VOLUME 56, NUMBER 2 / 3190 BENET LANE, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 80921-1509 / Spring 2018

“Jesus came to bring life more abundantly. He came to save....to break the chains of bondage and addiction.

He came to heal the hurting, and comfort and restore... He came to forgive.... He came to reconcile us with God...”

-Teresa Schultz

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Message from the Prioress By Sister Clare Carr, OSB, Prioress

“A single thread of hope is stronger than all the chains that bind you.” -Jeffrey Fry

Dear Friends and Families,

In the first few pages of this Review you will see the word ‘addiction.’ Yes, we are all addicted to something, our economic culture depends on it. Just watch some of the commercials on TV and you will note what you cannot live without-junk food, cars, even drug prescriptions. And yet what amazes me as a psychotherapist is that empirical evidence points out that healthy living and wholeness requires: good sleep, exercise, low fats and less sugars in our diet, social relationships and last of all, but most impressive is that healing takes place with the practice of meditation. Meditation leads us to awareness, awareness, awareness. It is a state of being in the present-a centeredness. This is the focal point where we can experience an expanded world of love, compassion and peace.

If you long for an environment of stillness, we invite you to the monastery for a day of prayer or to seriously consider attending our presentation of the 12 Step Spirituality-Spiritual Awakening for Everyone offered in August. Daniel Siegel, MD author of the book Aware offers the scientific evidence of the benefits of meditation and Thomas Keating’s Divine Therapy and Addiction also speaks about the great healing benefits of meditation. These resources can bring wholeness to your life and liberate you from the addictions while learning to rest in the Spirit of God. Blessings and Peace,

Front Cover: A Gift Given is a Gift to be SharedBy Donna Kaiser Billingsley, Benet Hill Academy, Class of ‘70

The exquisite wooden crucifix on the cover of this edition of The Review was created by a Bosnian wood carver and given to my husband and me in gratitude for my mother, Joyce Kaiser.

My mother, Joyce was instrumental in helping her church sponsor multiple families from war-torn Bosnia during the 1990s. Each family member arrived with only the clothes they were wearing and one small suitcase. My mother, along with church members helped the families secure housing, furnishings and food to begin building their lives in the United States. She completed this mission many times before she passed away July 30, 1998.

In deepest sympathy we remember our dear sisters and their families who have lost loved ones.

Sister Deb Kuhl, OSB for the loss of her brother, Rick Kuhl.

Sister Helen Zecha, OSB for the loss

of her brother, Tom Zecha.

Sister Mary Teresa Hicks, OSB for the loss of her cousin, Ruth Simon.

Sisters Kathleen and Elizabeth Cogan, OSB for the loss of their niece, Kathleen Brockman.

Sister Olive Therese Geiger, OSB for the loss of her niece, Melissa Williamson.

Upon her death, my brother and I donated my mom’s household items to the last immigrant family she sponsored. The young father was so filled with gratitude that he gave me the only possession he brought from his homeland-the crucifix.

I hung the cross in my workspace so I could see it every day. What a glorious piece of art. But I wondered what would happen to it when I died. Upon reflection and in gratitude as a Benet Hill Academy graduate, I presented the cross to Sisters Lucile, Anne and Mary Jane at Benet Hill Monastery. Here this special cross will have a permanent home.

“If you find God, you shall be free forever.” -Lailah Gifty Akita

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Vocation - T he call to LoveBy Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB, Vocation Director

Like it or not, in the broader sense, we are all addicted to something. It may be substance abuse, food, control, caffeine, drama, money, or any one of a million things. We like to think of other people as “addicts”, but not ourselves. There is a broad spectrum of addiction behaviors and many levels of severity- some people function better than others, but we are all addicts at some level.

August 24 - 26, 2018 Held at Benet Hill Monastery, Colorado Springs, CO Facilitator: Herb K. from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

12 Step Spirituality: Spiritual Awakening for Everyone

Cost: $135 (includes box lunch on Saturday-excludes housing). Please plan to attend the entire weekend to benefit from the full experience. LIMITED SEATING - register early.

“Freedom...is the act of releasing ourselves from the bondage of that which keeps us from living the

life we were meant to live.” -Kelli Wilson

As followers of Christ, we are called to offer a loving, understanding, comforting, non-judgmental, non-threatening presence to each individual who is suffering, as well as to their family co-suffering with them. People struggling with severe addictions need compassion and to be treated as the “beloved of God “ - the same way we respond to someone facing a life-threatening illness.

Jesus always saw and called out the hidden beauty from each person, and helped them rediscover the image and likeness of God within and the unlimited potential they possess. Approaching addiction from this perspective creates an atmosphere helping us and others feel valued and loved regardless of behavior or perceived failure. Offering God’s love, compassion, mercy, grace, healing and restoration along with our prayers, presence, patience and comforting words create hope for a new life.

We are called to love others by accepting them as they “are”. Hidden beauty is exposed through authentic love, acceptance and compassion. Jesus told us that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). If we respond in this way, someone struggling with addiction may discover that they are ” the Beloved, “and can be “loved back to life.”

Addiction is a coping method that helps us avoid pain or anything too vulnerable, too shameful, too scary, or simply too much for us to handle. Addiction offers a distraction from facing difficult issues and emotions. It is highly personal as our individual addictions are as unique to us as our pain. Many of our efforts to address addictions are infused with anger, conflict and despair. Where do we find hope?

Schedule: Friday, August 24: 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm Steps 1-3 Saturday, August 25: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Steps 4-11 Sunday, August 26: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Step 12

Registration: www.benethillmonastery.org Find “Events” on the home page. Contact Person: Eileen Beuler at registrations@benethillmonastery.org or (719) 633-0655 x132

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel before August 3, 2018 you will receive a 50% refund. There are no refunds for cancellations after August 3, 2018.

Who should attend? ALL who are interested in experiencing a Spiritual Awakening and/or improving the quality of their life by enhancing their spiritual journey.

About the Speaker: Herb Kaighan is an author, provides spiritual direction, and leads Twelve Step workshops and retreats throughout the world. In his books, “Twelve Steps to a Spiritual Awakening” and “Practicing the Here and Now”, Herb shares his insights using his own experience of traditional and also 12 step spirituality. His books speak of lighting a path from the dark world of addiction and brokenness to a life of purpose and light. For more information visit www.herbk.com.

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The Suffering Jesus of Good Friday

Oblates: God is always “creating something new.”

Community Discernment of Ministries

During our recent community meeting, we, the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery, took a long, loving look at many of our current ministries. A ministry is our work, our service, how we live out our vision for our lives as monastic women. This service includes our spirituality programs, Sister Thrift & Boutique, Sunday Eucharist, Trafficking Education, Retreats and our new program: Global Online Benedictine Spiritual Direction Program evolved out of the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program (BSFP).

“We share equally in the service of the one God.” (RB Ch 2)

In addition, there are many internal ministries that express our vision: car maintenance, Benet Gift Shop, retreats, care of our forest, cleaning and washing dishes, outreach to children through our stuffed animal room, etc, ….all of which contribute to the care of community members and service to you and our world.

As a continuation of this process we will be evaluating some of our ministries as to their viability and practicality as we look at staffing, space and cost to us as a community. Please pray with us as we discern how to move into the future with the guidance of the Spirit and a desire to serve you and our world to the best of our ability.

By Lori Banks, Oblate

“Monastic work is an extension of worship, sharing through a variety of ministries

in the mission of the church and loving service to the world.”

(Of All Good Gifts)

By Sister Deb Kuhl, OSB

I am a woman who began a 12 step recovery program over 8 years ago. The 11th step of this program states, “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” I had no idea how powerful these words, and the action they continue to call me to, would prove to be in my life. When I began the 12 step program I was broken and full of fear; I saw life through a lens of scarcity.

Gradually, as I worked through a program and time spent intentionally with God in centering prayer, everything in my life took on a new fullness. I began to heal. Where I once saw scarcity, I now experienced abundance.

I met with Sister MT Summers, OSB for lunch to learn more about oblates while experiencing Benedictine hospitality. I was accepted into the class and as we studied, The Rule of St. Benedict, I began to appreciate (among so many things) that God is always “creating something new” and calling us to become more authentic.

I graduated from the BSFP in May, and had my Profession of Oblation in July of 2017. Both of these profound events have taught me to look for the Divine in all things. I am still learning.

I am amazed and grateful for this process, for the grace and the encouragement of this community, and discovering new ways to be of service as I continue to grow “one day at a time. “

Through my prayer, God began to speak, I began to listen, and everything changed. I went from having a wonderful life in recovery to an ever growing life of discovery within God’s presence that was beyond anything I could have imagined. I was led to enter the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program and also met a new friend in the oblate class.

Sister Katie Keeley, OSB (deceased Nov. 6, 2003), while teaching in Antonito, Colorado in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, established the group Arco Iris (artists, artisans and santeros- santeros are individuals who make religious images) in the San Luis Valley. During a fall visit to New Mexico, Sister Katie and other Benet Hill sisters visited Ben Ortega (a famous santero) at his home outside of Taos. Ben invited the sisters on a hike and pointed out pieces of drift wood, exclaiming: “This will be our father Abraham and that piece will be a powerful sancto of Moses.” When Sister Katie returned to the monastery she was gifted with two santos

from one of Ben’s sons: one of The Suffering Jesus of Good Friday and the exquisite Christ of Easter Sunday. The sisters continue to hold these unique and splendid works of art as sacred during Lent and Easter as a reminder of the beauty of the San Luis Valley.

Sacred ArtBy Sister Anne Stedman, OSB

Christ of Easter Sunday

Break the chains

of addiction.

What is your addiction?

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Seasonal Joys of Community Living”Compiled By Gina Berger, Communications Director

Lilies, tulips and fresh flowers surrounded the

multi-colored candle greeting the assembly on

Easter Sunday.

Sister Mary Glenn, OSB happily irons

altar linens for Holy Thursday.

The Lenten environment is

always beautiful and symbolic-here we

see the empty pots as a reflection of the

practice to “empty ourselves” during Lent.

Sister Josie Sanchez, OSB puts out the bells on

Easter Sunday for singing in the “Alleluia.”

Sister Anne Stedman, OSB ever the musician, is working to perfect

and improve the liturgical experience for Holy Week.

The sisters have a tradition of “Burying the Alleluia” at beginning of Lent to

signify the period of fasting, penance and almsgiving.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.

Sisters Margaret Meaney , OSB and Mary Teresa Hicks, OSB prepare Easter

baskets for the Easter dinner tables.

Sacred oils are received from the Diocese at the

beginning of Holy Week. These oils lead us deeper into the mystery of God’s

presence in our daily lives.

RCIA candidates and catechumens (men, women and children) from parishes around the Diocese are

held in daily prayer by the sisters.

Sisters and special guests share a meal in preparation for Holy Thursday Eucharist.

Good Friday is a time we remember an unselfish act of total surrender

in silent compassion and gratitude.

Palm Sunday -every place within the monastery reflects the beauty

of each liturgical season.

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For more information or questions, please contact Sister Rose Ann Barman, OSB: sroseann@benethillmonastery.org

By Sister Rose Ann Barmann, OSB, Human Trafficking Prevention Ministry

Human Trafficking Prevention Series

R to L: Lois Landgraf, Sister Rose Ann Barmann, OSB and Paul Lundeen

“For one wild, glad moment we

snapped the chain that binds us to

earth, and joining hands with the winds we felt

ourselves divine.” -Helen Keller

SAVE THE DATE: As a follow-up to the January 22 session with Dr. Jeff Brodsky, Founder of Joy International, Benet Hill Monastery will

sponsor a “Barefoot Mile Walk” on September 8, 2018 at the Lewis-Palmer sports stadium. For further information and to register for the walk go to:

www.Joy.org “The Barefoot Mile”. See you at the “Barefoot Mile Walk.”

January 22: “The Least of These” ~ Dr. Jeff Brodsky, Founder and Executive Director of Joy International. www.Joy.org January 29: A Survivor’s Story: “Beauty from Ashes: The Power of Mentorship in the Process of Healing from Trafficking “ ~ Jessa Crisp, Executive Director and co-Founder of Bridge Hope February 5: “Caring for the Survivors” ~ Erika Vida, Coordinator for Victims Advocacy CSPD; Lindy Havens, Executive Director of Restore Innocence; Dianne March, Mentor; and Vicki Proffit, Executive Director of Sarah’s Home. February 12: “Your Voice & Vote Matter” ~ Colorado State Representatives: Lois Landgraf & Paul Lundeen. Moderator: Kelly Dore, Executive Director of Colorado Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition.

Our third annual Human Trafficking Prevention Series held in January and February at Pikes Peak Library 21C was well attended by 140 participants over four weeks.

By Sonja Ragaller, Interim Volunteer CoordinatorVolunteers Are Blessings from God

One of Benet Hill’s many blessings is the volunteers. They share their time and talents without any compensation and are worth their weight in gold. One such volunteer is Bonnie Minissale. Her talents are varied, and she has helped in so many areas we have lost count. Bonnie came to us through other volunteers and originally donated her time to help put together the Benet Hill Review. Since then she has helped decorate the chapel, sew Advent and Easter banners, cross stitch, knit and crochet items for the gift shop and work the reception desk. Her donated time is not just confined to the indoors, as Bonnie also helps with the flower beds, fire mitigation, forest clean-up and trail grooming. When asked why she volunteers, Bonnie stated she enjoys the fellowship and finds the monastery a place to reflect, recharge and be thankful for all. In turn, we are thankful for Bonnie.

On February 5th, attendees learned of local agencies that are “Caring for the Survivors” (theme for the session). These agencies consist of a victim advocate, Erika Vida who works directly with the Human Trafficking Unit of the Colorado Springs Police Department, Vicki Proffit, Executive Director of Sarah’s Home and Lindy Havens, Executive Director, of Restore Innocence. The latter agency provides restoration bags containing personal necessities for rescued human trafficking victims.

Sister Mary Teresa Hicks, OSB sang her newly written song, “Bring Them Home.” She wrote this

song as a prayer after being moved by the stories of human trafficking.

Kelly Dore, former Elbert County Commissioner and current Executive Director of the National Colorado Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition facilitated the discussion. Kelly, herself, is a survivor of familial trafficking. She was exploited by her father from the age of 12 months to 14 years of age.

The series helped participants realize “we cannot do everything to stop human trafficking, but we can all do something.” We can educate ourselves and make informed purchases by not supporting products made by sex/labor trafficking victims. Most importantly, we can help raise awareness, support our legislators in their efforts, and keep our eyes open for potential victims. Please memorize or input the national multi-lingual hotline number 1-888-3737-888 in your smart phone and give it out to anyone you suspect might be a victim.

The final session, “Your Voice & Vote Matter,” featured two Colorado State House Representatives, Lois Landgraf and Paul Lundeen. Both discussed their work drafting, sponsoring and supporting legislation to better define and address human trafficking in Colorado and outlined their struggles to prosecute traffickers and secure funding to help survivors, in particular children who have been forced into prostitution. Current bills include some important additions: Human trafficking of children should be recognized as child abuse and entitle the children to government funded aftercare.

Greetings and God’s blessings to you:

God can work in wonderful and mysterious ways, and that was the case in Benet Hill and me finding each other this past November. After a brief career in the Catholic Church as a campus minister in Baltimore, I embarked on a 35-year journey in the field of fund development and mission advancement in schools and colleges from Colorado to Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Texas. Twenty of those years were in Colorado Springs, and after a 3+ year adventure in Houston, the land not of milk and honey but big oil, floods and money, I was ready to come home. The first and only position I applied for was here at Benet Hill and from the beginning it has felt indeed like a homecoming. I started the job this spring, and look forward to relocating and being here full-time July 1st.

Your love of the sisters, this place, and their ministries is evident in your generous financial and emotional support. Your support is fuel for their spiritual fires and helps us provide warmth and light and renewal to all of us who seek deeper connections with God and each other.

May God continue to do wonderful and mysterious things for all of us, and give me the chance to meet, get to know, and work with you to further the mission of Benet Hill Monastery. The world needs us!

Blessings,

Kevin McTernan, Director of Mission Advancement

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Mission Advancement: Introducing a New Director By Carin Willis, Interim Director of Mission Advancement

2017 Annual ReportPlease look for our 2017 Annual Report to arrive in the mail later this month! (An electronic version will be available on the Mission Advancement page of our website soon.)

Enjoy a guided tour of the monastery, hear about the history of the Sisters of Benet Hill, and learn about their present day mission and ministries. Please join us for our next Pathways to Peace at the Monastery. Bring a friend, neighbor or loved one!

2018 ScheduleJuly 12 * September 13 * November 8

4 pm - 5 pm

Pathways to Peace

Our heartfelt thanks for supporting the sisters with your Spring Appeal gifts totaling $21,674.00.

Spring Appeal

The Sisters of Benet Hill were able to send $4,000 to the Alliance for International Monasticism (AIM USA) with the help of their generous Sunday liturgy attendees. Thank You!

AIM USA is an organization comprised of 115 Benedictine/Cistercian monasteries of men and women in the United States and Canada. Monies raised for AIM USA helps them to respond to the needs of monasteries in developing countries by providing both financial and spiritual assistance which assists with education and new member formation.

Please RSVP to Carin Willis in Mission Advancement:cwillis@benethillmonastery.org

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of our supporters and friends of Benet Hill Monastery while I was the Interim Director of Mission Advancement over the past 20 months. It has been an absolute joy and honor to serve you in this role and to learn of the many reasons you support the sisters.

In July, I will continue working in Mission Advancement, but will no longer serve as the Interim Director, as we welcome the leadership of Kevin McTernan, who brings 35 years of fundraising experience to the Mission Advancement office of Benet Hill. We are very excited for the on-going and new friendships that will develop over the coming months and years. Please give Kevin a warm, Benedictine welcome!

AIM USA

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Ministry: New for 2018-2019

An online class is more than “just words on a screen”. At Benet Hill it is an interactive, engaging and perhaps life changing experience. We offer technology that works, information that expands the mind (and the heart) and real time interaction with the facilitator and other students. Best of all, it is easy. Just register and we will send you an e-mail link allowing you to join the class. We would love for you to join us.

Sister Ana Cloughly, OSB has created a new series entitled “Spiritual Conversations”. It spans a variety of topics important to the world. Our new online format opens numerous opportunities to listen, learn, value, and appreciate diverse perspectives on each topic.

The first Spiritual Conversation, N ature Spiritually asks the question “ What does Christianity bring to the environmental conversation?” Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato si says, “We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenges we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affects us all.” As a class participant, you will receive modules sent to your e-mail with links to Laudato si articles, videos, reflection questions and action opportunities. Our goal is to approach the topic of “environmental challenge” by dialoguing with others, hearing their voices, and engaging in a true conversation with respectful exchanges of differing viewpoints. The seven week series runs from July 5 – Aug. 16, 2018. Meeting times are 10:00 am or 6:00 pm MST. For more information, please contactSister Ana Cloughly, OSB at sana@benethillmonastery.org or call 719.633.0655 ext. 150.

FREE INTERIM CLASS:

This free class runs from September 2018 to December 2018 and is offered to students who apply to the new program. It will allow the applicants to become familiar with the video conferencing program and the instructors in the program.

Applications are being accepted now. Please contact: Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSBsmarycolleen@benethillmonastery.org for more information or to apply.

Please pass this information on to anyone you know who may be interested.

NEW VISION:

The GLOBAL ONLINE BENEDICTINE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION PROGRAM is a two-year program designed to meet the needs of individuals in today’s world that need flexibility and the ability to be creative in managing the study aspect of the program. The program profoundly impacts those who wish to deepen their spiritual life and how they relate to others. This transformational path, along with learning the skills needed to be a spiritual director prepares you for the call to this ministry.

We have kept pace with technology advancement in digital video conferencing to provide quality audio and visual interactive-live virtual connection since 2007. The revised curriculum is presented in monthly instructional modules. An instructor will be assigned to you for the entire two-year program.

The new Global Online Benedictine Spiritual Direction Year One will begin in January 2019 and run through August 2019.

This program provides a safe, confidential and sacred space as you become a spiritual director. Integrate your new skills in your

current ministry or life work.

Notice: The TEST web site: www.bhspirituality.org has been closed. This in no way affects any of the vital programming offered at Benet Hill Monastery.

“Together we walk into the future with renewed hope in possibilities and new beginnings.” -Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB

By Sister Ana Cloughly, OSB, Director of Contemplative VisionJoin the Conversation

“We have learned a new way of living in the world,

through awareness, and to see with God’s eyes, to hear with

God’s ears, and to love with God’s heart.”

-Graduate of BenedictineSpiritual Formation Program

By Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB, Global Online Benedictine Spiritual Direction Program Coordinator

We are pleased to announce to friends, supporters and participants the launching of our REVISED and RENAMED

spiritual direction program.

GLOBAL ONLINE BENEDICTINE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION PROGRAM

Lisa MensingerSandy, UT

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Back Row L to R: Catherine Coughlin, Shelva Leep, Cinda Gillilan, Joe Munoz, Martha Caban-Moreaux and Eric Peter;

Front Row L to R: Aurora Culkin, Ellen Franklin and Maria Rosa Galter;

Not Shown: Colleen Hatton and Linda Hellow

Back Row L to R: Rick Klein, Bob Broussard, Fern Kishbaugh, Sister Mary Teresa Hicks, OSB, Sister Deb Kuhl, OSB, Lori Smith and

Rene Runge; Front Row L to R: Mary Stoneback, Gabriela Barstad, Kathy Latzke and Sandy Broussard

Colorado Springs Denver

Vivian McLaughlin Philadelphia, PA

Cindy KorbOneonta, NY Terry Burrows

San Luis Obispo, CA

Catherine BartleyArlington, TX

Elizabeth GarrettFayetteville, AR

Brendalyn BatchelorSante Fe, NM

Sister Lorren Harbin, CSJGrand Junction, CO

Penny SeayAustin, TX

Kirsten RudbergSanta Fe, NM

Roger WolseyBoulder, CO

Luke FilmoreDes Moines, IA

Congratulations to all the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program graduates!

2018 Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program Graduates

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What is forgiveness? Usually our answer is in the negative, it’s not letting someone get away with something, it’s not forgetting, it’s not giving permission. In our yearly Forgiveness Retreat, Steve Gabriel offers a way to pray with our pain. The Forgiveness Prayer is life changing because of its unique quality of conversation. It calls us to a conversation with God and our pain. Whether we have been hurt or we have hurt another, forgiveness is a process. The prayer helps us to make the journey to forgiveness at our own pace. God mediates between us and our pain gently and safely.

What is that old cliché, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? In February we held a day to create our own prayer journal. Journaling is a wonderful way to give expression to our spiritual experiences. Creating our own prayer journal is a gift to ourselves Everything we put in the journal; images, drawings, word art, or abstract paintings, opens an opportunity to tell the story of ourselves. We gathered in our art room and provided the art supplies and the participants brought their creativity and a delightful playfulness.

“As a Spiritual Director, I am profoundly grateful to be with people as they care for their inner self. Caring for the inner self is as important as caring for one’s body. All spiritual practices change us. We are never sure what those changes will look like. In spiritual direction, I try to create a safe space for people to honestly face their inner self without judgment.” - Sister Ana Cloughly, OSB (right)

Sister Rose Ann Barmann, OSB led a retreat with over 30 participants on April 14th. The participants explored their invitation into the Mystery and wonder of God’s Divine Community. Sister Rose Ann taught on the “Oneness and Threeness of God” in an accepting and affirming setting.

Holy Trinity Retreat:“You are loved, forgiven and pursued by a jealous God.”

I treasure the years I spent at Bent Hill Academy. The nurturing, the fun, and the love of other students and sisters significantly impacted my life journey. There have been great challenges and great blessings.

After graduation, I attended Loretto Heights College in Denver and earned a degree in theology and education. I taught school in Denver for three years before moving to a women’s community (the Grail) near Cincinnati. The combination of values and influence from the Benedictines, the Sisters of Loretto and the Grail filled me with deep faith and a commitment to social justice, which continues to this day.

In 1977, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to obtain a nursing degree. I spent 30 years as a pediatric oncology nurse at the Stanford children’s hospital working with my heroes and my greatest teachers. I fell in love on the job every day! Due to health reasons, I retired early. However, I am now doing well and enjoying life with my wonderful golden retriever, Shelby. I am grateful.

Benet Hill Academy Alumnae

SAVE THE DATES: Saturday, July 28, 2018: Picnic at 12:30 pm followed by games, pictures, tours, and remembering for ALL alumnae and their families.

Sunday, July 29, 2018: Mass at 10:15 am followed by coffee & rolls, and sharing for alumnae and their families.

PLEASE RSVP by July 15th to Sister Lucile at benethill@juno.com or call 719-633-0655 Ext. 118.

In deepest sympathy we remember our dear alumnae and their families who have

lost loved ones.

Ruth Ann Rubeck Tryon, class of ‘72 on the loss of her

brother, Jeffrey Rubeck.

Academy Alumnae News By Shellie Owens, Class of ‘68

Shellie with her golden retriever, Shelby.

Prayer Journal Retreat Journey to Forgiveness

By Sister Ana Cloughly, OSBDirector of Contemplative Vision

The Sisters of Benet Hill invite you to explore your relationship with God through spiritual direction. Please make your initial contact with Sister Therese O’Grady, Coordinator for Spiritual Direction and she will help you find a Spiritual Director. In each Review we will feature a different sister.

Spiritual Direction:Contact: Sister Therese O’Grady, OSB; stherese@benethillmonastery.org Phone: (719) 473-8764

“It is always wonderful to have spiritual conversations with the sisters and oblates. “

“This is just what I needed.”“ Sister Rose Ann gave an insightful presentation.”

Comments from Participants

By Sister Ana Cloughly, OSB

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Compiled By Gina Berger, Communications Director

A Day in the Life

Sister Clare Carr, OSB provides psychotherapy to clients every Tuesday in Denver.

“I love my days in Denver on Tuesdays, because I get the opportunity to journey with a number of amazing men and women who long to grow in their lives. Many of them come from very difficult life experiences and yet they have the passion and will to become more whole persons. Over these many years I have witnessed tremendous change and courage displayed in each of these individuals. They have taught me many lessons about living each day choosing life over death. I have been truly blessed and enriched. Thank you to all who have come into my life through this ministry.” -Sister Clare Carr, OSB, Therapist

Our friendship with The Colorado College has been a long and valuable one for the Colorado Springs community. Two of our librarians have worked at Colorado College’s Charles L. Tutt Library. So, when Shelley Harper (CC’s Social Sciences librarian) invited us for a tour of the newly renovated and expanded library, we jumped at the opportunity.

Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB and Sister Mary Teresa Hicks, OSB attended the Embrace Vocation Day on January 30th at St. Mary’s High School. It was an opportunity for us to share our vocation as Benedictine religious with the youth of our Diocese.

“As often happen at a time like this, things always seem to work out in unexpected ways. Libby (Kathleen’s’ daughter) texted a picture of Brylee (new baby) to Jim (Kathleen’s’ husband). Jim told Kathleen she had a new granddaughter, held up his phone, and asked her if she wanted to see a picture. For the first time in essentially a week, she opened her eyes and looked at the picture… so she knew. After they took her off the ventilator, she was gone in about an hour. She really gets to celebrate with all the rest of the family who are with her in heaven. Both Kathleen and Brylee celebrated their new birth on the same day”. -Tom Cogan

Another hat of Richey’s was that of receptionist. She greeted guests with such warmth that strangers left as friends and friends left feeling like family. Richey always had flowers and candy at the front desk and a friendly word or two for anyone who passed. We all enjoyed her wonderful, colorful, friendly, cheery and humor-filled personality.

Richey’s well deserved retirement leaves a void and emptiness at Benet Hill. But we are all better for knowing her and experiencing her genuine, caring and giving soul. Yet we will miss our friend. We hope her new journey is filled with joy and good health and that she remembers to visit us.

Sister Clare Carr, OSB, Prioress (standing) is leading a blessing for Richey- in gratitude for her service and

her journey into retirement.

Sister Rose Ann Barmann, OSB spoke to theWomen’s Guild on Friday, April 6th at St. Peter’sChurch in Monument, CO. Her talk focused oninspiring the women to realize they have beencalled and sent to spread the “Good News” of Easter just as Mary Magdalene and the other women inthe Gospel. She also shared information on how to connect and get involved with Benet Hill.

The Matthews FamilyL to R: Andrew, Chris is holding

Brylee, Libby (Mother) and Colin

Sister Elizabeth Cogan, OSB received this email message the day after she lost her niece, Kathleen Brockman.

Circle of Life

Her niece became a grandmother the same day she went to heaven. She had been very ill and in the hospital

L to R: Barbara Neilon, Sisters Mary Jane Vigil,OSB Ana Cloughly, OSB, Rose Ann Barmann, OSB and

Shelley Harper (Colorado College Librarian).

On February 12 we said farewell to our beloved staff member, Richey Osborne.

After 10 plus years of faithful service, Richey is heading to the carefree lifestyle of retirement. During her time at the monastery, Richey wore many different hats and all with great style and grace. Her favorite hat and ours was the chef hat. Not only did Richey oversee the operations of the kitchen, she was expert at whipping up mighty tasty meals and wonderful desserts on Sundays. Richey took great pride in assuring her meals were a tasty feast for the eyes and a treat for the belly. She catered special events at the monastery and pulled them off effortlessly. Not one to crack under pressure, Richey handled all requests with poise and humor: “A dinner party? For how many? A hundred? This Saturday? Sure! No problem! Special diets for 30 of them? Sure, no problem! Gluten free, sugar free, no dairy, vegan, and peanut allergies- I got it! They all want dessert? No problem!” This was all said and done with a smile and confidence as she mentally reviewed her collection of recipes.

Hats Off to Richey’s RetirementBy Jennifer Speer, Receptionist, Program Assistant

Benet Hill Monastery3190 Benet LaneColorado Springs, CO 80921-1509

Non-profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDColorado Springs

COPermit No. 576RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The Review is published quarterly by Benet Hill Monastery of Colorado Springs, Inc., 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-1509 PHONE: 719/633-0655 FAX: 719/471-0403 EMAIL: info@benethillmonastery.org WEBSITE: www.benethillmonastery.org

EDITOR/LAYOUT/DESIGN - Gina Berger, Communications Director; Assisted by Barbara Lynette, Online Communications Assistant COVER PHOTO - Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB CONTRIBUTORS - Sisters and staff of Benet Hill Monastery, students, alumnae and friends.

Benet Hill Monastery * 3190 Benet Ln. * Colorado Springs, CO 80921* PH:719-633-0655The Monastery is situated in the woodland setting of the Black Forest

located in northeast Colorado Springs, off Highway 83.

Summer Events

Sisters’ T hrift & BoutiqueBy Shari Silva, Manager

Every day is a new adventure at Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique. Donations of vintage items and unique collectibles make the job interesting and fun. A recent donation of vintage Pyrex from the late 1950s and 1960s took staff and volunteers back in time to their childhood. Who doesn’t remember those growing up?

In March we had the opportunity to choose for our boutique some very nice pieces from an estate sale, including original oil paintings. Other fun items include our collection of vintage books and cookbooks. Even though many of the recipes are available online, customers enjoy buying the books to peruse and reminisce.

Do you have items hiding away in your closets? Do you need a special home to repurpose your vintage or gently used household items? If so, please bring them to Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique. We accept donations Monday-Friday 10 am – 5pm, Saturday 10am -3pm. Your donations and shopping support the retired Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery.

If you are interested in volunteering for a worthy cause and in having fun, please contact Verna Narwold, Volunteer Coordinator for the boutique at vernamom@gmail.com.

Available volunteer shifts:Monday- Friday: 10:00 am -1:30 pm Monday- Friday: 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Store Hours:

Monday - Friday 10:00 am -5:30 pm Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Gently Used: Clothing & Shoes

Household items Small Furniture

Books & Cards Glassware Collectibles Accessories & Jewelry

Please check our website under “Events “ for more information and to register for these summer classes and retreats. www.benethillmonastery.org

Saturday, June 16: Sacred Trees Retreat ~ 9 am - 1:30 pmSaturday, June 23: Nature Mystics Retreat ~ 9 am - 3:00 pmThursdays, July 5- Aug. 16: Online Class Spiritual Conversations 10:00 am to 11:30 am MST OR 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Tuesdays, July 10-31: Embracing the Spirit Class ~ 6:30 pm to 8:30 pmSaturday, July 28: Labyrinth Retreat ~ 9 am- 1 pm

Fri.- Sun. , August 24-26: 12 Step Spirituality: Spiritual Awakening for Everyone