St. Scholastica Monastery celebrated the perpetual monastic profession of Sister Jayne Erickson on July 11, 2024.
Sister Jayne entered St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth as a postulant in 2019 and made her first profession in 2021. At her perpetual profession, Sister Jayne sang a hymn she composed, “I am yours, Lord.”
Before entering monastic life, Sister Jayne was a youth and children’s minister and elementary school teacher in Minnesota and Iowa. She recently completed studies to be a Life Coach.
On Sunday, April 14, Sister Susan Hutchens, OSB, was re-elected as Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island. Sister Susan is the fourteenth prioress in the monastery’ s 150-year history. The prioress election was beautiful and spirit-filled.
Gracious and holy God, Give us wisdom to know you, Intelligence to understand you, Diligence to seek you, Patience to wait for you, Eyes to behold you, A heart to meditate upon you, A life to proclaim you, To the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen
On April 6, 2024, Sister Catherine Nehotte was re-elected to serve a second 5-year term as prioress at St. Paul’s Monastery. She is pictured here with Sister Nancy Bauer, President of the Monastic Congregation of St. Benedict. That in all things, God may be glorified!
Sister Colleen Haggerty, OSB, Former President of Federation / Congregation Dies
Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out.
RB Prol. 9
Sister Colleen Haggerty, sixth president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Benedict (known then as the Federation of St. Benedict), died on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Sister Colleen was a member of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN. She served as president of the federation/congregation for two terms, 1991- 2003.
Joanne Haggerty was born May 29, 1932, to William and Olive (Okeson) Haggerty in St. Paul, MN. She entered Saint Benedict’s Monastery on September 12, 1951, was received into the novitiate as Sister Colleen on June 18, 1952, made first profession on July 11, 1953, and perpetual monastic profession on July 11, 1956.
She served in various capacities at St. Cloud Hospital, including as director of the dietary department, director of the hospital’s General Services Division, and assistant administrator in community relations and development. Before being elected president of the federation/congregation, she served the monastery as coordinator of the physical plant and director of building renovation projects, overseeing a major renovation of Sacred Heart Chapel. Following her terms as president, she worked in the monastery’s communications and development office.
The Vigil Prayer Service and Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Chapel at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. The vigil will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, and the funeral liturgy at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 17. The services will be livestreamed and can be viewed at the website of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict.
As President, Sister Colleen visited the Monasteries of the Federation / Congregation to support the sisters of each community and learn from them. Above she is visiting the Sisters at Monasterio Santa Escolástica in Humacao, Puerto Rico. At Saint Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Sister Kathleen Hofer (left) and Sister Jean Maher (right) present an icon to Sister Colleen Haggerty at the end of her second term as president of the Federation of St. Benedict. Below, Sister Colleen visited the sisters at Saint Benedict Monastery in Taiwan.
Sister Colleen Haggerty visited the Sisters at Saint Martin Monastery in the Bahamas.
Delegates and Prioresses at the 1994 Federtation Chapter at Saint Benedict’s Monastery: Sister Colleen is in the second row from front at the far left.
Delegates and Prioresses at the 1997 Federation Chapter at Annunciation Monastery: Sister Colleen is in the second row from front, far right. Sister Nancy Bauer, current president, is next to her. Two other former presidents are on the picture: Sister Michaela Hedican in the back row, fifth from left, and Sister Margaret Michaud, second row, fourth from right.
At the Chapter in Annunciation: Sister Colleen is in the back between Sister Susan Berger (left) who was prioress in Bismarck and is now deceased and Sister Ruth Fox (right) who was president of the Federation of St. Gertrude. Sister Ruth died last year. Front row: Sister Beppo from Taiwan, Sister Jacinta from Bahamas, and Sister Austin from Taiwan.
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of God, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened”
Eph.1:16-18
An excerpt of Sister Colleen Haggerty’s message at the end of her two terms as president of the Federation of St. Benedict
“Twelve tremendous years . . . Thank you, each and all, for interlocking my heart with your hearts! . . . I am deeply grateful for what the role of president has done to expand my heart around the world. I shall never forget any of you, your community as a whole and each of our 800+ members in the federation. You are woven into the fabric of my life and I will pray for you daily in lectio, liturgy of the hours, and Eucharist. My greatest hope for each of our member monasteries is that in each monastery we now do our inner work as a community. May each one of us be attentive to each other, open to the diverse expressions of monastic life but always within the context of the common good. The reality for each of us is our daily experience of conversatio as we live, love, pray, and work together . . . always striving for the togetherness of monastic life. . . .
Thank you again and always for everything! As St Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of God, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened (Eph.1:16-18).”
Life is a journey and we know not if it will unfold according to our plans and dreams. We hope for a meaningful outcome but there are always surprises along the way and new directions taken.
Imagine it is 1874. Four sisters and one postulant are setting out from St. Scholastica’s Convent in Chicago, Illinois, for Nauvoo, Illinois, to establish a school for girls. Excitement, apprehension, concern and a little fear of the unknown may have been some of the emotions they experienced. Their Pastor had given them this mission and they believed God, and our Blessed Mother, would guide and inspire them and direct their paths.
The first convent and school were established in a residence which had been built as the Mormon arsenal. The local parish had purchased this home for the Sisters to use as a school and living quarters. St. Scholastica Academy (later St. Mary’s Academy) opened on All Souls Day in 1874, with seven girls enrolled. Their schooling was paid for with food, fuel and even a cow in one instance.
St. Mary’s Academy thrived throughout the latter part of the 19th Century and most of the 20th Century. After 123 years, with the popularity of boarding schools declining, the Sisters made the difficult decision in 1997 to close the Academy. Today the spirit of the Academy lives on through the families of thousands of alumnae who benefited from the teaching, lives and love of the Sisters.
In addition to the Academy, Sisters have served in parishes, elementary and high schools, social agencies, hospitals and communities throughout the states of Illinois and Indiana. The Sisters have also ministered in Colleges, Universities and Diocesan Chancery Offices. Special ministries in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Mexico and New Mexico were begun following Vatican II.
In 2001 another leap of faith was made when the Sisters moved from Nauvoo to Rock Island and built a new complex comprised of St. Mary Monastery and Benet House Retreat Center. Respect for the environment was a driving force behind the innovative design of the complex: acres of woods for wild life were preserved, native prairie grasses were planted and the creation of a five acre lake allowed geothermal hearing and cooling. More recently an array of solar panels was added to provide sustainable electrical power.
The Sisters follow the Rule of St. Benedict in their everyday life, particularly valuing Community, Prayer, Hospitality, Peace and Justice and Care of Creation. At the Rock Island monastery, the Sisters engage in prayer, retreats, education and outreach to the poor. Benedictine Oblates, lay women and men who feel called to live the Rule of St. Benedict according to their ability and lifestyle, participate with the Sisters in living the Benedictine values. Many volunteers work with the Sisters and provide assistance for their ministries and daily tasks at the monastery.
150 years ago, four Sisters and one postulant could not have known how many countless lives would be touched, changed and enriched through their response to God’s call.
The 150th Anniversary of the Founding of the Sisters of St. Benedict began in October 2023 and will continue through October 2024. Celebrations, activities and special liturgies will be offered throughout the year for families and friends of the Sisters, alumnae of St. Mary’s Academy, area clergy and special guests, as well as volunteers and employees. Follow along with us during the year, as we celebrate and honor the joy and memories of these 150 years.
That in all things, God may be glorified.
1 Peter 4:11, RB 57:9
Sisters of Saint Mary Monastery celebrating 150 years of Ministry and Community Life.
Left: Sr. Kerry O’Reilly and Sr. Nancy Bauer, both from St. Benedict’s Monastery, join Saint Mary Monastery Sisters Sr Ruth Ksycki, Sr. Susan Hutchens, Sr. Sheila McGrath , and Sr. Stefanie MacDonald for the celebration of Saint Mary Monastery’s 150th Anniversary
Right: An aerial view showing the Monastery, the solar field, geothermal lake, and Benet House.
To learn more about the 150th Anniversary celebrations in honor of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery, and the gift of these years, visit: https://smmsisters.org/150 or click on the button below:
As we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.
RB Prol. 49
Sister Nancy Bauer, OSB, a member of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN, and president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Benedict, received the annual Role of Law Award from the Canon Law Society of America on October 12, 2023. The award recognizes canonists who practice canon law with a pastoral attitude, are committed to research and study, participate in the development of law, and facilitate dialogue and interchange of ideas within the society. Sister Nancy taught canon law at The Catholic University of America from 2014 to 2022.
Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ, for he said: I was sick and you visited me, and, What you did for the least of these, you did for me.
RB 36:1-3
Sister Clare Rolle, OSB, a member of St. Martin Monastery, Nassau, Bahamas, received a national award on October 9, 2023.
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas bestowed the rank of Companion of the Order of Merit on Sister Clare. Among other accomplishments, Sister Clare organized ministry to people with HIV/AIDS.
The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery joyfully congratulate Sister Kathleen Atkinson, founder of Ministry on the Margins, and all of her team members and volunteers, for being awarded the Bush Prize: North Dakota.
Ministry on the Margins is a sponsored ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery.
The following excerpts are from Strengthen ND and the Bush Foundation:
Ministry on the Margins is committed to supporting those who fall through the cracks during times of transition through inclusive hospitality and a space of welcoming, direct service and case management, and resourceful community-based partnerships.
• Ministry on the Margins was selected for its track record of innovation with small and large interventions, service pipeline development, and behavioral health adaptations.
• Small innovations include: health/wellness partnerships, providing vision services, haircuts, manicures/pedicures/foot care, and acupuncture.
• Large innovations include: working with municipal, county, and law enforcement leaders to establish the Coffee House. The Coffee House is open from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am as a space where homeless individuals can stay overnight.
• Ministry on the Margin’s work is driven and influenced by the needs of homeless individuals, the law enforcement community, elected leadership, service providers (including public health), and the faith community.
Clockwise: Bubbles with children, chapel at Ministry on the Margins, and feeding the hungry
Celebrating 10 Years of Ministry
On October 25, 2023, Ministry on the Margins celebrated its 10th anniversary. Thank you to all who meet the critical needs of people who may otherwise fall through the cracks in society. Through your loving service, hospitality, mentoring, prayers, and outreach, you make a tremendous impact.
Gratitude and blessings to all who are a part of this amazing ministry. Thank you for “walking the walk,” each day!
Sister Kathleen Atkinson from Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, ND
Bishop Felton with the Canonical Stewards of Duluth Benedictine Ministries and the leaders of the sponsored ministries.
September 28, 2023 the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota celebrated the transfer of sponsorship to their new Ministerial Public Juridic Person, Duluth Benedictine Ministries with Eucharist and a luncheon.
Since the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1888 and the College of St. Scholastica in 1912, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery have been sponsoring Catholic Health Care and Catholic Education. Over all these years the ministries have undergone many changes, but one thing has remained, the unwavering and steadfast support of the Sisters. Just like the pioneering Sisters who started these ministries of health care and education over a century ago, the Sisters today continue to be pioneers and leaders in what it means to be sponsors of Catholic health care and education.
Sponsorship within the Catholic Church is defined as “a formal relationship between an authorized Catholic organization and a legally formed health system, hospital, nursing home, college (or other institution) entered into for the sake of promoting and sustaining Christ’s health or education ministry to people in need.”
In creating Duluth Benedictine Ministries and transferring the sponsorship of their ministries, namely The College of St. Scholastica, the Catholic entities of Essentia Health, Benedictine, St. Mary’s Health and St. Francis Regional Medical Center to this newly approved Public Juric Ministerial Person, the Sisters are ensuring that their mission and their ministers continue.
The Mass, that was celebrated by the Very Reverend Daniel Felton, Bishop of Duluth, was attended by the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, leaders from Duluth Benedictine Ministries, the sponsored ministries and others involved with the work of the Sisters. Within the Eucharistic Celebration, there was a transfer of sponsorship ritual and the commissioning of leader. The transfer of sponsorship that was officially recognized by the Vatican December 8, 2022.
That in all things, God may be glorified!
RB 57.9
Pins that were blessed by Bishop Felton and presented to the leadership of the DBM and the sponsored ministries.
The sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery have been serving God and the people of the Twin Cities area and beyond since 1948. We are thankful for God’s blessings over the past 75 years, and most especially for the many wonderful people that God sends to journey with us, walking along Monastery Way.
St. Paul’s Priory was founded on June 22, 1948, when 178 sisters from Saint Benedict Convent came from St. Joseph, MN to begin a new community on 301 Summit Avenue in St. Paul, MN. The sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery sent us a beautiful bouquet of roses for our chapel to celebrate our 75th anniversary.
Click here to listen to the song “I Wisdom Am With You,” written by Sister Christine Manderfeld from St. Benedict’s Monastery. We are grateful for Wisdom leading us these 75 years.
Celebration of our Founding Day
We celebrated with a special Mass on June 18 with many friends and guests. Abbot John Klassen from Saint John’s Abbey presided. Pictured here (clockwise) are: 1. Abbot John Klassen presiding at Mass. 2. Sisters Joyce Willenbring, Karen Rose, and Michaela Hedican from St. Benedict’s Monastery with Sisters Catherine Nehotte and Jacqueline Leiter from St. Paul’s Monastery with the statue of St. Benedict. Sister Colleen Quinlivan from Saint Benedict’s Monastery is not pictured. 3. Sisters Lucia Schwickerath, Linda Soler, Mary White, and Louise Inhofer in the courtyard. 4. Sisters Paula Hagen, Mary Lou Dummer, and Virginia Matter in the courtyard with the statue of Mary. 5. Sisters Eleanor Wartmann and Catherine Schoenecker in the cloister walk with Saints Scholastica and Benedict. 6. Sisters Sharon Schiller and Karen Sames.
New Book Celebrates 75 Years of Community, Prayer, and Ministry
The new book Walking Monastery Way captures the last 25 years of the monastic life of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery. The book shares the joys, challenges, and gratitude of the sisters. It is truly a memoir of many voices with stories from sisters, oblates, and friends. Sister Lucia Schwickerath, pictured here, is the editor and moving spirit who collaborated with many others to make the book come to fruition. Please click below for more information about the book.
The Monastery is hosting a special exhibit in our art gallery featuring the works of 16 artists who work in pottery, sculpture, tapestry, painting, photography, iconography, and mosaics. Artists expressed Benedictine values in a beautiful and unique way. Participating artists include four oblates, ten friends, and two sisters. Here in the slide show you can see samples of the beautiful art from the exhibit.
Monastic Congregation of St. Benedict 