Simply Benedictine Vol. 48, No. 3 ST. SCHOLASTICA , Fort Smith, AR December, 2019 Message from the Administrator Message from Development Office

e now enter into the deeper season of autumn. Our Wfirst of many moments like this take us past what has been while waiting for what will be. As the bright sizzle of summer eases and her colors fade into something cooler and comfortable, we embrace autumn like an old friend. Our time as these days ride the pace of the world and all she offers, like the lights of our new monastery in the courtyard cloister, the illumined names of our benefactors on the Forward in Faith donor wall. The entrance foyer is beautifully aglow in the monastic tradition of the stained glass windows of our former chapel. Our life is adorned anew and graceful, like spiritual teachers offering lessons in changing seasons. These delightful things take note of us and us of them as they educate us with her every moment.

We live now in a new time, a new space, with new hope. As we walk to the sacred time of Advent and the God gifted time of Christ by Mary’s fiat, where will our own ‘yes’ take us? These give us a chance to start fresh, to forgive, and to be forgiven. Our God knows we need the changes of every season and how vital autumn is to us as we wane down, rest, and recover from the season we just lived through. Take the spiritual course of this shadowed time, the dusk about her, that shows us how to be okay with a less than quickened pace. Let autumn in all her splendor light the lantern of life you lead. Take time to lean into the season profoundly and let her warm you in preparation for the season to come; without refusing the time and her kindness that are offered now. As we celebrate the Advent, we honor the holiness of every person, the memory of those who have gone before us. We are grateful for what has been so generously given to us by our God.

We, the Sisters of St. Scholastica, ask God to bless you as we celebrate these holy days.

Sister Kimberly Rose Prohaska, OSB

Our mission: Seeking God in our life together and enlivened by daily prayer, we, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, respond to the needs of the people of God in a spirit of hospitality, simplicity, and reverence for one another and all creation.

Charism Statement (excerpt): We, the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, have responded to a call to seek God by a total gift of self in a religious community of celibate women, who make profession to live the Gospel according to the Rule of Benedict, the norms of the Federation of St. Gertrude, and the norms of the Monastery. By professing stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life, we promise to be faithful to our Benedictine tradition of prayer, work, and leisure, and to be a Christian community where persons are reverenced in their uniqueness and diversity. Message from the Administrator Message from Development Office

ince its inception in January 2016, the Capital Campaign has truly been a journey SForward in Faith. Prayers, joined with hard work and enthusiastic response, provided the encouragement to keep our community moving forward. Some major milestones along the road included the Ground Breaking ceremony on May 10, 2017, actual breaking of the ground in August 2017, Dedication of the Chapel on October 7, 2018, first day of living in the building on February 8, 2019, the Blessing ceremony on June 1, 2019, and the the Open House on September 15. We celebrated each milestone as a confirmation of our decision to move Forward in Faith.As we review this journey, we are filled with gratitude for all the people who have helped us reach each of the milestones. There are too many to name individually. We are grateful for all who prepared the way for the actual construction: our capital campaign co-chairs; our consultant; campaign committee members; communications directors; parishes and organizations who responded to our need; over 1,200 friends who contributed over $2,045,000; Alumnae and many other volunteers; and Sister Maria DeAngeli and her staff. Today as we live, pray, and work in this beautiful building, we thank God for the skills of the architect, the general contractor, the many subcontractors, and the interior designer. All worked together to bring to reality our dream of a building that will enable us to live our monastic life and serve the needs of those around us without the distraction of an aging building too large for our current situation. We enjoy the many new conveniences and also feel at home with many features brought from the former building. We move about our new monastery with grateful hearts.

Sincerely,

Sister Elise Forst

Table of Contents

4 In Loving Memory 12 GEM Scholars Soar

6 Praying the Rosary 14 Employees and Oblates

8 Sister Therese 15 Sister Judith Teaches Adult Students

10 Four Sisters, One Calling 16 News Briefs In Loving Memory

Joyce Tuttle Bessie M. Stirling

Joyce Tuttle, age 89, passed away May 5, 2019 at the Bessie M. Stirling, age 94, passed away on October 31, 2019 Heritage Hall Center in Centralia, MO. at BSA Hospice of the Southwest in Amarillo, TX. Bessie was born November 1, 1924 in Tucson, Arizona to Bessie She made her oblation with Our Lady of Peace Monastery M. and Edward Hernandez. in Columbia, MO on July 10, 1994 and transferred her oblation to St. Scholastica Monastery when Our Lady of Bessie enjoyed 30 years of marriage to the love of her life, Peace Monastery closed. Jack Stirling, until he passed away in 1981. She worked at AT&T for over 40 years and it was there in 1946 that she Memorial services were held on May 18 at the Holy Spirit met Immaculate (Peggy) Quinto, Bessie’s lifelong friend for in Centralia. over 70 years. Bessie will be remembered for her incredible cooking skills, her care-free and fun way of enjoying life, and her deep compassion for human life and comfort. Paula Louise Howard Bessie is preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, Jack Stirling, three siblings, and two great nephews. Paula Louise Howard, age 87, passed away on May 27, 2019 She is survived by her best friend, Immaculate (Peggy) in Springfield, Missouri. Paula was born December 4, 1931. Quinto, and many nieces and nephews. She made her oblation in Springfield on May 17, 2009. She made oblation at St. Benedict Monastery in Canyon, A Funeral Mass was held on May 30 at St. Joseph Catholic TX and transferred to St. Scholastica when St. Benedict Church in Springfield, MO. Monastery closed.

A Funeral Mass was held on November 6 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Amarillo, TX. Simply Benedictine 5 raying the rosary is a tradition that goes back over a thousand years and Pembodies the meditation and prayer in union with Jesus’ first follower, his mother, Mary. The ‘crown of roses’ links beads on a string and guides prayer through decades, series of ten Hail Marys. To recite the rosary is to spiritually reflect on the mysteries of Jesus’ life and link them together Praying the through Mary, Mother of God, in order for us to gain insight as we live according to Christ’s calling. Our call to live as Christians, and to embody Rosary within our own lives the love Jesus has for us, is foremost in our faith. It was out of this calling that on August 22 and September 8, 2019, the sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery opened our doors to welcome friends into the Chapel where we prayed the rosary together, in one voice and several languages, for world peace and unity.

Just as the beads on the rosary unite the mysteries of Jesus’ life, so is the power of recitation with others an act of unity. Yet even as the word implies, one cannot live ‘in unity’ without acknowledgement of diversity.

Fostering a Spirit of The individuals who gathered in our Chapel were not so different than us, yet the diversity among those in attendance was unmistakable, and beautiful. Unity, Hospitality, We humans, born and skewed by the prism of life and earthly dwellings, are the compilation of One God, and in fact united, not divided, by our and Love. diversity. God is the only light, and in our diversity we are unified by our origins to walk different paths, have different perspectives, and to offer different gifts to the world. Coming together, as we are called to do, is an act of love and a marvelous experience.

With the call of faith must come an acceptance of our diversity. And so, in our recitation of the rosary together as one, it is a unity of heart for which we prayed; not to be unified, but to accept the unity already among us. We are bound in His light, and the ability to accept our diversity is the ability to see God, the light, in its full, glorious spectrum.

May we be at peace with our diversity, and our unity.

The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery look forward to praying the rosary with you at times in the future not yet specified. Until then, in faith and love, may peace and God be with you. A Prayer

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of , the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Simply Benedictine 7 A Little Flower: Sister Therese Moreno

ne of her favorite things to do is to gaze out the third postcard from St. Scholastica. It was then that her life Ofloor window of the graduate student study den at changed. the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and watch the students scurry by. From above she can see so much, and “The Holy Spirit was really at work, even before I visited praying for a future not yet in her view is among her top St. Scholastica,” shared Sister Therese while recalling her priorities. You see, days of dreaming are not beyond Sister journey. Therese Moreno, who continues to discern new possibilities amidst her responsibilities as a graduate student, full time From then on she knew St. Scholastica was where she was employee at the University, and cherished sister of St. meant to be. Her dreams were coming true, and her spirit Scholastica Monastery. of adventure was stronger than ever. “The sisters did more ministering than the Lufkin community. It was the best of Lisa Moreno was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, the both worlds.” second of six children born to Carlos and Diana Moreno. As a child her heart was full of adventure, and as the years Lisa Moreno entered the community in 1999 and became passed her spirit delved deeper into the mystical questions Sister Therese Moreno, a name she holds with reverence in concerning her place in the world, her calling, and how to honor of Thérèse of Lisieux, a French Carmelite use her life for the glory of God. celebrated for her simple approach to spirituality. Sister Therese reflects on the impact Saint Thérèse had on At the age of 26 Lisa Moreno discerned her call to become her life after learning about her while in college. “It was a sister, after fighting it for two years. She accepted it with because of her that I had the courage to try religious life. open arms and joined the Monastery of the Infant Jesus, a Above all I feared obedience and she gave me the strength Dominican cloister community to strive for that.” in Lufkin, Texas. After living as a sister there for four While Saint Thérèse gave Sister Therese insights about years, Lisa left, only to religious life, modern times offer women more opportunities continue the search for within community life than they once did. For four years the right community. Sister Therese has worked at the University of Arkansas at Then, while visiting Fayetteville, where she is also a graduate student studying her mother in English as a Second Language. Her goal is to teach abroad Louisiana, she saw at Colegio San Benito, a school in Guatemala where girls a vocations in St. Scholastica’s GEM Scholarship Program receive their education.

With a love of learning like Sister Therese’s, it’s no wonder she would find her way back to teaching. Though she has a few more years until she graduates, Sister Therese looks forward to the day when she can travel to Guatemala to participate in a mission of St. Scholastica in a personable and loving way. Until then, she will continue to dream, and sprinkle the world with flowers by giving acts of love and kindness wherever she goes. Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.

~ Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, O.C.D.

Simply Benedictine 9 Four Sisters, One Calling: The Schroeder Sisters’ Story

Right: Sisters Marietta, Stephanie, Regina, and Stephanie Schroeder

number of sisters at St. Scholastica Monastery can trace their family lineage back to one A another. It isn’t uncommon to learn that two of the sisters are second cousins, distant relatives, or even neighbors who grew up in one of the small towns in the area. Less common, however, is to come across sisters who are more closely related, like the Schroeder sisters, who in addition to living a life of monasticism honor their familial ties to one another in the most beautiful of ways as biological sisters.

Sisters Barbara, Marietta, Stephanie, and Regina Schroeder were raised in the small town of Windthorst, Texas, a primarily Catholic community located close to Wichita Falls. Every day they would wake up at 5 A.M. to begin the day with chores before going to school. It wasn’t uncommon to milk 40 cows twice a day, feed the rabbits, or perform landscaping in the wee hours of the morning. Though the days were long, togetherness was the norm.

The six boys and five girls attended the local public school that was staffed by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word from San Antonio and a Benedictine pastor from Subiaco Abbey. The

1942 circa 1944 Sister Anacletus, who Sister Barbara holds joined St. Scholastica her younger sister, Monastery in 1933, Sister Regina. Photo holds Sister Regina taken when Sister (born Olivia) as a baby. Barbara left home to Sister Anacletus was an join St. Scholastica. aunt to the Schroeder Sister Regina was two- siblings. and-a-half years old. Schroeder children grew up playing together, or getting into Strength came through their dedication to one another. In mischief together, both of which were commonplace in 1984, their brother, Brother Leonard, and their father, Ben, their household. died. Mrs. Schroeder’s health was deteriorating and the medical help she needed was not available where she lived. “Oh, we were ornery,” laughs Sister Stephanie while The sisters decided to bring her to Missouri, where they recounting a tale from her youth. “One time when I was in were on mission, to live with charge while our parents were away, Sister Regina and the them. Sisters Stephanie and younger brothers teamed up and had a paint war, drawing Regina became managers pictures and writing on the inside walls of several farm of the full-time care their buildings. Needless to say, our parents were not happy upon mother needed as they their return home!” remained dutiful to their parish ministry. As a family, With smiles on their faces, the three sisters speak fondly other members watched Above: Sisters Regina and of their childhood. Out of five girls, only one chose over one another and Stephanie caring for their mother the sacrament of marriage, while four chose religious their mother, taking turns life. Mary Rose, the youngest daughter and a graduate of and staying true to their St. Scholastica Academy, became an elementary teacher, childhood teachings: faith and family. Mrs. Schroeder died mother, and homemaker. in 1994 at the age of 90. Ten years later, Sister Marietta passed away, and then in 2017 the oldest sibling, Elmer, “Sophia, our mother, was very smart. She taught the boys joined them in death. and girls how to cook and clean the house. The girls learned to sew, embroider, and crochet at a very early age,” says Today, Sisters Barbara, Stephanie, and Regina look after Sister Barbara, who is now 90 years-old and keeps herself one another with a devotion that rouses the heart. The busy with embroidery, reading, and prayer. Sister Barbara remaining seven siblings continue to support one another in enjoys being able to help Sister Regina clean and organize. faith and love for one another. The Schroeder sisters now “I’m busy all day, but never too tired to be with the sisters have 23 nieces and nephews, 48 great nieces and nephews, during recreation.” 44 great great nieces and nephews, and 6 great great great nieces and nephews. We are blessed to have them with us. Their parents, who deeply respected the Togetherness is our norm. Sacraments, studied and prayed with the children every night, instilling in them not only a respect for their faith but also a strong sense of family ties. Sister Above: Sophia and Ben Stephanie, the community liturgist Schroeder and sacristan, is mindful of this as she ministers to her sisters. Above: Schroeder Siblings

circa 1944 circa 1947

Robert Schroeder George Schroeder (Brother Leonard) holds the reigns holds Sister Regina the while Sister Regina, same year he left home Raymond, and Bernard to attend school at ride as children in Subiaco. Texas.

Simply Benedictine 11 Girls’ Education Matters:

GEMs Excel to Great Heights n October of 2019, four GEM Scholars Iachieved what is often unattainable for girls in Guatemala. With the proud faces of their mamas and friends gazing at them from the audience, Lorena, Karla, Claudia, and Mirna walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas from Colegio San Benito, the Benedictine school in Esquipulas, Guatemala, where our GEM Scholars receive their education. It was a proud moment for these graduates, their families, and for Guatemala.

To date, much of the country continues to burden the scars of a devastating civil war that lasted from November 13, 1960 until December 29, 1996. During that time, crimes against Above: Lorena, Claudia, humanity took place, including genocide and femicide. Rape was used Mirna, Padre Hugo, and Karla as a weapon of war, along with oppression, torture, and murder. at their graduation ceremony Though remnants of past atrocities remain, the country is moving forward, albeit, through staggering statistics. Today, Guatemala has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the Americas, the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world, and 60% of Guatemalans live below the national poverty line. Almost 50% of children under the age of five are stunted.

In most cases, the future is bleak for girls in Guatemala. But light on the horizon continues to grow. It was seven years ago that Sister Rosalie Ruesewald and Oblate Kathy Jarvis met three of the four 2019 graduates. They were living in an orphanage run by the Franciscan Sisters and originally came from villages whose schools only went to the 3rd or 6th grades. Without this gift of an education, our GEM Scholars might otherwise already be mothers, standing on their feet for 12-hour days while making tortillas, something commonplace in Guatemala. But not for our Scholars. Lorena, Karla, Claudia, and Mirna will begin their University studies in January. On their horizon are hope, dreams, and a better future for the children they may one day have.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. ~ Saint Teresa of Calcutta

The GEM Scholarship program continues to grow, expanding to allow more girls into the program while also assisting graduates in their University endeavors. With the increased cost associated with growth, so too is the support from the community essential. Dr. Silvia Balsara of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith joined the recent summer trip to Guatemala and has been a gracious supporter of the program ever since. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church has taken up the charge to help open the door to a better life for girls in Guatemala. They, along with our other partners, are a vital link in the human chain of solidarity. The GEM Scholarship program is only one part of what makes the education of these bright girls possible. Teachers who work at Colegio San Benito day in and day out, offering their full hearts and minds to these young learners, operate at the most personal level in the education process. It is a long road, one fraught with poverty and malnutrition, but also love, and the belief that the GEM Scholars have what it takes to be the better tomorrow. Karla, one of the four recent graduates, plans to go into teaching.

And while the GEM Scholarship Program can’t serve everybody, we can stand in solidarity.

Solidarity, not charity, is the ‘hand-up’ essential to a prosperous Guatemala. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen fast, but with small steps in solidarity with our partners, teachers, and Scholars, we will all be the change on the horizon.

Above: Sister Maria, Aleida Salazar Rosa, Sister Rosalie, and Ana Ruth Ramirez Buezo. Aleida and Ana visited Fort Smith from Colegio San Benito in December. Aleida is the principal of the primary school and Ana is her assistant. Right: Marielos, who graduated four years ago, hugs her her grandmother. She is now in her fifth year of medical school.

Sister Rosalie was honored with a Zonta award on November 8 for her work with the GEM Scholarship Program. Sister Rosalie and Oblate Kathy Jarvis were both honored with an awared given by the Church Women United on September 20 for their outstanding social justice initiatives.

Simply Benedictine 13 Employees & Oblates ill Carol started working at St. Scholastica Monastery on October 23, 2000 and Brecently retired on October 18, 2019. He was a painter, carpenter, jokester, albeit clever-er than most. In addition to maintaining our boiler and swimming pool, Bill could always be counted on to bring a much-loved sense of humor to the group.

Yes, the work he did was remarkable and appreciated beyond measure. But Above: Bill with his what Bill will be remembered for is his authentic, good nature. He had a wife, Debi. Above: Sister Kimberly quiet way to him, a gentle way, that always made everybody feel at home. places a boutonnière on Bill at his going away Bill, you will be missed. Best of luck to you in your new adventure! party.

n Sunday, October 20, 2019 we welcomed two new enrollees to the Oblate Program. OWe are blessed to welcome Sister Judith Weaver and Elizabeth Hebel to our community. Thank you for your willingness to be Oblates of St. Benedict at St. Scholastica Monastery!

Being an Oblate is a wonderful way to carry out the mission of St. Benedict while living a life outside of monasticism. Men and women ofo any denomination are welcome to join our program. If you are interested in becoming at Oblate of St. Scholastica Monastery, please contact Sister Hilary Decker at [email protected].

Above: Sister Judith Weaver, Sister Hilary, Elizabeth Hebel, and Sister Kimberly In the Gift Shop

On October 11, 2019, our community celebrated the release of Sister Macrina Wiederkehr’s tenth book. The Flowing Grace of Now, Encountering Wisdom Through the Weeks of the Year is a 52-week meditative companion for every reader. This book sheds light on the importance of reflection, learning, and harnessing the power of growth within the ever-present grace of now by teachers already at work in your life.

Author Joyce Rupp (Anchors for the Soul) says The Flowing Grace of Now offers “Beautiful lessons of the heart to stir and revitalize the spiritual journey.”

Sister Macrina’s book is available in the St. Scholastica Gift Shop. Please stop by and purchase your copy of The Flowing Grace of Now during one of the times listed below.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:30-3:30 PM Saturday: 12:30-3:00 PM Closed Tuesday, Thursday, and the second Saturday of the month. (479) 783-4143 shop.stscho.org hen students walk into Sister Judith’s classroom every weekday Wmorning they come bearing many things not typically seen from a student in an elementary school. Yes, they bring books and bags, but they also bear gifts of tamales, empanadas, and perhaps an occasional toddler.

As part of a program through the School District and the Adult Sister Judith Education Center, Sister Judith teaches English to parents of students who attend one of the public schools in Fort Smith. From 8 AM Works until 11 AM, the class goes over English literacy, digital literacy, and also has the option of spending one hour in the classroom with their child. While this is a wonderful setting in which to learn English and with Adult understand content that their children are learning, not every 6th grader is excited to have their parent in class with them. For that reason, it Learners isn’t uncommon for parents to spend the entire three hours working on English and digital literacy.

Their hard work is paying off. Sister Judith can already see their fluency improving. “After a while my students become more eager and enthusiastic about learning as they see their skills improve,” she shares.

Sister Judith teaches at two elementary schools, Sunnymeade and Fairview, where she has nine and seven students respectively. Most are from Mexico, though some are from El Salvador and Guatemala. And all of them are women.

“It is a requirement to set a learning plan with each student. Many of them are beginning to think of goals outside of their familial responsibilities. But so often their main goal is to be able to help their children with school and life.”

For many years now, Sister Judith has valued working with the immigrant community, having chosen to walk away from her position at Christ the Above: A student watches Sister Judith while she is King Catholic School in Fort Smith where she taught Spanish. “At first teaching a lesson. I wasn’t sure if I’d like working with adults, but it turns out that I really Bottom Left: Sister Judith helping students with their like it.” work. Below: A mother of twins works on her class Sister Judith’s students aren’t the traditional students, but their assignment while also tending to her babies. enthusiasm and hard-work are unmistakable. They work towards a goal just as any other student, child or otherwise, would. They care about their family and will do what they must to succeed. From that stand- point, they all get an A+.

Simply Benedictine 15 St. Scholastica Monastery Non-Profit Organization 1315 South Albert Pike U.S. Postage Paid News Briefs P.O. Box 3489 Fort Smith, AR Permit: No. 429 July 22-26: Sister Elise Forst and Communications Director Fort Smith, AR 72913-3489 [email protected] Jennifer Burchett attended the Benedictine Development Symposium in Schuyler, Nebraska. September 18-22: Sister Cecelia Brickell and Health CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Coordinator Debbie Williams attended the Geriatrics and Long-Term Care Update Conference in Little Rock, AR. September 26-October 1: Sister Cecelia attended the Benedictine Sub-prioresses meeting in Duluth, Minnesota. September 29-October 4: Sister Kimberly Prohaska and Chief Financial Officer Ravi Thiagarajan attended the Resource Center for Religious Institutes Conference in Dallas, Texas. September 30-October 4: Sisters Stephanie Schroeder and Barbara Bock attended the National Benedictine Vocation Conference in Beech Grove, Indiana. October 3-6: Sister Macrina Wiederkehr directed a retreat at the Nazareth Retreat Center in Nazareth, Kentucky. October 11: Several sisters participated in the 5th Grade Vocation Day in Subiaco, AR.

Vol. 47, No. 3 Horizons December, 2019 Horizons is published three times a year by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. Phone: 479-783-4147. E-mail:[email protected] Website: www.stscho.org FAX: 479-782-4352. Anyone is welcome to be on the mailing list at no charge. Jennifer Burchett ... Managing Editor Sister Elise Forst, OSB ... Editorial Advisor Calvert McBride ... Printers Photography credits: Karen Schwartz, Kathy Jarvis, Sr. Kimberly Prohaska, Sr. Pat Bolling, Jennifer Burchett