Anniversary of the Dedication of Bishop Marty Chapel

Greetings,

Every year we celebrate the anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel.  This year marks the 65th year of our prayer and worship in this chapel dedicated to the praise of God. The dedication candles are lit, the sisters have gathered for statio, and our prayer of thanksgiving begins.  But first, it behooves me to share the story of how the chapel was built from our sisters hopes and prayers, lead by Mother Jerome Schmitt, and told by our historians from a time much closer to celebration… 

“…By far the crowning point of Mother Jerome’s external accomplishments was the erection of the magnificent Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel which rose steadily, stone by stone, throughout the difficult war and post-war years of 1946 to 1950 and was solemnly consecrated in the spring of 1950. The Chapel stands not only as a monument to the saintly Bishop through whom God called the Benedictines to Dakota but also as a living symbol of the faith of a community” (Travelers on the Way of Peace, 1955).

"There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord." ~ Benedictus Antiphon

The chapel's very completion was an act of faith. It was built in the years after World War II; when building materials were both scarce and precious, M. Jerome and the contractors found a way through their trust in God. Bishop Martin Marty Memorial Chapel was completed and consecrated in the year 1950. The chapel has been filled with the voices of our sisters giving God praise since that day.

“…The construction, begun after frustrating delays, was nearing completion. With justifiable pride, she had watched the raising of the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel which now crowned the cluster of building on the western elevation of the city of Yankton. It was something that…she had dreamed about at a time when realization seemed impossible. But, there was the stone steeple, rising to a height of 187 feet, directing heavenward the thoughts of motorists on Highway 50. This house of God was both artistic and functional: it was an imposing work of stone in modified Gothic design, which could take its place among thee architectural masterpieces of Europe.

“…The Most Reverend William O. Brady, assisted by five bishops, four abbots, and about 180 monsignori and priests from the Midwest carried out the colorful and symbolic ceremonies, which set apart forever this building for the sole purpose of giving glory to God…Bishop Brady in his closing remarks paid tribute to the pioneer members of the community and all members who had given reality to a dream of raising a fitting monument to the Provident of God, “under the shadow of Whose wings” the community had prospered” (Sr. Claudia Daratschek, Under the Shadow of His Wings, 1971).

“This is God’s holy temple, and we are the living stones. Let us bow down in prayer, singing God’s praises.”
~ Benedictus Antiphon, Anniversary of the Dedication of Bishop Marty Chapel

Father Thomas explained some of the Church teaching on how churches are dedicated through a special ceremony.  Then he shared some reflections on the meaning of this dedication for those who worship in those churches.

"The feast of the Dedication of a church is celebrated annually only in those church buildings which have been consecrated by a bishop. The dedication sets the building aside as a sacred, holy place which cannot be used for other purposes. Among other things, the building must be debt-free when dedicated, so most church buildings are not consecrated. The ceremony is one of the most beautiful of all the ceremonies of the Church...

...Also part of the ceremony is the blessing of the walls. They too are anointed with the Chrism Oil at twelve locations throughout the church building. The twelve locations represent the twelve apostles on whose foundations the Christian faith rests and are marked with a cross and candle (called the consecration candles). Traditionally, those candles are only lit on the anniversary of the dedication of the church building.

The ceremony of dedication has similarities to the Sacrament of Baptism, especially regarding the anointing and candles. Those entering the church through Baptism are also anointed as a symbol of their being set aside (dedicated) to and for God. Those baptized receive a candle representing the Light of Christ. They are to receive and be the Light of Christ to the world" (Father Thomas on the anniversary of the Dedication of Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel, 2014).

This dedication of a place apart for prayer alone also appears in the Rule of Benedict.  In Chapter 52, Benedict orders that the Monastery have an Oratory for the monks' and nuns' Work of God, their life of prayer...

Let the oratory be what it is called, a place of prayer; and let nothing else be done there or kept there. When the Work of God is ended, let all go out in perfect silence, and let reverence for God be observed, so that any sister who may wish to pray privately will not be hindered by another's misconduct. And at other times also, if anyone should want to pray by herself, let her go in simply and pray, not in a loud voice but with tears and fervor of heart...

National Catholic Sisters Week ~ New Beginnings

Greetings,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of one of our new members or Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Postulant Theresa was received into Sacred Heart Monastery as a Postulant in a simple ritual on August 2nd, 2014.  After Theresa symbolically knocked on the front door of the Monastery, the Prioress, S. Penny, asked, “What do you seek?” to which Theresa responded, “I want to live in love and service of God with the help of this community.”  The monastic community affirmed her request and S. Penny presented her with a medal of St. Benedict.  The celebration continued at Vespers and supper.

Postulant Theresa was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, the third of eight children of the late Francis and Patricia. She attended twelve years of Catholic schools before enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania for a BA in American Civilization and an MS in Secondary Education. After four years of teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, she went to work as a computer operator in an insurance company before returning to the University of Pennsylvania as an employee. 

While working at University of Pennsylvania, Theresa began an MA course of study in Sacred Scripture at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA.   After graduating in 1997 she began teaching Bible Study in the Diocese of Camden (NJ).  In 2001 she began studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, pursuing a doctorate in Biblical Studies, with a concentration on the Old Testament prophets. 

Little did Theresa know when she came to Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD in 2012 for a job interview that this might be more than a faculty position. While serving as Assistant Professor of Theology at Mount Marty, she began studying the life of the Benedictine Sisters next door to the college campus, leading to her decision to join the Monastery.   She has taken a unique path to the monastery from MMC, as she is the first to enter the community as a professor from the college, rather than as a graduate.  As a postulant, Theresa will the live the life of the community,  meet regularly for guidance in the monastic way of life, take classes on transitions, Liturgy, and music lessons in addition to her professional work at the college.

At Sunday Vespers on August 3rd in the presence of S. Penny, prioress, and the  Benedictine Sisters,  S. Peggy made her first profession  to live a life of obedience, stability and conversion of life according to the Rule of St. Benedict.  Commenting on her profession  S. Peggy reflected:  “Making first profession means saying ‘Yes’  to God’s call, living out Jesus’ Gospel message,  and letting the Spirit guide me.   Life is a journey, a daily call to grow closer to God.    I feel being called to live the Benedictine monastic way of life is to trust and follow God’s plan for my  life.  I am very blessed to have the love and support of my community Sisters, family and friends”.

S. Peggy  is from Norfolk, NE,  the oldest of nine children born to Lyle and Denise and was raised on the family farm southwest of Pierce, NE.     She graduated from Mount Marty College in 2005 with a degree in nursing.  Sr. Peggy worked at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk for seven years and in August, 2012 followed her desire to be a Benedictine Sister by entering Sacred Heart Monastery .    Her family joined the Sisters in the joyful celebration of her profession.   A reception was held in the monastery Chapter room after the ceremony.

Blessings and come back tomorrow for Golden Stories...

Advent Peace

Greetings,

Tonight, we return to the quiet of our Advent Peace with gratitude after a weekend of joyous Advent activity!

The whirlwind of Advent activity began with Lauds on Saturday morning. The sisters were joined by a variety of guests in chapel. They filled the guest 'row' and spread out among us sisters. A ripple of quiet whispers and swish of pages hummed beneath the hush of the chapel. As we moved through prayer together, a few smiles, helpful hands turning pages, and even a chuckle or two...all in praise of God.

After prayer, the guests' Advent activity took them in two different directions. The Catholic Daughters of America Court Willard prepared a wonderful breakfast of coffee cakes and morning sweets. Their generosity and joy filled our dinning room. Our sisters from the care center joined us as we lingered over coffee, shared stories of holidays past, and simply enjoyed the blessings of their faith-filled love.

Mary at prayer was the focus of the prayerful
environment next the podium at Saturday's
Advent retreat: the Fullness of Time.

Our other morning guests were led to our community chapter room for an Advent morning retreat hosted by our sisters in the Peace Center. Thirty guests and several of our own sisters gathered to reflect on Advent "Fullness of Time". Sr. Mary Jo shared reflections on the Advent theme, the retreatants also shared prayer together, and were allowed time for silence and prayer as well.

The Advent activity continued through lunch. As the sisters were at table, Saint Nicholas (Postulant Terry) arrived with two helpful elves to share feastday joy! He was greeted with a rousing chorus of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas". Saint Nick moved joyfully among the tables offering the sisters treats of apples & oranges, beautifully decorated gingerbread men & women, and chocolate candies; three in honor of the Blessed Trinity.

Still more activity continued Saturday afternoon. Folks from Mount Marty College began to prepare for the upcoming Vespers; checking the sound and lighting systems, determining what more might be needed to ensure a wonderful concert. Sunday morning, the MMC Vespers folk returned! They waited until after the last of our Sunday congregation left the chapel, and then they began to move the choir risers, lights, sound and so much more in...all while our sacristan sisters and their helpers began to move the presider's chair, ambo, altar, and other sacred elements safely out of the sanctuary. This special concert, a Vespers in song, was held twice this Sunday: afternoon and evening.

And now we joyfully return to our Advent peace and prayer.

Advent Blessings to you,

Holy Triduum Retreat

Greetings,

Experience the liturgy and silence of Holy Week by attending the Paschal Triduum retreat at Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, SD.  Join us in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrating the rich liturgies of Holy Week.  While pausing for this time of personal prayer with Christ and our community, you will have the option of conferences with a spiritual director to reflect on the rich symbolism of these sacred days.  You will also be invited to join the sisters for meals, to walk our monastic grounds, and to your personal reflection in the Peace Center prayer room or our Chapel.  This silent retreat begins on Holy Thursday, April 17th at 4:00pm and ends on Easter Sunday.

Follow the Paschal Triduum retreat link for more information, contact details, and registration forms.

Chapter 49: The Observance of Lent

Greetings and Happy Lent,

Saint Benedict's Rule has one short chapter sharing his teachings and recommendations on how to live out the season of Lent. The emphasis is a call for balance between the communal offerings of the monks and the individual offerings each might add to his conversion of heart.

The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent. Since few, however, have the strength for this, we urge the entire community during these days of Lent to keep its manner of life most pure and to wash away in this holy season the negligences of other times. This we can do in a fitting manner by refusing to indulge evil habits and by devoting ourselves to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and self-denial. During these days, therefore, we will add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food or drink, so that each of us will have something above the assigned measure to offer God of his own will with the joy of the Holy Spirit. In other words, let each one deny himself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing.

Everyone should, however, make it known to the abbot what he intends to do, since it ought to be done with his prayer and approval. Whatever is undertaken without permission of the spiritual father will be reckoned as presumption and vainglory, not deserving a reward. Therefore, everything must be done with the abbot's approval. (Rule of Benedict 49)

The goal of communal practices in our monastery is encourage "compunction of heart" and reflection, support "self-denial", and continual conversion so as to "look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing".  The practices are simple:  outside of prayer, silence is kept in the hallways and refectory until 8:00 AM;  Wednesday nights we have a simple supper of soup and bread without the usual homemade pie; and we also continue the Church's recommendations such as simple liturgies and Fridays abstaining from meat.

It all begins today with our Ash Wednesday celebration of the Eucharist with our sisters, the students from Mount Marty College, and other faithful folk from the area. Later this evening, we will also place our Lenten resolutions in a basket before the altar in the Peace Chapel before Vespers. The prioress will bless these resolutions and they will remain by the altar all throughout Lent as a continuous offering of our conversion of heart.

Blessings,

Welcoming the Guest to Retreat

Greetings,

The Peace Center at our monastery seeks to: "Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for He is going to say, "I came as a guest, and you received Me". And to all let due honor be shown, especially to the domestics of the faith and to pilgrims (Rule of Benedict 53: 1-2).

As the Liturgical season of Lent approaches, the sisters of our Peace Center are reaching out through Scripture studies, theology institutes, and Holy Week retreats.

The sisters are offering two series of Lenten Scripture studies for all those seeking prepare for Christ's Paschal Mystery at Easter.  Study of the Prophet Isaiah will take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM beginning on February 26 and continuing throughout the Lenten season.  Study of the Passion and Resurrection Narratives will take place on Wednesday mornings from 10:15 to 11:45 AM beginning on March 5 and continuing throughout the Lenten season.

Our spring Theology Institute will be held on Saturday, March 15th beginning at 9 AM.  Father Leslie Hoppe, OFM  will be speaking about "Religion and Modernity: The Fundamentalist Response".   He will address how the terms "fundamentalism" and "fundamentalist" were first coined to describe conservative American Protestants who rejected the tenets of early 20th century liberal Protestant theology.  The presentation will begin with a description of the basic beliefs of Protestant fundamentalism before describing the fundamentalist impulse in Roman Catholicism and other world religions such as Judaism and Islam.

The Benedictine Peace Center will also be preparing for Holy Easter with one of our Catholic mystics.  Guests are welcome to join us for "Reflections with Julian of Norwich: A Lenten Retreat" on Saturday March 29th.

The final welcome to guests is a Holy Week Retreat over Triduum for women who are discerning a religious vocation.  The retreat begins the afternoon of Holy Thursday and continues through Easter Sunday afternoon and includes celebrating Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic liturgies with the monastic community, sacred silence, and reflection on sacred symbols of Triduum and God's call.

We welcome you as a guest in our retreat center...come to pray, to listen, and continue to deepen your faith in Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Advent Retreat

Greetings,

Our Peace Center Sisters plan a variety of retreats throughout the Church year.  However, Advent begins in a WEEK!  They are preparing for a morning retreat "Waiting with Mary in Advent."  We invite you to join the sisters and other seekers to learn to wait with our Blessed Mother for the coming of our Lord.

The retreat morning begins at 9 o'clock on Saturday, December 7th.  Simply follow the link to learn more about our Advent retreat.

http://www.yanktonbenedictines.org/documents/AdventRetreat.pdf

Blessings,