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.