BENEDICTINE SISTERS t. Placid Priory WWW.STPLACID.ORG THE SPRIORY SPIRITUALITY CENTER + THE CONFERENCE CENTER + THE PRIORY STORE

Winter – Spring Deepening Roots in the Pacific Northwest August 2010

Faith calls me to invite honest dia- this present age faith communities are Are We Listening? logue, trusting that the path through called to cultivate safe, respectful and by Laura Swan, OSB impasse and our new future will authentic encounter between people emerge, albeit in small pieces and in who perceive differences rather than Ours is a polarized society. The public many honest conversations. similarities. The late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin was standing on the pro- realm is violated with vitriolic charac- We at the Priory host many such con- ter assassinations and with plain rude phetic cutting edge when he chal- versations. Most of these conversations lenged us with his Common Ground and nasty behavior. This polarization are informal; some occur within our and ugliness in public discourse is Initiative. We need his vision as never spiritual formation opportunities. We before. tearing at the fiber of our collective seek to provide a safe place of listening cultures. We have been behaving as a and fostering dialogue. We recognize people bitterly angry and self- that the need is urgent for moderate righteous. Our anger is nurtured by fear speech and civil discourse which comes and distrust. Are we hearing intelligent from that inner sacred well of our own honest conversation around possible listening. This listening is a contempla- solutions to our woes? We yearn for tive practice. something better, something more hopeful, a path that honors our We are being called to embrace the humanity. We are in a time of signi- differences among us with respect and ficant change, a new season of healthy curiosity for what the other is reformation. Our diverse faith com- saying. To engage what the other is munities are being challenged to find saying reveals that we are listening. and walk a new path, one that is Dialogue requires that we move beyond authentically good news . stereotypes and labels that “excuse” us I have often pondered the radical and from hearing and knowing the other. comfort-disrupting early Christian We live in a liminal time. The “what The greatest gift we can offer is to has been” that no longer works is being creed—there is neither Greek nor Jew, authentically listen, especially when we slave nor free, male nor female—which shed but the “yet to be” has not been are stretched in that dialogue. made evident. This is impasse. We was a command and invitation to wait. We wait on the Holy One, always And where might this sacred conver- inclusion, respect and mutuality. Much present in our midst, to reveal the path sation lead us? The sensus fidelium , the of the chaos and disruption that I that faith tells us is before us. This “sense of the faithful,” is a long observe, especially within our faith waiting during liminal time demands tradition which acknowledges that the communities, may well be a call—even an inner strength—to wait in the Holy Spirit shares her wisdom among a a divine command—to take this early unknown and resist trying to “fix” what large and diverse people—a consen- creed seriously. Are we listening? we do not yet understand. sus of people. Is our present call the May we choose prayerful attentiveness asceticism of strong patience? Of The inner strength demanded of us moment by moment...over and over listening to others when it disturbs our again throughout the day. May we during impasse calls us to cultivate a world view? rich silence and a strong yet quiet bring our whole self attentive to this spirit. From this silence we are called Faith community is not about being moment, with the strength of our to listen to others, especially the other comfortable, rather we exist to foster chosen inner peace (no matter how who seems so different from our- the spiritual journey into new terrain imperfect this may be), breathe a selves. Faith during impasse impels me and new depths. A holy risk-taking. In peaceful breath and sing a gentle to hear many sides and to discover the song of new life and hope. good intent of the other person. St. Placid Priory 360-438-1771 The Priory Spirituality Center 360-438-2595 The Priory Store 360-438-1771

The Priory Knitters & Spinners took on November 21 included music, their fiber art creations to the annual poetry, teachings on unity from the Schafer Meadows Fiber Festival perspective of various faith traditions, October 8-10. The 2010 Festival was and the debut of the Olympia Peace held at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds at Choir. Elma. The Lacey Holiday Bazaar, November Prioress Sister Maureen O'Larey 26-27, found the Priory Knitters & Our end of summer picnic fell on attended the regional meeting of the Spinners staffing a holiday booth August 15 this year. We also blessed Leadership Conference of Women again, selling a variety of fiber crea- our cemetery that day following the Religious October 15-17, and the tions to benefit the Priory. Small Santa extensive improvements made by annual meeting of the Northwest ornaments were a big hit this year. Volunteers Jerry Haupt and Norm Association of Bishops and Religious Sister Maureen O'Larey represented Bomkamp . Superiors October 17-18. Both were our Sisters at the installation of our held at the Palisades Retreat Center in new Archbishop Peter Sartain at St. Federal Way. James Cathedral in Seattle on On October 23, Sisters Maureen December 1. O'Larey , Lucy Wynkoop and Therese On December 4, Pacific Winds played Gonneville were present for a Holiday Bazaar fund raising event for the installation of Father Pat held by POWER (Parents Organizing McDermott as Pastor of Sacred Heart for Welfare and Economic Rights) at Church in Lacey. The church and hall their new offices in downtown were packed with those who came to Olympia. Pacific Winds is a recorder rejoice with Father Pat. group in which Sister Monika Ellis Sisters attended a concert by the blue- plays alto recorder. grass group Deadwood Revival at An Advent Discernment Retreat , Urban Grace Baptist Church in Tacoma We hosted the meeting of the Serra sponsored by the Religious Sisters and November 5, a fundraiser for Father Club August 18. After lunch, the Priory Brothers of the Seattle Archdiocese, Bill Bichsel and others involved in acts DVD “Ways of Being with St. Placid was held on December 11 at the Uni- of civil disobedience protesting nuclear Priory” was shown to members. We versity of Washington Newman weapons. appreciate all Serra does to encourage Center. Sister Monika Ellis , a mem- religious vocations. On November 13, ber of the planning team, presented On September 1, we joyfully wel- Sister Laura and her stories of people throughout history comed Volunteer Megan Sinner of the fiction writing group, who answered a call from God, Benedictine Women's Volunteer Puget Sound Writers including Hildegard of Bingen, Arch- Corps . Megan, a new graduate of the Guild, hosted profes- bishop Raymond Hunthausen and College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, sional editor Elizabeth Molly Hightower (who served the poor MN, has committed to being a live-in Lyon for a day of in- in Haiti and died January, 2010 in an volunteer at our monastery for nine tense training. There earthquake there). The day was months. were tired smiles all Elizabeth Lyon interspersed with times of silence, around at the end of sharing, prayer and reflection. Sisters Laura Swan , Monika Ellis and a stimulating day. Redempta Ndunguru , as well as Megan Sinner and Sherry Bupp , were Sisters Redempta participants in a prayer vigil on the Ndunguru and Capitol steps, September 9, concerning Maureen O'Larey the death penalty. attended the Mass of Our Associates retreat on September 12 Thanksgiving for was led by Sister Laura Swan , who Archbishop Alex facilitated reflections on “who we are as Brunett , who is Benedictine persons.” retiring, at St. James Cathedral in Seattle Sister Monika Ellis and other vocation on November 19. directors staffed a Religious Sisters th and Brothers of the Seattle Arch- The 27 Annual diocese table with vocation information Interfaith Thanks- at the Archdiocesan Schools' Teacher giving Celebration Excellence Day on September 17. 2 December 11 Advent Discernment Retreat St. Placid Priory 360-438-1771 The Priory Spirituality Center 360-438-2595 The Priory Store 360-438-1771

Sister Jarlath's niece Karla Graham and nephew Neil Rademacher were able to be with us, representing her family, during our celebration of her life December 17 and 18. All the Sis- ters were grateful for their presence.

St. Placid Priory is happy to be hosting the first Viva! Discernment Sr. Jarlath Rademacher, OSB Retreat , July 9-10 , 2011 . Viva! is November 22, 1922 – a vocation discernment retreat for Mary Joan “Jan” McKenzie women interested in religious life, December 10, 2010 sponsored by the Religious Sisters At our Epiphany party on January 2, we of the Seattle Archdiocese. Please tell Sister Jarlath (Martina) Rademacher, celebrated another year of companion- all the women you know about this born in Rosen, Minnesota, died at age ship with our employees, volunteers retreat; and ask them to tell others. 88 at Providence Mother Joseph Care and friends. We also celebrated Jan Center, Olympia on December 10, McKenzie's 90 th birthday which was 2010. Sister Jarlath made her Monastic coming up later that week. Jan, a mem- Profession on July 11, 1942. She taught ber of the Priory Knitters & Spinners, in Fairfax, Minnesota, then was sent to was serenaded by the whole group— On January 15, Pacific Winds recorder Washington State where she completed Sister Monika, with input from many, ensemble opened for Cecilia, the head- her Bachelor of Arts and teacher had written a psalm for Jan's birthday. liner at Mt. Greens that evening. Paci- certification at Holy Names College in fic Winds members are Sister Monika Spokane. She taught first and second Ellis, alto, Barbara Gibson, tenor, and grades at Visitation School, Tacoma, on soprano—Katie Callahan, Karin Washington. Sister Jarlath was a Wallner-Bickham and Shannon founding member of St. Placid Priory, Blood. and also taught at Holy Rosary School, Tacoma. and All Saints' School in Puyallup. At times she also served as St. Placid Oblates superior of the local community. Sister It is a very satisfying sight: the ever- Jarlath was a well loved Director of growing circle of chairs at the monthly Postulants and Novices. Over the years Oblate meeting. We welcomed new she also served as Treasurer, Sub- Oblate candidates Kathleen Hystad, prioress and House Coordinator. She Associates John Meier & Kathleen Bonnie Westmark and Katy Suchland Hystad at the Epiphany party was our third prioress, 1978 to 1986. on October 10. Beginning our new She also served as chaplain in several year of meetings in September, we are hospitals and and nursing homes, experimenting with a new format. We notably RooLan Care Center in Lacey. break into smaller groups, choosing Sister Jarlath was gracious, gentle one that provides either more quiet and compassionate, valuing simplicity reflection time or longer conversation in her life and in her surroundings. with others. We are considering the With her warm and gentle humor, her question of what it means to live a Sisters and the public found her an monastic life of an Oblate in the world easy person with whom to speak. She of jobs, families and other obligations. is survived by her sister, Sister Evin How do we, as an Oblate community, Rademacher, OSB, and many nieces hold ourselves and each other account- and nephews. Donations in memory of able to the life we have chosen to live. Sister Jarlath may be sent to St. Placid Sister Laura Swan & Katie Callahan These questions have led to a deepen- Priory, 500 College Street NE, Lacey, find something good to eat ing of our discussions and a greater WA 98516. 3 Continued on page 4 St. Placid Priory 360-438-1771 The Priory Spirituality Center 360-438-2595 The Priory Store 360-438-1771

Continued from page 3 Ripples of Oasis Deep rest. Some- opening of each of us to the commu- HIV/AIDS. Missionaries are often times that looks like sleeping, praying, nity. Short excerpts of our discussions consumed with work and not noted for meditating, laughing or crying. Other are included in our Oblate newsletter taking time for themselves or learning times deep rest is playing solitaire— by Editor Jeanine Kavanaugh and to be quiet with God. At the Priory, I with real cards—in the communal kit- Assistant Editor Anne Frichtl. The first began to value personal reflective and chen. Still other times that deep rest two electronic issues included beautiful contemplative practices. In December comes in the form of one-on-one graphics, Lectio readings, poetry, cal- I've reserved 10 days at a quiet place spiritual direction, being led through a endar events, art work and prayer near the Indian Ocean in South Africa. I can't wait! group activity with other Oasis parti- requests. —Camille Wooden, Obl. OSB Grace & Peace to you—Susan cipants such as illuminated drawing or guided meditation, participating in the Here and Back Again On a wet and Liturgy of the Hours or eating hearty dark February weekend last year, I comfort food with the Sisters. All participated in a silent church group manifestations of this deep rest can be retreat at the Priory Spirituality Center. part of the monthly Oasis retreat. Each It was my first time here, though my month, I claim my space in this warm, wife had been here earlier and had gentle cocoon. There are many layers Listening with the Spirit , our spirit- glowing reports. I had an idea of what of community to experience—the sol- ual director formation program, began to expect, but was not fully prepared itude of a guest room, the inviting its 2-year cycle with a robust 18 parti- for the atmosphere of serenity and ambience of the common lounge areas cipants. The summer of 2011, as part of peace that enveloped me at the Priory, where conversations are spontaneous their training, participants will be a warm contrast to the bleak winter and often serendipitous, and the com- seeking people to meet with in spirit- outside. Our retreat began Friday eve- munal gatherings of worship and ual direction. If you'd be interested in ning and ended Sunday just before dining. Sometimes I walk the grounds, experiencing a spiritual direction rela- noon. The intent was for each of us to practicing being present on the trail tionship, please contact Sister Laura: spend personal time with God, inclu- meandering through the towering fir 360.438.1771 or lauraswanosb@ ding a silent time from Saturday to trees, the air punctuated by songbirds. gmail.com Sunday morning. I was surprised how Other times I wrap myself up in the private the weekend was, despite a full Cultivating Spirit in Daily Life with soft cloud of a hand-knitted prayer house of us. We seldom ran into one Jan Lawry, Ph.D. Many of us tend to shawl and absorb the stillness of a another except at meals. When the withdraw during the short, dark days of guest room. All these ripples of com- retreat was over and we had shared our winter, but as spring approaches, we muning and community I take with me experiences, the sense of community feel moved to join nature's dance of into the chaos of life. And every now was intense and deeply rich. When I renewal and reawakening. March and then, in a fleeting moment of returned for a private retreat in the fall, through May is an excellent time to stillness, I remember, breathe a “thank I was alone with one other retreatant, join us for 6 sessions of soul work in you”—and anticipate the gentle re- yet didn't feel alone so palpable was this series.We'll reacquaint ourselves entry into next month's retreat. God's presence...the same God that with beauty, then take stock of our —Suzanne Simons welcomes me here anew. many parts of self as we prepare to ex- —Darran Hanson Pastor Jude Rosenberg to his plore new, creative, soulful ventures. congregation, The Lutheran Church of We'll learn the benefits of sacred Practicing Creativity in Spiritual the Good Shepherd: One of the gifts of pauses to keep our intentions clear, and Life: Drawn to Creativity Drawing is living in South Puget Sound is ready compare ideas on how to bring the a way to enter stillness...opening access to the Spirituality Center at St. sacred into all we do. In May we'll memories, connecting to an object, Placid Priory in Lacey. Nancy and I gather for a final sharing of newfound noticing...where our focus was led. A recently attended a workshop on the blessings. Please call to register for the few of the ideas I took from Sr. Lucy Enneagram, a marvelous tool for self- entire series before February 18, or see and Marge McGinley's Drawing as understanding. The Center offers www.stplacid.org/sched.html for more Meditation workshop. Blind contour retreats, programs, workshops, spiritual description to see which individual drawing is a gentle path into making art direction and more on the beautiful sessions might fill your needs –then for novice and the experienced. Some monastery grounds. The Priory's call 360.438.2595 or email were skilled in the arts, other of us website at www.stplacid.org/spirit.html [email protected] tested beyond our comfort zone, dusting off our little-used right side of reflects the Center's invitation to Retreats Thanks for the reminder that the brain. Regardless of skill, we ex- welcome people of all faiths. the Priory continues to offer retreats as plored new ways of centering, of emp- For Long Term Programs , please see my time there has definitely borne tying ourselves to become vessels of fruit. One benefit is that making a brochures at www.stplacid.org/spirit. the many expressions of God's beauty. html—Oasis, Tending the Fire, and personal retreat has become a regular —Suzanne Simons practice, even after my move to Africa, Practicing Creativity in Spiritual Life. where I serve people affected by 4 St. Placid Priory 360-438-1771 The Priory Spirituality Center 360-438-2595 The Priory Store 360-438-1771

For This + Joe Ordos, father of SPHS graduates Janice, Patricia and Betty We Give Thanks Lou

Celtic knotwork reminds us that we are all connected on life's journey. In this New Year we honor our friends and family members who have faith- + St. Placid Oblate fully searched for and entered the Louise Honings Divine Source, the Sacred Center, God.

We give thanks for the lives of: + Sister Margaret Ann Rohling's + Sister Damaris Zander's sister-in- sister-in-law, Mary Rohling law, Veronica Zander

+ our bookkeeper Karin Wallner- + The life of our Sister Jarlath also Bickham's father, Georg Wallner of + Denise Halloran's husband, Tom makes visible the many people who Germany Quinn have enriched the life of the Church in the Pacific Northwest. For our 35 + Joanne Koenig's mother, Mary + Wilma Felix, mother of St. Placid Founding Sisters who came from Bingle High School graduates Josepha, Mary Minnesota with the Mission to build and Cecilia up the Church community in the + Greg Firnstahl's father, Jerome Pacific Northwest we send up a Firnstahl + Dinorah Capestany, mother of heartfelt “Allelujah!” For each of you SPHS graduates Esther and Vivian who help us continue their mission of + Sue Schneider's mother, Miriam being coworkers with God, we give Harris Haft + Mary Catherine Bader, mother of thanks! SPHS graduates Ann and Kate

One of the principles which guides our Priory processing and the way we take action is to create more of what is going well, rather than focusing on various lacks in our monastic community living. With this in mind, we ask you to join us in continuing to deepen this appreciative intent individually and collectively.

One way we work with the larger scheme of things is by creating space in our daily lives. Entering the silence of the surroundings here at St. Placid is one way to do that. Another way that would help both you and us is for you to take one of the workshops or retreats we offer.

As we approach our 60 th Anniversary as a Benedictine Monastery, we are sending out an appeal for pictures, photos, and memorabilia of these past years. Please contact Sister Laura Swan by phone at 360-438-1771, email her at [email protected], or send materials to her at 500 College St NE, Lacey 98516.

We are also looking for a volunteer to work in our Archives, converting our collection of slides into a digital collection.

We draw great encouragement from your daily, prayerful support!

5 St. Placid Priory 360-438-1771 The Priory Spirituality Center 360-438-2595 The Priory Store 360-438-1771

Candles are traditional symbols of the retreat with reflection materials. warmth and light. They are a natural The retreat will close with group ProgramProgram InformationInformation focus for prayerful meditation. This prayer and sharing. A spiritual PagesPages 66 – – 8 8 workshop is an opportunity to decorate director will be available, for those a glass pillar candle with papers, who wish. You are welcome to join +Our+Our retreats retreats include include the the opportunity opportunity to to join the Sisters for Eucharist and the charms, lace, glitter, images, and paint. the Benedictine Sisters for Liturgy of join the Sisters for Eucharist and the Your candle can capture a theme or the Hours and the Eucharist. Healing LiturgyLiturgy of of the the Hours. Hours. emotion that you’d like to express Touch is available by prior +Spiritual+Spiritual Direction Direction and and Healing Healing Touch Touch through your prayers. appointment on a limited basis for an maymay be be available available on on retreat retreat for for an an Register by prior Tuesday $60 additional fee. additionaladditional fee. fee. Please Please request request an an appointment when you register. (includes materials) Register by prior Friday $130 appointment when you register. Karen Barrueto with spiritual direction $165 Minimum 3, Maximum 10 +For+For information information on on our our presenters, presenters, pleaseplease explore explore our our website: website: Note: for the Cultivating Spirit series, Therese Gonneville, OSB www.stplacid.org/sched.htmlwww.stplacid.org/sched.html you may take one class or the series. Cultivating Spirit in Daily Life: Soul Searching: The Journey of Re-Entering the Garden Thomas Merton Lectio Divina March 2 March 12 and the Creative Arts Wednesday 9:00AM-Noon Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM February 19 John Rushkin reminds us that “Nature In the film, “Soul Searching,” parti- Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM is painting for us, day after day, cipants can expect to gain greater pictures of infinite beauty if only we knowledge of Merton’s life and Lectio Divina can be prayed with have the eyes to see them .” In this critical turning points in it. By grow- images, icons, film, music, poetry first session of a series, we will allow ing in understanding of the whole and life. We will review traditional the pursuit of beauty to lead us back Merton we can appreciate his spiri- Lectio D ivina with Scripture and then into the garden where we can see more tual path more fully and gain insights experience many other creative ways clearly the wonders of creation into our own. of praying L ectio . and our roles in it. Register by February 26 $60 Register by prior Friday $50 Bring a sack lunch Bring a sack lunch , Bible and journal. Register by prior Wednesday $55 Jan Lawry Minimum 10, Maximum 60 Lucy Wynkoop, OSB Morgan Atkinson Self-Care for Caregivers Let Your Calling Seek You: Cultivating Spirit in Daily Life: Discernment as a Way of Life March 5 Spring-Cleaning Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM February 26 the House of Self Saturday 9:15AM-3:30PM It takes courage to slow down and say, March 16 God beckons us in love, so we are free "I need a break." Nowhere is this more Wednesday 9:00AM-Noon prevalent than with care-givers such as to enjoy life's journey. Discerning your Each of us has many parts of self, calling in life is like sifting for gold. pastors, counselors, chaplains, parents, teachers and friends. Come explore some of which may become too To “love what I do” in service of the dominant while others suffer from world’s deep needs, you will engage in what self-care means for you while simultaneously entering a time of neglect. Through guided meditation, a number of “sifting” techniques: you will visit the many rooms of self meditation, gratitude assessment, life/ respite through experiential practices offered in this day retreat. to rediscover your passions, deep work collage building, etc. longings, and wild imaginings. You’ll Register by prior Friday $55 Register by prior Friday $60 Bring a sack lunch , journal and pen also encounter your creative muse Bring a sack lunch and make peace with your inner Minimum 5, Maximum 30 Minimum 6, Maximum 20 critic. Monika Ellis, OSB serves as a spiritual Kayce S. Hughlett Register by prior Wednesday $55 director and new membership director at Jan Lawry St. Placid Priory. Walking Through Lent Jim Henry March 11-13 The Celtic Pilgrimage: Note: for Practicing Creativity series, Friday 7:15PM-Sunday Noon A Daily Journey to the Sacred you may take one class or the series. Take time to walk with Jesus into the March 19 Practicing Creativity in Spiritual Life: wilderness for greater solitude, and in Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM Meditation Candle silence, deepen your spiritual journey. The opening session will include Perhaps we are all pilgrims yearning March 1 guided mediation and preparation for for mountaintop experiences, whether Tuesday 9:00AM-Noon 6 Continued on page 7 St. Placid Priory 360-438-1771 The Priory Spirituality Center 360-438-2595 The Priory Store 360-438-1771

Continued from page 6 Cultivating Spirit in Daily Life: Register by prior Friday $65 they occur in a distant land or in our Make It Manifest (includes materials) Karen Barrueto own backyards. We'll weave harp April 6 music, Celtic wisdom, poetry, and Wednesday 9:00AM-Noo n story, nature connection practices, and Tai Chi Whether you like to make bread, write spacious time for solitude and and Contemplative Prayer in a journal, knit, draw, or make sand discernment to nourish our spirits and castles, the very act of imagining April 16 open our hearts to a sacred intimacy something then creating it can lead us Saturday 9:15AM-3:30PM that can be found in 'ordinary time'— back to the source of all creation. On the everyday. We will then create daily We will draw upon the gentle, graceful this day we will explore several joyful rituals for finding and conversing with movements of Sun-style Tai Chi ways of giving voice to our creative this inherent holiness in our own lives. (standing or sitting), the words of Register by prior Friday $60 souls using the method of seeing/ Jesus, and the prayer-poetry of George Bring a sack lunch , journal, pen, drawing of Frederick Franck, writing MacDonald to be holistically present to comfortable clothes and shoes for haiku, and making a collage that God. No Tai Chi experience is walking. reflects where you are at this moment. necessary. All are welcome. Register by prior Wednesday $55 Minimum 8 Register by prior Friday $50 Jan Lawry Carol Spangler Bring a sack lunch; wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes and flat-soled shoes Jane Valencia New Life Through Minimum 6, Maximum 12 Reverend Steve Reiland Celebrating the Gift of Years Personal Prayer March 26 April 9 Cultivating Spirit in Daily Life: Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM Welcoming Solitude and Silence In The Gift of Years , Joan Chittister Personal prayer leads to new life in April 20, 2011 laments that often in later years we are Christ. But how can we pray in ways Wednesday 9:00AM-Noon that best suit our personality? How can “so unaware of what we are gaining .” A student of Kathleen Norris once In this workshop, we will challenge we experience God's presence? This retreat will answer these ques- wrote, “Silence reminds me to take my ageism, complete positive inventories soul with me wherever I go.” We all such as Blessed with Abilities and tions. We will pray with music and listen to the song that God sings to each benefit from such a reminder when our explore “seasoned human” applica- busy lives and the constant demands of tions of strengths-based spirituality. of us. We will experience two types of Scripture meditation. All this and others numb us to our own feelings and Register by prior Friday $55 inner needs. Today we’ll explore how Bring a sack lunch more.... Minimum 5 Register by prior Friday $50 creating times of solitude and silence Jim and Linda Henry Bring a sack lunch and Bible provides us with an opportunity to Minimum 5 reconnect with our selves in way that Gregorian Chant as Jan Alkire replenish our spirits and clarify our priorities. Spiritual Practice Practicing Creativity in Spiritual Life: Register by prior Wednesday $55 April 2 Shrine-Making Jan Lawry Saturday 9:45AM-3:30PM for Healing and Wholeness One with Jesus: Triduum Retreat Learn to sing and pray in the tradition April 16 of Gregorian chant. Joseph Anderson, Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM April 21-24 founding member of Peregrine Med- Thursday 3:00PM to Sunday Noon ieval Vocal Ensemble and an engaging Shrine-making is a way to celebrate something wonderful or work through Travel with Jesus on the road to teacher, makes chant simple and ac- Calvary. Take time with the silence cessible. In this Saturday workshop something difficult in the presence of God. We will look at the many ways of this retreat to let yourself be fully you will learn to sing the Psalms, present to this holy time. Begin by hymns and other melodies of a tradi- that people all over the world have used shrines and rituals to deepen their joining the Benedictine Sisters for a tional Gregorian Vespers service. special meal on Holy Thursday. Be Register by prior Friday $65 spiritual journey. Using meditations (includes music and binder) and journal writing you will have time with us as we let the liturgies of each Minimum 15, Maximum 30 to reflect on the personal and spiritual day lead us deeper into the journey of Joseph Anderson symbols that arise out of your life story. Easter. We will celebrate new life with This will become the foundation of 9:00 AM Eucharist on Easter Sunday Please see our website your shrine-making journey. followed by a simple breakfast with the www.stplacid.org/sched.html Continued on page 8 for presenter & program info. 7 St. Placid Priory 360-438-1771 The Priory Spirituality Center 360-438-2595 The Priory Store 360-438-1771

Continued from page 7 We will combine our watercolor to three Centering Prayer periods at a Sisters and Mass participants. Spiritual backgrounds and Spirit writings into time with meditative walks; observing Direction is available on Thursday our "masterpieces." There are times silence throughout the retreat, before 3:00 PM. when things appear that we would including meals and free time; and Register by prior Friday $180 never expect. This process builds minimizing distractions such as with spiritual direction $215 lessons in spontaneity, courage, confi- reading. Intended for those with at Minimum 3, Maximum 10 dence, willingness, patience and least six months of daily practice of Therese Gonneville, OSB persistence. Calligraphic knowledge is Centering Prayer. NOT a prerequisite. Register by prior Friday $170 Cultivating Spirit in Daily Life: Register by prior Tuesday $60 Minimum 6, Maximum 9 Finding Spirit in All We Do (includes materials) Kay Kukowski and Mary Solberg Jo Uhlman May 4 Making and Walking the Spiral Wednesday 9AM-noon Deepening the Enneagram Labyrinth We’ll spend a joyful morning with the Journey works of Sue Bender and Gunilla June 11 Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM Norris. Their writings serve to show May 14 Saturday 9:15AM-4:00PM how everything we do in the course of Learn to make a simple, easily portable a day, a week, and even across the The Enneagram is a powerful tool for spiral labyrinth out of rope, then use seasons may serve as mirrors and letting go of fixations that bar our full poetic verses on the themes of Creation pathways to the Divine Mystery of acceptance of God’s grace. This class and the Path as inspiration while creation. With Gunilla Norris’ words as will provide practices for working with walking this mantra-like path. The inspiration, we’ll create prayer poems the Enneagram beyond discovery of session closes in a gathering of quiet and meditations about our own routine type. Awareness, acceptance, action prayer. activities that serve to deepen our and adherence become the pathway that Register by prior Friday $55 awareness and make us more reveals the movement of grace for each (includes materials) responsive to the sacred in our daily of the nine types. Bring a sack lunch and a journal lives. Register by prior Friday $60 Minimum 5, Maximum 20 Register by prior Wednesday $55 Bring a sack lunch Margaret D. McGee Jan Lawry Minimum 6; Maximum 12 Debra Janison The Paschal Mystery: A Model for Healing and Forgiveness Cultivating Spirit in Daily Life: Harvesting Wisdom from Our May 7 Journey Saturday 9:15AM-3:00PM May 18 A day-long workshop discussing the Wednesday 9:00AM-Noon healing journey: its stages, starting steps, moving beyond being stuck, and In this final session, we’ll reflect on identifying the support needed for the what growth has taken place in the journey, from anguish to acceptance gardens of our spirits, and we’ll take and forgiveness. The format will be time to voice our intentions for the part teaching, and part individual future. Using John O’ Donohue’s wise journaling and reflection. We will take words from To Bless the Space Between a closer look at the Paschal Mystery of Us as a guide, we will write blessing Jesus, as a model for healing and poems to prepare us for moving into acceptance/forgiveness. This retreat is the next season of our life journeys. for those suffering from physical, You may register if you have taken at emotional and/or spiritual wounds. least two prior sessions. Register by prior Friday $50 Register by prior Wednesday $55 Bring a sack lunch Jan Lawry Minimum 8 Lisa Gosiaco Silent Centering Prayer Retreat Practicing Creativity in Spiritual Life: May 20-22 Playful Painting, Winsome Words Friday 7:15PM-Sunday 2:00PM May 10 In silence we come to know and live Tuesday 9:00AM-Noon from the Divine mystery within us. Up

8 Registration: You may use this form to register for a day As a monastic community, we the Benedictine Sisters program, a retreat program or a private retreat. The Center of St. Placid Priory cultivate a contemplative spirit that is open for private retreats unless a programmed retreat leads to hospitality and works of justice. We witness is scheduled. For more information, call 360.438.2595, fax Gospel values in building community. We are committed 369.438.9236 or email [email protected] Please to nurturing spiritual growth in ourselves and others, make checks payable to: The Priory Spirituality Center , collaborative leadership, stewardship of the environment, located at 500 College St NE, Lacey WA 98516. and taking risks in following God's call. # Please register me for the following program/s &/or retreat/s:

Program______The Priory Spirituality Center Program Date______is an ecumenical Christian ministry that encourages people of all faiths to seek and discern the voice of God in their lives and Name______in the world. We offer a peaceful and contemplative setting for personal reflection. We encourage and challenge people to Address______know the presence of God in their lives through classes, City______State_____ Zip______workshops, retreats and individual spiritual direction. Day Tel ______Eve Tel ______The Priory Spirituality Center is a ministry of St. Placid Priory and reflects the Benedictine values of peace, hospitality, Email______community, learning and prayerful discernment. Commuter? _____ Overnight? _____ (Willing to share a double room if necessary? Yes _____ No _____)

Spiritual Direction and Healing Touch available by appointment. Please call 360.438.2595

Sister Laura's Scriptorium: We request half the registration fee as a non-refundable Books that Merit Attention deposit for a program or retreat at the time of registration to confirm space. Any donation you make above program costs Defiant Daughters: Christian Women of Conscience by will be used for scholarships. Full Payment enclosed $______Marcy Heidish, Liguori Press, 2010. This is a wonderful collec- Deposit enclosed $______tion of well-told stories of women who responded to the call Scholarship Donation enclosed $______of the Holy Spirit in difficult and sinful situations. Organiz- ed as Daughters of Daring; Daughters of Determination; and Daughters of Dedication, each story ends with reflection we must revisit the religion of our childhood and young questions. This is a good source for private reflection or a adulthood, reassessing and reclaiming a more mature faith-sharing group. and wise faith tradition. Reading this book is a wonderful opportunity to take the gospel more seriously. O'Murchu Enter the Story: Biblical Metaphors for Our Times by Fran integrates the best of psychology, the new science and Ferder, Orbis Books, 2010. S. Fran offers a source that invites theology to provide a good launching point for someone us to look again with fresh eyes and new perspective at the wanting to deepen and expand their faith. Christian feasts that mark our own spiritual journey through life: Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Baptism, Temptation, Ancient Paths: Discover Christian Formation the Transfiguration, Suffering, Easter and Pentecost. Mary, Jesus Benedictine Way by David Robinson, Paraclete and the first followers resonate with us because their journey Press, 2010. Focused attention to spiritual formation is our journey. —of ourselves and of others God has sent our way— David Steindl-Rast: Essential Writings edited by Clare Hall- may well be the most enduring gift Benedictines have ward, Orbis Books, 2010. Steindl-Rast has been a valued and given the Body of Christ. As an oblate, Robinson popular writer among our circle of friends. I like this entire contributes to this tradition with Ancient Paths . Not Modern Spiritual Masters series, and those looking to meet a quite a workbook and certainly no theological treatise, new author on spirituality or to visit an old friend will appre- this is a spiritually practical ciate this newest volume. Gratefulness, gratitude, awareness exploration of the ways we and a down-to-earth embracing of the sacred are among the can participate in our spiritual themes explored. growth, Benedictine-style. I really like this! Adult Faith: Growing in Wisdom and Understanding by Diarmuid O'Murchu, Orbis Books, 2010. At some point in time

9 Visit Our Website: www.stplacid.org

Benedictine Sisters St. Placid Priory Winter – Spring – Summer NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION The Priory Spirituality Center February 2011 U.S. POSTAGE The Conference Center PAID The Priory Store 500 College St NE OLYMPIA, WA Lacey, WA 98516-5339 PERMIT NO. 260

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What's New at the Priory Store – Spirituality Center Staff by Sharon McDonald, OSB Carolyn Galloway – Center Administrator Lucy Wynkoop, OSB – Program Coordinator Mary Giles Mailhot, OSB – Staff Growing up, I often spent fun time with a neighbor. Once while Monika Ellis, OSB – Staff at her house I set my book on her Bible. She immediately told me, “I do not put Therese Gonneville, OSB – Staff anything on my Bible because I have great respect for the Word of God.” Whoa! Laura Swan, OSB – Staff In my home we had a family Bible too, and in it we recorded our family history, Megan Sinner – Weekend Hospitality special dates and sacramental moments. However, I did not treasure the Bible the way my friend did. Directions Coming South on I-5 Since that time, I have come to understand that reading Sacred Scripture is sim- Take Exit 109 ilar to plucking one string on a violin or a guitar. The vibration of that one tone Right turn onto Martin Way causes the string of a nearby but separate instrument to vibrate in the same way, Right at next light onto College St. NE with the same tone. In this way, by reading Scripture, we tune our heart and soul Second Right turn is our driveway to the sound of God's Word. Coming North on I-5 Take Exit 109 Left turn onto Martin Way At the Priory Store, we have a variety of Bibles available for purchase. We have Right at second light onto College St. NE Bibles with white leather covers, which make them particularly beautiful gifts. Second Right turn is our driveway Most of our Bibles have footnotes and cross references to follow a theme or topic. We sell concordances to the Bible which help the reader find Biblical The Priory Store welcomes as payment passages on a specific word. We also sell tabs which can be used to mark each VISA and MasterCard. We gratefully book of the Bible. And we sell books about understanding the Scriptures. If you continue to accept telephone orders and call ahead of time, we can meet to discuss and order a Bible that will enhance special orders for books and religious your study and prayer. articles. Call us at 360-438-1771.

To me, what is most important is that we have a daily practice of reading The Store, located off the lobby in the Sacred Scripture prayerfully and humbly, knowing that God promises: Priory, is open Friday Noon to 3:00 PM, “Turn to Me and I will turn to you.” —Zechariah 1:3 and Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

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