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     It hardly seems possible that we are at the end of April, and our last Newsletter until September.  Today we are rejoicing with bright sunshine after a cloudy weekend with blizzard conditions on Friday, April 25^th!!  It was very unusual for us to have snow on this date, but we live in South Dakota. 

     April held two Oblation Ceremonies, one in Sioux Falls and one in Yankton.  This Newsletter will include pictures from both places.  On April 29^th, Pat Feldsien made her final oblation at the monastery while visiting from Arizona. It was wonderful to see so many of you and witness your enthusiasm in becoming novices, making final Oblation or renewing your Oblation.  Thank each of you who took time and arranged your schedules to be present.  This is a special time for Oblates, and important in your lives. There is a form (see below)  for you who were not able to be present for the Oblation Ceremony.  I encourage you to renew your Oblation soon and either email or send me the form.  Please try to do this before June 1^st if possible.

     As we begin our “summer break” I’d like to share from The Circle of Life by Joyce Rupp & Macrina Wiederkehr.  They say, “Summer is the season of light.  Generous amounts of sunshine fall from the heavens.  That touch of fire invites all growing things to leap into fullness.  The steady flame of the sun ignites a passion in the land, and everywhere we are able to behold the dancing flame of life.  As you witness this exuberant and fruitful unfolding in the earth, you are encouraged to turn your gaze to your inner life.  --- For the most part, … summer is a very positive and encouraging time for our spiritual journey.  It is a fulfilling and productive moment on the road of life that we want to hold on to forever.”  During this summer may you take time to remember your dreams and visions, your hopes and passions, spending time in prayer and play.

God bless,

Sr. Joelle

Next meeting  May 18^th  at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapter Room 

Please read Chapters VII.  Justice: The Way to Peace and VIII Conclusion: Becoming Light and Leaven in Wisdom from the Tradition.   Be prepared to discuss the chapter and what parts of it you found meaningful as an Oblate.  Also, reflect on the questions at the end of the chapter.  We will also witness the Final Oblation of Dot Blaha

Refreshments:  Jeanette Schramm

Oblate retreats

The dates for Oblate Retreats for 2008-2009 are:  October 3 – 5, 2008, and Feb. 20-22, 2009.

Additional information will be coming in late summer.  But, if you are interested – mark your calendars

Next meeting  May 18^th  at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapter Room 

Please read Chapters VII.  Justice: The Way to Peace and VIII Conclusion: Becoming Light and Leaven in Wisdom from the Tradition.   Be prepared to discuss the chapter and what parts of it you found meaningful as an Oblate.  Also, reflect on the questions at the end of the chapter.  We will also witness the Final Oblation of Dot Blaha

Refreshments:  Jeanette Schramm

Oblate retreats

The dates for Oblate Retreats for 2008-2009 are:  October 3 – 5, 2008, and Feb. 20-22, 2009.  Additional information will be coming in late summer.  But, if you are interested – mark your calendars.
                 

                  Yankton                                                     Sioux Falls

Yankton: Oblate Novices and Final Oblation:  Back row (L to R) N. Benjamin Puthoff, N.Nancy Guettierrez, Sr. Bonita, F. O.Jim Bydlen and F. O.Nikki Eligenio.  Front row (L to R) Sr. Joelle, Sr. Jennifer, Prioress, N. Ashley Solem, N. Stephanie Stech, N. Kara Marks, N. Stephanie Otto and N. Jo Anne Dickinson.

Sioux Falls:  (L to R)  Sr. Joelle, Sr. Jennifer, Brian Ward, Lois Heron, Lela Feuerborn and Bob Feuerborn.                                                                                                

        Yankton Oblation   Renewal                         Sioux Falls Final Oblation
                                                                                         of Bev Engiel

                                                        ++++++++++

Rule of Benedict for May-Sept: 

During the summer months the entire Rule of Benedict is read.  For the month of May the readings are the Prologue through the 2^nd step of Humility. For the month of June the readings from the Rule of Benedict are:  Chapter 7 – 3^rd step of Humility through Chapter 23.  July’s readings are:  Chapter 24 through Chapter 49.  August’s readings are:  Chapter 50 through Chapter 73.

I encourage you to try to read some section daily.  If that is not possible for you, try to read some each week.  As you read take time with certain chapters to reflect on how this is meaningful for your life as an Oblate.

American Benedictine Academy                                                                                                                                 The biennial conference theme of ABA is “Monastic Spirituality: Expanding Merton’s Vision.”  The conference will be held at Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, South Dakota, during August 7-10. Oblates are welcome to attend this conference if you are interested.  You can go to http://www.osb.org/aba/news for more information and to register, or contact Sr. Theresa Schumacher at 320-363-7186.

Speaker in schuyler, Nebraska

On June 14, 2008 Fr. Anselm Gruen, OSB from the Abbey of Muensterschwarzach, Germany will present a day of retreat entitled:  Benedict of Nursia: His Message for Today.  He is a spiritual counselor and advisor, sought-after speaker and retreat master.  This is a wonderful opportunity for Oblates to hear this respected monks’ message.  I encourage you to consider attending if possible.  The cost is $30 plus either bringing a sack lunch or an additional cost for the noon meal.

If you are interested in the retreat you can make reservations by contacting: Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB,St. Benedict Center, P.O. Box 528,Schuyler, NE 68661, Phone: 402-352-8819, Fax: 402-352-8819, Retreats@StBenedictCenter.com general, www.StBenedictCenter.com

Prayer Requests

• Oblate Kerry Doyle who has been sick with stomach problems
• Sister Kathleen McCarthy who died
• Sr. Vera’s sister, Pauline Johnson, Sr. Christine’s brother, Casper Knoll, Sr. Harriet’s brother, Rex Gobel, Sr. Celine’s brother, Richard Andersen, and Sr. Virgil’s brother, Don Koch who died
• Fr. Jerry Kopel, Gettysburg, S.D. who had a heart attack
• Fr. Tom Ward, Omaha Archdiocesan priest who has cancer
• O. Pat Schied asks prayers for Lori P. who has cancer
• Sr. Bernadette who had knee surgery the end of April

Community Happenings

• 16 Spiritual Direction Residency participants completed the two year program in early April, including Sr. Francine Streff, S. Jeanne Weber and Ken Varilek our dietary director
• Srs. Joyce Streff and Eileen O’Conner attended the Pax Christi Conference with John Dear, SJ speaking
• Sr. Cynthia participated in the Prisoner Re-entry Roundtable on Education Issues in New York City
• Several sisters attended an Avera Sponsorship Meeting in Minneapolis
• The sisters and Oblates enjoyed a reception following the Oblation Ceremony on April 20^th
• Cake and ice cream was enjoyed by many when the Serra Club served in our dining room
• Sr. Paulette attended the Massage Pathology and Ethics Conference in Huron
• Sr. Joelle led a Day of Reflection for the Norfolk Oblates on the Prologue of RB
• Congratulations to Sr. Margo who recently received a certificate of appreciation at the Sacred Heart School fundraising Gala which was dedicated to her this year. She is completing her 28^th year of teaching at Sacred Heart, the record for consecutive years in its 124-year history.
• Sr. Julie traveled to Ferdinand, Ind. to learn more about processing and maintaining archival material.
• Our community is planning a pre-dinner social and evening meal to celebrate with Srs. Auxilia and Katherina from Tanzania, Africa who are graduating from MMC on May 10^th.
• The performances by the National Players at MMC – Twelfth Night and Call of the Wild entertained many sisters.  The Players stayed at the monastery so there was also time for visiting at some of the meals.

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RENEWAL OF OBLATION  

 I renew my oblation as an Oblate of St. Benedict for the community of Sacred Heart Monastery, Yankton, South Dakota.  I promise again to serve God and all people according to the Rule of St. Benedict.  Through my daily prayer and work May I be inspired to live in Christ and to bring His love to the world and His peace to all hearts.

Oblate Signature  _________________________

Date    __________________________________

Place  ___________________________________

  ++++++++++

Enjoy the beautiful days and have a great summer – stay safe!