Reaching Out, Sharing Our Lives by Sr

CanticleSt. Gertrude’s Summer 2005 C A Journal of Our Life Spirituality & Retreat Ministry

Look Inside Reaching Out, Sharing Our Lives by Sr. Teresa Jackson, Outreach Retreats Got Free Time? ...... 3 Coordinator

Life’s Lesson ...... 5 “Blessings of the Spirit” took on many layers of meaning as our community gathered on Aug. 1st Developments...... 6 to bless our new Spirit Center. With the notes of “Bless This Place” ringing Take Action ...... 7 through the halls, the beauty of the earth-tone rooms shone as sisters walked with holy water and branch in hand to bless each room. No one could doubt we have been blessed by the Spirit. A visitor enjoys easy access to Spirit Center’s front entrance. This view looks south from the monastery. But the blessings don’t end there. We are profoundly grateful for the blessings of you, our supporters. Your continued commitment and generosity allow us to share With the addition of Spirit our monastic way of life with “All guests who present themselves Center, we can now reach out those who come seeking and share in more expansive God’s peace and grace. A pri- are to be welcomed as Christ, who said: ways. The new building fea- mary way of doing this is ‘I was a stranger and you tures 22 bedrooms and three through retreats and outreach welcomed me.’” conference rooms, as well as Stay in Touch! ministry. —Rule of Benedict some hand-made furnishings, stunning prairie views and a PHONE: Monastic spirituality is a solar energy system. Monastery call to live a simple, ordi- (208) 962-3224 nary life focused on God. When most people think The new space allows us to welcome more guests Museum of monasteries, they think of silent, cloistered and host more than one group at a time. It also (208) 962-7123 places where people seek to flee the world. The allows us to offer retreats targeted for special reality, however, is that men and women who live groups, as well as our popular annual retreats, such EMAIL: the monastic tradition have always reached out to as “Come to the Quiet” and “Centering Prayer”. [email protected] share their spirituality. [email protected] This fall we are offering retreats for church secre- [email protected] In the 6th century St. Benedict, who taught the im- taries and women in pastoral leadership, gather- [email protected] portance of hospitality, said a monastery will never ing women in similar ministries to share across [email protected] be without guests. His observation continues to denominational lines. This winter we will offer [email protected] be true today. Here at the monastery, we welcome our first “fiber-craft” retreat, aimed at knitters and a steady flow of nearly 1,200 guests each year crocheters wishing to integrate their spirituality WEBSITE: coming to share our way of life and spirituality. and love of craft. www.StGertrudes.org See “Outreach” on page 7 Greetings from the Prioress

Dear Friends, weaknesses of body or behavior. ... No nancial options in order to carry out our monastics are to pursue what they judge mission to the world. Exciting and worth- while challenges, indeed! This Canticle’s theme is “Outreach”—a better for themselves, but instead, what call that is deeply rooted in our Judaeo- they judge better for someone else.” As we meet over these next months, we Christian heritage and in our Benedictine will strategize on how to deepen and legacy as well. So, how do we as a community commit ourselves to the happiness and well being strengthen our own inner life, so as to place the fruits of our ongoing transformation in Many Old Testament stories give inspir- of the human family today? How do we service of the world. ing examples of those who reached out to determine the direction our outreach will others in spite of their own needs. I am take? Another dimension of our outreach is each sure you all remember Abraham and his sister’s individual ministry. On August 4 extravagant hospitality to strangers. In Jesus we see someone we gathered in chapel to ritualize our con- whose entire life was spent tinued commitment to service. As Prior- Ruth has always been one of my favorite ess, I was deeply touched as each sister examples of loving outreach. Accompany- reaching out to others. came forward to be missioned for service. ing her mother-in-law Naomi back to her Each held a deep desire to serve, whether homeland after both of her sons had died by praying for the needs of the world, do- always impressed me as an act of gener- mestic service in the community or a min- ous outreach, certainly more than what was istry reaching out to the needs of the wider required of her. We spent a week last November setting our community. direction statements for the next six years. In Jesus we see someone whose entire life We decided as a community to focus our Each sister was given a container of soil was spent reaching out to others. Through communal and individual energies around and some seeds as a reminder to plant the his ministry he empowered many to move four goals: seeds of healing hospitality, grateful sim- beyond their fears and limited vision. His 1) Grounded in our contemplative call, plicity and creative peacemaking gener- invitation to be people for others who en- we will grow in our global awareness and ously and joyfully. gage in causes greater than themselves has will actively engage in peace-making and echoed through the centuries and contin- works of justice; As I sign off on this letter, I am filled with ues to inspire others to make a similar com- 2) Seeking God together in commu- gratitude for each member of this commu- mitment. nity, we will consciously choose a healthy relational style of life that will sustain us; nity, our employees, our oblates, our vol- 3) Eager to journey with the Gospel as unteers, our donors and our friends. I am Nor does St. Benedict overlook the call to our guide, we will develop and provide knowing more each day what a blessing be people for others. I love how he puts it structures which will shape, strengthen and you are. Your outreach is generous, unself- in Chapter 72 of his rule: “They exercise the leadership gifts of each mem- ish and never-failing. [monastics] should each try to be the first ber for the good of the community; and to show respect to the other, supporting 4) trusting and embracing God’s prom- with the greatest patience one another’s ise for the future, we will seek creative fi-

St. Gertrude’s Canticle: A Journal of Our Life is published three times each year by the Development Office at the Monastery of St. Gertrude. Sr. Mary Kay Henry, OSB, Director of Development. Darla Anglen-Whitley, Editor. (208) 962-5061 EMAIL [email protected] • www.StGertrudes.org

2 St. Gertrude’s Canticle Got Free Time? Give It to a Good Cause The sisters of St. Gertrude often wear Placida, who has been sewing for families many hats. While their vocation is serv- in need for the past 15 or 20 years. ing God, their vacation often is too. From piano lessons to crocheting to Sr. Aelred Oakley’s recreation often Scottish dance, there’s no shortage of tal- proves priceless for others, too. Skilled in ents to share with those in need. Scottish dance, Sr. Aelred regularly enter- tains patients at a Grangeville nursing “My real job,” said Sr. Placida home with jaunty dance numbers. Wemhoff with a smile, “is director of maintenance. ... Sewing is a hobby.” “Their faces light up when Sr. Aelred takes the stage and the music starts,” Postulant When she’s not mowing lawns, monitor- Donna Palm said of the nursing home resi- ing operations or tinkering with the boiler, dents. “It’s smiles all around.” Sr. Placida can often be found in the sewing room, fashioning fabric donated to the Novice Mary Mendez has used her gift Sr. Placida Wemhoff enjoys using her talent monastery into clothes for the poor. for knitting for the greater good. Earlier for sewing to give joy to those in need. this year, she created a collection of infant “When some white cloth in various wear for premature babies to give to the Sr. Jean Ihli devotes her free time to shades, linens, satin and lace came in, I poor. She also knits baby booties that look taking the Eucharist to those in our lo- decided to make some baptismal and like miniature tennis shoes to sell in the cal community who aren’t as mobile as First Communion gowns,” said Sr. monastery gift shop. they used to be. In Loving Memory: Sr. Mildred Lustig

Sr. Mildred Lustig, 91, died at the Monas- tery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood, ID, on “We must attempt to bring ourselves May 30, 2005 after a brief illness. into God’s presence through prayer, Born Esther Elizabeth Henrietta to Victor remembrance and spiritual sayings. George and Mary Elizabeth Jansen Lustig God’s presence is a mighty place to be.” in 1913, Sr. Mildred grew up the fourth of 11 children on a farm near Greencreek, ID.

Her religious devotion began at an early nize the Idaho Medical Record Associa- age, when she and her siblings would re- tion (now the Idaho Health Information cite 4,000 Hail Marys on the way to school Management Association). She served during Advent. Encouraged by her mother, terms as vice president, director, and jour- Esther joined the monastery’s formation nal editor before her retirement in 1979. group in 1931, making profession as Sr. Sr. Mildred Lustig Mildred in 1933. During the next two decades, Sr. Mildred she made a career move into the medical ministered as cook, nurse and companion “My mind was made up so definitely,” she records field, acting as Medical Records for several Idaho families. once recalled. “I was assured in my soul Administrator for St. Mary’s Hospital in this was the right decision.” Cottonwood, ID. Always active in her retirement, Sr. Mildred especially enjoyed the monastery’s balance After serving 20 years as a schoolteacher, “Medical records are vital to the recovery of work, relaxation and daily prayer. Above Sr. Mildred was diagnosed with cancer in and safety of the patients,” said Sr. all she wished to live a full life that would 1952. Following treatment and recovery, Mildred, who helped to found and orga- benefit the greater good every single day.

Summer 2005 3 Farmway Honors Sr. Bernadette’s Service

Mayor and Migrant Village Dedicate Community Center to Beloved Teacher “The challenge is to continue to animate, to encourage, to build Farmway Village residents in Caldwell, ID, joined city and county officials June 24 to confidence in the children, celebrate the migrant village’s 66th anni- to help them see the value versary and to surprise beloved teacher Sr. in education.” Bernadette Stang with the dedication of a —Sr. Bernadette Stang community center named in her honor.

“I am just overwhelmed because I didn’t do anything ... honestly,” said Sr. “If you are not into divine intervention, Bernadette, upon learning of The Seeing students and parents succeed is the then you probably shouldn’t hang around Bernadette Stang Community Center. “I highlight of Sr. Bernadette Stang’s ministry. Sr. Bernadette,” Taylor said. don’t deserve what you’re giving me. It’s been everybody’s wonderful work.” “The program would not have taken off But the celebration was bittersweet for without someone like her,” said Warren many of Sr. Bernadette’s former students. During the past decade, Sr. Bernadette has Taylor, former assistant superintendent of “We’re not happy she’s retiring because we coordinated the migrant village’s after- Caldwell Schools. “It needed someone really love her and we really need her,” school tutoring program for the Caldwell who was dedicated 190 percent and she said resident Yliana Yado Gonzalez. School District, helping countless students was. She loves being of service.” graduate high school and go on to college. Though Sr. Bernadette is retiring, she’s not Taylor and Stang began working together going far. She plans to help other children In addition to tutoring, Sr. Bernadette also at Farmway ten years ago, when they rec- in the same way by tutoring those in need. trained volunteers to assist with a variety ognized a need for a specialized program. Seeing students and parents succeed is the of community service programs, including highlight for Sr. Bernadette. Students who English as a Second Language, literacy and “We found out we had the same sort of go on to college and professional careers, GED classes, citizenship, computer and dream,” said Taylor of Sr. Bernadette’s de- parents who return to say “thank you”, and catechism classes, even transporting par- termination to develop the nationally rec- students who come back to volunteer— ents to school conferences. ognized public school program. these are her rewards. Irish President Tours Seattle Homeless Center While touring Seattle in May, Irish President poverty, partly because he was so generous to Mary McAleese met with some of the most in- people in need. At 28 Matt Talbot experienced a fluential leaders in Washington: speaking at the profound conversion and made a pledge of so- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, meeting the briety to God that lasted until his death 41 years mayor of Seattle and addressing the University later. Often in church, he preferred to work be- of Washington president. hind the scenes, wishing to remain quiet and constant before God. Fortunately, she also took time out to learn about Seattle’s good works by touring the Matt Talbot In the same way Matt Talbot’s humble service Center, where she talked with program residents, was a role model for others, Sr. Bernie has often volunteers and Sr. Bernie Ternes. During her years Sr. Bernie Ternes, right, with Irish Presi- been a quiet encourager to those in need through of outreach to Seattle’s poor, Sr. Bernie helped es- dent Mary McAleese in May. her constant service with organizations, such as tablish the Matt Talbot Center, a recovery program Matt Talbot Center, First Service Center, Opera- and treatment center that has ministered to those in need through tion Nightwatch and St. Martin de Porres Shelter. drug and alcohol treatment services, housing and employment assis- tance, counseling and literacy training since 1985. But don’t put Sr. Bernie on a pedestal. For her, service and community outreach are all in a day’s work. “My work is not about The Matt Talbot Center is named in honor of a Dublin dock worker meeting the president of Ireland,” said Sr. Bernie. “It’s about serv- who was considered a hopeless alcoholic by age 13. He lived in ing the poor.” No doubt, Matt Talbot would have agreed.

4 St. Gertrude’s Canticle Life’s Lesson: One Day at a Time by Darla Anglen-Whitley

“I wouldn’t have “I was called ‘Luella’ at home since there were so many ‘Catherines’ made it without in the family,” said Sr. Catherine Manderfeld with a giggle. my religious life and community,” Catherine Luella Manderfeld was born October 28, 1917, in Genesee, says Sr. Catherine ID, to Henry Anton and Anna Marie Kambitsch Manderfeld. The Manderfeld, looking back on eldest of six, Catherine learned responsibility early in life. her life at St. Gertrude’s. “One day when I was in second grade, my mother sent me to town to sell the cream.” She was instructed by her mother to endorse the check and buy a spelling book required for school. “So I did,” Sr. Catherine remembered matter-of-factly. “I liked biology and the natural sciences best,” Sr. Catherine ex- Educated by the Benedictine sisters at St. Joseph’s school in Genesee, plained. “However, learning physics and math helped me be a Catherine’s transition to St. Gertrude’s Academy and into the better teacher. I had to ‘learn’ the subjects, just like my students, postulancy was nearly seamless. Life at St. Gertrude’s was similar to so I understood what would help them succeed.” home – lots of gardening, chores and responsibility. In 1977 Sr. Catherine was ready for a break from her 27 years of Tone deaf, Catherine found learning Gregorian chant nearly im- teaching high school. She became Sr. Alfreda Elsensohn’s full- possible. “I was something of a cross for Sr. Eugenia, my novice time assistant at the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude.With the mistress, to bear,” Catherine smiled. help of many sisters, Sr. Catherine began making sense of the voluminous data, notes and artifacts, focusing the collection on Catherine became Sr. Catherine in 1934. At the grand old age of North Central Idaho. She learned how to display artifacts using 16, she took her first teaching position in Nez Perce. The priest “common sense. I am an amateur, no doubt,” she admitted. wanted “someone with a veil. It apparently didn’t matter if they had any experience,” quipped Sr. Catherine. She taught elemen- In 1999 Sr. Catherine and the sisters of St. Gertrude were awarded tary grades for the next 12 years. Idaho’s first ever Esto Perpetua award for outstanding accomplish- ments in preserving Idaho’s heritage. Not bad for an amateur. After studying to become a medical lab technician, Sr. Catherine was selected as the physics and higher math teacher at St. In reviewing her 70 years as a sister, the teacher admitted she Gertrude’s Academy. So back to school she went to earn her teach- learned a lesson: “Life is lived one day at a time; we do what we ing certificate. Sr. Catherine earned a B.S. in Physics and an M.S. need to do,” said Sr. Catherine. “I am grateful for the way God in Secondary Education, with minors in Math and Philosophy. was able to touch lives through me.” Holy Mamas Hoof It in Relay for Life Aching feet and a lack of sleep didn’t With a goal of $15,000, the two-day event, dampen team spirit as the monastery’s raised more than $45,000 for cancer re- Holy Mamas (and Son) team took to the search. Sr. Mary Kay Henry received top track with more than 20 other teams for honors, earning the “Most Money Raised” the American Cancer Society’s Relay for award for her contribution of $2,040. Life in Grangeville, ID, on July 22. The Holy Mamas also received the team The team of 15—including sisters, novices, award for “Most Money Raised” for its postulants, monastery employees, volun- grand total of more than $3,640. teers, friends and family—raised money, decorated luminaries and took turns trek- Die-hard competitors Novice Carla Fontes king around the race track for an 18-hour and Volunteer Pollyanna Candalot took marathon to honor those who have battled home a special award (and assorted aches The Holy Mamas team included sisters, novices, cancer. Survivors kicked off the relay with and pains) for walking 16 hours and count- postulants, monastery employees and volunteers, a celebratory lap around the track. less miles during the 18-hour marathon. friends and family—and one employee’s son.

Summer 2005 5 Museum Notes by Lyle Wirtanen, Director by Sr. Mary Kay Henry,DEVELOPMENTSDEVELOPMENTS Director of Development Historical Museum at St. Gertrude

More than 8,800 of us will receive this to support new members to carry Music lovers will once again have the op- Canticle. What if each of us experienced on Benedictine values, portunity to enjoy exclusive performances the synergy of the Holy Spirit, urging all • Support one of our ministries with by world-class guitarist Alfredo Muro. of us to think, pray and act on behalf of a gift in honor or memory of a “life to the full” for all people—and our loved one you admire for their other brothers and sisters? generous outreach, • Sustain our mission and minis- As we welcome our new leadership team tries into the future by including and open the new Spirit Center, it seems us in your will, like a good time to renew with you what • Express your hope for a better moves us into the future with vitality. world by making us the benefi- ciary of a life insurance policy, Our Mission Statement reminds us that • Choose another way. “eager to welcome God’s transforming power in ourselves and our world, we seek Celebrate with us that we have crossed the God together through monastic profession $2 million mark in our capital campaign and respond in healing hospitality, grate- for Spirit Center, endowments for the Spiri- ful simplicity and creative peacemaking.” tuality Ministry and the Historical Mu- seum, and renovations of the monastery. We in the development office have the We are still in the initial/quiet phase of the Last fall the renowned musician delighted privilege of promoting the mission, mem- campaign for $5 million for this three-part audiences with a sold-out performance in bership and ministries of the monastery and project. We count on your prayers and sup- the chapel of the Monastery of St. Gertrude raising funds to support these core aspects port that God will surprise us with an abun- as a fund-raiser for the museum. of our life together. That means we get to: dance of major gifts throughout this year. tell the story of the monastery; invite oth- The public’s response to that cultural event ers, such as yourselves, to partner with, A Somalian greeting is “God is so good!” was so gratifying Muro has agreed to return participate in the activities of and donate The response is “All the time.” YOU are for an encore performance in the chapel, as to the monastery in order to fulfill our cor- such a witness to that! Thank you! May well as a limited-seating dinner concert in the monastery’s new Spirit Center. porate mission; thank you as partners, par- God bless you in all the ways you reach ticipants and donors; and keep you out to make a better world. The evening dinner concert is scheduled informed of the use of your gifts. for Friday, Sept. 30, in the monastery’s new Let’s have some fun! I’d love retreat center, next to the museum. Seat- I delight in the image one friend presented. to have lots of you be story- ing for this exclusive event is limited to “I think the monastery is so important to- 80 and will include a gourmet dinner, a de- tellers in this column’s next is- day because you are a box of sanity in an but CD of last year’s performance and a over-busy, crazy and stressful world.” sue. Take a minute to let me concert by the artist. Reservations are re- know what you would say if a quired; tickets are $50 per person. Here are some ways we invite you to join friend asked you, “Why do you us in moving toward hospitality, simplic- keep connected with St. Gertrude’s? Music lovers can enjoy Muro’s chapel per- ity and peacemaking: What happens when you go there? formance on Saturday evening, Oct. 1. Seating is limited to 300 with tickets rang- • Participate in our life and minis- Why do you seem so energized when ing from $15 to $25 per person. tries by volunteering, you come back?” • Revisit the vocations letter we [email protected] 208-962-5060 For more information on concert tickets, sent you in June and make a gift contact the museum at (208) 962-7123.

6 St. Gertrude’s Canticle Social Justice Ministry Take Action: Make a Difference by Sr. Carol Ann Wassmuth, Social Justice Coordinator

Prayer is dangerous. Anyone who prays with a sincere and open heart is led in unplanned and uncomfortable ways. Those of you who’ve spent time with us at the monastery have quickly discov- ered that our daily schedule is woven around the three times we gather in chapel for communal prayer.

Again and again we hear the clarion call of the scriptures to look beyond ourselves and to heed the agonies and needs of our world. Anyone who is daily immersed in the Word of God cannot help but be an activist.

Social Justice Committee members: (front L-R) Sr. Elisa Martinez, Sr. One of the ways that we live out that challenge is through our Bernadette Stang, Oblate Jane Frith; (back L-R) Oblate Alyse Cadez, Sr. Social Justice Office. For the past 15 years, I have been privi- Corinne Forsman, Sr. Carol Ann Wassmuth, Sr. Betty Schumacher. leged to be the coordinator of that office. Leadership is provided by a Social Justice Networking with other organizations that share Committee, consisting of members from “Grounded in our contemplative call, common values is also an important element both our monastic and oblate communities. of our social justice work. We financially sup- we will grow in our global awareness Our mission is to lead us all to a deeper port worthy organizations and participate in awareness of the needs of our world and find and will actively engage in peace- their activities whenever possible. ways that we can reach out and respond. making and works of justice.” —St. Gertrude’s Direction Statements We all recognize there are many areas of in- How can we bring about a peace that is based justice, oppression and violence in our on justice for all? Obviously the first step is world; no one can attend to them all. Con- knowledge. We cannot act if we are igno- sequently, as a community we have felt we rant of circumstances. We employ a variety of methods to educate could have greater impact by focusing on a particular issue, such ourselves on important issues: reading, videos, speakers, network- as the growing problem of human trafficking or violence against ing and the internet. Then flowing from this information, we seek women and children. Committed to education and action, we have out appropriate ways to respond. joined with other religious communities, as well as the Diocese of Boise, to learn how to raise awareness and help victims. We One of the ways we take action is through writing letters and hope you’ll take time to look at the worthy organizations in the making phone calls to legislators and other officials. A good ex- Peace and Justice section on our website. Follow the links and ample of this is our annual Lenten practice of joining with Bread find new areas of challenge. We also invite you to join us for for the World by writing letters to our senators and representa- prayer vigils in times of special world needs. tive, urging them to support hunger-relief legislation. On Holy Thursday these letters are offered as part of our evening service, Will we make a difference? That’s not really the important ques- blessed and then mailed. tion. Have we taken action? That’s the question God will ask us.

“Outreach” continued from page 1 for church groups and service organiza- We plan to continue our popular spiritual tions in Idaho, Washington and Montana. direction program as we grow in our out- Another important part of our outreach reach efforts. We currently have spiritual continues to be taking our retreats on the We are planning to add some longer “adult directors from the monastery visiting road, especially during Advent and Lent. spirituality workshops” that bring a more Lewiston, Moscow and Coeur d’Alene, ID, During that time of collective reflection, in-depth look at topics pertaining to grow- on a regular basis, and we hope to expand we offer popular two-hour “mini-retreats” ing in our faith. to other cities.

Summer 2005 7 Come Away to a Retreat Inn-Terra Eco-Spirituality Sabbatical & Retreats Playing & Praying With the New Story of the Aug. 13 - Sept. 13 OR Aug. 13 - Nov. 13, 2005 Universe A time of reflection with Earth’s story and our story. Opportu- Oct. 14-18, 2005 (Fri. 7:30 p.m. - Tues. 1:30 p.m.) nity for one- or three-month sabbatical, or a variety of weekend Presenter: Jane Comerford, CSJ retreat options. Call (208) 962-3224 for information. New understandings of science and religion are revolutionizing traditional faith. New images of God and ourselves are emerg- Be Still and Know ... ing. This interactive retreat combines aspects of the New Story of the Universe taught by Fr. Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme. Sept. 4 - 11, 2005 (Sun. 4 p.m. - Sun. 1:30 p.m.) Directors: Lillian Englert, O.S.B., Kathy McFaul and others This silent, directed retreat will explore ways to come into con- Christian Faith & the New Cosmology templative awareness by drawing on classical traditions, as well Oct. 21 - 27, 2005 (Fri. 7:30 p.m. - Thurs. 1:30 p.m.) as more contemporary, earth-centered consciousness. Presenter: Diarmuid O’Murchu, M.S.C. As our consciousness expands through our new understanding The Universe is Dancing: Where Are My Shoes? of creation, the journey of our Christian faith moves to new lev- els of understanding and engagement. Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2005 (Fri. 7:30 p.m. - Thurs. 1:30 p.m.) Presenter: Mary Kay Henry, O.S.B. Explore how we human beings can move in harmony with Visit us on the web: ourselves, other humans, nature and God. Based on the video www.StGertrudes.org series The Earth’s Imagination by Dr. Brian Swimme. Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 10 IDAHO CORP. OF BENEDICTINE SISTERS Cottonwood, ID Monastery of St. Gertrude HC 3 Box 121, Cottonwood, ID 83522-9408 Look Inside … CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Holy Mamas Hoof It in Relay for Life

Got Free Time? Give It to a Good Cause

Life’s Lesson: One Day at a Time

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