Sister Barbara Kowalkowski, OSB declares her Perpetual Monastic Profession as a Benedictine Sister on July 23, 2011.
First, Sister Barbara is called forth from the congregation in song (above). Then, the Prioress, Sister Penny Bingham questions Sister Barbara as to her desire to make this commitment (right).
In the presence of the Prioress, community and her family and friends, Sister Barbara declares her Monastic Profession (above). She then goes to the altar and signs the document (right) and prays the "Suscipe," a prayer of trust in God in imitation of Christ (right).
"Uphold me, O Lord, according to your word, that I may
live. And let me not be disappointed in the hope I
cherish." (Psalm 119)
She then prostrates before the altar while the community chants the Litany of the Saints (above).
Arising, she receives a blessing, that her commitment may remain strong (above), and a ring as the sign of her commitment (right).
The Eucharist continues with her Profession document remaining on the altar. The self-offering of Christ is the model for Sister Barbara's monastic commitment.
The celebration continues in the Chapter Room with her family and community. |
Sister Barbara Kowalkowski, OSB, made her Perpetual Monastic Profession as a member of Sacred Heart Monastery, Yankton, SD on July 23, 2011 in the presence of her family, friends and monastic community.
Sister Barbara is the daughter of Karen Kowalkowski of Sioux Falls, SD and Thomas Kowalkowski who resides in Michigan. She was baptized at The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, both in Milwaukee, WI. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of South Dakota in 1997 and taught 6th grade at Edison and at Memorial Middle Schools in Sioux Falls.
In 2004 she entered the Benedictine Sisters and made her First Profession on August 11, 2007. Sister Barbara says that she was drawn to the Benedictine charism because of its balanced approach to life but that “the blessings of community are what kept me here. Knowing that this life is a journey to the next, it is such a gift to share my life with sisters who follow the Rule that bids us to ‘prefer nothing whatever to Christ.’ It is this sense of togetherness in community that strengthens me on my journey.”
Since entering, she has taught part-time at Sacred Heart Middle School in Yankton and is currently a fifth grade teacher at North American Martyrs in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Sister Barbara pauses for a picture with Sister Jeanne Weber, Subprioress and Sister Penny Bingham, Prioress.
The luncheon was made special by the presence of her mother and niece and nephews, who are happy to have an "Aunt Sister."
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