated with St. Gertrude's Benedictine community!

Being an Oblate has added immeasurably to my spiritual development, to my attempt to live as a Christian should, to growth in love and service, to my marriage.

How has being an Oblate brought about these benefits?  By attempting to live the RULE of BENEDICT; by being encouraged and guided in reading -- and meditating on -- the Bible and various other spiritual materials; by instruction and guidance in learning to pray; by the monthly brief (often proving too frief) instructional meetings and periodic Days of Recollection; by the inspiring affiliation with St. Gertrude's religious community; by the community's example; by the support, prayers, and inspiration provided by other Oblates; by Betty and my praying together and participating in the Liturgy of the Hours.  (If you want to know more about how to apply the ageless RULE to our modern daily lives, read Esther de Waal's ON SEEKING GOD, for example.)

I wish I had become an Oblate years ago!

Fall 1990 - Reflections on Being an Oblate, Betty Millea, Obl. OSB

from Fall 1990 RB "NOTES"

J[G]erry and I have been asked for a reflection on "Being an Oblate."  We have decided that we shall work separately for this project.  First, I shall tell how I feel about being an Oblate of St. Benedict; and then Jerry will share his reflections.  They may be the same; they may be quite different.  Let's see!

Jerry and I like to start our daily worship by offering Morning Praise together.  It makes us aware of God's presence with us that day.  Through this prayer of the Church, we glorify God, give praise, and render thanks for all the blessings and gifts that are ours.  And we also tell God of our needs.  To start the day in such a manner is really great.  When we omit Morning Praise for a day or two, it begins to "show."  It seems that we haven't put the emphasis where it belongs in our daily lives -- which, as we grow older -- become shorter and shorter!

Being an Oblate deepens one's religious view of life.  St. Benedict teaches many ways to develop that view; e.g., it's learning to listen; learning to pray, play, and work each day; learning moderation; and it's learning to be a part of and to participate in a wonderful Christian community.  I feel at home at St. Gertrude's.  The Sisters share so much with the Oblates; they give us lessons in real hospitality.  I think of how they treat us, and that makes me want to treat our guests in the same way; i.e., being totally there for our guests or -- as a matter of fact -- there for all who cross our paths.  Lastly, it's sharing with Sr. Miriam Ruth, our directress from the beginning, in appreciating all she does to make us better Oblates over the years.

Fall 1990 - Betty Manning Enters New Life

from Fall 1990 Ridgely Benedictine NOTES

On June 26, Betty Manning, Obl. OSB, made her final oblation to God as she died peacefully, at age 64, in Florida.

The Community first met Betty soon after she and husband, Don, moved from New Jersey to nearby Bridgetown.  After Jogging in the safety and quiet of the monastery grounds, Betty often joined the Sisters for the 6:30 Mass and occasionally had her morning coffee with them.  It wasn't long before she volunteered at St. Martin's Barn; and Don, a retired physical education teacher, helped at the Benedictine School.

On October 21 of 1984, Betty was among the second group to make their offering as Oblates of St. Benedict at St. Gertrude's.  After she was diagnosed with cancer, and even when she and Don moved to Florida, she kept in touch with the Community:  she sent pictures of herself and her new home, described her parish involvement, mailed her handmade items for the annual craft sale, and often wrote to Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk, Directress of the Oblate program.

The Sisters and Oblates remember Betty as a model of faith and cheerfulness; and they are confident that they have in her an intercessor for them and their needs.

Oblate Directress History 2012 - 1983

• 2012 - Present    ----   Sister MaryLou Robino, O.S.B.
• 2008 - 2011       ----   Sister Roni Daniels, O.S.B.
• 2003 - 2008       ----   Sister Mary Paul McLaughlin, O.S.B.
• 1997 - 2003       ----   Sister Immaculata Houtman, O.S.B.
• 1997 - 1997       ----   Sister Claire Ableman, O.S.B.
• 1990 - 1997       ----   Sister Barbara Ann Gondek, O.S.B.  [1988-1990 Co-Directress]
• 1986                  ----   Sister Stephen Marshalewski, Assistant Directress in Wilmington, DE
• 1983 - 1990       ----   Sister Miriam Ruth Wilk, O.S.B., Foundress
• 1983                  ----   Sister Patricia Gamgort, O.S.B., Prioress, Initiator

Winter 1986 "Noteworthy"

from Ridgely Benedictine Notes "Noteworthy" section Winter 1986

Oblate Notes - Recent meeting for the Oblates of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Gertrude Priory included talks on Our Lady of Montserrat and Our Lady of Einsiedeln.  January's discussion centered on St. Benedict in the context of the monastic tradition, and February was devoted to Lectio Divina.

Sr. Stephen Marshalewski now assists Sr. Miriam Ruth at the Oblate sessions when they are held at St. Elizabeth's in Wilmington.

Spring 1985 - "Noteworthy"

from Ridgely Benedictine Notes, "Noteworthy" section Spring 1985

Although the Oblates of St. Benedict are always apprciative of the programs which Sr. Miriam Ruth arranges for them, there was an unusually positive response to the March 3 [1985] session's "Call to Discipleship," a talk given by Mother Patricia.

Winter, 1983-84 - Oblation Ceremony Held at Priory

article from Winter, 1983-84 Vol. III, Number 2 Ridgely Benedictine Notes

The jubilee day of November 19, 1983, was crowned by another event, the first of its kind in the long history of the Ridgely Benedictine Community.  Mother Patricia Gamgort presided over the oblation ceremony of seven persons from northern Delaware.  The Community's first Oblates of St. Benedict are the following:  Susan Peluso, chemist; Dina Stewart, and Catherine Maguire, nurses; Pat Peterson, teacher at St. Elizabeth School; Judith Woodson Taylor, wife and mother; Joseph Koyne, husband and father; and Rose Marie Curran, chairperson of the Social Studies Department at St. Mark High School.

Other potential Oblates, all from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, are in the formation stage.

Anyone interested in learning about affilation with St. Gertrude Priory as an Oblate of St. Benedict is invited to write to Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk.

August 1982 Oblates-To-Be

from August, 1982 Vol. 1, Number 4 Ridgely Benedictine Notes

Benedictinism is simply Christianity lived to its fullest.  And the RULE OF BENEDICT is so practicable that living by its principles has not been limited to monks and nuns.  For centuries, the laity and clergy have found the RULE to be a sound guide for enriching their lives.

Ansious to have others share our heritage, Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk invited to "The Plains" anyone she thought might be interested in affiliation with St. Gertrude Priory as Oblates of St. Benedict.  Sixteen women and men shared the Eucharist and dinner with the Community on May 27.  Afterwards, Fr. Adrian Fuerst invited questions and then expanded upon the meaning and benefits of Benedictine oblation.  The participation of the group showed that they sincerely wish to deepen their spiritual lives.  Since the advantages of modeling their lives on the RULE and the prospect of being united to a monastic community appealed to them, an organizational meeting for Oblates has been set for September 30[1982].

In the "Noteworthy..." section of same issue:

Srs. Miriam Ruth and Anselma joined other directors of Oblate Programs for a workshop at St. Louis Abbey in Pevely, Missouri....

September 1992 - A Decade Ends for Oblate Directress

from Ridgely Benedictine NOTES - September 1992

Often in years past, Sisters had expressed the desirability of having Oblates of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Gertrude's.  Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk was always the most ardent proponent of such a program.  During Lent of 1982, Sr. Patricia supported and encouraged her in inviting persons who might be interested in the idea.  Sixteen women and men responded by joining the Sisters for Mass and dinner on May 27 of that year.  Rev. Adrian Fuerst, O.S.B. of St. Meinrad Archabbey, then discussed with them the meaning and advantages of Benedictine oblation.  A year and a half later, seven persons made their commitment.  Nearly every year since then, there has been a commitment ceremony for new Oblates.

During the first decade, Sr. Miriam Ruth directed the program.  Sr. Anselma Biskach has assisted, especially by her moral support and by chauferring.  Srs. Mary Joseph Doughtery, Marie Consolata Billingsley, and Mary Louise Robino have given invaluable help in meetings held in the Wilmington area.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek became co-directress and is now in charge of the program.

Although Sr. Miriam Ruth coordinated most of the monthly sessions, she often invited guest speakers, especially for days of recollection.  Frequently, too, Sr. Patricia or some other member of the community led a discussion on the Liturgy of the Hours or on some aspect of the RULE and monastic life.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann, as assistant, had addressed the group.  Hence, there was nothing unusual on the first Sunday of May when the latter chaired the session.  The theme and the outcome were a surprise to Sr. Miriam Ruth, however; for it was a farewell and....[note from blog master, "looking for rest of article"]

October 2, 2010 Oblate Annual Retreat Day

Listening Turns the Soul to God

Oblate Annual Retreat Day at St. Gertrude Monastery

Benedictine Oblates and Guests

Back L/R – Fran Lucas, Pat & Frank Lafferty, Joan Dent, Dick Palazzolo, Carol Russell, Pam McElwee, Terry Wood,

Flo Petroski, Rosemary Kinnamon, Ann Haywood, Peggy Finneran, Trudy Dean, Rev. Norman Carroll, Retreat Master

Middle L/R – Mary and Kiby Kibler, Margie Palazzolo, Noreen Flohr, Susie Booze, Catherine Wood, Rita Miedl

Front L/R – Sister Roni Daniels, Oblate Director, Anne McCormick Adams, Cynthia Ingram

We began the day by singing, “Like a sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, so I turn toward you and follow you, my God.”  And after a day filled with singing, praise, listening to St. Benedict’s Prologue, and learning Active Listening Skills, praying, reconciliation, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communion with each other during two wonderful meals, and two spirit-filled conferences, we concluded our day of reflection.

Father Carroll is sharing a song with the oblates and guests.

As the oblates listened to the soft, peaceful musical notes of “Like a Sunflower”, played by Jo-El, the 2010 Oblate Day of Retreat began with Praise.  “Like a sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, so I turn toward you and follow you, my God.”  Our Retreat Master, Rev. Norman P. Carroll thanked God for bringing us here to listen.  He spoke about the Jewish “shema Yisrael” – Hear O Israel and that Jesus says, “Listen, Amen, Amen” – an invitation that then requires some response or responsibility.  St. Benedict asks us to “be hospitable to the word.”  In speaking of his cockatiel, Mica, and how she clings to him, to his voice, to his presence…he reminded us that nothing compares to God to make us complete.  God says “always come to me,” make that choice to do it.  He noted that listening requires obedience.

Our first handout was St. Benedict’s Prologue in the Rule.  First we all took turns reading parts aloud and noting the words that stood out to us.  Then we read it again to ourselves picking out other words that touched us.  The last time, Father asked us to close our eyes and listen as he read the Prologue to us.  It seemed as if the third time God was speaking directly to us and we felt the personal connection.  It was Lectio.  God is that person always on our list to visit.  It is good for us and for God.  God wants us in conversation with Him.

The first conference ended as we listened to “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller on Father Carroll’s Ipad.  “I’m waiting; I’m waiting on You, Lord.  And I am hopeful.  I’m waiting on You, Lord; though it is painful, but patiently, I will wait.”  And then he quoted, “The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important

…decision.” General George Patton

We came back for the second conference to “Like a sunflower…”  Our handout was Active Listening Skills which Father reviewed – helpful hints for attentively listening to others, listening during prayer, and lastly, God listening to us and us listening to God.  They are:  (1) Exercise skills-ask questions, ask for clarifications. (2) Be aware of your personal filters (obstacles/prejudices). (3) Observe others listening (How does it feel to listen?) (4) Listen without formulation a response. (5) Listen with empathy. Empty your mind. Listen with whole body. (6) Be aware of the non-verbal (75% of the story). (7) Create an environment for listening.

***   Listen (an invitation) ------ We must respond    ***

Housekeeping –

·         SEE you this Sunday, October 10 for our oblate gathering.

·         Gather any of your friends who have expressed an interest in oblates, or anyone you feel might be happy to learn about St. Benedict’s Rule, and bring them to our November 14, 2010 Open House gathering.

Sister Roni would like to include more of us in the presentation of topics throughout the year. Please consider speaking on one of our topics this year - the Rule, Lectio, or the Saints then give Sister Roni a call.

September 12, 2010 Gathering

After Praise, Mass, and Brunch, we began our meeting with centering music and prayer.  Coming soon is our Oblate Retreat Day.  On October 2, 2010,

Rev. Norman Carroll will lead us in a conference and discussion of the Rule of Benedict.  We will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Also, both of the following (copied from http://www.naabod.org/ ) were discussed.  A van(s) will be available for the Regional Retreat in Bristow on October 30, 2010.  Let Sister Roni know soon if you will attend.  Also, give Sister Roni your name for the raffle for two oblates to attend the July, 2011 Biennial Conference with Sister:

• The communities of Emmanuel Monastery in Baltimore, St. Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, MD, St. Benedict Parish in Baltimore, St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow, VA and St. Anselm’s Monastery in Washington, D.C. are having a Regional Oblate Retreat day at St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow, VA.  The speaker is Sr. Cecilia Dwyer, Prioress of the Bristow monastery.  Sr. Cecilia will share the presentation that she gave at the NAABOD gathering in Latrobe, PA last year.  There will be a panel of Oblates sharing on their commitment in the afternoon.  The date is October 30, 2010.  This is their third regional retreat gathering which happens biannually.
• Speakers have been confirmed for the 2011 biennial conference that will meet at St. Meinrad, IN July 1-6, 2011.  The theme is “Embracing Creation with Reverence and Hospitality:  Listening to Scripture and Rule Speak”.  Sr. Kathryn Huber of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN will speak on Saturday, July 2; Kyle Kramer, Director of Lay Degree Program at Saint Meinrad will speak on Monday, July 4; and Sr. Sheila Marie Fitzpatrick of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, IN will speak on Tuesday, July 5.  Pictures of the speakers and more bio information will be included soon in the link on our web site, “Biennial Meeting.”

We then proceeded to learn more about and practice Lectio Divina.  Find a time, a place or a space to quietly be filled with the Spirit.  Listen to centering music, read the scripture for the day, or a similar reading that speaks to you – try Isaiah, Wisdom, or Proverbs.  Read…what speaks to you?  Read again…what word speaks to you?  Read again…what does God want you to take away?  And, don’t worry if you don’t gather a word or a thought, sometimes you may not, just open yourself again tomorrow for ….the still small voice.

Pam McElwee gave a wonderful talk of her trip to the Holy Lands.  She shared photographs, the places she visited, and the feelings they invoked.  She said in Egypt there were stones, hills, mountains, rocks, and not much green, except St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai where the monastery was said to be built around the site where Moses saw the burning bush.

Pam noted that the weather was extremely hot, 114 degrees F.  In the Holy Lands, the priest who was on the trip made sure that they saw everything there was to see; but consequently, they did not have the time to meditate or really experience each area.  Happily they did have time to be re-baptized in the Jordan and they did take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  Pam was blessed to be the lector when they visited the site of the Incarnation.  She also showed us a picture of Deacon Hal and Margaret Jopp.  Hal had been installed as a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher and this was Margaret’s installation as a Lady of the Holy Sepulcher.  In attendance and in the picture was also the Patriarch of Cypress, Jordan and Israel, along with Pam, Linda Ruskin, and Father Klevance.  The married couples in the group renewed their wedding vows at Cana and there was Exposition at the Garden of Gethsemane.  All in all it sounded like a wonderful trip and when Pam finished we all felt as if we had been there with her.

Housekeeping –

·        An updated copy of the 2010-2011 Meeting Schedule is attached – please mark your personal calendar to hold those days open for oblates so that we may all be blessed with the community of our group this year.

·        Gather any of your friends who have expressed an interest in oblates, or anyone you feel might be happy to learn about St. Benedict’s Rule, and bring them to our November 14, 2010 Open House gathering.

·        Sister Roni would like to include more of us in the presentation of topics throughout the year. Please consider speaking on one of our topics this year - the Rule, Lectio, or the Saints then give Sister Roni a call.

¹A brother may be assigned a burdensome task or something he cannot do. If so, he should, with complete gentleness and obedience, accept the order given him. ²Should he see, however, that the weight of the burden is altogether too much for his strength, then he should choose the appropriate moment and explain patiently to his superior the reasons why he cannot perform the task. ³This he ought to do without pride, obstinacy or refusal. ⁴If after the explanation the superior is still determined to hold to his original order, then the junior must recognize that this is best for him. ⁵Trusting in God's help, he must in love obey.

May 3, 2009 Gathering

After praise, Mass and brunch, our meeting began with a centering song.  We acknowledged those asking for prayers.

Cynthia reviewed the descriptions of jobs needing volunteers for our upcoming Annual Retreat taking place June 19 – June 21, 2009 and asked that the sign up sheets be marked.  If you are planning to come to the retreat and have not notified Sister Roni, please call her at St. Gertrude Monastery so that we may register you for a room.

Oblate Story – Flo Petrosky spoke about her journey today.  Her first encounter with St. Gertrude Monastery was in 1967.  Her mother was the chairman of a dinner, so Flo came and worked in the kitchen with the German sisters.  The next time she came was when she helped a high school class from North Caroline do a good deed.  They collected canned goods and money for St. Martins Ministries.  Later she was a sponsor working with the high school honor society.  Hoping to inspire the kids, ground them, and increase their selflessness she involved them with the Benedictine School Special Olympics swim team at the YMCA.  After that experience the high school kids wanted to make something for the Benedictine kids so they made each one a sock monkey doll.  Still much later she met Lois and Lucky Buesgens who brought her to an oblate meeting.  While relating a story of a relative (and thinking she was better than them) to Sister Immaculata, she was reminded by Sister that God loves her relative just as he loves her.  She concluded with the story of how Sister Roni asking us to choose who we might be in the crowd around Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, caused her to learn from her own son that he understood fully as he talks to God and Jesus all the time.  She expressed her thankfulness at being an oblate.  [Please consider sharing your story next year.]

Sister Roni summarized our year noting that we have focused on obedience.  We learned that St. Benedict spoke about listening, being attentive to the Word of God and developing a prayer life.  Benedict notes that we will be transformed if we:

• Learn the will of Christ
• Hear the Word of God
• Refrain from vain, harmful speech
• Refrain from idle gossip and inane conversations
• Find silent places in mind & heart; places before breaks, in the halls, in our bedrooms, no radio, TV, or telephone
• Learn the meaning of our day
• Ground ourselves in prayer, lectio, and reading
• Listen silently to the present, the past, and to others.

We worked on contemplative lectio.  Look at the spiritual reflection of the past year below, discuss and share.  Sometimes what we share becomes meaningful to us.

• How have I grown through the study of obedience this year?
• Am I able to listen attentively?
• Has my prayer life been nourished?
• Do I notice a change in the way I interact with God?  With my family?  With friends and others I am with on a daily basis?
• What areas will help me to continue growing in the love of God and neighbor?

Hope to see you at our Annual Retreat on June 19 – June 21, 2009!

Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 Oblate Gathering

After Praise, Mass and Brunch, the oblates gathered for their eighth meeting of the 2008/2009 session. 

What does being an oblate mean to me?  Think about it.  If you would like to share with the group, just let Marge or Cynthia know.  We would like to continue our sharing at each meeting.  Lois Buesgens has volunteered to share at our May meeting.

Today’s gathering began with quiet music, “You are my desire…you are my delight…you are my beloved and I love you.”

Prayers – Catherine Wood, Frank, Bill Stott’s sister Susan, Peggy’s brother, Hetty Corrigan, Lucy, Lee Gaertner, Joe, Carol Russell, Delores Faulkner, Justine’s daughter, Mary Trumbauer’s niece, Heather, John & Mary Anne Ringgwald, Mary’s brother-in-law, Sister Roni’s sister Claire.

Passion Lectio – The Jerusalem experience touches us deeply anywhere between praise and those who wanted to get rid of Jesus.  Be present with Jesus as he enters Jerusalem (the center of their universe at that time – look on a map, it was a focal point, a center).

• The suffering servant
• Our attitude like Christ who accepted death on the cross
• Blessed be He who comes as King
• Did Jesus know where he was going as he rode on the donkey to Jerusalem?
• Did Jesus know the palm laden crowd understood he was on the right road?
• Did Jesus know all his disciples believed that finally he was accepting his role as messiah?  What effect did it have on them?
• Think of the acceptance of Jesus’ enemies and their joy that they no longer had to devise traps to snare him.
• Where am I?  Dare we judge another?  The servant song, fear, heartache, happiness, insanity.
• Do I know the road we should be taking?  Jesus knew where he was going.  Remember he said as I have washed your feet, you must wash others feet.  Do for others is the path of blessing and happiness.
• Where would you draw the line in what you are willing to give up acknowledging him as a friend and savior?
• Do you believe Jesus loves you?  He is extending an invitation drawing us from what holds us from him.  It is hope.  If we have pain but hope, we can look to joy!

The oblates then divided into groups for discussion of the above and our own lectio on the Palm Sunday reading.

Holy Week is one of our most important weeks, so we were asked to set aside about five or ten minutes to think about one sentence or word and think about that moment or where we would be in that moment.

Rosemary Kinnamon spoke about her oblation.  She spoke of knowing the Benedictine Sisters from when she was very young and then in 1987 joining a charismatic prayer group of dear friends and sisters.  Then she met Sister Miriam Ruth who led a bible study group and learned of the oblates.  While in the oblate meeting she just knew she belonged here.  She studied with Sister Patricia and Barbara Ann Gondeck and she was the first oblate Sister Mary Paul McLaughlin welcomed as prioress on Rosemary’s oblation day July 2, 1992 during the 135^th Anniversary of St. Gertrude Monastery.

Mary Schregencost learned of the oblates through Lois and Lucky Buesgens who talked about the group and asked if she would like to come.  She came and she loved it!  Sister Immaculata asked if she would like to become an oblate and she celebrated her oblation January 6, 2002 along with Flo Petroski.  It was a very special day and the oblates are special friends, there is good conversation, prayer and learning and the oblates stay connected with prayers, cards and telephone calls.

Annual Oblate Retreat - June 19 – 21, 2009   Our retreat leader will be Sister Denise Mosier, O.S.B., Director of Formation of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia in Bristow, VA.  We do not know if she has written any books.  Registration forms will be handed out at our April meeting.

Our next meeting is Sunday, May 3, 2009.

Sunday, March 8, 2009 Oblate Gathering

After Praise, Mass and a tasty Brunch provided by many of our oblates, the oblates gathered for their seventh meeting of the 2008/2009 session. 

What does being an oblate mean to me?  Think about it.  If you would like to share with the group, just let Marge or Cynthia know.  We would like to continue our sharing at each meeting.  Mary Schrecengost has volunteered to share.  We hope her broken arm is healing well and that she will be able to present at our April meeting.  Rosemary has also volunteered to speak.  Lois Buesgens will speak at our May meeting. 

Today’s gathering began with quiet music, “Speak Lord, may you find your home in me.”  Speak Lord I am Listening – Monica Brown

Prayers – John Ringewald is still healing.  Mary Schrecengost broke her arm in a fall.  Hetty Corrigan’s daughters both have breast cancer.  Elizabeth Owens’ husband is not well, she is with him all the time, we continue to pray for them both.  Maureen Toy is very ill.  The doctors are still diagnosing.  Sister Roni has family members laid off and her sister, Claire, is in a good space right now.  Father Mast’s mother is coming home in a few weeks.  Please keep all of our oblates listed above in your prayers.

LECTIO (see handout attached)

Sister Roni began with a prayer asking us to offer ourselves and asked the Holy Spirit to come.  Lectio is listening to the sacred word with the intent to do and with the intent to gain knowledge.  Listening is one of our senses.  We normally block the senses to the ticking of the clock, bells, birds, and crickets.  We don’t hear the crying children, or people screaming.  We often miss what we need to hear.  Take time, set time aside, just to listen to the sacred word.  Make sacred time everyday and make a sacred space.  We could use music to start making a space.  The space is important.  When you need the time away, you’ll soon feel the space and the peacefulness of the space.  Time, space, method then… begin Lectio.  You can use scripture, Psalms, or other spiritual reading.  It’s not about the time you spend, but what you get from what you hear.

How do we know it is the Spirit?  When what I hear doesn’t affect my value system.  When it does good.  When it opens my eyes.  When it makes me know of others needs.  Stop during the day and take time to see what the results of the morning prayer means.  It’s o.k. to sleep; o.k. if it doesn’t mean anything.  If you ignore it and it’s important, it will come back.

We will return to a discussion of Lectio again in September or October and talk about our techniques.  Remember change means work!

Annual Oblate Retreat  - June 19 – 21, 2009   Our retreat leader will be Sister Denise Mosier, O.S.B., Director of Formation of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia in Bristow, VA.  We do not know if she has written any books.  Registration forms will be handed out at our April meeting.

Our next meeting is Sunday, April 5, 2009 - Palm Sunday.

Sunday, February 8, 2009 Oblate Gathering

After Praise, Mass and a tasty Brunch provided by many of our oblates, the oblates gathered for their sixth meeting of the 2008/2009 session.  We will not be providing at our March meeting but we hope that a variety of our oblates will plan and provide brunch items at some of our future meetings; more information to come.

Please know the Sisters are happy to welcome the oblates for their monthly praise, Mass, Brunch, and meeting with no obligation for the oblates to pay for this hospitality.  Of course, anyone who wishes to may make a donation to the Benedictine Sisters, the Oblate Program or to St. Martin’s Ministry.  The Sisters are grateful for oblate support whether by time, talent or treasure.

What does being an oblate mean to me?  Think about it.  If you would like to share with the group, just let Marge or Cynthia know.  We would like to continue our sharing at each meeting.  Carol Russell and Cynthia Ingram shared at this meeting and Mary Schrecengost has volunteered to share at our March meeting. 

Today’s gathering began with quiet music, “Heal me, renew me, with your touch, O God”…

Prayers – John Ringewald is recovering slowly.  Elizabeth Owens’ husband is not well, she is with him all the time, we continue to pray for them both.  Maureen Toy is very ill.  The doctors are still diagnosing.  Dolores Faulkner is experiencing kidney problems.  Sister Roni’s sister, Claire, has third stage liver disease, please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Oblate Stories – Carol Russell spoke of how she and Ed were encouraged to come to their first oblate meeting by Lucky and Lois Buesgens.  Carol said, “It took only once!”  Sister Immaculata asked them if they wanted to come.  No one asked them to become Catholic but we decided we wanted to be due to the many good examples of Catholics in their lives.  Carol remarked, “Being oblates started a whole new life for us, being oblates and being Catholic.  Our friends have been here for us.”

Cynthia Ingram related that in her previous job and travels across the Bay Bridge that she had no time for her or for her spiritual life.  All that changed when she came to work at the Benedictine Foundation.  She started to attend Praise and Mass at the monastery on Wednesdays and eventually Sister Immaculata asked her if she wanted to become an oblate.  Her answer to Sister was, “Oh, I’d love to Sister but I’m married!”  After Sister Immaculata explained to her that an oblate was not another word for a monastic novice, she accepted heartily.  She celebrated her 9^th year as an oblate on February 10, 2009.

Bill Stott informed us that next weekend and for, he believed, two months, actual sheets of the St. Johns Bible books of Wisdom and Prophets will be displayed at the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore.

Sister Roni took the time to review the process of praying the Office of the Day, Liturgy of the Hours.  She noted that we are currently in cycle B and Year 1.

Sister Roni reviewed past and present practices of Lent.  Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 25^th this year.  In the past Lent was penance, renunciation, retribution; now it is a time of rejuvenation and of rededication to that which is holy for you.  We fast (we reconnect with God).  Decide what is healthy; what don’t you need, use that time to be with Jesus so that after Lent it can become a part of you.  Use a good spiritual book, take time for reflection.  Fasting is a choice for us (not for the poor), time to take notice of all we have and choosing that which we need.  Choose life, what you have a need for, yourself and your God.  Fast for something!  Time to look at ourselves and say, “I am what I am, what do I need to make better?”  Sister spoke of the celebrations at the monastery and invited the oblates to be with the sisters for Holy Week if they wished.  She closed by saying that all of us are seeking the Way and each road is different.

All of the oblates were invited to attend Mass and a dinner in celebration of the Feast of St. Scholastica on Tuesday, February 10^th at 4:30 p.m.  We were also invited to celebrate Mass and a meal on March 21, 2009 for the feast of St. Benedict.

Lenten intention sheets will be available for those here on the Feast of St. Scholastica and will be mailed to all other oblates.  Please return them at the March 8^th meeting or mail to Sister Catherine Higley for the prioress’s approval.

Rule for the Day - MaryAnn Palmer read our Rule for the day – The 11^th step of humility…speak gently without laughter.  When we know our place we can make a place for others.  There is no need for us to be known, we are an ember in God’s mind – one with nature, one with God – never smother others embers.

Our next meeting is Sunday, March 8, 2009.

Sunday, January 11, 2009 Oblate Gathering

After Praise [which included our celebration of Pam McElwee’s oblation – we were happy to meet her sister, Arlene, and the rest of her family and friends], Mass and a wonderful Brunch, the Oblates affiliated with St. Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, MD gathered in the community room for their fifth meeting of the 2008/2009 session.

What does being an oblate mean to me?  Think about it.  If you would like to share with the group, just let Marge or Cynthia know.  Mary Trumbauer shared at our December meeting and Carol Russell and Cynthia Ingram will share at our February meeting.  We would like to continue our sharing at each meeting.

In this first meeting of the New Year may your year be peace filled and hopefully you had a joyful holiday!

Liturgy of the Hours & Lectio – after today we will be in Week 1 of Ordinary Time, use Antiphon 1 now and we are in Cycle “B” for 2009.  Books are available for everyone, if you missed the meeting today; contact Sister Roni to set up a time to pick up your Liturgy of the Hours books.  Sister Roni will give instruction and conduct practice both for the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio at our February meeting.  This will be informative for those who want to learn as well as for those who are looking for a refresher course. 

Rule for the Day - MaryAnn Palmer read our Rule for the day – Qualities of the Abbot or Prioress - Sister Joan Chittester’s commentary noted that the Prioress should lead by example.  What we do not live, we cannot require.  We cannot hold others to a law which we will not follow.  The function of spirit leadership is to show the beauty of those that follow.

Prayers – John Ringewald is responding to his medication; however he and Maryann still welcome your prayers for continued recovery and peace of mind.  Trudy Dean is still experiencing pain with her arm.  It was mentioned that Virginia Parkerson bequeathed a carving to be displayed for our meetings.  It should arrive soon.

Summer Retreat – The summer retreat has been scheduled for June 19 - 21, 2009, Sister Denise from St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow, VA will be our retreat leader.  Father Paul Mast will celebrate the Masses.  The retreat will begin Friday, June 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. and will end Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.  We will have housing available for everyone in either Rose Hall in the School, the Hildegard Wing in the Monastery and the Berg Center.

Mary Trumbauer conducted a mini-retreat on PEACE today and gave us two things to remember and two things to do:

            Remember – 1) God is Love, and 2) You are God’s gift to this world and this community

            To Do –        1) Be who you are, whoever that is, and 2) Do it with love and with joy

Then she showed a video FOR THE LOVE OF IT by DeWitt Jones – he discussed vocation (what you do) and avocation (what you can’t help but do).  Do what you love and love what you do.  How do we work just for the love of it?  As a stone mason would we just chip stone or would we build cathedrals?  Find a new way to look at the job you have.  Begin each day with a full cup (Passion).  Write down five things that fill your cup and after each one write the date of the last time you did it.  Find guides, those in love with life and what they do.  He showed many photographs he had taken and said to remember it’s the light in the photos, the people who love what they do.  If the light is not there in a picture, you can add it with a strobe light.  So find those people who add to the light.  Act “as if”.  And remember the factor that most determines your happiness is gratitude.

At this point, Mary stopped the video and Bill Stott showed us an illumination of the Book of Mark frontispiece from the St. John’s Bible.  He noted that in an illumination gold denotes the divinity of our Lord.  Actual gold was used as it does not tarnish.  Then he explained the frontispiece which shows John the Baptist as a dark shadow, that which proceeds or forecasts the Lord.  The focus is on Him, the eye is cast behind John to the gold – a small figure in the center in the back, surrounded by people in the Jordan and over it all scrolls of gold and a white V over the figure, a dove and coming in behind is joy, the Lord.

The video concluded with the words, “Sometimes we try too hard to make a difference, just make a contribution.  The bird sings, not because it has an answer, but because it has a song.”  “When you love what you do, pass it on.  Fall in love with what you do, today, and in everything you do, do it just for the love of it!”

Our next meeting is Sunday, February 8, 2009.