Dear Friend,
The foundation of the new monastery is being poured, excavation on a new parking lot continues, and S. Benita shares in this week's meditation how she stays grounded amidst it all. Read on. |
|
Meditation: In You Alone is My Soul at Rest |
|
 by S. Benita Gerold OSB
When the Benedictine Center staff meets once a month, one of us leads the opening prayer and another shares a 'learning.'
This month I shared something that, for me, was a little bit of both: feeling God's presence in the changes that happen every day.
For quite a few years we have been talking about the changes that need to happen in our monastic community. We set the date of April 24, 2008 to beginn these changes in earnest. I found that morning a shocking surprise as I looked around our grounds.
At Midday Praise I watched the construction equipment working as we responded to the reading, "O God, in you alone is my soul at rest." And now I pray this verse over and over, easing my soul in the midst of all changes. |
|
Coming Up at the Benedictine Center |
|
|
Exhibit Open 9a-6p daily: Capturing Inspired Energy by Chillon Leach
Didn't get around to registering, but still want to come? While we welcome walk-ins, we advise guests to call ahead (the lobby is 651.777.8181) to ensure that an event has not been filled or cancelled. |
| Sisters Celebrate Groundbreaking |
|
 The Sisters of St. Paul's Monastery held a private Groundbreaking on a rainy Apr. 24 to ritually mark the beginning of the new monastery construction.
Song and prayer accompanied the blessing and the breaking of the earth, followed by a reception.
|
|
Construction Update |
|
|
 May 5-9, 2008
Anticipated Construction Activities
Additional snow fencing will be installed.
Concrete pours for the new monastery's footings will continue, weather permitting, over the next couple of weeks.
Grading for the south parking lot continues.
Tree transplanting continues.
Pre-cast work is scheduled to begin on May 19.
Ongoing utility work by Xcel and Qwest.
*There will be no construction update next week. Updates should resume on or about May 16.
Unexpected Happenings
We were all surprised at the 7:00am line up of trucks to remove soil from the front of the Monastery on April 30. The Construction Superintendent has reminded the subcontractor that the trucks are not to interfere with school traffic. We apologize for the confusion and frustration this caused especially for Hill-Murray.
|
| Mapletree Childcare is Open! |
|
|
Mapletree Childcare is open during construction. For information contact Jennie Schlauch at 651.770.0766. |
| Sisters Send Norvene Vest with Blessing |
|
|
Noted author and scholar of Benedictine Spirituality Norvene Vest leaves for home today after her insightful series with the Benedictine Center Apr. 30-May 5.
"Engagement with the world--living and interacting with other people--forms us closer to Christ and a truer living out of the Gospel," she said in her lecture about the Benedictine insight and contemporary life.
The staff and the Sisters of St. Paul's Monastery wish her safe travels home and blessings on her continued ministry of living out and teaching about the spiritual life. |
