St. Peter’s AbbeyNewsletter

Vol. 33 No. 2 Summer and Fall 2012

By Paul Paproski, OSB

The staff of St. Peter’s College has onlyone major hurdle to overcome to bring therenovations of Michael Hall (collegebuilding) to an end, namely completingthe fundraising to pay for the final renova-tion costs which are close to $4 million.The success of the open house at the col-lege, September 14, showed that goal canbe reached, as there was much enthusiasmand support for the college. The public stillconsiders St. Peter’s College to be animportant part of the local district andlarger community, according to RobertHarasymchuk, college president.

“Fundraising is a necessary element ofSt. Peter’s success. The Michael Hall ren-ovations have necessitated financing thatwe hope will be supported through thegenerosity of our alumni and the commu-nity that supports, and depends on St.Peter’s as a hub for sport, culture, recre-ation and of course learning,” he said.“We are continually seeking ways toimprove and expand our programs andservices and this is possible with the assis-tance of our college supporters.”

Abbot Peter, chancellor of the college,cut the ribbon to officially re-openMichael Hall after four years of renova-tions which cost $15 million. The renova-tions began as a dream 10 years ago, heremarked. He expressed his appreciationto everyone who contributed. More than100 attended the open house and ribboncutting at St. Peter’s College. They tookpart in tours of Michael Hall where theyviewed displays of student art, scienceexhibits and alumni memorabilia.

“A number of the alumni commentedon the amazing transformation thatMichael Hall has undergone,” Harasym -chuk said in an interview. “Although thebuilding looked new in appearance, theysaid it still had the same ‘feel,’ a testament

to the talent of architect Maurice Soloudrein blending the need for modern conven-iences while maintaining the tradition andheritage of the building.”

Renovations affected every floor ofMichael Hall which was gutted, rebuiltand refurbished with new floors, walls,doors, lighting and windows. Doorwayentrances were widened, bathrooms up -graded, and wiring brought to standard toenable information technology systems tobe used. There are three new science labson the basement floor. Students can studyand visit in a student lounge and recreationroom, and exercise in a modern fitnesscentre that is popular among students andstaff. One of the most noticeable changesis the new elevator and shaft, a new addi-tion to the west side of the building.

Renovations were made possiblethrough the federal Knowledge Infra struc -

ture grant program, the provincial Ministryof Advanced Education, donations fromalumni and others who gave through to thecapital campaign. Maurice Soloudre wasthe architect and Miners Construction wasthe project manager. Support was providedby the college board of governors andmonks of St. Peter’s Abbey.

Work is in progress to develop newcourses and programs at St. Peter’s Collegeto help meet the ongoing educational needsof the public. The college is investigatingthe offering of more affordable lodging forresidential students. The college presentlyoffers classes in arts and science, business/commerce, agriculture and kinesiology, tofulfill the entry re quirements to collegessuch as Dentistry, Medicine, Nutri tion,Pharmacy, Nursing, Vet-Medicine, Lawand Education, or to complete the college’sinnovative writing diploma program.

St. Peter’s College continues to plan for future

CELEBRATE RENOVATIONS – Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB chancellor of St.Peter’s College, cuts the ribbon, September 14, to officially complete renovations ofMichael Hall (college building). Assisting are Dr. Gerry Junk, left, former student,and Sabre Teal, present student.

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Dear friends of St. Peter’s Abbey,

Last newsletter I wrote about therecent deaths of four of our monks: Frs.Roman Schneider, Leo Hinz, WernerRenneberg and Andrew Britz. I’m happyto report that our confreres have sentreplacements. As reported elsewhere inthis newsletter, six candidates joined usthis fall to explore their calling to amonastic vocation. We rejoice in howGod is blessing us. A number of othermen have visited us as live-ins for aweek or more.

One of the highlights of this summerfor me was the visit of a dozen greatgrand-nieces and grand-nephews ofAbbot Bruno Doerfler, OSB, our firstabbot who led the trek of explorers fromMinnesota in 1902 to find a suitable loca-tion for a German-Catholic settlement inWestern Canada. His relatives were anx-ious to discover more about him. Iaccompanied them to Rosthern whichwas the centre of immigration in 1903and we retraced the path of Abbot Brunoand the first monks from there toMuenster. Fr. Paul Paproski, OSB alsospent time with Abbot Bruno’s relativesin our archives to help them learn all theycould about their illustrious ancestor.

I was fortunate this year to visit fiveother monasteries. The tours began withvisits to our two sister abbeys in Canada.

I visited WestminsterAbbey in Mission, B.C.,when I joined the bishopsof Western and NorthernCanada for a retreat thereJan. 5-8. Then, as an asideto a trip to the meeting ofthe Canadian ReligiousConference Council inMon treal, Sr. AnneLewans, OSU and I visitedFr. Alain Rodrigues inSherbrooke, QC, a shortdistance from St-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey in Quebec.We visited the abbeyMarch 12. Earlier, I visitedSt. Joseph’s Abbey in St.Benedict, Louisiana for theAbbots Annual Workshop,Feb. 10-13. I also got tovisit St. Martin’s Abbey inLacey, Wash., for a meetingof abbots and college presi-dents, June 18- 20. SaintPeter’s College PresidentRob Harasymchuk accom-panied me to that meeting. Last of all, Ivisited Sant Anselmo Abbey in Rome forthe Abbots Congress, Sept. 16-25.

This was my sixth Abbots Congress,which is held every four years. I don’tthink many abbots have been there thatoften. It’s a time to discuss some important

topics of commoninterest to Bene -dictines around theworld and to meetother abbots, old andnew. Some of ourcommon concernsinclude: the staffingand financing of ourinternational collegeof Sant Anselmo, ourassistance to monas-teries in developingcountries (AIM: Aidto International Mon -as teries), our involve-ment in inter-faithdialogue with Bud -dhists and Muslimmonastics (MID:Monastic InterfaithDialogue), and a pro-gram for monastic

formators. We re-elected Notker Wolf,OSB as abbot primate, for a third term. Wealso had two speakers, from Germany andAustralia, who explored the influence ofthe culture of individualism on monasticcommunities.

The trip to Rome also gave me anopportunity to visit Br. Cosmas Epifano,OSB who is beginning his second yearof theology studies at the Beda EnglishCollege. After the congress we wereable to take a day trip to explore theruins of Pompeii, buried under volcanicash in 79 AD.

A message from Abbot Peter’s desk

The three Canadian abbots at the Abbots Congress inRome, Sept. 16-25, were, from left: John Braganza ofWestminster, B.C.; Peter Novecosky of St. Peter’sAbbey, Muenster; and Andre Laberge of St-Benoît-du-Lac in Quebec.

Canadian Religious Council members, standing, from left: Fr.Alain Rodrigue, CMM, Sr. Anne Lewans, OSU, and AbbotPeter Novecosky, OSB. They visited St-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey,March 12, with Fr. Jacques Cote and Abbot Andre Laberge.St-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey celebrated its 100th anniversary in2012, the second oldest Benedictine abbey in Canada.

A sign on the front lawn of the Benedictinesisters in Winnipeg advertised their cen-tennial celebration this summer.

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By Paul Paproski, OSB

When Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSBcelebrated his first Mass at his homeparish of St. Scholastica, Burr in June of1962 he asked everyone to pray for him ashe began his priesthood. The prayers of hisfamily, friends and parishioners have sus-tained him during the past 50 years in hisvocation as a priest and Benedictine monkof St. Peter’s Abbey. Appreciation for hiswork was shown at a 50th anniversary cel-ebration, June 3, at his former parish of St.Ann’s in Annaheim. More than 275 peoplegathered for Mass and a program in hishonor. A family gathering was held at St.Peter’s Abbey later that day.

The importance of a faith life was takenfor granted in Fr. Rudolph’s family whichcentred its life around prayer and work ona mixed farm near Burr. Fr. Rudolph’s par-ents, Joe and Anne, were active in St.Scholastica Church and the local Burrcommunity. The Novecosky family prayedthe rosary every day and prayed at mealsand bedtime. The importance of a faith lifeinfluenced four of their seven children toenter religious life. Two left and were latermarried. Fr. Rudolph, OSB and Sr. Rita,OSU of the Ursulines in Humboldt contin-ued in their religious vocations.

While living in Burr, Fr. Rudolphattended a one-room school, WillowRidge, until Grade 9 and then St. Peter’sHigh School from Grades 10 to 12. Hetook one year of liberal arts at St. Peter’sCollege, Muenster and then decided tojoin the Benedictines at St. Peter’sAbbey. Fr. Rudolph said he admired themonks and their dedication in their call-ing to God. The next six years were spentin the seminary at St. John’s Abbey inCollegeville, Minnesota.

Reminiscing about his past itbecomes obvious Fr. Rudolph was verybusy. He entered St. Peter’s Abbey in1955, two years before the abbey begana large building campaign. Fr. Rudolphlearned a lot about construction, helpingto build St. Scholastica convent, now aresidence, in 1957; the college annex(present library) in 1958; Severin Hall(student residence) and gymnasium in1959, the monastery building in 1962and arena in 1965. The work was veryenjoyable, he said. One of his jobs as aseminarian was helping on the abbey’s

mixed-grain farm and garden. “I did a lotof hoeing back then,” he remembered.

Following ordination in June of 1962Fr. Rudolph was appointed assistant toFr. John Hable of Assumption Parish atMarysburg, and St. Bernard and HolyTrinity at Pilger. He was appointed pre-fect (supervisor) of St. Peter’s HighSchool and college from 1963 to 1972when the high school closed. Fr. Rudolphworked as a high school teacher, givinginstruction in geometry, algebra,trigonometry, Latin, agriculture, geology,and appreciation of English literature. Hedid not have a teach-ing diploma, just thetext books to teachhim all the necessarysubject material.Hav ing a love forsports, Fr. Rudolphserved as sportsdirector at St. Peter’sHigh School, coach-ing hockey, volley-ball, basketball andtrack and field. Fr.Rudolph built thetrack used for trackand field meets, thesoccer field and thebleachers, east of thearena, in 1967 as partof the centennialproject.

Parish work has always been a joy ofFr. Rudolph who, in 1972, began assist-ing Fr. Werner Renneberg, OSB in theparishes at St. Gregor and Muenster. Fr.Rudolph became pastor of St. GregoryParish in St. Gregor in 1979 and then St.Ann’s at Annaheim beginning in 1987.He served as prior (second in commandto the abbot) and sub-prior at St. Peter’sAbbey, novice master and work coordi-nator for the novices and juniors.Between 1987 and 2008 he was the pas-tor for the two parishes at eitherAnnaheim and St. Gregor, or Annaheimand Naicam, retiring in 2008 to St.Peter’s Abbey. Since moving to theabbey Fr. Rudolph has served as prior,novice master/formation director andtreasurer of St. Peter’s Abbey. He wasthe oblate director for one year.

Fr. Rudolph is known by his formerparishioners as being supportive of com-munity events. He was often present atcommunity sports events, local celebra-tions, graduations and homecomings.His support of the community wasacknowledged at his 50th anniversarycelebration in Annaheim. Fr. Rudolph isknown for his expertise in wine making,especially chokecherry and Saskatoonwine. His parishioners often suppliedhim with berries, he said. Many appreci-ate his wisdom in his book Homilies forEveryday Life, first published in 2008.

Continued, page 12

Fr. Rudolph celebrates 50 years of priesthood

ENJOYING RECREATION – Fr. RudolphNovecosky, OSB enjoys keeping active,whether at recreation in the evenings,or helping out in many roles at St.Peter’s Abbey, during the day. He cele-brated his 50th anniversary to thepriesthood this year.

THANKSGIVING DISPLAY – A beautiful Thanksgiving dis-play outside the abbey church of Sts. Peter and Paul Churchgreeted visitors to St. Peter’s Abbey. The display celebratedthe many blessings of the year. It was designed by the candi-dates in the vocations program of the abbey.

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Chronology for March-November 2012

March 9 — The SaskatchewanCatholic Women’s League executiveheld a retreat at the abbey.

March 10 — Frs. Daniel Muyres,OSB and Paul Paproski, OSB attendedthe Diocesan Congress Day in Humboldt.

March 12 — Abbot Peter, OSB visit-ed St-Benoît-du-Lac, a Benedictinemonastery, celebrating its 100th anniver-sary. Abbot Peter had been attending aCanadian Religious Conference meetingin Montreal.

March 17 — Brs. Basil Schaan, OSBand Kurt Van Kuren, OSB attended theannual general meeting of the MarysburgOrganic chapter held at the abbey. AbbotPeter Novecosky and Fr. Daniel Muyresattended a session on green energy. Itwas held at St. Peter’s College.

March 17-23 — Fr. DemetriusWasylyniuk, OSB gave a retreat at GoodShepherd Parish in Portage la Prairie,Manitoba.

March 17 — Neil Adam, oblate, ofAllan returned to the abbey as a workingguest.

Mid-March runoff began as the snowmelted. Efforts were not made to fill thereservoir with runoff water. The abbey isconnected to SaskWater.

March 21 — Christopher Weber ofNova Scotia spent a week as a live-in atthe abbey.

March 27 — Anthony Victor ofSingapore spent a week as a live-in at theabbey.

March 31 — Oblate Day was held atSt. Peter’s Abbey. Fr. Paul Paproski,OSB gave a PowerPoint presentation onThe Twelve Steps to Prayer.

April 2 — Several monks attendedthe Chrism Mass at the new Holy FamilyCathedral in Saskatoon.

April 6 — The third snowstorm in amonth blanketed the area on GoodFriday. Once-barren roads were coveredin six inches of snow and ice. ManyGood Friday Services were cancelled.

April 13 — Haus of Stitches ofHumboldt sponsored a knitting class forabout 20 people.

April 16 — Twenty volunteer farm

workers from around the world attendedAgriventure at the abbey.

April 20 —W O O F E R s( W o r l d w i d eOpportunities onOrganic Farms)Johna than andIsabella of Ger manyleft after a two-weekstay at the abbey.They resided inPlacid Hall whileworking here part-time.

April 21 — Morethan 100 local lead-ers met at St. Peter’sCollege to plan forthe local infrastruc-ture and populationexpansion expectedduring the nextdecade.

April 21 — Some Sas katch e wanRoughriders came to St. Peter’s Collegecampus during a football camp attendedby 100 students. Seventy Girl Guidesheld a meeting here.

April 30 — Francis Swyripa returnedhome to Edmonton after working fourmonths in the abbey archives.

May 1 — Fr. Bernard Stauberreceived his dispensation from monasticvows. He lives in Humboldt.

May 13-17 — Fr. Edward Mazich,OSB of St. Vincent Archabbey,Pennsylvania led the annual retreat of St.Peter’s Abbey.

May 19 — Benedictines and Ursulinesjoined the Elizabethans at a celebration com-

People and events around the abbey

ARCHIVES — Frances Swyripa, historyprofessor of the University of Alberta,documents files and photos in St. Peter’sAbbey Archives. She worked in thearchives from January to the end of April.

ANNUAL RETREAT – Abbot PeterNovecosky, OSB, right, welcomes Fr.Edward Mazich, OSB of St. VincentArchabbey, Pennsylvania to St. Peter’sAbbey. Fr. Edward led the annual retreatof the abbey, May 13 to 17.

COMMEMORATE CENTENNIAL — Benedictines andUrsulines joined the Elizabethans in Humboldt at a celebra-tion commemorating the closing of the 100th Anniversary ofthe Sisters of St. Elizabeth Foundation in Canada. The cele-bration, May 19, began with Mass, followed by a banquet andprayers in the Elizabethan cemetery. It ended with reflectionsby superiors of all three congregations on the status of theirorders and future plans.

TRAVELLERS — Jonathan Jupke, 19, andIsabella Mueller, 20, of The HarzMountains, Germany visited St. Peter’sAbbey for two weeks in April. They workedpart-time at the abbey and toured the localarea. The Germans travelled acrossCanada and worked in various businesses,including farms and organic farms.

memorating the closing of the 100thAnniversary of the Foundation in Canada.Saskatoon Bishop Donald Bolen was the cel-ebrant at the anniversary Mass in theElizabethan convent, Humboldt.

May 22 — The 4th Degree KCs of theAbbot Severin Gerkin Assembly 2166joined the Benedictines for supper. Theypresented the Benedictines with anappreciation certificate and $700 inrecognition of the deceased Benedictineswho served as friars of the assembly.

May 22-May 30 — Br. AnthonyNguyen, OSB took organ lessons at NewWestminster, the Benedictine mon asteryin Mission, B.C.

May 23-28 —Abbot Peter Nove -cosky, OSB attendedthe bi-annual assem-bly of the CanadianReligious Confer -ence in Montreal. Hewas elected to thenational council.

May 24-June 3 —The 10th annualS a s k a t c h e w a nStitches Conferencewas held at St.Peter’s Abbey. Some250 attended classesand sessions duringthe event.

June 8-10 — Br.Kurt Van Kuren,OSB attended a Re -ligion and ScienceConference at Ports -

mouth Abbey, Rhode Island.June 11 — Br. Cosmas Epifano, OSB

returned to St. Peter’s Abbey from hisseminary studies in Rome.

June 18-20 — The Eparchy ofSaskatchewan held its Annual ClergyRetreat. The director was Fr. MichaelKwiatkowski of Winnipeg.

June 18-20 — Abbot Peter Novecosky,OSB and St. Peter’s College PresidentRobert Harasymchuk attended a meetingof college presidents and abbots at St.Martin’s Abbey in Lacey, Washington.

June 20-23 — Fr. Jose (Joe) Cabral ofthe Archdiocese of Winnipeg stopped atthe abbey, while on route to Edmonton to

visit relatives. Hefirst came to theabbey when he was aseminarian at St.Pius Seminary inSaskatoon in themid-1980s. He hadbeen serving theparish at Roblin,Manitoba and wastransferred to Aber -nathy near Dauphin.Fr. Jose helped themonks with theiroutdoor work.

June 26 — TheSt. Peter’s AlternateHigh School Pro -gram Graduationand Awards Nightwas held in theJerome Assembly

Room. The celebration was the last forthe high school which closed after 39years.

June 26-27 — Strong winds and raincaused a power outage, broke branchesand knocked over trees.

July 6 — Six candidates of St. Peter’sAbbey were approved for the fall.

July 7 — Sisters Louise Hinz, OSU ofBrazil and Bernadine Fetter, OSU joinedthe monks for lunch. They spoke of theirwork in Brazil and northern Sas -katchewan.

July 11 — Abbot Peter presided at theFeast of St. Benedict. He acknowledgedthe 50th anniversary of the ordination ofFr. Rudolph, OSB and installed Br.Cosmas, OSB seminarian, as a lector.

July 12 — Joseph Chouinard, 67,returned to Regina after spending a weekwith the community as a live-in.

July 12 — Peter Froess, a friend of St.Peter’s Abbey, was honored with a cakeand coffee on his 90th birthday.

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Br. Cosmas Epifano standing in front ofthe Beda English College in Rome wherehe is studying theology.

REMEMBER DECEASED – A special prayer service washeld at the cemetery of the Elizabethan Sisters, May 19, at thecommemoration of the closing of the 100th Anniversary of theSt. Elizabethan Foundation in Canada. Prayers were led by:from left, Sr. Philomena Dobmeier, superior of theElizabethans, Prior Rudolph Novecosky, OSB, SaskatoonBishop Donald Bolen, and Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB.

RECOGNIZE MONKS — Ron Koberinski of Lanigan, FaithfulNavigator, centre, and Daniel Loehr of Watson, FaithfulPurser, left, of the Abbot Severin Gertken Assembly 2166 pre -sent Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB a certificate and $700 checkin appreciation and in memory of deceased Benedictine priestsand faithful friars (chaplains) of the Severin GertkenAssembly. The presentation was May 22 at St. Peter’s Abbey.The deceased faithful friars include: Frs. George Brodner,Alfred Engele, Leo Hinz, Francis Lohmer, Werner Renneberg,Florian Renneberg and Abbot Jerome Weber.

CELEBRATE 90TH – Peter Froess, afriend of St. Peter’s Abbey, was honoredby monks and staff with a cake and cof-fee, July 12, on his 90th birthday.

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July 21 — Oblate Day was held at St.Peter’s Abbey. Guest speakers were Jimand Marion Penna of Saskatoon.

July 23-24 — The Knights ofColumbus sponsored Priests’ SportsDays at St. Peter’s Abbey. Thirty-twopriests and seminarians came from thethree dioceses in the province. Theywere assisted by eight volunteers withthe Knights of Columbus.

July 25-July 30 — Freda and ArdelPaproski of Hudson Bay picked 12 gal-lons of saskatoons from the abbeySaskatoon orchard. Last year they helpedpick 114 gallons. Ardel celebrated his82nd birthday, July 27 along with Fredaand their son Fr. Paul, OSB.

Aug. 6 — Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSBand Fr. Richard Meidl, OSB were recog-nized on their 60th and 25th anniver-saries, respectively, of their professionsto monastic life. The anniversaries werecelebrated on the Feast of theTransfiguration. A special Mass and din-ner were held in their honor. The abbeywas honored with guests Mother AngelitaG. Marave, MACE of Sydney, Australia,foundress of the Missionary Apostles ofChrist in the Eucharist. With her was Sr.Maybelle V. dela Cruz, MACE ofHumboldt, youth ministry co-ordinator atSt. Augustine Roman Catholic Church.

Aug. 10-15 — Twelve grand-niecesand grand-nephews of Abbot BrunoDoerfler, OSB visited from Oregon andMinnesota to follow the footsteps oftheir illustrious ancestor. One was a sem-inarian.

Aug. 19 — Abbot Peter Novecosky,

OSB represented St.Peter’s Abbey at the 100thanniversary celebrations ofthe Benedictine Sisters inWinnipeg.

Aug. 20 — Jordon andDonna Bergermann werehonored at St. Peter’sAbbey for their 30 years ofsupport for EngagementEncounter. They were pre-sented a certificate with apapal blessing by PopeBene dict and certificatefrom Engagement En -counter. Engagement En -count er at St. Peter’s

Abbey be -gan in 1981.Jordan andDonna were the first pre-senting couple. The late Fr.Leo Hinz, OSB was thefirst presenting priest forthe Muenster EngagementEncounter.

Sept. 1 – Friends andr e l a t i v e scame to jointhe monksfor the annu-al potato-picking day.

Sept. 7 —Br. Anthony

began his second year ofmonthly weekend studiesin lay formation held inSaskatoon.

Sept. 16-Oct. 1 —Abbot Peter attended theAbbots Conference inRome. He visited with Br.Cosmas Epifano, OSB,seminarian at Beda Collegein Rome.

Sept. 27 — Fr.Paul Paproski,OSB of St. Peter’sCollege CampusMinistry present-ed a PowerPointon the Benedict -ines to studentsand staff of St.Peter’s College.Assisting were Fr.

Demetrius Wasylyniuk, OSB and Br.Pierre Rouillard, OSB.

Oct. 12 — Ten religious superiors inSaskatchewan joined Abbot Peter for ameeting at St. Peter’s Abbey. Theyjoined the monks for Vespers and sup-per.

Oct. 16 — The monks held theirannual Chapter Meeting.

Oct. 17-18 — Bishop Bryan Bayda,CSsR of the Eparchy of Saskatoon visit-ed the abbey. He was the guest speaker,Oct. 18, for Lunch with Benedict, aluncheon sponsored by St. Peter’sCollege Campus Ministry.

Nov. 3 — Oblate Day was held at St.Peter’s Abbey. Pol Zwart of Saskatoonwas the guest speaker.

People and events around the abbey

ENGAGEMENT ENCOUNTER — Jordon and DonnaBergermann were honored by Engagement Encounter,August 20, at St. Peter’s Abbey for their 30 years of sup-port for Engagement Encounter. They were presented acertificate with a papal blessing by Pope Benedict andcertificate from Engagement Encounter. Presenting thecertificate is Fr. Demetrius Wasylyniuk, OSB, volunteerwith Engagement Encounter.

CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARIES – Abbot PeterNovecosky, OSB congratulates Fr. Joseph Ackerman,OSB, left, on his 60th anniversary to monastic profes-sion, and Fr. Richard Meidl on his 25th anniversary. Aspecial Mass commemorating the anniversaries washeld August 6 on the Feast of the Transfiguration.

TWO BISHOPS – Bishop Bryan Bayda, CSsR of theEparchy of Saskatoon stands with Bishop MichaelWiwchar, CSsR, retired bishop of the Eparchy. Theyattended the annual retreat of the eparchy, June 18 to20, at St. Peter’s Abbey.

Br. Anthony Nguyen

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By Paul Paproski, OSB

The final graduation and awards nightof St. Peter’s Alternative High SchoolProgram, June 26, was left in the darkwhen heavy rains and high winds caused apower outage in the Muenster area. Thedarkness didn’t dampen the enthusiasm ofthose gathered in the Jerome AssemblyRoom of St. Peter’s Abbey. The programcontinued with presentations of certificatesand awards to students, and speeches byguests. Arrangements were even made tofind a generator to power a video presenta-tion of staff and students by YvonneGueguen, work Ed co-ordinator/teacher.

The final class of five students fromgrades 10 to 12 was praised for the dedica-tion and commitment given to learning.Kotie Fisher of Watson, who has been withthe alternative high school program forfour years, was the lone Grade 12 studentand graduate. The other students were:Keenan Boyko of Wakaw, Grade 11;Joshua Canevaro of Humboldt, MackenziePeyton of Drake and Christopher White ofLanigan, Grade 10. The program, whichopened in 1973 at St. Peter’s College, willbe relocating to LeRoy.

“Each one of these young gentlemenhas had his challenges over the year. Eachone has stayed on track. Sometimes it wasa wobbly track, but they persisted inaddressing their challenges and have had ameasure of success,” Principal LorraineJansen said. “Each young man has grown

in maturity, confidence, and self-knowl-edge. Each is learning what it takes to beresponsible and to navigate life. I want tothank each of you students for your coop-eration, for not giving up, and for the per-sonality that each brings to our program. Iam proud of you all,” she commented.

Jansen pointed out that the dedicationand teamwork of the staff helped makethe high school program a tremendoussuccess. The staff included YvonneGueguen, work education co-ordinator ofHumboldt; Carol Brons, secretary of LakeLenore; educational assistants MurielWall of Drake and Florence Schreiner ofMarysburg. Marilee Sterner, principal ofMuenster School, and Cheryl Rowe ofMuenster School worked with the pro-gram, she added. Drivers ArmellaKnittig, Crystal Boyko, and Muriel Wallprovided more than transportation; theywere the eyes and ears beyond the school,she remarked. Other helpers wereStephen LaPointe, student counselor; Br.Basil Schaan, OSB, work mentor; MauryWrubleski, career counselor, and PierreApril, janitor. Linda Mattock representedthe school on the division board and exec-utive council.

“You’ve heard it said that it takes awhole village to raise a child. Well, thepeople I have specifically mentioned,along with the support of their parents,families, St. Peter’s monastic and collegecommunity, Horizon School Division,and our employers have been a part of

that village. I thankall parties for theirpart in helping tomeet the needs ofthese young peo-ple. We celebratethe fact that ourprogram has beenprivileged to behoused on thegrounds of St.Peter’s Collegeand Abbey. What awonderful placethis has been toengage in learning,and what wonder-ful support wehave had from themonastic and col-lege community.

We’ve had access to various facilities,worked side by side with the monks,shared in communal meals, and soothedour souls in the tranquility of the beautifulsurroundings,” Jansen said.

The alternative high school programwas founded in 1973 by Jean Warner,supervisory assistant in the HumboldtRural School Division, and Sr. MiriamSpenrath, OSU religious educator for St.Peter’s Abbacy. Sr. Miriam served as ateacher-principal of the high school for 23years, retiring in 1996. Students haveenrolled in the program from local com-munities and other centres of Wakaw,Lanigan, Wadena and Wynyard. They havecome as far away as Uranium City andOntario. The program has had differenttitles, first known as St. Peter’s Special Ed,then St. Peter’s Pre-Vocational, St. Peter’sHigh School, St. Peter’s Alternate HighSchool and finally St. Peter’s AlternateHigh School Program. In spite of the namechanges, the overall goal has been to equipstudents with necessary tools to be suc-cessful in the work place and to be con-tributing members of society. The workexperience component, over the past 39years, has enjoyed the support of 300-plusindividuals and businesses from Humboldtand surrounding communities. The localemployers have provided each student 10work placements which number 2,148work placements.

“I know that each one of our studentswill remember St. Peter’s with fondnesswhen they think about their time here.”

Alternative high school has final awards night

END OF AN ERA – Staff of St. Peter’s Alternate High Schoolshare one of their final meals together in Michael Hall of St.Peter’s College as they prepare to move the school to LeRoy.The staff members include: from left, Principal Lorraine Jansenof LeRoy; Florence Schreiner of Marysburg and Muriel Wall ofDrake, educational assistants; Carol Brons of Lake Lenore, sec-retary; and Yvonne Gueguen of Humboldt, work Ed coordina-tor/teacher.

FINAL YEAR – Lorraine Jansen ofLeRoy, principal of St. Peter’s AlternateHigh School, reflects on the final days ofthe alternate high school in Michael Hallof St. Peter’s College. The alternate highschool closed at the end of the 2011-2012school year.

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By Paul Paproski, OSB

A creative idea 12 years ago byWendy Toye of Haus of Stitches inHumboldt culminated in one of the mostsuccessful sewing conferences to be heldin Saskatchewan. Wendy brought sever-al women together at her business in2000 to learn sewing techniques. Sherealized there was a lot of interest in thecraft and decided to hold further work-shops. She moved the workshops to St.Peter’s Abbey in 2002 to meet thedemands for accommodations. Wendy’swork culminated in the holding of the10th annual Saskatchewan StitchesConference, May 24 to June 3.

“The conference was a huge success.Everything went extremely well. Wehave grown from five days of classes and60 participants to 11 days of classes and250 participants in 10 years,” she said.The interest in the 10th anniversary wasevidenced by an increase in registrationof 100 from the previous year. Theanniversary featured a display of 50pieces of work in the Jerome AssemblyRoom for viewing. Viewers voted ontheir favorite work. Prizes, donated fromsuppliers, were awarded to the winners.

The display was the backdrop to agala evening where conference partici-pants reminisced over that past 10 greatyears. They were entertained by BeverlyJohnson of Hamilton, Ontario who wasthe original instructor in sewing 12 yearsago. Beverly has taught bra making forthe last 10 years at the abbey. More than100 guests attended the evening and

enjoyed the exhibit, entertainment andrefreshments, Wendy remarked.

“The abbey seemed like the perfectlocation for the conferences. I have knownabout the abbey all my life having grownup in the area, and ever since I started thestore I wanted to do some kind of eventthere,” she said. The abbey has a centrallocation in the province and is close toHaus of Stitches. Fr. Demetrius, guestmaster, informed Wendy that space wasavailable at the beginning of June the fol-lowing year. That time of the year was

ideal, Wendy said,since seeding wascompleted and peo-ple had not left onsummer holidays.The facilities at theabbey more than pro-vided for the needs ofclassroom space,meals and sleepingaccommodations.Renovations havesince taken place inthe guest wing andcollege and they haveimproved lightingand plug-in accessfor sewing machines.

The air exchange system in the collegebuilding has made the working environ-ment more pleasant.

Beverly Johnson was the first instruc-tor to offer classes at Haus of Stitches andshe continues to be one of the most popu-lar, Wendy remarked. Beverly once taughtclasses all over North America and nowconfines her work to the abbey and herschool in Hamilton, Ontario. Other ins -tructors come from Saskatchewan, Albertaand as far away as New York City; Den -ver, Colorado and Keller, Texas. Classesare offered in everything from bra making,fibre and collage art, and fabric scarves toquilt-making. A recent addition, rug hook-ing, has been growing in popularity.

Five years after beginning her confer-ences Wendy decided to add knitting to theline-up. She contacted Lily Chin of NewYork City, one of the best-known instruc-tors in that field. Lily’s classes were a hugesuccess. Jodi Barrows of Keller, Texas andMarci Baker of Denver, Colorado, whoteach quilting, met years earlier on theJane Pauley Show. They were pleased tomeet again at St. Peter’s Abbey.

“Instructors are eager to be invitedback once they have attended,” Wendysaid. “They love the facility here and areimpressed every year with the changes.

10th Annual Sewing Conference held at Abbey

STITCHES CONFERENCE – Participants in the 10th annual Saskatchewan StitchesConference, May 24 to June 3, at St. Peter’s Abbey pose for a photo. More than 250attended workshops, seminars, lectures and demonstrations in, among other things,sewing, quilting, knitting and rug hooking.

Display at the Gala evening of the 10th Annual SaskatchewanStitches Conference at St. Peter’s Abbey.

9

By Paul Paproski, OSB

St. Benedict was a man who had awise and discerning heart. His authoritar-ianism was practical wisdom, immersedin justice and mercy, Jim Penna ofSaskatoon said to the Benedictine Oblatesat a gathering, July 21. The wisdom of St.Benedict flowed from his prayer, Pennasaid to 35 attending a gathering of Oblatesof St. Peter’s Abbey. Jim and MarionPenna were guest speakers for OblateDay. Oblates are lay persons who areattached to a Benedictine monastery.They strive to deepen their baptism byliving the Rule of St. Benedict, the spiri-tual guide of Benedictines.

The Rule of St. Benedict is a means ofhelping Oblates to immerse themselvesin the Christian life and become the bodyof Christ, Penna commented. Oblates arechallenged to become radical Christianswho strive for unity and harmony withtheir inner selves, with others and nature.The Sacred Constitution on the Liturgy(Sacrosanctum Concilium, #48) ofVatican Council II echoed this, heremarked. The document encourageseveryone to grow into a fuller union withGod. This union naturally leads them tobecoming of service to others. St. Paul

spoke about this transformation into thebody of Christ when he exclaimed, “Thelife I live now is not my own; Christ isliving in me.”(Galatians 2:20) Oblates letChrist live in them by praying in Christ,seeing in Christ, suffering, working andloving in Christ. The ultimate goal of anoblate is confirmation in Christ, he said.

The Prologue (21) of the Rule of St.Benedict speaks of serving others

through good deeds, Jim remarked. ThePennas have strived to live a life of serv-ice through their involvement in theirparish of St. Mary’s and the larger com-munity. Their work, Jim said, has beencarried out with the belief that each of usis called to create human conditions forpeace, justice, freedom and solidarity.This vocation does not come easy andthe Rule exclaims this by stating thatperfect charity comes when we endureanother’s weaknesses. (RB 72:5).Endurance is possible when we strive tobe like Jesus, to live as Jesus and love asJesus loved, he remarked.

Marion Penna recalled 30 years agowhen she and Jim were searching forsomething more in their spiritual life.Marion read The Story of a Soul, the auto-biography of St. Therese of Lisieux. Thebook spoke of a loving God which was acontrast to the very legalistic perceptionshe had of God. Marion said there was theperception that God was very judgmentaland she was afraid that the littlest sin couldcause one to lose salvation.

The Pennas were introduced to theOblates by Fr. Albert Ruetz, OSB whowas the director. Fr. Albert and AbbotJerome Weber encouraged them tobecome Oblates. There was little in -struction on living as an Oblate, but sheremembers being encouraged to live it tothe best of her ability. The first word ofthe Rule of St. Benedict, “listen,” stoodout as an important guide to begin theirvocation. It is a good reminder of howwe need to live in the present momentwhere one meets God. The Rule speaksof a balanced life of work and prayer andthat continues to be a goal for Marion.

It is always a challenge to follow thedaily prayer encouraged by the Rule ofSt. Benedict, she commented. A prayerlife encourages one to listen, be silent,humble, and bring peace to the world.Listening means going deep within yourheart, she said. Scripture is the best wayto come to Christ and prayer keeps onein touch with Christ. One of the gifts ofthe Holy Spirit is peace and Marionstrives to be a promoter of peace, withinherself, within her family and the largercommunity. Dorothy Day, who is beingconsidered for sainthood, was an oblatewho spent much of her life promotingpeace, she said.

Oblates find peace in Rule of St. Benedict

OBLATES – Jim and Marion Penna wereguest speakers, July 21, at Oblate Dayheld at St. Peter’s Abbey. They discussedtheir role in living the Rule of St. Benedictas Oblates for more than 30 years.

NEW LOOK – A new elevator gives a fresh look to the west side of the refurbishedSt. Peter’s College. A miniature bird house in the shape of Michael Hall (collegebuilding) was designed and built by John Firman, Miners Constructor, project man-ager for the renovations. The idea for the bird house and donation of materials camefrom college employees Rehman Khan and Pierre April.

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By Paul Paproski, OSB

There are some priests in Saskatche -wan who still have a competitive edge insports such as soccer, basketball, volley-ball and ping pong. They demonstratedtheir stills at the Priests Sports Days,July 23 and 24, at St. Peter’s Abbey.Among them were Saskatoon BishopDonald Bolen and Abbot PeterNovecosky, OSB.

Rainfall during the two days didn’tdampen the spirits of the 40 participants,32 of whom were priests and seminari-ans, and eight, Knights of Columbus.The activities were moved indoors to theSt. Peter’s College gymnasium andfoyer. The Jerome Assembly Room, nextto Sts. Peter and Paul Church, was usedfor socializing and games. The indoorfacilities at the abbey met all the needsfor activities, according to DenisCarignan of North Battleford, StateSecretary of the Knights of Columbus.

“Everyone enjoyed the activities ofladder golf, soccer, volleyball, basket-ball, cards, darts, and ping pong.  There’senough of a selection of activities to suitall ages, skills, and interest levels,” heremarked. 

“It’s great to hold this event at theabbey and St. Peter’s College. We get toparticipate with the Benedictines in theMass and the prayers.  We also get tomeet the Benedictines and enjoy social-izing with them. Fr. Demetrius, OSB isalways very helpful at organizing andcoordinating the activities with the facil-

ities.  The location is fairly central.  Thefacilities are perfect for the activities. Weare provided with excellent meals andsleeping accommodations at a very rea-sonable cost.”

Abbot Peter Novecosky and BishopDonald Bolen both expressed their appre-ciation to the Knights of Columbus forbringing the priests of Saskatchewantogether for two days of fun and socializ-ing. The event was another great way tobuild the church community, they said.

“The idea for the Priests Sports Daycame from a con -versation withsome of the inter-national priestsserving in theArch dio cese ofRegina, talkingabout how goodit would be to getto gether withtheir compatriotsserving in otherSas katch ewandioceses,” saidBish op DonBolen. “We cameup with the ideaof an annualPriests Sports

Day, but probably wouldn’t have donemuch about it. Happily the Knights ofColumbus got wind of the idea and took iton. They have been wonderful in gettingus organized and started to establish a lit-tle tradition of coming together over thesoccer pitch, ping pong table, etc. I’m alsoimmensely grateful to the abbey for host-ing the event with their ever welcomingspirit.  We had a great day, and hopefullyan increasing number of priests will takepart in the event in the future.” 

Carignan’s experience in working as aPhys. Ed teacher and consultant enabledhim to organize the first Priests SportsDays at St. Peter’s Abbey last year. Hehas had the opportunity to organizemany “sports days” at the school level.The Priests Sports Days, he said, wassimilar to a school sports or activitydays. He won’t be involved in spear-heading Priests Sports Days next year,but will be part of the Knights ofColumbus volunteer team.  The numberswho took part last, year, 32 priests andseven Knights, were largely the same asthis year. There was one more Knights ofColumbus volunteer helping this year.

“I think that it is a very nice opportu-nity for priests from all four dioceses toget together, socialize and have somefun.  I do hope that it grows.”

Priests participate in Sports Days activities

PRIESTS’ SPORTS DAY – Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB and Saskatoon BishopDonald Bolen were among the participants in a basketball game held during Priests’Sports Day, July 23 and 24, at St. Peter’s Abbey. The Knights of Columbus sponsoredthe event attended by 32 priests and seminarians in the province and eight membersof the Knights of Columbus.

LADDER GOLF – Participants of Priests’ Sports Day, July 23 and24, at St. Peter’s Abbey enjoy a game of ladder golf. Other activitiesincluded soccer, volleyball, basketball, cards, darts, and ping pong. 

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By Paul Paproski, OSB

Twelve relatives of Abbot BrunoDoerfler, the first abbot of St. Peter’sAbbey, visited the home of their famousgreat-uncle for a week in early August.The group of great-nieces, great-nephews,one great-great nephew and one great-great niece from Minnesota and Oregoncame to learn about their famous uncleand his role in helping to build St. Peter’sColony. Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSBtook them on tours to routes once travelledby Abbot Bruno. Abbot Peter, on oneexcursion, read excerpts from the book,Quest for a New Homeland, a reprint ofAbbot Bruno’s journal describing his trav-els. Some great-nieces read Bruno’s lettersin St. Peter’s Abbey archives. The lettersgave them a deeper glimpse into theirgreat-uncle’s personality and the issues hefaced. Abbot Bruno, who had a farmingbackground and knowledge of good soil,chose the site of St. Peter’s Colony thatwas established in 1903. He died in 1919after contracting the flu.

April Justin of Otsego, Minnesota, agreat-great niece, said she remembersseeing a picture of Abbot Bruno at hergrandparents’ home. The picture is actual-ly a print of the painting of St. Paul in St.Peter’s Church, Muenster. The artist,Count Berthold Imhoff, was a friend ofBruno and used the image of Bruno forthe portrait of St. Paul. April enjoys histo-ry and has had an interest in the work ofAbbot Bruno for many years. She readQuest for a New Homeland before com-ing to St. Peter’s Abbey.

“His writings helped me get to knowhim. He wrote with good knowledge ofmany different topics and gave detailedaccounts of his experience on the journey.I was impressed with that man,” she said.April’s grandfather, Frank, a nephew ofAbbot Bruno, was only four years oldwhen his uncle died. Frank was raised bya single mother after his dad died in 1918.Frank’s strong faith was first nurtured byhis mother, Ida and her father, Adam.

“Adam, I am told, expected all of hischildren to give religious life a chance.Three daughters followed a religious voca-tion and two sons became priests: AbbotBruno Doerfler, OSB, and Father HilaryDoerfler, OSB. I consider myself part ofthe legacy of faith that my great-great

grandfather left. Abbot Bruno is part of thatsame legacy.” Among the favorite experi-ences in Canada for April were: visiting St.Peter’s Parish and Abbot Bruno’s grave;touring a room of old books, meeting theBenedictines, and hearing Abbot Peter call,“two minutes, two minutes” as he tried toget everyone back in the tour van.

“My dad commented, ‘The peoplemade the trip.’ We were greeted with suchkindness by the priests and brothers at theabbey, the people who took time to sharestories and information; those who wel-comed us into their homes and reallyeveryone we met. One of the ElizabethanSisters stopped me in the hallway as wewere leaving their convent in Humboldt toshare with me about Abbot Bruno. Sheacknowledged that we were his descen-dants and told me how thankful she wasthat he brought them to Saskatchewan. Iwas touched that she took the time to sharethat with me,” April said.

Donald and Paula Justen of Aitkin,Minnesota said they came to St. Peter’sAbbey without any knowledge of Donald’sgreat uncle Abbot Bruno. They left in aweof what Abbot Bruno was able to accom-plish with God’s grace. One memorableexperience of their visit was having lunchoutside while waiting for the ferry at St.Laurent. They wondered how often Abbot

Bruno ate outside onthe prairies. TheJustens said theyenjoyed praying withthe monks of St.Peter’s Abbey andsharing meals withthem. They felt verywelcome and weregrateful to AbbotPeter for taking thetime to help them seethe former colony.

Barbie Justen ofGrand Ronde, Ore -gon, a great niece ofAbbot Bruno, re -members hearingabout how proud herfather was of AbbotBruno. Her fatheroften pointed to thefamily of Bruno as anexample of how tolive a faithful life.

Barbie had read the book, Quest For aNew Homeland, before visiting St. Peter’sAbbey. She said she was impressed withthe many activities, outings & fellowshipduring her stay.

“I felt such a connection to my greatuncle Bruno. It was just like going back intime and seeing what it must have beenlike to enter this vast land, and then whatall those amazing people who came thereafterwards, added to it to make this colonydevelop and grow. I was also very touchedby the visit to the Elizabethan sisters andknowing that they were leaving Humboldtshortly. One of the sisters began to cry andthat really got to me. Never short on tearsmyself, I began to cry also and realizedthat these ladies had come to this area atthe request of my great uncle, and that itwas nice that some of his descendentswere there when they were making theirexit.” Barbie’s favorite site at the abbeywas the grave of Abbot Bruno.

Kay (Justen) Husome Pelletier ofBloomington, Minnesota, a great-niece ofAbbot Bruno, said she was very apprecia-tive of the Benedictine hospitality. Shebelieves her group is not the first of theDoerfler descendants to visit St. Peter’sAbbey. Some relatives were there possi-bly when her mother visited the abbey inAugust of 1983.

Relatives of Abbot Bruno visit St. Peter’s Abbey

RELATIVES OF BRUNO – The relatives of Abbot Bruno, OSBthe first Abbot of St. Peter’s Abbey, stand near the grave ofBruno at St. Peter’s Abbey monastic cemetery. The Americansvisited the abbey in August and toured the former St. Peter’sColony. They travelled to sites once observed by Bruno as hehelped establish the colony.

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Continued from page 3

There are some outdoor enthusiastswho remember Fr. Rudolph’s love for berry picking, bird watching, duck hunt-ing and fishing. He often went on fishingtrips at Deschambault Lake and CanoeLake with Frs. Florian, OSB and WernerRenneberg, OSB. He is an avid reader, aswell. St. Peter’s Abbey held a special cel-ebration for Fr. Rudolph’s 50th anniver-sary in July. Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSBrecounted how Fr. Rudolph was athletic.Once he entertained his students bywalking across the classroom on hishands.

The most enjoyable part of Fr.Rudolph’s life, overall, has been his workas a pastor. “I have always liked parishwork. The people have always been sup-portive, very affirming,” he remarked.Many people don’t realize that Bene -dictine priests were often asked to work inparishes outside the former St. Peter’sAbbacy. Sometimes diocesan priests

asked the Benedictines to serve in theirparishes when the diocesan priests wenton holidays. Fr. Rudolph remembers fill-ing in at parishes at Watrous and QuillLake and as far away as Kamloops, B.C.

Asked about differences in the attitudesof parishioners over the past 50 years, henoted that fewer people are attendingchurch. Many from the older generationhave died or retired outside small commu-nities. The decline in church attendancecan be attributed, as well, to fewer youngpeople living in small communities andhaving fewer children. He noted that thereare many young people who have a goodimpression of the church. When the direc-tor of education informed the school inAnnaheim that students could no longerattend Mass during regular school hours, itwas agreed the students could attend Massduring noon hour. The students’ supportfor Mass was very strong, he commented.

Fr. Rudolph suffered a life-changingmoment in November 3 of 1977 when hewas injured in the back with a shotgun

while hunting ducks. He was with hisbrother Tony, Fr. Florian Renneberg, OSBand Fr. Edward Benning, OSB at the time.They had spotted ducks on a stubble fieldabout 10 miles north of Carmel. Fr.Rudolph placed decoys in a slough andquickly left when he saw the ducks return-ing. He ran with his loaded shotgun, for-getting that he had failed to put on thesafety catch. As he ran his little finger hitthe trigger and the gun went off and shotin the air. The gun recoiled out of his handand fell behind him going off a secondtime, shooting him in the back.

During his convalescence in the RoyalUniversity Hospital Fr. Rudolph experi-enced the powerful awareness of God’spresence. After six and one half monthshe was well enough to return to the abbey.He went through long periods of pain anddepression. Surgery in 1987 relieved himof most of his pain. He is able to walkshort distances using crutches whichenabled him to return to parish work ayear and a half after leaving the hospital.It is a humbling experience to be depend-ent on others, he said.

“I began to realize that people whohave to help the handicapped are giventhe opportunity to grow in charity. Thatrealization made it easier for me to bedependent on others,” he remarked. Fr.Rudolph believes God has blessed himthroughout his years as a priest and isgrateful for his vocation.

Fr. Rudolph had a love for the outdoors

By Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSBFormation Director

Our monastery is experiencing newlife with the influx of six candidates. Thecandidacy program began at the begin-ning of September and will last for sixmonths. During this time the candidateslive in the monastery and follow themonastic schedule. Classes are given onmonastic customs, the Catholic Cate -chism and Scripture. At the end of thecandidacy program the candidates canapply for acceptance into the novitiatewhich lasts for one year. The novitiatehas a more intensive study program.

The names of the candidates are as fol-lows: 1. Andreas Hofer of New Zealand; 2.Peter van Ginkel of Winnipeg; 3. Anthony

Victor of Singapore; 4. Christopher Weberof Ontario; 5. Linden Predy of Saskatoon;and 6. Dominic Leo of Vancouver.

There are many reasons why menseek monastic life. Some of the sugges-tions are that monastic life: allows us tosubmit ourselves to -tally to God’s will;offers a balanced lifeof work and prayer;gives the opportunityto re spond to an inneryearning for God;gives joy; helps toserve God in a com-plete fashion; and is atried and tested pathto seek God. Thedecision to become anordained priest or abrother is made afterthe novitiate.

Please keep thesecandidates in yourprayers and also ourmonastery so that Godwill continue to blessus as he has in the past.

Six candidates enter St. Peter’s

Published and printed by theBenedictine community of St. Peter’sAbbey, Muenster, Sask.

Editor: Fr. Paul Paproski, OSB

Logo by Kurt Van Kuren, OSB

ST. PETER’S PRESS, MUENSTER, SK

MONASTIC CANDIDATES — Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSB,formation director at St. Peter’s Abbey, welcomes six candi-dates to the abbey. They include: from left, Dominic Leo ofVancouver, Christopher Weber of Ontario, Peter van Ginkelof Winnipeg, Linden Predy of Saskatoon, Andreas Hofer ofNew Zealand, and Anthony Victor of Singapore.