extracted text

Sistersof 'Bene,aict
NEV\TSLETTER
Summer 1998, Vol. 9: Issue 2

TIME TO BUILD! TIME TO GET INVOLVED!
We're raising the hammer at Red Plains Monastery! We're constructing an additional home, complete
with a proper library as we commence Phase V of our building plan. This new home will be constructed southwest
of our main monastery and will house some of our Sisters and potential new members as well as provide overflow
space for retreatants. The conventionally-styled home will be built atop a basement/garage that can be utilized a~
the sole storm shelter of the 4 homes on the Community property.

WE NEED, OF COURSE, YOUR HELP.
Our goal is $125,000, which is the portion still required to complete the construction. What we are asking is help
with these items. Join us! Select something that you would like to donate: '

MATERIALS INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK!
2x6 Studs
$1,324
2x4 Studs
$ 724
2x8xl2
$ 495
Bundlesshingles $2,257
Windows
$5,190
Doors
$2,200
Doorknobs
$ 704
Garage Doors $1,200
Pieces of
Sheetrock
$1;705
2 Bathroom
Cabinets
$ 600
4 Bathroom Sinks$ 800
2 Toilets
$ 300
I Shower
$ 350
I Tub Shower
$ 650
I Kitchen Sink
$ 200
2 Hot Water Tanks$ 700
Attic Fan
$ 250
215 Batts Insulation $ 762
12,000 Bricks
$3,120
120 Bags/Mortar
$ 600
12 Tons/Sand
$ 200
280
230
54
129
19
22
44
2
323

APPLIANCES
Range/Oven
Dishwasher
Microwave Oven
Refrigerator
Washer/Dryer

$
$
$
$
$

850
250
250
600
600

LIBRARY NEEDS
Computer
Large Table/comfortable chairs
Overhead projector
VCR
462 Linear Feet
Bookshelf
$5,313

If you can donatematerials,pleasecallthe DevelopmentOffice(405)373-3392,or if you wouldlike to donatefunds, please
send a checkpayableto RED PLAINS MONASTERY PHASE V BUIWING FUND in the newsletterenvelope.

Sister Marie 'Ba{{mann
e-'EfectedPrioressfor r:!liirdr:fenn
St. Benedict's Feast Day-- July 11-- was a day of
plentiful celebration! Sister Marie Ballmann marked
her birthday (though we never counted her candles)
and the community and its many friends and comembers celebrated the beginning of her third fouryear term as prioress at an installation ceremony
consisting of Vespers and a summer supper.
During remarks at the ceremony, Marie noted, "I must
remember that God's call is a universal call, to each
one of us and to all of us together. Somehow we must
blend the personal and the communal so that we have
both a stable and creatively alive community."
"It is God's call," Marie continued, "It is God's
hospitality that makes· it possible for us to be Church,
Family and Community ...God sees our hidden self
and lovingly draws us forth. It may be the gifts we
don't believe we have, or having discovered them,
we're afraid to use them, because it might upset the
status quo. But God gives us the gift of each other to

be both a support and a challenge to help our hidden
selves grow strong so that we can share ourselves with
others in community and in ministry."
Marie stated the four goals established by the
community last February as part of the discerning
process to elect a prioress:
1. We are calling ourselves to be authentic
witnesses to the vision we've put into words in our
Charism and Mission statements by
a)

deepening our community reality by
valuing each other and building
stronger relationships; and

b)

advancing courageously our prophetic
role by expanding our hospitality into
outreach and by moving steadily in
claiming our full baptismal rights and
responsibilities in today's Church.

2. We will actively engage in stimulating new
vocations.
3. We will provide additional living space for
present members, new members, guests and
temporary live-ins.
4. We will develop long range plans regarding
people, property and God's gifts by advance planning
and stewardship of the generous gifts of God and our
many benefactors.
Congratulations, Marie, as you re-assume
your proven leadership role in the Comm.unity. May
you and the Sisters of Benedict be ever blessed in the
days ahead!

JnlJ,uUM,te
w.e~:

~$ideM-r,j,~,
VI✓,·
~SideMr,/,
t/1 e~, M: ad
:!Jimta
~' (J,$./J.:!JilleclM
""plamwd,
fliuiw;,~~'
Benedictine Sister Marie Ballmann upon being
installed Prioress of Red Plains Monastery, Piedmont
on July 11.
-photo by Jennifer Leirer
Page 2

II~,/$

PLANNED

GIVING

CONSIDERATIONS
◊

When you are considering your annual charitable
contributions for tax purposes............................

◊

When you are considering charitable gifts
of appreciated assets.........................................

◊

When you are considering making gifts .
in your will........................................................

........Please consider
The Sisters of Benedict

BENEFITS
Personswithcharitableinterestshave an opportunityto includesignificantphilanthropyin theirfinancialand estateplanning,
whilesavingtaxesat the sametimethroughan unlimitedestatetax charitablededuction.Benefitsreceivedfromsuchcharitable
contributions
can include:
◊
◊
◊

savings from income tax deductions
improved rate of return on assets
reduction or elimination of the estate tax payable

◊
◊

avoidance of capital gains tax
tax-free income

EXAMPLES
Beloware a few examplesof financialplanningtoolsand descriptionsof theirbenefitsto the donor:
◊

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST

A charitableremaindertrustis an irrevocabletrustwhichprovidesan incometo the donorand others. At the end of the trust's term,oftenat
the end of the incomebeneficiaries'lifetimes,whatremainsin the trust is transferredto the Sistersof Benedict. Lifetimebenefitsincludea
substantialcharitableincometax deduction,avoidanceof a capitalgainstax whenthe assetis soldto produceincome,and,often,an increase
in incomefromthe asset.Thebenefitto theestateis a reductionin taxesequalto thoseapplicableto the valueof the assetsultimatelytransferred
to the Sistersof Benedict.
◊

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

A charitablegift annuityis alsoa gift that generatesan incomefor the lifeof the donor. The incomeis a flat dollaramountthat is paid for one
or twolifetimes.The differencebetweena gift annuityanda charitabletrustis that no trustis established;the agreementis madebetweenthe
donorandthe Sistersof Benedictandthe incomeis guaranteedby the Sistersof Benedictno matterhowthe gift annuity'sassetsare invested,
if at all.
◊

CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST

Thisdeviceis an excellentone for those who want to help the Sistersof Benedictand pass assetsto familymembers,such as childrenor
grandchildren,
at a reducedtax cost. Thistypetrustprovidesincometo theSistersof Benedictfor a periodof years,and, afterthe trust's term
is complete,the assetsin the trustare transferredbackto the donoror children.In this sense,a charitableleadtrustworksin the oppositeway
a charitableremaindertrust works.
◊

GIFTS OF RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS

Forpersonswhohaveaccumulatedretirementassets--IRAs,401(k) plansandotherretirementprograms--which
havegrownin valuethrough
theyears,the assetsare subjectto both an estatetax and a finalincometax. Thoughthey may be designatedat deathfor childrenor others,
transferringthem--asopposedto usingthemfor a charitablebequest--isofteninefficient.Betterto use otherassetsto pass to heirs. Because
retirementassetshavea specialstatus,theygenerate"Incomein Respectof Decedent"(ICD). This meansthat in additionto beingsubjectto
estatetaxes,the assetis alsosubjectto a finalincometax. In effect,the assetis taxedtwice.However,makinggiftsof thesetypeassetsto the
Sistersof Benedictmay avoidincomeand estatetax.

This information is not intended as legal advice. For advice and proper procedures, please contact your attorney.
For other information please call the Development Office at (405) 373-3392
Page3

TDMIE TO BUDILD

Our new home is being built within sight of our main
monastery. Constructed below ground level, this space will
ultimately become our garage/storm shelter.

As viewed from our chapel, we 're building space for thefuture.

Our trusted friend, Tom Temple, builder of our
chapel, stands alongside a stem wall of the
garage.
Page4

Property of the Centt:r

fDMIEro GIEfDINIVOILVI

Hard working crews pour the cement.flooring on a
sweltering summer day -- temperature 105 degrees 0 •

This area will serve as a garage/storm shelter.

Air conditioning/heating duct work rests in the red clay
sub.flooring of the house.

Build me a house ...
Page 5

O

!} ~ in

/k ~ ~ fka ~ ~ k,_fk ~ o/,

UrefftOll/tOIAJ-.
0

!} ~ in

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a M.U-eei
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ddL

a,;na/J,~~lnlf,~~-

/4e,

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wt tlzet;
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~ rtu,,HUt/.1£
kwe dome~
k,, ~ d.J,luJk,,, ~-

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!} ~in

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Page6

luulr, o/,
Ure~,

~a~

~lnlf,ldilelwwym.

Ureao!J-~dew-, ~ /k ~ ~°"~

'°4~ ~ ~ ~-

!J~ in Ure~
o/,~ ru d ~me~
o/,Ure~
o/,{Jod,~ !J~!Jam notakme.-llnd~ eUe!J~ U
~ in tlw&e
aludiw;
~ UratUek,o,deep'°4
~-

Property of the Center

........S/STERS ..... ON THE MOVE ....... .
SisterJOanne
')"anf(gusR.f:s
received her Masters in Theology from
St. Michael's College, Colchester, Vermont, at the end of the summer session.
Sister Joanne has spent the past five summers pursuing the degree, and because
of her ministry in the Archdiocese Office of Worship and Spirituality, knows
that her concentration in Spirituality will be of benefit there and in her work as
Vocation Director for Red Plains Monastery.
Sister Joanne noted two highlights during her study. Theology of Women
included a comparison of first and third world's women opinion of God within
their respective cultures. She also enjoyed her professor in an Ethics in Ministry
course, who proved to be most practical and helpful.
Sister Joanne stands proudly with her parents, Isabelle and Peter
Yankauskis, at St. Michael's College on graduation day.

Congratulations, Sister Joanne .....way to go!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
SisterMe[issa.Lettshas been named chaplain at Alliance Hospice, which serves Edmond, Guthrie and metropolitan Oklahoma
City. As she undertakes this ministry Sister Melissa finds that her work with persons who.are facing death is challenging and rigorous.
Sister Melissa also serves as the religious education director at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Calumet, Oklahoma .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Sister'Ewtice'Baffmann
recently reti: .1edfrom a trip to the Holy
Land and Rome. In the photo, Sister Eunice i' at Caesarea Philippi, the
headwaters of the River Jordan. She is renewing her baptismal vows with
Rev.Kevin Ratterman of St. John's Parish in Edmond, Oklahoma. Sister Eunice
received the trip as a retirement gift from parishioners of St. John's and was
accompanied by her sister, Sister Marie Ballmann, and other parishioners on
the twelve day trip .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

~presentifl!J'
tfieCOmmwiitgat General Chapter of the Federation of St. Scholastica in Erie, Pennsylvania, in June
were Sisters Marie Ballmann, Benedicta Boland and Miriam Schnoebelen. They joined other Benedictines from the United States and
Mexico and heard Sister Mary Collins, OSB, speak on the Theology of Eucharist, which was followed by role playing and discussion.
Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, of Mt. St. Scholastica, Kansas, was elected president of the Federation for a four year term .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

'lJurifl!J'
tfiemont/iofJuf:g,
Sister Miriam Schnoebelen was an active participant in the Hildegard Festival on the campus
of the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minnesota. The festival honored St. Hildegard of Bingen, an 12th century visionary, mystic,
composer, herbalist and healer. The festival featured Joan Ohanneson, author of Scarlet Music, a historical novel of the life of St.
Hildegard, a Benedictine sister who shattered stereotypes of women, of saints and of God for all time.

Page 7

Sistersof'Beneaict

Non-prolil Org.
U.S. POSTAGE

728 Richland Road, SW
Piedmont, Oklahoma 73078 •

PAIi)
Oklahoma Cily,
OK
Pcrmil No. 1359

RETIJRNSERVICEREQUESIBD

Herland
Sister
Resources
2312 N.W. 39th
Oklahoma City OK 73112

SISTERSOF BENEDICT
NEWSLETTER
is publishedquarterlyby the
BenedictineSisters
of Red Plains Monastery

/VakM,~~

~tk~o/,
1998,.,QU//,
pea11,~ cd_f«af~

{J«edd!<Ut4eu laden...Ute •

u Ute/ocal,
~ o/,
tlw
~ U1,tlwmdd
o/,Ute~ pku.

CXYtl1,

728 RichlandRoad, SW
Piedmont,Oklahoma73078-9324
(405) 373-4565
(405) 373-3392FAX
osbokc@ionet.net
http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/6285
Sister Marie Ballmann,OSB, Prioress
Editor:BarbaraNichols,Directorof Development
Materialshereinmay be reproduced;pleasegive credit
to Sistersof Benedict,Red PlainsMonastery.
Additionalcopiesof the newsletterare availableupon
request.

~,



Sistersof 'Bene,aict
NEV\TSLETTER
Summer 1998, Vol. 9: Issue 2

TIME TO BUILD! TIME TO GET INVOLVED!
We're raising the hammer at Red Plains Monastery! We're constructing an additional home, complete
with a proper library as we commence Phase V of our building plan. This new home will be constructed southwest
of our main monastery and will house some of our Sisters and potential new members as well as provide overflow
space for retreatants. The conventionally-styled home will be built atop a basement/garage that can be utilized a~
the sole storm shelter of the 4 homes on the Community property.

WE NEED, OF COURSE, YOUR HELP.
Our goal is $125,000, which is the portion still required to complete the construction. What we are asking is help
with these items. Join us! Select something that you would like to donate: '

MATERIALS INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK!
2x6 Studs
$1,324
2x4 Studs
$ 724
2x8xl2
$ 495
Bundlesshingles $2,257
Windows
$5,190
Doors
$2,200
Doorknobs
$ 704
Garage Doors $1,200
Pieces of
Sheetrock
$1;705
2 Bathroom
Cabinets
$ 600
4 Bathroom Sinks$ 800
2 Toilets
$ 300
I Shower
$ 350
I Tub Shower
$ 650
I Kitchen Sink
$ 200
2 Hot Water Tanks$ 700
Attic Fan
$ 250
215 Batts Insulation $ 762
12,000 Bricks
$3,120
120 Bags/Mortar
$ 600
12 Tons/Sand
$ 200
280
230
54
129
19
22
44
2
323

APPLIANCES
Range/Oven
Dishwasher
Microwave Oven
Refrigerator
Washer/Dryer

$
$
$
$
$

850
250
250
600
600

LIBRARY NEEDS
Computer
Large Table/comfortable chairs
Overhead projector
VCR
462 Linear Feet
Bookshelf
$5,313

If you can donatematerials,pleasecallthe DevelopmentOffice(405)373-3392,or if you wouldlike to donatefunds, please
send a checkpayableto RED PLAINS MONASTERY PHASE V BUIWING FUND in the newsletterenvelope.

Sister Marie 'Ba{{mann
e-'EfectedPrioressfor r:!liirdr:fenn
St. Benedict's Feast Day-- July 11-- was a day of
plentiful celebration! Sister Marie Ballmann marked
her birthday (though we never counted her candles)
and the community and its many friends and comembers celebrated the beginning of her third fouryear term as prioress at an installation ceremony
consisting of Vespers and a summer supper.
During remarks at the ceremony, Marie noted, "I must
remember that God's call is a universal call, to each
one of us and to all of us together. Somehow we must
blend the personal and the communal so that we have
both a stable and creatively alive community."
"It is God's call," Marie continued, "It is God's
hospitality that makes· it possible for us to be Church,
Family and Community ...God sees our hidden self
and lovingly draws us forth. It may be the gifts we
don't believe we have, or having discovered them,
we're afraid to use them, because it might upset the
status quo. But God gives us the gift of each other to

be both a support and a challenge to help our hidden
selves grow strong so that we can share ourselves with
others in community and in ministry."
Marie stated the four goals established by the
community last February as part of the discerning
process to elect a prioress:
1. We are calling ourselves to be authentic
witnesses to the vision we've put into words in our
Charism and Mission statements by
a)

deepening our community reality by
valuing each other and building
stronger relationships; and

b)

advancing courageously our prophetic
role by expanding our hospitality into
outreach and by moving steadily in
claiming our full baptismal rights and
responsibilities in today's Church.

2. We will actively engage in stimulating new
vocations.
3. We will provide additional living space for
present members, new members, guests and
temporary live-ins.
4. We will develop long range plans regarding
people, property and God's gifts by advance planning
and stewardship of the generous gifts of God and our
many benefactors.
Congratulations, Marie, as you re-assume
your proven leadership role in the Comm.unity. May
you and the Sisters of Benedict be ever blessed in the
days ahead!

JnlJ,uUM,te
w.e~:

~$ideM-r,j,~,
VI✓,·
~SideMr,/,
t/1 e~, M: ad
:!Jimta
~' (J,$./J.:!JilleclM
""plamwd,
fliuiw;,~~'
Benedictine Sister Marie Ballmann upon being
installed Prioress of Red Plains Monastery, Piedmont
on July 11.
-photo by Jennifer Leirer
Page 2

II~,/$

PLANNED

GIVING

CONSIDERATIONS
◊

When you are considering your annual charitable
contributions for tax purposes............................

◊

When you are considering charitable gifts
of appreciated assets.........................................

◊

When you are considering making gifts .
in your will........................................................

........Please consider
The Sisters of Benedict

BENEFITS
Personswithcharitableinterestshave an opportunityto includesignificantphilanthropyin theirfinancialand estateplanning,
whilesavingtaxesat the sametimethroughan unlimitedestatetax charitablededuction.Benefitsreceivedfromsuchcharitable
contributions
can include:
◊
◊
◊

savings from income tax deductions
improved rate of return on assets
reduction or elimination of the estate tax payable

◊
◊

avoidance of capital gains tax
tax-free income

EXAMPLES
Beloware a few examplesof financialplanningtoolsand descriptionsof theirbenefitsto the donor:
◊

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST

A charitableremaindertrustis an irrevocabletrustwhichprovidesan incometo the donorand others. At the end of the trust's term,oftenat
the end of the incomebeneficiaries'lifetimes,whatremainsin the trust is transferredto the Sistersof Benedict. Lifetimebenefitsincludea
substantialcharitableincometax deduction,avoidanceof a capitalgainstax whenthe assetis soldto produceincome,and,often,an increase
in incomefromthe asset.Thebenefitto theestateis a reductionin taxesequalto thoseapplicableto the valueof the assetsultimatelytransferred
to the Sistersof Benedict.
◊

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

A charitablegift annuityis alsoa gift that generatesan incomefor the lifeof the donor. The incomeis a flat dollaramountthat is paid for one
or twolifetimes.The differencebetweena gift annuityanda charitabletrustis that no trustis established;the agreementis madebetweenthe
donorandthe Sistersof Benedictandthe incomeis guaranteedby the Sistersof Benedictno matterhowthe gift annuity'sassetsare invested,
if at all.
◊

CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST

Thisdeviceis an excellentone for those who want to help the Sistersof Benedictand pass assetsto familymembers,such as childrenor
grandchildren,
at a reducedtax cost. Thistypetrustprovidesincometo theSistersof Benedictfor a periodof years,and, afterthe trust's term
is complete,the assetsin the trustare transferredbackto the donoror children.In this sense,a charitableleadtrustworksin the oppositeway
a charitableremaindertrust works.
◊

GIFTS OF RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS

Forpersonswhohaveaccumulatedretirementassets--IRAs,401(k) plansandotherretirementprograms--which
havegrownin valuethrough
theyears,the assetsare subjectto both an estatetax and a finalincometax. Thoughthey may be designatedat deathfor childrenor others,
transferringthem--asopposedto usingthemfor a charitablebequest--isofteninefficient.Betterto use otherassetsto pass to heirs. Because
retirementassetshavea specialstatus,theygenerate"Incomein Respectof Decedent"(ICD). This meansthat in additionto beingsubjectto
estatetaxes,the assetis alsosubjectto a finalincometax. In effect,the assetis taxedtwice.However,makinggiftsof thesetypeassetsto the
Sistersof Benedictmay avoidincomeand estatetax.

This information is not intended as legal advice. For advice and proper procedures, please contact your attorney.
For other information please call the Development Office at (405) 373-3392
Page3

TDMIE TO BUDILD

Our new home is being built within sight of our main
monastery. Constructed below ground level, this space will
ultimately become our garage/storm shelter.

As viewed from our chapel, we 're building space for thefuture.

Our trusted friend, Tom Temple, builder of our
chapel, stands alongside a stem wall of the
garage.
Page4

Property of the Centt:r

fDMIEro GIEfDINIVOILVI

Hard working crews pour the cement.flooring on a
sweltering summer day -- temperature 105 degrees 0 •

This area will serve as a garage/storm shelter.

Air conditioning/heating duct work rests in the red clay
sub.flooring of the house.

Build me a house ...
Page 5

O

!} ~ in

/k ~ ~ fka ~ ~ k,_fk ~ o/,

UrefftOll/tOIAJ-.
0

!} ~ in

iJre/wutJ,~ fka

~ bUtJiin

iJre~ p~

Utat~tkm.

Ure~~~
wt tlzet;
ffU{/l#U{/1,
~ Urelfvz,-duimd
&ea k,, wkdi tlzet;
~ 'Um,,

o

!} ~ in

o

!J~ in Ure~~,

a M.U-eei
/wp,o/,

/o4tlzet;
ieadr,'me ta kdenta tk

ddL

a,;na/J,~~lnlf,~~-

/4e,

ckuct.1,,
wt tlzet;
~ me tJrai
U-ea
~ rtu,,HUt/.1£
kwe dome~
k,, ~ d.J,luJk,,, ~-

0

!} ~ in

Ure~

0

!} ~ in

Ure4~

1/aU-U,acceded
wiiJr,tfJa/1,m,

~,

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~ MWe d /;e~ wiik~0

0

!} ~ in

Ure~
~o/, Ure~~

!} ~in

~
0

Page6

luulr, o/,
Ure~,

~a~

~lnlf,ldilelwwym.

Ureao!J-~dew-, ~ /k ~ ~°"~

'°4~ ~ ~ ~-

!J~ in Ure~
o/,~ ru d ~me~
o/,Ure~
o/,{Jod,~ !J~!Jam notakme.-llnd~ eUe!J~ U
~ in tlw&e
aludiw;
~ UratUek,o,deep'°4
~-

Property of the Center

........S/STERS ..... ON THE MOVE ....... .
SisterJOanne
')"anf(gusR.f:s
received her Masters in Theology from
St. Michael's College, Colchester, Vermont, at the end of the summer session.
Sister Joanne has spent the past five summers pursuing the degree, and because
of her ministry in the Archdiocese Office of Worship and Spirituality, knows
that her concentration in Spirituality will be of benefit there and in her work as
Vocation Director for Red Plains Monastery.
Sister Joanne noted two highlights during her study. Theology of Women
included a comparison of first and third world's women opinion of God within
their respective cultures. She also enjoyed her professor in an Ethics in Ministry
course, who proved to be most practical and helpful.
Sister Joanne stands proudly with her parents, Isabelle and Peter
Yankauskis, at St. Michael's College on graduation day.

Congratulations, Sister Joanne .....way to go!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
SisterMe[issa.Lettshas been named chaplain at Alliance Hospice, which serves Edmond, Guthrie and metropolitan Oklahoma
City. As she undertakes this ministry Sister Melissa finds that her work with persons who.are facing death is challenging and rigorous.
Sister Melissa also serves as the religious education director at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Calumet, Oklahoma .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Sister'Ewtice'Baffmann
recently reti: .1edfrom a trip to the Holy
Land and Rome. In the photo, Sister Eunice i' at Caesarea Philippi, the
headwaters of the River Jordan. She is renewing her baptismal vows with
Rev.Kevin Ratterman of St. John's Parish in Edmond, Oklahoma. Sister Eunice
received the trip as a retirement gift from parishioners of St. John's and was
accompanied by her sister, Sister Marie Ballmann, and other parishioners on
the twelve day trip .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

~presentifl!J'
tfieCOmmwiitgat General Chapter of the Federation of St. Scholastica in Erie, Pennsylvania, in June
were Sisters Marie Ballmann, Benedicta Boland and Miriam Schnoebelen. They joined other Benedictines from the United States and
Mexico and heard Sister Mary Collins, OSB, speak on the Theology of Eucharist, which was followed by role playing and discussion.
Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, of Mt. St. Scholastica, Kansas, was elected president of the Federation for a four year term .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

'lJurifl!J'
tfiemont/iofJuf:g,
Sister Miriam Schnoebelen was an active participant in the Hildegard Festival on the campus
of the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minnesota. The festival honored St. Hildegard of Bingen, an 12th century visionary, mystic,
composer, herbalist and healer. The festival featured Joan Ohanneson, author of Scarlet Music, a historical novel of the life of St.
Hildegard, a Benedictine sister who shattered stereotypes of women, of saints and of God for all time.

Page 7

Sistersof'Beneaict

Non-prolil Org.
U.S. POSTAGE

728 Richland Road, SW
Piedmont, Oklahoma 73078 •

PAIi)
Oklahoma Cily,
OK
Pcrmil No. 1359

RETIJRNSERVICEREQUESIBD

Herland
Sister
Resources
2312 N.W. 39th
Oklahoma City OK 73112

SISTERSOF BENEDICT
NEWSLETTER
is publishedquarterlyby the
BenedictineSisters
of Red Plains Monastery

/VakM,~~

~tk~o/,
1998,.,QU//,
pea11,~ cd_f«af~

{J«edd!<Ut4eu laden...Ute •

u Ute/ocal,
~ o/,
tlw
~ U1,tlwmdd
o/,Ute~ pku.

CXYtl1,

728 RichlandRoad, SW
Piedmont,Oklahoma73078-9324
(405) 373-4565
(405) 373-3392FAX
osbokc@ionet.net
http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/6285
Sister Marie Ballmann,OSB, Prioress
Editor:BarbaraNichols,Directorof Development
Materialshereinmay be reproduced;pleasegive credit
to Sistersof Benedict,Red PlainsMonastery.
Additionalcopiesof the newsletterare availableupon
request.

~,



Sistersof 'Bene,aict
NEV\TSLETTER
Summer 1998, Vol. 9: Issue 2

TIME TO BUILD! TIME TO GET INVOLVED!
We're raising the hammer at Red Plains Monastery! We're constructing an additional home, complete
with a proper library as we commence Phase V of our building plan. This new home will be constructed southwest
of our main monastery and will house some of our Sisters and potential new members as well as provide overflow
space for retreatants. The conventionally-styled home will be built atop a basement/garage that can be utilized a~
the sole storm shelter of the 4 homes on the Community property.

WE NEED, OF COURSE, YOUR HELP.
Our goal is $125,000, which is the portion still required to complete the construction. What we are asking is help
with these items. Join us! Select something that you would like to donate: '

MATERIALS INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK!
2x6 Studs
$1,324
2x4 Studs
$ 724
2x8xl2
$ 495
Bundlesshingles $2,257
Windows
$5,190
Doors
$2,200
Doorknobs
$ 704
Garage Doors $1,200
Pieces of
Sheetrock
$1;705
2 Bathroom
Cabinets
$ 600
4 Bathroom Sinks$ 800
2 Toilets
$ 300
I Shower
$ 350
I Tub Shower
$ 650
I Kitchen Sink
$ 200
2 Hot Water Tanks$ 700
Attic Fan
$ 250
215 Batts Insulation $ 762
12,000 Bricks
$3,120
120 Bags/Mortar
$ 600
12 Tons/Sand
$ 200
280
230
54
129
19
22
44
2
323

APPLIANCES
Range/Oven
Dishwasher
Microwave Oven
Refrigerator
Washer/Dryer

$
$
$
$
$

850
250
250
600
600

LIBRARY NEEDS
Computer
Large Table/comfortable chairs
Overhead projector
VCR
462 Linear Feet
Bookshelf
$5,313

If you can donatematerials,pleasecallthe DevelopmentOffice(405)373-3392,or if you wouldlike to donatefunds, please
send a checkpayableto RED PLAINS MONASTERY PHASE V BUIWING FUND in the newsletterenvelope.

Sister Marie 'Ba{{mann
e-'EfectedPrioressfor r:!liirdr:fenn
St. Benedict's Feast Day-- July 11-- was a day of
plentiful celebration! Sister Marie Ballmann marked
her birthday (though we never counted her candles)
and the community and its many friends and comembers celebrated the beginning of her third fouryear term as prioress at an installation ceremony
consisting of Vespers and a summer supper.
During remarks at the ceremony, Marie noted, "I must
remember that God's call is a universal call, to each
one of us and to all of us together. Somehow we must
blend the personal and the communal so that we have
both a stable and creatively alive community."
"It is God's call," Marie continued, "It is God's
hospitality that makes· it possible for us to be Church,
Family and Community ...God sees our hidden self
and lovingly draws us forth. It may be the gifts we
don't believe we have, or having discovered them,
we're afraid to use them, because it might upset the
status quo. But God gives us the gift of each other to

be both a support and a challenge to help our hidden
selves grow strong so that we can share ourselves with
others in community and in ministry."
Marie stated the four goals established by the
community last February as part of the discerning
process to elect a prioress:
1. We are calling ourselves to be authentic
witnesses to the vision we've put into words in our
Charism and Mission statements by
a)

deepening our community reality by
valuing each other and building
stronger relationships; and

b)

advancing courageously our prophetic
role by expanding our hospitality into
outreach and by moving steadily in
claiming our full baptismal rights and
responsibilities in today's Church.

2. We will actively engage in stimulating new
vocations.
3. We will provide additional living space for
present members, new members, guests and
temporary live-ins.
4. We will develop long range plans regarding
people, property and God's gifts by advance planning
and stewardship of the generous gifts of God and our
many benefactors.
Congratulations, Marie, as you re-assume
your proven leadership role in the Comm.unity. May
you and the Sisters of Benedict be ever blessed in the
days ahead!

JnlJ,uUM,te
w.e~:

~$ideM-r,j,~,
VI✓,·
~SideMr,/,
t/1 e~, M: ad
:!Jimta
~' (J,$./J.:!JilleclM
""plamwd,
fliuiw;,~~'
Benedictine Sister Marie Ballmann upon being
installed Prioress of Red Plains Monastery, Piedmont
on July 11.
-photo by Jennifer Leirer
Page 2

II~,/$

PLANNED

GIVING

CONSIDERATIONS
◊

When you are considering your annual charitable
contributions for tax purposes............................

◊

When you are considering charitable gifts
of appreciated assets.........................................

◊

When you are considering making gifts .
in your will........................................................

........Please consider
The Sisters of Benedict

BENEFITS
Personswithcharitableinterestshave an opportunityto includesignificantphilanthropyin theirfinancialand estateplanning,
whilesavingtaxesat the sametimethroughan unlimitedestatetax charitablededuction.Benefitsreceivedfromsuchcharitable
contributions
can include:
◊
◊
◊

savings from income tax deductions
improved rate of return on assets
reduction or elimination of the estate tax payable

◊
◊

avoidance of capital gains tax
tax-free income

EXAMPLES
Beloware a few examplesof financialplanningtoolsand descriptionsof theirbenefitsto the donor:
◊

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST

A charitableremaindertrustis an irrevocabletrustwhichprovidesan incometo the donorand others. At the end of the trust's term,oftenat
the end of the incomebeneficiaries'lifetimes,whatremainsin the trust is transferredto the Sistersof Benedict. Lifetimebenefitsincludea
substantialcharitableincometax deduction,avoidanceof a capitalgainstax whenthe assetis soldto produceincome,and,often,an increase
in incomefromthe asset.Thebenefitto theestateis a reductionin taxesequalto thoseapplicableto the valueof the assetsultimatelytransferred
to the Sistersof Benedict.
◊

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

A charitablegift annuityis alsoa gift that generatesan incomefor the lifeof the donor. The incomeis a flat dollaramountthat is paid for one
or twolifetimes.The differencebetweena gift annuityanda charitabletrustis that no trustis established;the agreementis madebetweenthe
donorandthe Sistersof Benedictandthe incomeis guaranteedby the Sistersof Benedictno matterhowthe gift annuity'sassetsare invested,
if at all.
◊

CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST

Thisdeviceis an excellentone for those who want to help the Sistersof Benedictand pass assetsto familymembers,such as childrenor
grandchildren,
at a reducedtax cost. Thistypetrustprovidesincometo theSistersof Benedictfor a periodof years,and, afterthe trust's term
is complete,the assetsin the trustare transferredbackto the donoror children.In this sense,a charitableleadtrustworksin the oppositeway
a charitableremaindertrust works.
◊

GIFTS OF RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS

Forpersonswhohaveaccumulatedretirementassets--IRAs,401(k) plansandotherretirementprograms--which
havegrownin valuethrough
theyears,the assetsare subjectto both an estatetax and a finalincometax. Thoughthey may be designatedat deathfor childrenor others,
transferringthem--asopposedto usingthemfor a charitablebequest--isofteninefficient.Betterto use otherassetsto pass to heirs. Because
retirementassetshavea specialstatus,theygenerate"Incomein Respectof Decedent"(ICD). This meansthat in additionto beingsubjectto
estatetaxes,the assetis alsosubjectto a finalincometax. In effect,the assetis taxedtwice.However,makinggiftsof thesetypeassetsto the
Sistersof Benedictmay avoidincomeand estatetax.

This information is not intended as legal advice. For advice and proper procedures, please contact your attorney.
For other information please call the Development Office at (405) 373-3392
Page3

TDMIE TO BUDILD

Our new home is being built within sight of our main
monastery. Constructed below ground level, this space will
ultimately become our garage/storm shelter.

As viewed from our chapel, we 're building space for thefuture.

Our trusted friend, Tom Temple, builder of our
chapel, stands alongside a stem wall of the
garage.
Page4

Property of the Centt:r

fDMIEro GIEfDINIVOILVI

Hard working crews pour the cement.flooring on a
sweltering summer day -- temperature 105 degrees 0 •

This area will serve as a garage/storm shelter.

Air conditioning/heating duct work rests in the red clay
sub.flooring of the house.

Build me a house ...
Page 5

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Page6

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Property of the Center

........S/STERS ..... ON THE MOVE ....... .
SisterJOanne
')"anf(gusR.f:s
received her Masters in Theology from
St. Michael's College, Colchester, Vermont, at the end of the summer session.
Sister Joanne has spent the past five summers pursuing the degree, and because
of her ministry in the Archdiocese Office of Worship and Spirituality, knows
that her concentration in Spirituality will be of benefit there and in her work as
Vocation Director for Red Plains Monastery.
Sister Joanne noted two highlights during her study. Theology of Women
included a comparison of first and third world's women opinion of God within
their respective cultures. She also enjoyed her professor in an Ethics in Ministry
course, who proved to be most practical and helpful.
Sister Joanne stands proudly with her parents, Isabelle and Peter
Yankauskis, at St. Michael's College on graduation day.

Congratulations, Sister Joanne .....way to go!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
SisterMe[issa.Lettshas been named chaplain at Alliance Hospice, which serves Edmond, Guthrie and metropolitan Oklahoma
City. As she undertakes this ministry Sister Melissa finds that her work with persons who.are facing death is challenging and rigorous.
Sister Melissa also serves as the religious education director at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Calumet, Oklahoma .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Sister'Ewtice'Baffmann
recently reti: .1edfrom a trip to the Holy
Land and Rome. In the photo, Sister Eunice i' at Caesarea Philippi, the
headwaters of the River Jordan. She is renewing her baptismal vows with
Rev.Kevin Ratterman of St. John's Parish in Edmond, Oklahoma. Sister Eunice
received the trip as a retirement gift from parishioners of St. John's and was
accompanied by her sister, Sister Marie Ballmann, and other parishioners on
the twelve day trip .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

~presentifl!J'
tfieCOmmwiitgat General Chapter of the Federation of St. Scholastica in Erie, Pennsylvania, in June
were Sisters Marie Ballmann, Benedicta Boland and Miriam Schnoebelen. They joined other Benedictines from the United States and
Mexico and heard Sister Mary Collins, OSB, speak on the Theology of Eucharist, which was followed by role playing and discussion.
Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, of Mt. St. Scholastica, Kansas, was elected president of the Federation for a four year term .

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

'lJurifl!J'
tfiemont/iofJuf:g,
Sister Miriam Schnoebelen was an active participant in the Hildegard Festival on the campus
of the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minnesota. The festival honored St. Hildegard of Bingen, an 12th century visionary, mystic,
composer, herbalist and healer. The festival featured Joan Ohanneson, author of Scarlet Music, a historical novel of the life of St.
Hildegard, a Benedictine sister who shattered stereotypes of women, of saints and of God for all time.

Page 7

Sistersof'Beneaict

Non-prolil Org.
U.S. POSTAGE

728 Richland Road, SW
Piedmont, Oklahoma 73078 •

PAIi)
Oklahoma Cily,
OK
Pcrmil No. 1359

RETIJRNSERVICEREQUESIBD

Herland
Sister
Resources
2312 N.W. 39th
Oklahoma City OK 73112

SISTERSOF BENEDICT
NEWSLETTER
is publishedquarterlyby the
BenedictineSisters
of Red Plains Monastery

/VakM,~~

~tk~o/,
1998,.,QU//,
pea11,~ cd_f«af~

{J«edd!<Ut4eu laden...Ute •

u Ute/ocal,
~ o/,
tlw
~ U1,tlwmdd
o/,Ute~ pku.

CXYtl1,

728 RichlandRoad, SW
Piedmont,Oklahoma73078-9324
(405) 373-4565
(405) 373-3392FAX
osbokc@ionet.net
http://www.geocities.com/wellesley/6285
Sister Marie Ballmann,OSB, Prioress
Editor:BarbaraNichols,Directorof Development
Materialshereinmay be reproduced;pleasegive credit
to Sistersof Benedict,Red PlainsMonastery.
Additionalcopiesof the newsletterare availableupon
request.

~,