Celebrating Milestones on the Journey: Oblate Anniversaries in 2025
In 2025, we are joyfully celebrating a kind of jubilee—a sacred season of milestone anniversaries in the lives of several Oblates connected to St. Paul’s Monastery. These anniversaries mark not just the passing of time, but the deepening of a relationship rooted in faith, community, and the enduring wisdom of the Benedictine Way of Life.
Most of our Oblates commemorate their anniversaries in May, a month rich with meaning as the Church celebrates Pentecost—when the Holy Spirit moved powerfully among the first followers of Christ, igniting them with purpose and peace. It feels fitting that our Oblates, too, honor their commitment around this time. Like Pentecost, oblation is about saying yes to being transformed from within and to becoming a vessel of peace and prayer in the world.
Recently, we reached out to Oblates celebrating milestone anniversaries—5, 10, 15, 20 years and beyond—and asked them to reflect: How has your journey as an Oblate shaped your life? Where have you seen the Spirit moving? Their responses have been full of gratitude, honesty, humor, and depth.
Each story (whether shared below or nestled carefully in the Oblate’s heart) echoes a similar refrain: that walking the path of Benedictine spirituality—with the Sisters and the Monastery as guides and companions—has been life-changing. Whether drawn first by curiosity, a desire for deeper prayer, or a longing for connection, Oblates have discovered a spiritual home that continues to shape their hearts and their lives.
As we celebrate these anniversaries, we give thanks for every Oblate—new, seasoned, and somewhere in between. Your presence and faithfulness enrich the Monastery, strengthen the wider Benedictine family, and serve as a sign of God’s continuing work in the world.
May the Spirit of Pentecost fill each of you with renewed joy, and may you continue to walk this path with courage, grace, and a heart open to transformation.
2015 Oblate Class
When I was a student Hill-Murray, I had interactions with Sr. Pat Collins, Sr. Carole Sweely, Sr. Sharon Schiller, and Sr. Lucia Schwickerath and always admired their sense of humor, wisdom, and guiding presence. In 1979, the summer after my mother married my step-father and I graduated from Hill, we all went on a family vacation that included several days visiting my step-father’s brother, Fr. Francis, a Trappist priest at Genesee Abbey. We attended vespers in the chapel at Genesee several times while we were there and I found that communal prayer to be very powerful and attractive and something I wanted to experience more. In 1980 one of my professors at St. Thomas was Fr. Wellisch, the chaplain at the Priory. He alerted me to the fact that the Oblate program was starting and I didn’t really need to spend a lot of time discerning that it was something I wanted to be a part of. I have to confess that I don’t remember much about the formation process other than time spent praying vespers in community. Over the next 40 years I haven’t spent a lot of time in Minnesota or at the Monastery (Priory) but I have prayed morning and evening prayer every day and still find it a source of enrichment, connection, solace, and joy. Along the way I have tried to stay somewhat connected to the communal experience: a colleague in Taiwan is Br. Nick of St. Vincent in Latrobe; when I taught at the Pontifical College Josephinum I relished praying vespers with the seminarians; I somehow got off the Monastery mailing list sometime after returning to Taiwan in 2010, but about 3 years ago I got back in touch and although I have yet to experience prayer in the new chapel I’m looking forward to being around more when I retire in 2026 and return to the US. Throughout the years the prayer of the community has kept me grounded whether I was praying by myself or with others, providing an essential spiritual link to the eternal truth.
- Carolyn Scott, class of 1980
I was first drawn to the Oblate program through praying the Liturgy of the Hours. I first discovered this prayer practice at a retreat at Saint John’s Abbey. I started to pray the Morning and Evening Hours and wanted to learn more about how this practice developed, which led me to Benedictine Spirituality, and St Paul’s Monastery. When I stepped through the doors of St. Paul’s Monastery I felt at home.
In the 15 years since, I have become more contemplative. Through other Oblates I learned about Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer and Labyrinths. These practices have led me to a deeper relationship with God, and a stillness in my life. And I still pray the Liturgy of the Hours.
- Jeanne Ferrian, class of 2010
My initial reply & answer was the fact that I became an Oblate in my discernment to enter religious life with another order afterwards. When that fell through, I was fortunate to still have the grace & prayers of the St. Paul Monastery community, even as I relocated across the country a few times. My faith journey has been confusing, non-normal, stringent, and even exploratory. But, my faith and beliefs are still with me daily—doing the Daily Hours, prayers and adorations, and attending Mass 3x a week.
Many thanks to all the Sisters in the Community, and especially Sister Mary White & Sister Catherine Nehotte for their trust and belief in me when I first came calling. Much peace+
- Michael Weathers, Class of 2010
I am happy to be reminded after 10 years (2015) that it is doubtful that I would have taken my final Oblation but for the remarkable work of the Holy Spirit and Sister Mary Lou. I will never forget her. Her encouragement, positivity, welcoming way always present. A few days before her passing, I received birthday card in the neatest cursive handwriting I have ever seen bearing personal well-wishes and prayers. Thanks to you both for all you do.
- Deacon Jerry Dufeck, class of 2015
It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years—time has flown by! Saying “yes” to becoming an Oblate remains one of the greatest blessings of my life. When I first began talking with Sister Mary Lou about the process, I truly didn’t know what to expect. (And let’s be honest—was anyone ever safe from her joyful persistence and gentle invitations?)
I was part of the 2015 cohort, a wonderful mix of people from different walks of life, all drawn by a deep desire to live the Benedictine way. Over the years, oblation has become not just something I do—but part of who I am. The values and rhythm of Benedictine life have shaped me, challenged me, and grounded me again and again.
I find myself praying more slowly, more intentionally—so much so that Mass elsewhere sometimes feels rushed compared to the spaciousness the Sisters bring to worship. Being an Oblate continues to reveal how much more there is to learn and live. But with the example and encouragement of the Sisters, I know I’m not walking this path alone.
- Travis Salisbury, class of 2015
Our prayers are with all our Oblates as they reflect back on their final oblation here at St. Paul’s Monastery and in a special way those Oblates marking milestone anniversaries. You are a blessing to this monastic community!
Oblate Class of 2014
Saint Benedict: pray for us!
Saint Scholastica: pray for us!
Saint Henry, patron of Oblates: pray for us!
Saint Frances of Rome, patron of Oblates: pray for us!
All holy women and men, Saints of God: pray for us!
Oblate Class of 2019
45th Anniversary: Class of 1980
Carolyn Scott
Eileen Janni
Cletus Janni
Elaine Schneider
35th Anniversary: Class of 1990
Anne McManus
25th Anniversary: Class of 2000
Janet Kopp
Helen Sadee
Linda Manders
Cheri Connor
Jacquelyn Bush
Janie O’Connor
Jewel Satchell
Mary Kealy-Falk
20th Anniversary: Class of 2005
Monica Roy
Beverly Vasseur
Stan Vasseur
Catharine Rettger
15th Anniversary: Class of 2010
Jeanne Ferrian
Michael Weathers
Mary Ann Ryan
Sharon Lehner
Cynthia Abbott
Karen McGahn
Kathleen Furey
Christina Koppes
Jeri Lundquist
10th Anniversary: Class of 2015
Susan Burns
Travis Salisbury
Jerry Dufeck
Mary Lawless
Tim Booth
Victoria Fritz
Grant Vlasak