Vol. 46, No. 2 ST. SCHOLASTICA MONASTERY, Fort Smith, AR July, 2017 With Prayers, Blessings, and Sacred Soil, the Sisters Break Ground for Their New Monastery. On Groundbreaking Day, May 10, when the sisters Barbara Anhalt; Buddy and Linda Spradlin; and Tom and took another step on their journey Forward in Faith, they en- Dorothy Caldarera; Sister Joella; Bishop Taylor; Fr. John riched the soil on which their new monastery will be built with Antony, Administrator of Trinity Junior High School; Sandi the soil of their foremothers in Ferdinand, IN, Shoal Creek, Sanders, representing Fort Smith’s Mayor Sandy Sanders; AR, the monastery cemetery, and the present monastery Vice Mayor Kevin Settle; City Director Tracy Pennartz; and and St. Scholastica Center. Their prayerful groundbreaking Mark Loibner, architect for the new monastery. ceremony praised God in song, scripture, and speeches by About one hundred fiftyguests visited to congrat- Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, Sister Joella Kidwell, president of ulate the sisters at the reception that followed in the mon- the Federation of St. Gertrude, and Sister Maria DeAngeli. astery dining room. Sister Macrina Wiederkehr read a reflection as four sisters each added a jar of soil to the site. Sister Joella’s soil from Although general contractor Leo Anhalt is still Ferdinand represented the four young sisters who founded waiting for one more permit from the City of Fort Smith to St. Scholastica in 1879. Sister Ethel Marie Sonnier’s soil break ground in earnest and begin construction, the sis- from Shoal Creek commemorated St. Scholastica’s first ters are continuing to raise funds to reach their $5 million convent, where the sisters ministered through 1924. Sister goal. Sisters Maria, Elise, and Kimberly Prohaska have Regina Schroeder’s soil from the monastery cemetery rep- been visiting deaneries around the diocese and some resented the sisters who had mentored and inspired them in parishes. Visits will continue in the coming months. life and who had laid the foundation for the present. Finally, Sister Maria’s soil was taken from the monastery and the The sisters are planning more garage sales and Center where guests, friends, family, students, and employ- an auction as they continue to downsize in preparation ees have been welcomed as Christ each day. for their anticipated move in late 2018. Bishop Taylor’s generous sprinkling of holy water To make a donation to the Forward in Faith cam- on the site as he blessed the sisters and their guests paign, visit www.stscho.org/capital-campaign or send gave the grounds the water of life. your donation to Sr. Elise Forst, St. Scholastica Monas- tery, P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913, indicating it is Helping Sisters Maria and Elise Forst, Development for the capital campaign. Director, break ground were campaign co-chairs Leo and A Message From the Prioress

Dear Friends of St. Scholastica Monastery, As the Easter Season has drawn to a close, we celebrate the solemnities that follow the Paschal Season. In the recent gospels we have been hearing Jesus instruct his followers to believe in him even in their lack of understanding. Jesus assures them that he will not leave them alone but will be with them as the gift of the Spirit comes upon them. I hope this season of the Paschal Mystery has enlivened your faith in the Risen Jesus. During the month of May we here at St. Scholastica have been reading a reflection journal from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious about contemplative prayer by religious leaders of various communities. I began to think about what the Rule of Saint Benedict says about contemplative prayer. St. Benedict doesn’t use the word as such but he does in a number of chapters say what the monk must do to prepare for prayer. Chapter 52 of the Rule, speaking about the behavior we should exercise in the oratory, encourages us to respect members who wish to pray quietly. St. Benedict says, “After the work, all should leave in complete silence and with reverence for God, so that a brother (sister) who may wish to pray alone will not be disturbed by insensitivity of others.” In other places throughout the Rule, St. Benedict tells us that we need to spend time in holy reading (lectio divina), especially reading the gospels which he freely quotes throughout the Rule. Groundbreaking for the new monastery gave us another reason for rejoicing this Easter season. Sister Pierre and her helpers transplanted shrubbery and trees from the site of the new monastery to an area along South Albert Pike as a buffer from the street. I must say they are thriving. I can also joyfully say we are on the way on our journey Forward in Faith. In a few weeks we will begin the summer season. The question we all ask is “will it be a hot summer?” Who knows!! Thank you for all you do for us. We sisters are most grateful for your love and support. Blessings in hope and love,

Sister Maria’s Term as Prioress Is Extended through May, 2019 On April 21, the sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery extended the term of Sister Maria DeAngeli, OSB as prioress through May, 2019. Prior to their making a deci- sion, Sister Aileen Bankemper from St. Walburg Monastery in Covington, KY, and Sister Kathy Huber from Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN led the sisters in a two-day reflection process. Sister Joella Kidwell, President of the Federation of St. Gertrude, also provided consultation and advice. On May 9, she presided at the blessing of Sister Maria’s extended term. Sister Maria, a native of Lake Village, AR, is one of seven children of the late Angelo and Lois DeAngeli. She entered St. Scholastica Monastery in 1949 and made her monastic profession in 1953. She holds a B.S. in Education from E. Central State University, Ada, OK and an M.S. in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chi- cago and has taken additional courses in hospice work, social work, and Spanish. She taught in Morrison Bluff, Conway, Russellville, and Fort Smith, AR, and Clear Creek, MO. She worked in parish ministry in Russellville, Crossett, and Helena, AR. Prior to her two terms as prioress, she served as sub-prioress, formation director, (L to R) Sisters Joella Kidwell and gift shop manager. and Maria DeAngeli

Vol. 46, No. 2 Horizons July, 2017 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. Maryanne Meyerriecks...... Managing Editor Sister Elise Forst, OSB...... Editorial Advisor Calvert McBride...... Printers Photography credits: Karen Schwartz, Kathy Jarvis, Sr. Kimberly Prohaska, Sr. Pat Bolling, Maryanne Meyerriecks 2 Sister Cecelia Celebrates 10th Jubilee on July 11 St. Scholastica’s community retreat June 4-10 came at a perfect time for Sister Cecelia Brickell, who is preparing to celebrate her tenth jubilee at a private community celebration July 11. Taking a break from her many responsibilities in the monastery, which include coordinating the sisters’ healthcare and managing the library and archives, has given her an op- portunity to reflect. Before making her perpetual profession in 2010, Sister Cecelia spoke of the challenges of learning to live with more than 60 unique person- alities, and how they taught her to be a better listener. Today she lives with fewer than 40 sisters and still sees God working powerfully in their lives. “I’ve experienced a lot of changes,” she said. “We’re smaller, but growing smaller has helped us grow closer, too. When there are fewer people we can see the acts of kindness, caring, and love more easily.” Sister Cecelia’s monastic experience has been a journey into the deep, learning through each step to let go and rely on God’s wisdom. “Even though in 2007 I thought I understood what monastic life was going to mean, I understand now that it’s a lot deeper, and what I thought I knew was superficial. I look forward to having time to readjust my understanding and am sure it will continue to grow even deeper by the time I celebrate my 25th jubilee.” She looks forward to spending a week at Hesychia House of Prayer in early July to have the time to be still and reflect. It was in 2001 at Hesychia that Sister Cecelia, after a period of discernment, first made her decision to enter St. Scho- lastica. During that retreat she heard God say, “I love you. I have a plan for you. Trust me. My time is not your time.” Shortly after the retreat, her mother became ill, and Sister Cecelia realized that God was calling her to spend as much time with her parents as her schedule would allow. After her mother died in 2002, she realized that God’s time and hers were beginning to coincide. Sister Cecelia, a registered nurse who spent 25 years as a health care provider in Helena Regional Medical Center and two years at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis while raising her daughter Jenny, knows that God’s time and God’s call can come at any time of life. “If you think you have a call to religious life, be open, listen. When that peace fills your heart, you’ll know you have your answer.”

From the Development Office by Sister Elise Forst, OSB

Dear Friends, Groundbreaking for our new monastery on May 10 was a giant step in our journey Forward in Faith! I and all the sisters felt excitement because the day meant that our long planning process was about to be translated into a new reality. Also, we felt so grateful to all the people who joined us for the joyous occasion, especially our faithful Alumnae who prepared and served the refreshments, as well as the many generous do- nors and campaign volunteers who have brought us to this point in our journey. At present, we are awaiting final approval of our plans by the city of Fort Smith before actual construction will begin. Of course, the first step of removing some of our beloved trees will be sad, but lessened a bit by the knowledge that we will soon experience the excitement of seeing a new monastic home rise from the sacred ground near our current home. None of this is possible without your generous contributions to our capital campaign. Your response to our last letter was heartwarming. If you have not yet contributed, we invite you to be a part of our move into the future. May these summer days be filled with abundant blessings and some time for renewal and relaxation with family and friends. 3 Defying the Odds, Sister Audrey Makes a Miraculous Recovery

On October 18, 2015, Sisters Audrey Becker and Cabrini Schmidt were involved in a serious car accident Sis- ter Audrey spent several days in Mercy Hospital, followed by several months at Ashton Place Rehabilitation. Sister Cabrini, whose injuries were also severe, spent a few weeks in Wash- ington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, followed by re- habilitation in Ashton Place. Although Sister Cabrini died un- expectedly on December 30, 2015, Sister Audrey, 86, made a miraculous recovery. She has moved from the infirmary back to her fourth floor room, walks with the assistance of a brace and walker, and helps in the reception office during breaks and some lunch hours. “We don’t retire in the monastery. We’re recycled,” Sister Audrey Becker laughed. In her first 84 years of life, and her first 66 as a Benedictine sister, Sister Audrey was known for working hard with lightning fast efficiency. “I taught for forty years,” she said, “mostly first graders. They began the school year with skill levels that were all over the place, but they could all read at the end tors asked her what she wanted, and she told each of of the year by the time we were finished.” In one particu- them the same thing: “I want to go home.” larly challenging year at St. Boniface School, she taught 72 first graders and only had the assistance of an aide She returned to the monastery infirmary under when her class was moving from place to place. hospice care. “I really had good hospice,” she said. “I liked Jennifer, the hospice nurse, very much and I got When Sister Cabrini Schmitz became the direc- better. She told me if I sat up and stayed out of bed tor of St. Scholastica Retreat Center, Sister Audrey was during the day I would get stronger, and so one day I called back to the monastery to work as her assistant. woke up and said, ‘This is the last day I’m staying in bed Although she had never done secretarial work, she soon during the day time.’ I got my iPad and played games on learned to excel at office tasks. When Sister Cabrini was it and got better.” elected prioress in 2001, Sister Audrey was appointed as the monastery’s secretary and, eventually, secre- Eleven months after the accident, on September tary-treasurer. She continued in this role when Sister 8, 2016, Sister Audrey moved back to her room on the Maria DeAngeli became prioress, spending busy days fourth floor of the monastery. in her sunny office, decorated with dream catchers and houseplants, until the day of the accident. “The brace helps me walk; it’s very difficult to walk without it,” Sister Audrey said. “Last January, Dr. Jones The accident left her with a shattered foot and had to do an operation to remove two screws that had a broken bone in her neck. “Dr. Greg Jones put my an- gotten out of place, along with a tumor that had grown kle together with pins and screws but told Sister Maria over the screws. I was sidelined---but not for long.” I would probably never walk again,” she said. Never- theless, she went to Ashton Place for rehabilitation, but Although she is enjoying her retirement, Sister Au- didn’t do well there. Over a period of several months, drey comes down each morning to work in the reception she had three successive hospitalizations. office during breaks, and also helps in the office atoth- er times as needed. She faithfully participates in prayers, “I’m grateful to my niece, Denise, who came Masses, and meals. She enjoys her leisure time reading from Edmond, OK to take care of me in the hospital,” and keeping up with the news on CNN and MSN, which are Sister Audrey said. “I was taking so many antibiotics I loaded on to her iPad. could have been dead in two days. I felt as if I had lost six months of my life and as if I didn’t know who I was. Having been discharged from hospice “because I Although I don’t remember it, I’ve been told the sisters was feeling too good,” Sister Audrey no longer gets visits prayed the prayers of the dying over me.” from Jennifer but remains forever grateful for her good advice. She is also grateful to God, her niece Denise, During her last hospitalization, Denise told the her sister from Virginia who came to stay with her in the doctors that Sister Audrey wanted to go home, and the hospital, her monastic community, and everyone who doctors said they needed to hear that from her. Five doc- prayed for her during the greatest challenge of her life. 4 Sisters at Chapel Ridge Have Found New Opportunities for Ministry As the sisters planned for the future of their community during several years of prayer and discernment, they antic- ipated that their senior sisters would be lovingly cared for in a nursing home built on the southeastern part of their grounds and connected to their new monastery by a pleasant pathway. They envisioned being able to travel back and forth between the two facilities in a golf cart. The sisters negotiated the sale of some land with a nursing home owner to bring this plan to reality.

In preparation for the transitions, the sisters moved Sisters Josita Nahlen and Catherine Markey to Chapel Ridge Health and Rehabilitation, a facility then operated by the same nursing home owner and located a few blocks east of the monastery. Last fall, the sisters were forced to rethink their plans when the nursing home owner sold Chapel Ridge to a new owner who decided to renovate Chapel Ridge instead of building a new facility on land purchased from the monastery. The new owner welcomed the sisters from the monastery needing skilled care to continue coming to Chapel Ridge.

Currently, four sisters—Sisters Rose Maria Birkenfeld, Miriam Hoffman, Catherine Markey, and Jo Ann Senko—are living at Chapel Ridge. Two other sisters, Sisters Josita and Anne Michele Raley, lived there for several months be- fore their deaths in October, 2016 and March, 2017 respectively. In the past year, the sisters have found a new home there, making new friends, participating in activities such as Bible study, Bingo, Drums Alive, and crafts, and minis- tering to the other residents, both Catholic and non-Catholic. They eat lunch together each day in the dining room.

The sisters in the monastery visit the sisters in Chapel Ridge just about every day. Sisters Ethel Marie Sonnier, Alice O’Brien, and Judith Timmerman bring the Eucharist. Sister Dolores Vincent Bauer makes sure the sisters receive newspaper puzzles, monastery schedules, and prayer requests. Sister Cecelia Brickell, who coordinates the senior sisters’ care, makes sure that they have everything they need and that any problems are addressed with the home’s administrators. The sisters who live in Chapel Ridge come back to the monastery occasionally for visits during special celebrations.

Father Les Farley, St. Scholastica’s chaplain, celebrates Mass for the residents each Sunday at 4 p.m. and brings the Eucharist to the sisters and Catholic residents every Tuesday and Thursday. “My ministry is not just to the sis- ters,” he said. “It’s really blossomed because I meet with three or four residents besides the sisters. The residents get a lot out of the sisters being there. They love that presence.”

Father Les said that he thinks nursing home care is “only as good as the vigilance of the family, and in this case, the vigilance of the sisters who go over and visit.”

“On Sundays Sister Miriam brings her bedside tray to use for the altar. I know when God looks down at the beautiful altar that it’s one of his favorites. She always makes sure it’s just the right height.”

(L to R) Sister Catherine gets a visit from the Easter Bunny and Gidget, a visiting shih-tzu. Sister Miriam displays some of her needlework. Sister Rose Maria is working with her physical therapist. Sister Dolores Vincent visits with Sister Jo Ann as she puts goldfish in the pool at an afternoon luau. 5 In Loving Memory Sister Anne Michele Raley, OSB passed away vocation as one of God’s greatest blessings in a life filled with on March 6, 2017. In her 66 years of religious God’s blessing. life she was a teacher, monastery treasurer, secretary, bookkeeper, and a strong advocate Sister Mary’s survivors include three brothers, Willis A. Hawkins for peace and social justice. Her passion for of Canyon, Dr. Theron C. Hawkins of Comfort and Robert L. Haw- justice was nurtured through jobs in Friendship kins of Hart; numerous nieces and nephews, and her Benedictine House, ACORN, St. Joseph’s Day Care Cen- Community at St. Benedict Monastery, Canyon and St. Scholasti- ter, and Heifer, Inc. In retirement she served on ca Monastery, Fort Smith. the monastery social concerns committee, wit- Oblate Louise Josephine Berkemeyer Sponer, age 100, of nessed for peace each Sunday afternoon during the Iraq and St. Vincent passed away on February 24. She was a devoted Afghanistan wars, and sought justice for all God’s children, espe- wife, mother, and homemaker who loved to garden, sew, and cially those marginalized by society. play cards and dominoes with her family. She was a member of She was born July 10, 1924 to Thomas and Anna Raley, growing St. Mary Catholic Church and Altar Society, and was part of the up with three brothers and four sisters in Paragould, AR. She St. Vincent group of oblates since March 10, 1985. entered St. Scholastica Monastery in 1948, earned a business She is survived by her daughter Sharon (Harold) Beck and son Ron degree from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, TX. and (Becca) Sponer of Morrilton; four sisters and one brother. She was taught for sixteen years at St. Scholastica Academy; St. Edward preceded in death by her husband, Emil, and four sisters, including School, Little Rock; St. Mary School, Barling; and St. Vincent Sisters Herman Joseph and Anita Berkemeyer, and four brothers. School, Rogers. After serving five years as community treasurer, Sister Anne Michele began a thirty-year career as a secretary Oblate Rev. William T. Dalton of Denison, Texas, who made ob- and bookkeeper for non-profit organizations in Chicago, Kansas lation on January 3, 2016, passed away on March 22. A Korean City, and Little Rock. From 1978 to 1998, she worked at St. Jo- war veteran and Great Earth Vitamins franchisee. Fr. Bill was seph’s Day Care Center in North Little Rock. ordained an Episcopal priest in 2004. In addition to her social justice work, Sister Anne Michele served the He is survived by his wife Charlene, three daughters, a step- community in retirement as a receptionist and mail clerk. In the last daughter and stepson, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchil- four months of her life she lived at Chapel Ridge Nursing Home in dren, and one brother. Fort Smith. Oblate Betty Parillo, 93, of Wichita, Kansas, formerly of Fort Sister Anne Michele is survived by three brothers: James John, Smith, passed away on April 3. Betty, who made her oblation Paragould, AR; Joseph Ronald, Tularosa, NM; and Howard Thom- October 15, 1994, was a homemaker and long time volunteer at as, Atlanta, GA. Preceding her in death are her parents; and four St. Edward’s Mercy Hospital, former first vice-regent of the Cath- sisters: Pauline Raley, Anna Loretta Raley, Francine Hayden, and olic Daughters of America, and Christ the King Church parishio- Virginia Mullins. Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholas- ner. She is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren, nine tica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. To see a photo album of Sister Anne Michele, click here. Oblate Mary Stephens, 96, who was the last surviving member of the first class of oblates making oblation on February 4, 1979, Sister Mary Hawkins, OSB (formerly Sister Au- passed away on April 22. For a number of years Mary worked gustine), longtime Prioress at St. Benedict Mon- alongside Sister Richard Walter, her biological sister, as a baker in astery in Canyon, TX and former prioress of St. the kitchen of St. Scholastica Convent. She was a member of St. Scholastica Monastery, passed away March 15 Joseph’s Catholic Church in Conway. after a brief illness. She was 97 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, son Cecil, Jr., Sister Mary, who was born in Tulia, TX, on Oc- daughter Pat Kirspel, grandson David Kirspel, and five brothers tober 20, 1919, grew up in Hart, TX and was a and three sisters, including Sister Richard. She is survived by graduate of Shamrock High School. After grad- three sisters, one brother, four grandchildren, five great-grand- uation she worked as a secretary in the Pentagon. Two years af- children, one great-great grandchild, and nieces and nephews. ter converting to Catholicism, Sister Mary entered St. Scholastica Monastery, making her first vows on June 24, 1950. Oblate James W. Moore, 94, passed away on May 6. James Sister Mary received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Our Lady of played Razorback football, was a WWII veteran, and a Fort Smith the Lake University in San Antonio; and a Master Degree in En- firefighter for 43 years. He served as Fire Chief for the department glish from Creighton University. She taught at schools in Subiaco from 1981 until his retirement in 1992. He loved to travel, read, and Fayetteville, AR; Moberly, MO; and Nazareth, TX. In 1981, hunt, fish, garden, work with cattle, and tell and listen to stories. St. Scholastica Monastery elected Sister Mary as its Eighth Pri- He was a lifetime member of Immaculate Conception Church, oress for a term of four years. where he married his wife, Laura, in 1948. He and Laura made In 1985, Sister Mary worked to establish a small Benedictine their oblations on October 20, 1996. community and create a monastic presence in Canyon, TX. She He is survived by his wife, son John Kyle Moore, daughter Laura was appointed Prioress of St. Benedict Monastery. In 1998 and Moore-Farrell, M.D. and spouse, Michael Farrell, one sister and 1999, her community built a permanent monastery on the rim four grandchildren. of Palo Duro Canyon. Sister Mary considered her Benedictine 6 Vocations Corner Joselyn Ramey, who was received as an Affiliate of St. Scholastica Mon- astery in 2016, spent a week visiting the sisters in May as she continued her discernment with the community. Joselyn is pictured at right. Joselyn, who grew up in Louann, Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas--Fayetteville, works for Catholic Charities in Dallas, TX. ** Sisters Cecelia Brickell and Alice O’Brien attended the West Plaines, MO Vocational Youth Conference on March 24-26. ** Sisters Kimberly Prohaska and Cecelia Brickell hosted an information booth at Christ the King’s Rex Fest May 7 in Little Rock. ** The monastery will host “Come and See Weekends” on: June 23-25, 2017 July 7-8, 2017 August 25-27, 2017 October 13-14, 2017 For more information, contact Sister Kimberly at 479-783-4147 or email her at [email protected]. Oblate News St. Scholastica’s Oblate group completed its 2016-17 year with their annual Obla- tion Mass. The sisters and oblates welcomed Sue Senyard as a new enrollee and the oblates attending renewed their oblation. Sue has volunteered in the infirmary for a few years, sharing Bible study and bringing cookies and juice for celebrations. She discerned her call to be an oblate by meeting with Sister Hilary Decker, oblate director, and reading books on Benedictine spirituality. The oblates will resume their meetings on Sunday, September 17, with Mass at 1 p.m. followed by a meeting at 2 p.m. This year’s discussion book will be “The Ob- late Life,” a compilation of essays edited by Gervase Holdaway, OSB. Sister Pat was able to purchase copies at cost for the monastery gift shop, so if you would like to order one, please let her know by emailing her at [email protected] or calling 479-783-4147. Retreat Center News by Kathy Schmelzer, Director Good Summer to all of you! As some of you know, the retreat center is on a journey toward closing and I am taking this opportunity to invite you to take advantage of one of the offerings we have scheduled. Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr O.S. B. will be leading the Song of the Seed: a Monastic Way of Tending the Soul, July 16-22, 2017 and on Sep- tember 22-24 Velma Fry will join Sister Macrina to present Seven Sacred Pauses: a Pilgrimage through the Hours. Therese Elias, OSB, who gave a retreat here in 2011, is returning October 27-29, 2017 to carry us deeper into Celtic Spirituality. In Celtic tradition, October is traditionally thought of as the time when the veil between the living and the Communion of Saints is the thinnest. We will close out this year with a workshop presented by Kaye Bernard on A Deepening Understanding of Ourselves and Others November 3-4, 2017. The last offering will be our annual Silent Directed Retreat January 4-7, 2018. This 3-day event is in the Ignatian tradition and includes individual meetings with a spiritual director. We hope you will consider the invitation to register for one of these retreats. For more information, or to register, call 479.783.1135 or visit the website at www.stscho.org/retreats. The Spiritual Director Formation program will be offering a Retreat in Daily Life both in the River Valley and in North- west Arkansas. This 30-week adventure is the 19th Annotation that St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote into his Spiritual Ex- ercises. It is an excellent opportunity to examine and deepen your relationship with Jesus and our loving God. There is a pre-registration process involved. If you are interested and would like to learn more please call Kathy Schmelzer or Sister Rachel Dietz, OSB at 479.783.1135 or email retreats @stscho.org or Rachel@ stscho.org soon. The For- mation program is always willing to help you either in your pursuit to study to become a certified spiritual director or your search for a spiritual director. Please call us if you are searching for a spiritual director or you would like to know more about the journey to become certified. 7 NEWS BRIEFS St. Scholastica Monastery Non-Profit Organization 1301 South Albert Pike U.S. Postage Paid P.O. Box 3489 Fort Smith, AR On May 1-5, Sisters Elise Forst, Kim- Fort Smith, AR 72913-3489 Permit: No. 429 berly Prohaska, and Barbara Bock at- [email protected] tended the American Benedictine For- return service requested mation Conference in Beech Grove, IN. Sister Michaela Marie Boucaud spent a week at University of Missouri--Co- lumbia for orientation for her online study to obtain a doctorate as a nurse practitioner June 3-9. On June 22-29, Sisters Maria DeAnge- li, Pat Bolling, and Elise Forst partici- pated in the Federation of St. Gertrude Chapter meeting in Yankton, SD. Sisters Michaela Marie and Judith Maria Timmerman will attend the Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat at Annunciation Monas- tery in Bismarck, ND June 30-July 17. Sisters Rosalie Ruesewald and Ethel Marie Sonnier are attending the 2017 Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando, Fl July 1-4. Sacred Heart Church, Charleston, Continues to Build Friendships with Our Guatemalan Students Sacred Heart’s youth group made its third trip to Guatemala during Spring Break, and students and parents played with, prayed with, and taught children at the Franciscan orphanage and Colegio San Benito, painted rainbow murals on the walls of a school for the disabled, and renewed their commitment to the scholarship program. In the photos clockwise from left, mission trip coordinator Veronica Fred- erick and chaperones Brian Verkamp and David Wewers had fun with the children in the orphanage. Upon his return home, David Wewers secured three $500 scholarships, two from Charleston Knights of Columbus Coun- cil 12875 and one from Paris Knights of Columbus Council 3787.

And from Subiaco Jazz Band, “The Sounds of Solidarity...” In May, Deacon Roy Goetz and the Subiaco Jazz Band played at La Huerta and a freewill donation for the scholar- ship program was taken. Also in May, Subiaco students and staff donat- ed three scholarships for our girls. 8