Ash Wednesday

Today, we once again entered into the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday has always intrigued me. Outside of Christmas and Easter, Ash Wednesday is probably the most recognized liturgical celebration by non-Catholics. The simple act of placing ashes on our forehead not only is a reminder to us but it is a powerful symbol to all those who see it.

But today is just the beginning! The beginning of a time of preparation, a time of sacrifice, a time of prayer and a time of change. Recently I have received many questions about Lent here at the monastery. So I thought I would share a bit of the traditions here at the Mount.

The first noticeable difference is the silence. While the monastery tends to be significantly quieter than most places, during Lent the time of silence is deepened. Ash Wednesday and the Triduum are days of total silence around the monastery. On the other days during Lent, the monastery is silent until 8:15 in the morning, we add two minutes of communal statio before all prayers, and we have silence during several meals.

Liturgically, you will also see many differences during Lent. The most notable is that Liturgy of the Hours is chanted a cappella with a cantor and the community. This simple change makes a dramatic difference in the sound and simplicity of our prayers. We also use special Lenten music for the Eucharistic Liturgy and have very simple decorations in the chapel.

But the difference does not end there. Each Lent the community makes a special effort to cut back and each sister is challenged to contribute alms to AIM - the Alliance of International Monasticism. Here is a bit about AIM taken from their website.

AIM USA is an organization composed of 168 communities of men and women in the United States and Canada who follow the Rule of Benedict and over 300 English-speaking monasteries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

AIM USA provides spiritual, educational, formation and building assistance to monasteries in developing countries to enable them to be centers of life for others.

Monasteries in Africa, Asia and Latin America enrich their brothers and sisters in the United States with global vision, fresh insights into monastic life, cultural diversity and gospel witness of service to the poor.

Finally, each sister makes a concerted effort to "clean out" the excess in their lives and pay special attention to the health and balance of mind, body and spirit.

All together this makes for Lent a special and wonderful time here at the Mount. May your Lent be just as blessed.

Faith of Childhood

Lately I have been greatly amused (and impressed) by some of the fun stories of faith I have heard from my family and friends about their children. So I thought I would take this opportunity to share a few of them with you here. The first story takes place before Christmas. My youngest niece always has a unique outlook on the world. It seems that the typical placement of Nativity figures just doesn't quite fit her sensibilities. In her mind, it is crazy that the figures are so far apart. We all know how important it is to be close to those we love and how we all snuggle in close! (She even gave Mary a scarf because it was cold outside!) Here are the two versions.

But her ideas don't end with the Nativity. She also finds that it is important to re-adjust the angels on the table to fit the loving image she has of angels. First we see the angels arranged nicely for decoration. Next we see her secret adjustment so that they look like they are chatting away, sharing stories and having a grand ole time!

The second story involves the youngest daughter of one of my friends. The other morning as she was getting ready for school, Emma asked her mom, "Mom, what will they call me when I become a Saint?" "Well, St. Emma of course." "Mom, there is already a St. Emma." "That's okay honey, there can always be more than one." "Okay, we should practice calling me that." Oh the confidence of childhood!

Finally, I want to end with another story about one of my nieces. When she goes to Church, she usually sits up front so that she can see what is going on. She knows to whisper if she needs to say something. However, as we all know, when a young child is suddenly “struck” by something he or she has just heard, or a revelation pops into their head, they have no control over the volume used to express their immediate thoughts. Such was the case when the homily was provided through a slideshow/video narrated by the Archbishop. The church went dark, a screen popped down from the ceiling, and a man’s voice began. Kayli suddenly sat up straight, began looking around, eyes darting back and forth like they do when you’re thinking hard, trying to figure out a complex problem. Then, she glanced once, then twice, towards the ceiling, turned toward her mom, and cupping her hand around the side of her mouth, as if she were trying to be discreet, loudly inquired “Uh, Mom, is that man’s voice talking to us from heaven???” “Is it God talking from heaven?” Quietly her mom assured her that it was not voices from heaven they were hearing, but she continues to look above the screen as if she's found evidence to the contrary.

So, now the slideshow is over and the priest reiterates the key points he wants the congregation to think about, such as how we all need to just “light that fire in our hearts!” “What?” Kayli perks up again. “What, Mom??? Did he say Light our Hearts on FIRE???” Her mom nods and tries “shushing” her as she shakes her head in disbelief, ignoring her moms attempts to lower her volume, as she bellows “WOW, that’s Gotta hurt!” The lady next to them had a hard time stifling a laugh.

May your heart be lit on fire, may your week be filled with the faith of childhood and may you too believe that one day you will be a Saint!

Just like GLEE

Today we had another group come and perform for us. This time it was Soundmasters from ACCHS. Their director is wonderful and brings the young people to perform each year. They do such a great job. I am including a couple photos and video clips for your enjoyment. God is truly good

A Few Short Video Clips

A Little Christmas Caroling

This afternoon a group from St. Benedict's Abbey across town came over to share a few carols and some cookies with the Sisters in Dooley Center. They did a wonderful job and even had song sheets available for the Sisters to sing along. Here are a few photos from the event.

The Monks of St. Benedict's Abbey

Sisters Theophane and Maria

Sisters Irmina, Joachim and Jeremy

Sisters Judith, Ann, and Rosina

More of the Monks of St. Benedict's Abbey

Finally, I end with a short clip of their performance.

What a wonderful Advent Gift!!

Cookie Baking

Well tonight was another wonderful evening here at the Mount.

Tonight was our annual Partners in Prayer Cookie Baking. We had almost 70 students from the college who came over to join us for Vespers, share a meal, and assist us in baking cookies to share with various groups in the Atchison area.

This year we made approximately 100 plates of cookies for the meals on wheels program. We are also giving plates of cookies to many friends of the community and are sharing the cookies with those who join us over the Christmas holidays.

I have attached a few photos of the evening for your enjoyment. Hope you enjoy them.

Some students playing a Christmas game

Sisters and students work together to solve the puzzle

Frosting cookies

Popping the cookies into the oven

Plenty of opportunities to be creative

Lots of choices for dipping

We are truly blessed!!!

National Catholic Youth Conference

Jenny, Colleen, Sr. Suzanne

Well today was day two of NCYC. What a great time it has been! Below are a few photos that I have taken while here.

Sr. Elizabeth overseeing a challenge activity

Downtown Eucharistic Procession

Sr. Judith and Sr. Molly

Sr. Barb, Sr. Barbara Ann, Sr. Judith

I can not wait to see what tomorrow brings!!!!

First Snow of the Year

Well it has officially happened. We have had our first snowfall of the winter. While I appreciate the beauty of the first snowfall (the photos are taken from my office window) I also am not a big fan of cold or snow. So today I will appreciate the beauty and tomorrow I will pray for sun!

Hope everyone enjoys the beauty and stays warm and dry. Remember to pray for all those who are without heat or shelter this day.