Pat Swanke, Benedictine Associate

I feel the Associate ministry has helped accelerate my understanding of Benedictine spirituality. And Benedictine spirituality for me has been key to helping me more consistently live out my gospel values. As an Associate, I not only spend time deepening my understanding of Benedictine spirituality through a twice yearly 2-4 class formation series, but more importantly for me, I actually see and experience the precepts of Benedictine spirituality lived out at the Monastery. I have come to a deeper understanding of what is meant by listening with the ear of one’s heart. All this I feel has helped me better live by the Golden Rule when I'm not at the Monastery. My time as an Associate has also helped me significantly improve my prayer life and helped me to recognize the importance of prayer, quiet and solitude in deepening my connection with Christ and striving to fully realize God’s plan for my life.