SistersOfBenedictNewsletter_v8.no2.1997.Summer.pdf
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Sistersof 'Benetfict
NEVvSLETTER
Summer 1997, Vol. 8: Issue 2
c
.•(JJ,enedictine
.1fospitaCity,-
hapter53 of the Ruleof St.Benedict
sets forth a mandateof hospitality.
In the "The Reception of Guests" we
find Benedict'sexhortation:
Let all guests be received as
Christ Himself, for He will say, "I
was a stranger and you welcomed
me." (Matt.25-35)
Hospitalityhas three mainattributes:it
is a welcomingheart; it is a form of
worshipthat recognizesthe mysteryof
Godin others;and it is a monasticvirtue
prescribedby Benedictin his Rule.
Benedict's daughters at Red Plains
Monastery receive each guest who
comes to its doors and strive to extend
the inclusivehospitalitythe Lord once
showed. In our guest rooms at Lucy's
Guest House we
welcome those
seeking a place of
rest and wantingto
get time away from
thestressesof a fastpaced
world.
Guestsmayjoin the
Sistersin the chapel
for Community
prayerif theydesire,
and for main meals
Splendid sunrise is a hospitable welcome to the day,
as seen from Lucy's Guest House.
in our diningroom.
If time for private
prayer,walks, reflection,or readingis doors, we welcome them and receive
desired, there is opportunity on our themas Christreceived.Wearethankful
groundsand withinour spaces.
for their presence.
Hospitalityto guestsis the hallmarkof
Westernmonasticism.And thoughwe
never know who may appear at our
Red Plains Monasteryinvites YOU to
come, rest awhile and be refreshedin
this quiet place.
MELSSALETTS,JUDITHMARTINTO MAKEVOWSJULY11
In a ceremony celebrated on the summer feast of St. Benedict, July 11, Sister Melissa Letts will make temporary vows
and Sister Judith Martin will make recommitment vows to the Community at Red Plains Monastery. These vows are
vows of stability, conversion and obedience.
Melissa has been in formation to the community for the past
year. As a candidate for membership, Melissa has studied the
Rule of Benedict under the careful guidance of Sister Eunice
Ballmann, novice director. Her permanent vows to the
Community can be made after a three year scholastic period.
Newest members of the community, Melissa Letts and Judy
Martin consider necessary details of their upcoming
commitment ceremony.
Recently Melissa and Eunice attended a two week Institute at
Beech Grove Monastery, Indianapolis, Indiana, expressly for
those Benedictine women in formation across the United States.
We[comeJfome, Sister 9vlarie9vlunde[[
,/·'.¾~ ~,-
.
SISTER MARIE MUNDELL
There's a happy new resident these
days at Red Plains Monastery.
Sister Marie Mundell moved home
to her community at Piedmont
during May. Retired in 1990 from
64 years in the teaching profession,
Sister Marie has a life-time of
working experiences in Colorado,
Louisiana, Oklahoma, California,
Indiana, in addition to a one year
stint in Mexico City. Besides her
ability as teacher in many of these
places, her assignments included
principalships and administration
of numerous schools. She allows,
however that administration held
not the "soul" that she enjoyed as
a teacher of Latin or English.
Mama. I made certain she saw me
go in the front door, but I headed
right back out the back door and
went to a movie. Mama was
satisfied that I had gone to school
however, and reported to the nuns
'My Mary came to school this
morning.'"
Sister Marie's tales of her own
education often bring chuckles to
the listener. As a ninth grader, she
often cut classes at Holy Family
School in Tulsa to attend movies.
"My dear mother couldn't figure
out truancy reports about me from
the school, because she was
sending me off to class each
morning. One morning I boarded
the street car and noticed Mama
getting on at the other end. I was a
little suspicious, but then I decided
she was just going shopping. I got
off the street car, and walked about
10 blocks to school. When I arrived
there, to my surprise, I again spotted
Sister Marie is fond of cats. Her
most recent kitty, a calico named
Butterfly, so named because of his
particular markings, was left with a
friend in Louisiana. She enjoys the
dogs, cats, birds and other gifts of
God's creation so much a part of
Red Plains Monastery. But she
especially appreciates just being
back home again among her Sisters.
"You really live Eucharist," she
says, "being so joyful and generous.
With warmth, join in welcomingthis
spirited and spunky sister, Marie
Mundell,
home to life on
Oklahoma's red plains!
J.f.,•••
.
t'!i
..
Mary Ann Tomlinson, former student of Sister Marie Ballmann,
center; tours grounds with Kathy Payne.
ime for ice cream now that work is done!
Blake Chamberlain and Tom Templefind a
shady spot during Picnic/Swim.
Pagel
V!S!TO
RS
p lENT!f
Ul
In keeping with Benedictine hospitality, the Community of Red Plains has welcomed many visitors to a series of
events recently.
The dedication of the Chapel took place on March 21. Benefactors were present for blessing and Eucharist
followed by a dinner in the Monastery dining room. Archbishop Eusebius Beltran celebrated the dedication Mass
with liturgical music provided by contractor Torn Temple and carpenter Bob Powers.
Volunteers were honored at an Open House on April 20, and two public Open Houses were held in mid May.
Dozens of loyal friends attended.
The Sisters recognized the labors of those involved in construction by hosting a Picnic/Swim in early June. The
workers and their families enjoyed an outdoor cook-out around the swimming pool.
And, on the 4th of July, the Sisters will honor Merle and Joyce Arens and their family at a cook-out, in thanksgiving
for their labors to the Community.
Sister Eunice Ballmann, left, and guests Jan Clark and Angela
Meier re-acquaint at May Open House.
Justin Powers, son of
carpenter Bob Powers,
savors a brownie at the
Picnic/Swim held for the
artisans and craftsmen who
built our chapel and other
Monastery additions.
F'.dXF'Jl<Jl'S
~-;,:;·-·~,,
Traveling the farthest distance to an Open House were Chicagoans
Joanne and Jim Futrell, left. It was occasion for happy reunion with
Jim's sister; Sister Jan Futrell, right.
Our facsimile number is
(405) 373-3392. lfyour FAX
machine has a handset, please
transmit to us by choosing the
GREEN/START key,
rather than by using the
handset option.
Page]
J/ie
.Jnvif in'J (Jrouru/J o/ Our
0
ne of our neighbors once com
mented that we had transformed our property into a park.
While we didn't set about with that
as a primary goal, it is true that the
21.5 acres surrounding our home are
beautiful and park-like, adding a
proper atmosphere to our place of
hospitality. Even the white rail
fence which bisects rolling hills between our
groomed lawn and a
field of sunflowers adds
to the pastoral feeling of
our grounds.
Many varieties of trees
seem to flourish everywhere-our lake is virtually surrounded by
trees-oak,
sycamore,
willow, cottonwood.
The spacious frontage of
the yard at Lucy's Guest
House is replete with
dozens of pines, sycamores, maples. Several apple and pear trees
provide abundant fruit
for the Community in
summer and fall.
Our flowers are both cultivated and
"wild" varieties, perennials and
annuals. Sunflowers are but one of
the assortment of the untended
which abound. A new spot aimed
- -
of Sister Gertrude Nagel and Sister
Marie Luecke. "Volunteer" bulbs
delight us in the spring, day lilies
remain faithful in the summer, chrysanthemums brighten autumn days,
while a host of jaunty blossoms are
tenderly cared for throughout the
growmg season.
At Lucy's Guest House,
Sister Benedicta Boland
is proud of long stalked
holly-hock, while Sister
Roberta Schachle tends
to alyssum, geranium,
and pots of summer
bloomers. At our third
and newest house this
spring, we enjoyed longestablished lilacs and
"surprising discoveries"
which were welcomed
and nurtured as they
emerged, having been
planted by previous
homeowners.
Sister
Miriam Schnoebelen is
certain, however, of her
grown-from-seed zinnias and cosmos as well
as herbs such as lavender, cilantro and basil.
'
With trees come birds!
A favorite pastime of the
Sisters and guests is
bird-watching. We have
nesting birds in the trees
and in birdhouses and
around feeders that are posted
around our grounds. While no one
has taken official count of the variety of birds sighted here, we regularly see bluebirds (yes, the real ones
with bright blue feathers and orange
breasts), cardinals, finches, owls,
larks, dove. Blue herons, white herPage 4
ons and red-winged blackbirds are
but three water birds which thrive
around the lake.
monaJlery
A late spring freeze spared our dogwood.
at providing year 'round color has
been opened and carefully tilled by
our friend, Stephanie Emrick. Near
our dining room and chapel are a
rock garden and several framed
beds, homes to petunias, roses, marigolds, clematis, hostas and begonias
which bloom under the "tutelage"
The grounds surrounding our three homes and
the additional acreage
are regularly maintained
by our friends, the Merle
Arens family. They are faithful
mowers and trimmers and snippers
and groomers of the acreage, and
they keep it in fine shape yearround, though we ourselves are apt
to climb upon a riding mower to
lend the Arens a hand!
DuringApril we opened an enlarged
garden plot. In its first season, it is
located right upon the scene of an
old pony barn. There rhubarb,
squash, beans and other marvelous
things to eat will be flourishing by
mid-summer. Perhaps there will be
juicy melons and succulent tomatoes by the time you arrive!
chapel is fundamental to the peace
found here, and our grounds ever
lend harmony to its essence. Indeed,
there is hospitality at Red Plains
with our grounds being a significant
portion of the welcome shown here
to you, our guests.
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Sound inviting? Our guests are free
to meander around our spaces just
about anywhere they like to go. We
have benches and gliders offering
respite for persons desiring solitude,
or with a friend, conversation. Fishing is an activity that many enjoy in
our lake while others
spread a blanket near
the water's edge and
relax with a good
book. In summer,
some chose recreation
in or near our captivating swimming pool.
Several members of
the Community enjoy
a dip from time to time
and our guests find the
water
soothing,
refreshing ...and wonderfully invigorating!
Always nearby is our
beautiful chapel, accessible from the out
of doors. Our guests
may simply ring our
doorbell and enter the
chapel. The chapel's
circular design is contemporary in feeling, a Nature's gifts are bounteous. The corner at Lucy's Guest
House teems with such bounty.
style unifying it to the
beauty of nature
which surrounds its circumference.
Through its large windows, one has
a commanding view of the lake, the
trees, the flora and fauna. The
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Page5
RETREATS-A
What is a retreat?
PRIMARY MINISTRY
enjoying the monastery space as a way
to relax and to meet God. Conferences
are not scheduled.
A retreat is an opportunity for a person
to pay more attention to another, with
an intention of deepening a mutual
relationship. Spouses need retreat
times alone or with each other, friends
seek ways and means for such
communication.
And God invites
persons to go within self to find God
there, present and loving.
Schedule:
Two to ten day retreats upon request,
scheduled as needed and available.
Cost:
$25 per day. Non-refundable
deposit of $5 per day.
Knowing this hunger to be alive within
human hearts, the Sisters of Benedict
offer various kinds of retreats. We offer
a quiet, simple and beautiful space
where women and men can meet and
speak to God, can let self be found and
touched by God.
By stepping aside for a few hours from
life's busy activities into the wonders
of God's love, one is refreshed and
better able to center relationships and
work in God.
What is a directed retreat?
Supplying one's own food, a person can
choose to have a conference or not.
A time with God in prayer and
reflection combines with opportunity
for individual daily dialogue with a
director. Stepping aside from a busy
schedule, one can search into life to
discover a deeper level of relationship
with God. For this to happen the
practice of silence is an important
basis for the solitude need for deep
encounter with God.
What is a day of solitude?
Schedule:
As needed and available.
Cost:
$10 per day, $40 with conference.
Non-refundable deposit of $5
per day.
A daily meeting with a director for
45 to 60 minutes helps one discover
the movements of the Spirit in
oneself. Overall, this quiet time
increases awareness of God's
presence in all aspects of life and
draws one to respond even more
generously. Experiencing Jesus's
words, "the kingdom of God is within
you," the retreatant can more readily
fulfill God's daily desire and directive
for us to "go forth to proclaim the
Good News."
Schedule:
Two to ten day retreats upon
request, scheduled as needed and
available.
Directors:
Several are available.
Cost:
$50 per day. Non-refundable
deposit of $5 per day.
What is a private retreat?
A person can enter into a quiet time,
Page6
Schedule:
Apply in summer.
Cost:
$60 per month.
What else do I need to know?
Su22ested Donations
Since the Benedictine tradition has
always been hospitality to all, we do
not want anyone turned away for lack
of funds. Those who have been blessed
with more may wish to contributemore,
and those who have less may give less
"so that all may be at peace in the house
of God." (Rule of Benedict)
Arrival and Departure Time
Please plan to arrive between 7 and 8
p.m. on the retreat's first day, and plan
a departure time by 4 p.m. on the
closing day.
Prayer and Mass
The community of Sisters invites
anyone wishing to do so to join in the
monastic hours of prayer each day. On
Monday through Friday we gather at
7:30 a.m. and again at 5:15 p.m. If
you desire to do so, on Wednesdays
we attend 7:30 a.m. Mass at the
nearby Carmelite chapel, departing
at 7 a.m.
Location and Facilities
Our facilities are located northwest
of Oklahoma City, an approximate
30 minute drive. One turns right
(north)
off the Northwest
Expressway (St. Hwy 3) onto
Richland Road and takes "the first
turn on the right" to enter a long
driveway to our 21 acres.
Facilities include a chapel, meeting
space, a handcrafted gift shop, an
outdoor pool and private bedrooms.
None there is like the white rose.
Whatis "Retreatin DailyLife?"
From October through April, this "at
home" experience of the retreat
involves giving daily time to prayer, a
weekly prayer group meeting and twice
monthly individual sessions with a
spiritual guide.
Guests are welcome to share the
day's main meal with the Sisters,
while breakfast and lunch items are
kept in Lucy's Guest House kitchen.
Please make known any special dietary
restrictions.
For reservations:
PLEASE CALL
(405) 373-4565
F,operty of the Cer.tE:r
1
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.!JC(}EP'IFD
The Benedictine charism of Peace challenges us to
witness to the Gospel values. Recognizing this call to be
peacemakers, Benedictines for Peace gives common voice to a
vision of peace as we confront the violence of our day with the
love of Christ that it might be transformed by our prayers and
action. Benedictines for Peace Mission Statement
Early this year, the National Office of Benedictines for
Peace asked that we address capital punishment. We were
offered, as one of our actions on this issue, a document titled
"Declaration of Life." This document is a statement of moral
conviction. The one who signs it declares opposition to the
death penalty and requests that, in the event the signatory party
dies as a result of a violent crime, the person(s) found guilty of
this homicide not be subject to the death penalty under any
circumstances.
We took this Declaration of Life to personal prayer and
discernment with the promise that we would provide a ritual
within a prayer service for those who were ready to sign during
our June meeting.
All members of the Community signed the Declaration
of Life. It just happened to have been scheduled on the very
day the jury was convened for the sentencing phase of the
McVeigh trial. We experienced some meaningful reflections
because of this timing and because our monastery is in the locale
of the bombing incident.
Federation
Dialogue
Benedictine women who are
members of the Federation of Saint
Scholastica have begun
deliberations on the subject of the
celebration of the eucharist in
women's monastic communities.
Sisters Marie Ballmann, Benedicta
Boland and Miriam Schnoebelen
represented Red Plains Monastery
in these proceedings in Canyon
City, Colorado, June 19-26.
1(,atli[een
:Norris:}In }Iutlior's o/iew of (}3enedictine
Jfospitafity
athleen Norris, a Presbyterian woman, became fascinated with Benedictine spirituality and wrote her
initial impressions of it in Dakota: A Spiritual Geography. Seeking an immersion experience in
Benedictine ways, she entered a Benedictine monastery in Minnesota for one year as an oblate. Her book,
Cloister Walk, is a record of that time and in it she gives the reader an understanding of monastic values:
_)~
For a long time I had no idea why I was so attracted to the Benedictines, why I keep returning to their
choirs. Now I believe it's because of the hospitality so vast that it invites all present into communal
lectio, a hospitality so vast that it invites all present into communion with the text being read. I
encounter there not a God who rejects me because I can't pass some dogmatic litmus test, but one who
invites me to become part of a process, the continuing revelation of holy word. (p. 217)
Norris' readers are given a tangible understanding of Benedictine spirituality in her books. Her writing is crisp
and honest, with significant regard for detail.
Dakota is published by Houghton-Mifflin; Cloister Walk is published by Putnam.
Page 7
"The faith, hope, love and hospitality of the Benedictine Community is a wonderful gift to
Oklahoma and our world. "
"I have been truly blessed and enriched in my spiritual life through the Sisters of Benedict being faithful
to their response to the Lord.
My response to God's calling to me is returning to the home and beauty of the country of Red Plains
Monastery close to Piedmont where I had some very deep and life changing experiences. I encountered this
through my commitment to the Retreat in Daily Life and my spiritual direction visits with Sister Benedicta and
with my association with all of the Sisters there.
Having a place of retreat to get a conscious connection with my faithful and eternal God, loving and
caring Jesus and trusted Holy Spirit is peace of mind, joy and happiness for me in my busy and at times, overwhelming, world.
Today, I know who and where to come to for what I need and have learned and believe God desires for
me in my life to know Him better, love Him more deeply and serve Him faithfully-for a balance in my life and
in my relationship with others.
The faith, hope, love and hospitality of the Benedictine Community is a wonderful gift to Oklahoma and
our world."
In peace and love, and Jesus' name,
S~7~
Sistersof'Beneaict
Non-profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
728 Richland Road, SW
Piedmont, Oklahoma 73078
Oklahoma City,
ADDRESSCORRECTIONREQUESTED
Permit No. 1359
PAID
OK
Herland
sister
Resources
2312 N.W .. 39th
Oklahoma city OK 73112
Part of Sisters of Benedict Newsletter : v.8:no.2(1997:Summer)