Making roomMaking room

VOLUME 57 NUMBER 3 3190 BENET LANE COLORADO SPRINGS COLORADO 80921-1509 Fall-Winter 2019

A place of hope and hospitality for the worldA place of hope and hospitality for the world

2

Message from the Prioress By Sister Clare Carr OSB Prioress

In deepest sympathy we remember our dear sisters and their families who have lost loved ones

Sister Evangeline Salazar OSB for the loss of her brother Jose Severo Salazar

Sister Mary Jane Vigil OSB for the loss of her sister- in- law Lillian Vigil

Sister Rose Ann Barmann OSB for the loss of her sister- in- law Alice Farnan Barmann

Sister Clare Carr OSBPrioress

ReFUND CO (Colorado State Tax Refunds)

In 2020 a new option for giving to nonprofits in Colorado is coming through ReFUND CO Coloradans

may donate a portion of their Colorado tax refund to non-profit organizations More information will be coming in January 2020

when tax season begins

Making roomfor spiritual growth

Dear Friends and Families

The concept for each Review message often comes months ahead of its publication This fall as we discussed the plight of our immigrants on our borders and the suffering of refugees in our world we couldnrsquot help but think ldquoHow do we respond to the needs of so manyrdquo What we uncovered seems obvious We must make room in our hearts Room for the estranged For the different For those who hold differing images of God Can we make room to be curious and open to all cultures

ldquoIt is a gift to have a spiritual director For me it is also a gift to provide lsquospiritual directionrsquo Perhaps a better name for the process of spiritual direction is spiritual sharing The directee lsquogivesrsquo or shares their story and the director listens and responds A relationship has begun The directee is the focus of the dialogue however we both receive insights about each other and about ourselves Surely this is a way of expanding our connection to Godrdquo -Sister Anne Madeleine Brost OSB

Contact Sister Therese OrsquoGrady OSB stheresebenethillmonasteryorg or Phone (719) 473-8764

Are you seeking a closer relationship with God Are you interested in deepening your spiritual journey

The Sisters of Benet Hill invite you to explore your relationship with God through spiritual direction Please make your initial contact with Sister Therese OrsquoGrady Coordinator for Spiritual Direction and she will help you find a Spiritual Director

ldquoLet the greatest care be taken especially in the reception of the poor ldquoLet the greatest care be taken especially in the reception of the poor and travelers because Christ is received more specially in themrdquo and travelers because Christ is received more specially in themrdquo

-Rule of Benedict Chapter 53

Cover photo taken by Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz OSB Much gratitude to all the sisters and staff who contribute photos articles and proofreadingediting for each edition of The Review

In this edition we have tried to flesh out how to make room You will read about the plight of the Palestinians and read the story of one of our oblates who lived in the Middle East I hope you will appreciate the article on decluttering especially when we have so much to share with others

Can we make room in our hearts for those who are seeking a hospitable environment Joseph and Mary fled the small town of Bethlehem to seek safety for their newborn They traveled

miles in search of a hospitable environment We know from their story that their plight meant danger and uncertainty Can we open our lives to hear the stories of those seeking room or those longing for a safe place to lay their burdens down

May we be generous with our time and hearts to be present to those we find different and may we be curious to hear their stories Let us also learn to extend compassion to ourselves as well making room for laughter and joy

May you all have a deeply enriched Christmas as you make room in your lives for Christ for yourselves and for others

Please Note

2

Message from the Prioress By Sister Clare Carr OSB Prioress

In deepest sympathy we remember our dear sisters and their families who have lost loved ones

Sister Evangeline Salazar OSB for the loss of her brother Jose Severo Salazar

Sister Mary Jane Vigil OSB for the loss of her sister- in- law Lillian Vigil

Sister Rose Ann Barmann OSB for the loss of her sister- in- law Alice Farnan Barmann

Sister Clare Carr OSBPrioress

ReFUND CO (Colorado State Tax Refunds)

In 2020 a new option for giving to nonprofits in Colorado is coming through ReFUND CO Coloradans

may donate a portion of their Colorado tax refund to non-profit organizations More information will be coming in January 2020

when tax season begins

Making roomfor spiritual growth

Dear Friends and Families

The concept for each Review message often comes months ahead of its publication This fall as we discussed the plight of our immigrants on our borders and the suffering of refugees in our world we couldnrsquot help but think ldquoHow do we respond to the needs of so manyrdquo What we uncovered seems obvious We must make room in our hearts Room for the estranged For the different For those who hold differing images of God Can we make room to be curious and open to all cultures

ldquoIt is a gift to have a spiritual director For me it is also a gift to provide lsquospiritual directionrsquo Perhaps a better name for the process of spiritual direction is spiritual sharing The directee lsquogivesrsquo or shares their story and the director listens and responds A relationship has begun The directee is the focus of the dialogue however we both receive insights about each other and about ourselves Surely this is a way of expanding our connection to Godrdquo -Sister Anne Madeleine Brost OSB

Contact Sister Therese OrsquoGrady OSB stheresebenethillmonasteryorg or Phone (719) 473-8764

Are you seeking a closer relationship with God Are you interested in deepening your spiritual journey

The Sisters of Benet Hill invite you to explore your relationship with God through spiritual direction Please make your initial contact with Sister Therese OrsquoGrady Coordinator for Spiritual Direction and she will help you find a Spiritual Director

ldquoLet the greatest care be taken especially in the reception of the poor ldquoLet the greatest care be taken especially in the reception of the poor and travelers because Christ is received more specially in themrdquo and travelers because Christ is received more specially in themrdquo

-Rule of Benedict Chapter 53

Cover photo taken by Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz OSB Much gratitude to all the sisters and staff who contribute photos articles and proofreadingediting for each edition of The Review

In this edition we have tried to flesh out how to make room You will read about the plight of the Palestinians and read the story of one of our oblates who lived in the Middle East I hope you will appreciate the article on decluttering especially when we have so much to share with others

Can we make room in our hearts for those who are seeking a hospitable environment Joseph and Mary fled the small town of Bethlehem to seek safety for their newborn They traveled

miles in search of a hospitable environment We know from their story that their plight meant danger and uncertainty Can we open our lives to hear the stories of those seeking room or those longing for a safe place to lay their burdens down

May we be generous with our time and hearts to be present to those we find different and may we be curious to hear their stories Let us also learn to extend compassion to ourselves as well making room for laughter and joy

May you all have a deeply enriched Christmas as you make room in your lives for Christ for yourselves and for others

Please Note

3

Making rooman appointed time for everything

On August 30 2019 we said lsquoGoodbyersquo to our 94 acres on Kannah Creek in Whitewater It was our home for 48 years

On August 30 1971 three of us (Visitation Sisters) purchased the property on Kannah Creek from Edwin Gill an 84-year-old cowboy who had faith in all sisters Because the Sisters of Charity cared for his wife Mrs Gill when she was in the hospital in Grand Junction Mr Gill viewed selling his home to sisters as an assurance that his place would be well cared for and used to do good

In the first few years we had many changes in our community The number of members varied from 3 to 6 sisters Since 1978 only the two of us have remained and we became an independent community under the local bishop (article continued below)

There is an appointed time for everythinghellip

Based on Ecclesiastes 31

O God we are thankful

for this TIMEFor these 48 years

And for all the TIMEbefore and after

This Whitewater sign comes down nowbecause we do not need it any longer

We pray that those who have been hereand those who stay here

and those who comekeep the life of Whitewater

within themmdashThat lively Divine Life

That is constantly new and flowing

We pray this with Kannah CreekAnd Everyone and Everything in Creation

Amen

By Sisters Anne Madeleine Brost and Mary Glenn OSB

In 2008 we joined the Benedictine Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery We have always practiced contemplative living and value having enough room to offer hospitality to our guests We hosted families for Eucharistic celebrations- sitting on the floor in our 10rsquo by 54rsquo mobile home in the early days In 1978 we built a small home and enlarged it in 1988 to accommodate for larger groups attending retreats and classes The land and the creek have always issued a welcoming invitation to all who came to hike gaze at the water or to rest on a rock

The tradition of ldquomaking roomrdquo continues with Michelle Akcar and Tom Streich the new owners of the property They are choosing to continue the hospitality of sharing the space and gifts with those who wish to come to the Whitewater Community

We Sisters Mary and Anne Madeleine have moved to Benet Hill Monastery to live with our 26 Benedictine sisters We enjoy this larger community and are settling into the daily routine of prayer hospitality and the usual household tasks We have plenty of time to walk in the forest as well as to get to know our sisters better Praying working and playing has changed for us- all for the better We are in a blessed place For more information on the Whitewater Community please contact Michelle Akcar michelleferidegmailcom 970 258 2250

Sisters Mary Glenn and Anne Madeleine Brost use the prayer (to left) as part of their final blessing when the

sign was removed

Moving

Sisters Mary Glenn and Anne Madeleine Brost celebrate with neighbors they will dearly miss

Last time closing the gate

Last time closing the door

ldquoLet all guests who arrive be received ldquoLet all guests who arrive be received as Christ because he will say ldquoI was a as Christ because he will say ldquoI was a

stranger and you took me inrdquo stranger and you took me inrdquo - Rule of Benedict Chapter 53

4

Making roomto follow your heartBy Jo Ann Harrison osb Oblate

Living in the Middle East ~ A Spiritual Journey

of structured spiritual care and discernment and I discovered what a gift and grace it is With pastoral support and spiritual direction it is possible to live more fully and to grow spiritually and lovingly until death

In 1994 when it was time to leave Jordan we returned to our home in Colorado To continue my spiritual journey Fr Tom suggested I call Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House in Sedalia and they in turn referred me to Benet Hill Monastery I joined Sister Clarersquos Lectio group and eventually became an oblate What a wonderful journey it has been As Theologian Huston Smith believed ldquoit takes all the worldrsquos enduring religions to flush out our sacred centerrdquo

I had never been in this church before and the door was closing fast in front of me Sister Marilyn my contact for the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program said the class started at 600 pm sharp It was now 603 pm Making the quick drive to attend Monday evening classes was a challenge after a long day More times than I can count a classmate or a sister was there on the other side of the glass door holding the space ready to let me in the building For me it demonstrated the timeless Benedictine practice of hospitality

My connection with the Sisters of Benet Hill first with the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program and then with the Oblate Discernment Program has taught me awareness of lsquoselfrsquo and how to listen with warmth and grace in my relationships with God and others Inside the monastery grounds and out in the world these skills were developed from accepting the invitations that came my way- first as a spiritual director and then as an oblate I learned how to really put the Rule of St Benedict into practice how to work learn and pray alongside the sisters in community

For over a year I went through a discernment process at Benet Hill to see if oblation was a good fit for me I gathered with fellow inquirers as well as some of the sisters and current oblates serving as mentors Together over lots of cinnamon rolls coffee and laughter we formed a deeper community and an understanding of what it means to be an oblate Others discerned it wasnrsquot for them but still want to be part of Benet Hill in other ways The discernment process worked as intended

Making roomto receive and consider an invitation By Kim Nipple osb Oblate

My husband Roger was a Foreign Service Officer for twenty-six years Five of those years we had the privilege of living and serving in the Middle East During those years 1985-87 in Israel and 1990-94 in Jordan the Bible came alive for me It was not uncommon to see men carrying lambs over their shoulders in Jordan Bedouins on camels shepherds herding flocks of goats just as they would have in Christrsquos time or sheiks on Arabian horseback Each country culture and each faith helped raise my awareness of our human condition both in joy and suffering The more I learned of Judaism and Islam the more I understood the roots of my own Christian tradition We are all people of the Book the Old Testament and there is more that binds us together than separates us I believe we are separated largely by misunderstanding and fear but the Book is or should be our enduring foundation

For two years I volunteered with and facilitated an interdisciplinary committee of remarkable Jordanians and helped to introduce the idea of palliative care At the time nothing like it existed in the Arab world and we faced many challenges The first obstacle was obtaining the approval and blessing of the leader of the Islamic faith in Jordan Luckily our proposal struck a chord as he told us that historically along the Haj route to Mecca there were similar places offering comfort care and sanctuary to weary travelers on their physical and spiritual journey ldquoThis is consistent with Islamrdquo he said It was the beginning of hospice in Jordan and the Middle East

Thanks to the flexibility of my nursing profession I was able to work or volunteer in these countries and each experience laid the foundation for the next I came to know a wonderful man Abdullah Al Kateeb who led the Jordanian Union of Volunteer Services We both had experienced the deep grief of a loss of a child Mary Oliver said in one of her poems that ldquogrief is sleeping and grief wakes uprdquo Abdullah and I were both ldquoawakenedrdquo and wanted to do something to ease the care and suffering for the dying in Jordan and to offer support for their grieving families who literally had no place to turn Hospitals discharged the dying into the care of loved ones often ill equipped either medically or emotionally to deal with their care and imminent loss

Subsequent challenges included the need for money and the proper training of a hospice team But I believe when you set out on a difficult journey like this God sends individuals to light the path ahead Such a one was Father Tom Fitzpatrick SJ head of the Jesuit Center in Amman and a member of the hospice team He offered me my first experience

ldquoFulfill daily the ldquoFulfill daily the commandments of God by worksrdquocommandments of God by worksrdquo

-Rule of Benedict Chapter 465

Today I would like to invite you to consider entering the discernment process to become an Oblate of Benet Hill to accept our hospitality and to extend it in turn

Contact Sister MT Summers OSB Oblate Director mtsummersbenethillmonasteryorg (719) 633-0655 Ext 120

Jo Ann Harrison is an oblate and long time friend of Benet Hill and is

actively involved with the sisters

5

Making roomto understand and listenBy Jack Coyne and Miki Tyrrell

Palestinians Living in the West Bank

Jack Coyne and Miki Tyrrell are great friends to the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery We first met Jack in our Benedictine Spiritual Direction Program in Denver He and Miki became fast friends and shared their love for travel spirituality good food and great conversation

Jack at Baptismal font on the Jordan River Jordan

Miki and Jack at Giza pyramids

Miki amp Jack give a talk at Benet Hill Monastery on their travels to the Middle East

Jack amp Miki at the Treasury Building Petra Jordan

The Israelis do not encourage tourists to travel in these Occupied Territories but in our view visiting these areas and seeing the third world conditions under which Palestinians must live is a valuable part of any tour of the Middle East and key to understanding the complicated situation going on in the region

We went on an exciting 28 day tour to the Middle East earlier this year which included Israel the West Bank (Palestine) Jordan and Egypt We visited many famous Biblical and archaeological sites in each

of these countries including the old walled City of Jerusalem Petra in Jordan the Valley of the Kings and the pyramids at Giza in Egypt It was particularly meaningful to see sites of ancient Egyptian civilizations however the most enlightening experience was seeing the current plight of the Palestinians living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in Israel

The Occupied Territories are like third-world communities within a first-world country We pray that world leaders will look at the situation with compassion and understanding so that peace can finally be brought to this region

We witnessed first-hand the constant harassment and fear the Palestinians live with daily During our visit to the Cave of the Patriarchs we discovered that two-thirds of the site is controlled by Muslims and one-third by the Israelis Our group was allowed to go onto each side of the site but Said was not He told us afterwards that he could be shot if he crossed the street to the stairs on the Jewish side

Our Palestinian guide was Said (pronounced ldquoSaw-ederdquo) Rabieh His daily talks were like college-level seminars

CIB Conference in Mexico-Missioneras Guadalupanas de Cristo Rey OSB- September 2019

Making roomfor new experiencesBy Sister Clare Carr OSB

Following our stay at the Basilica we journeyed to Musco De Sitio Teotihuacan known as the Mayan Pyramids It was a quieter space with fewer people and it was majestic After our visit we ate at the most unique restaurant I have ever been in- The La Gruta or the Grotto It is a cave hallowed out over the years and can hold approximately100 guests The cave was filled with candlelight and stories of young men coming to manhood The atmosphere was magical and the food was delicious Our trip back to Cuernavaca took us four hours (without the traffic it would have taken 2 hours) Oh well ldquowe sacrifice some comforts for these new experiencesrdquo

I thank the Federation of St Scholastica for giving me this opportunity to broaden my perspective of monastic life in Mexico and to witness the devotion of the Mexican people to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Recently I had the privilege of being with Benedictine women from all over the globe in Cuernavaca Mexico They are women who not only love their Benedictine tradition but love touching the lives of others within their locale These courageous women embrace the pain of immigrants and the dangers of political upheaval I must say I realized how insulated I am as an American Benedictine

Of course we didnrsquot spend time ldquojustrdquo meeting on official business we also experienced the flavor of Mexico City with a population of 13 million people The traffic was challenging but the beauty of the people came through to me when we visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe There were hundreds or maybe thousands of people who with a stillness of prayer respected their love for Our Lady Men women and children walk the paths with reverence for thousands upon thousands of souls who left a part of their longings at this holy site

ldquoTo make peace with an adversary ldquoTo make peace with an adversary

before the setting of the sunrdquobefore the setting of the sunrdquo -Rule of Benedict Chapter 472

6

Making roomSpiritual DeclutteringBy Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz OSB

Marie Kondo author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up recognizes a painful truth our possessions have more control over us than we would like Her solution is to lsquothankrsquo unnecessary items for their service and then to give them away

We are constantly piling on one thing after another onto the tabletop of our lives An examination of our possessions inevitably leads to an examination of our hearts So how can decluttering and simplifying lead to spiritual practices It starts by asking two important questions What kind of life do I want to live What do I truly value

In the book Simplicity The Freedom of Letting Go Franciscan priest Richard Rohr writes that the gospel revolves around the art of letting go ridding ourselves of the need to be successful the need to be lsquorightrsquo and the need to be powerful In his version of simplicity the emptying of lsquoselfrsquo allows us to walk a path of service to others

ldquoSister Evangelinersquos reflection on Veronica is truly inspired I have never thought of having a favorite Station of the Cross Now I have one I wasnrsquot aware of how many

shoes I have Now I am Evangelinersquos humility generosity and compassion will reach many May our nation find a way to show such hospitality to those who have so much faith and

hope in an American way of liferdquo -Hugh Burns

God speaks to us in mysterious ways In 1966 I was asked by our first Prioress Mother Liguori Sullivan to help carve the Stations of the Cross for our monastic cemetery Then in 2018 I was asked by our present Prioress Sister Clare Carr to respond to the request made by the Leadership of Women Religious to send sisters to the TexasMexican border to help with the influx of immigrants seeking asylum in the United States I responded to both requests In 2016 I completely restored the Stations of the Cross and in 2018 I spent three months in El Paso Texas working with and among the many women children and men crossing into the refugee hospitality centers sponsored by Annunciation House (photo to right)

Making roomfor immigrants By Evangeline Salazar OSB

As I carved the wood on the Stations of the Cross I was touched deeply by the reality of what Jesus my Lord and Savior had suffered so that I could be who I am today I embraced the suffering not only of Jesus himself but also the sufferings of the people He touched on the way to His death The reflections I gained from working on the

ldquoWelcome one ldquoWelcome one another with the another with the courtesy of loverdquocourtesy of loverdquo

-Rule of Benedict 531

ldquoWhat I know for sure is that when you declutter ndash whether itrsquos in your home your head or your heart ndash it ldquoWhat I know for sure is that when you declutter ndash whether itrsquos in your home your head or your heart ndash it is astounding what will flow into that space that will enrich you your life and your familyrdquois astounding what will flow into that space that will enrich you your life and your familyrdquo -Peter Walsh

When we begin to recognize our need to declutter our lives it is often because we long for some peace some space some relief from the chaos-or perhaps it is to begin leading a more intentional beautiful life When we pay attention to what is truly important to us we begin living intentionally and our lives reflect what we really value

The monastic way of life has deep historical roots in the Catholic Church Living a monastic life has been proven to lead a person to open up to God and to be changed by God The act of self-emptying is sought in monastic life so that individuals might rise to a life that is truly with and in Christ How can we embark on the challenge of self-emptying so that God will fill us with healing and love Self-emptying is a daunting task it is intentionally making room for God in all aspects of our lives We invite you to practice the act of self-emptying and making room for the God who is with us and in us the God who is not a stranger a shadow or a backdrop of our lives but the awesome lsquoOtherrsquo Companion Friend

Stations influenced how I embraced the refugees and immigrants as they opened their hearts to me I saw in these beautiful people the Christ for whom my heart has always hungered I wrote down my reflections from the Stations of the Cross and how they are woven into my experiences with immigrants and shared them with my sisters (Benet Hill Community) family and friends I have since been encouraged by many to share ata deeper level We are writing a book We are aiming to make On the Border THE WAY OF THE CROSS available the first week of Lent

7

By Sister Rose Ann Barmann OSB

Making roomfor social justice

Human Trafficking Prevention Series

Please help us with planning by registering online for one or more sessions This is a FREE series

Monday January 27 ldquoA Survivorrsquos Story- From Captivity to Catalystrdquo ~ Jenni Jessen

Monday February 3 ldquoConnecting the Dots Cultural and Systemic Ills that Fuel Human Traffickingrdquo Wendy Smith Acute Care Nurse Practitioner amp Medical Awareness Team Leader

Monday February 10 ldquoAddressing the DEMAND MAN to MANrdquo ~ Geremy Keeton Invitation to this SPECIAL SESSION is for men and teen boys only

Monday February 17 ldquoIntroducing BAKHITA MOUNTAIN HOME A Residential Community for Adult Women Recovered from Human Traffickingrdquo ~ Founding Group Benet Hill Monastery

Place 21C Venue Room at 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colo Spgs Please PARK in the east parking lotTime 630 pm -815 pm

SAVE THE DATESSAVE THE DATES

REGISTER NOW at wwwbenethillmonasteryorg Find ldquoCalendarrdquo tab on the home page or email registrationsbenethillmonasteryorg or call 719-633-0655 Ext 132

Benet Hill Monastery invites you to our Fifth Annual Human Trafficking Prevention Series This educational 4 week series addresses the cultural and systemic brokenness that feeds and fuels Human Trafficking locally nationally and globally

Session 2- Monday February 3 ldquoConnecting the Dots Cultural and Systemic Ills that Fuel Human Traffickingrdquo ~ Wendy Smith Acute Care Nurse Practitioner- Medical Awareness Team Leader Pornography and sex trafficking are co-dependent health crises that are on the rise Victims of trafficking interact with the healthcare system many times during their abuse Healthcare professionals are well positioned to be first responders

Efforts to combat sex trafficking must include addressing our systemic ills 1) raising awareness regarding the role pornography plays along with poverty and homelessness 2) training health care professionals to recognize and intervene on behalf of sex trafficked victims and 3) mandated reporting of abortions below age of consent with immediate referral to child protective services

Session 1-Monday January 27 ldquoA Survivorrsquos Story- From Captivity to Catalystrdquo ~ Jenni Jessen Jenni is an American survivor of human trafficking she knows the depths of trauma a body can endure but she also knows the great lengths Jesus will go to redeem those held in captivity Jenni was sold into the sex trade at the age of four but says ldquoGod provided for her rescue and escape at the age of 17rdquo Jenni and her husband KJ are founders and directors of Compass 31 a ministry that provides a holistic model of restoration which includes safe housing educational scholarships and daycare for young women rescued from exploitation Learn more about their work wwwcompass31org

Session 3-Monday February 10 ldquoAddressing the DEMAND MAN to MAN~Geremy Keeton Invitation to this SPECIAL SESSION is for MEN amp BOYS (age 15 and older) ONLY

This short film titled ldquoAddressing the Demand Man to Manrdquo will be shown The filmrsquos discussion guide focuses on men Geremy Keeton a Licensed Marriage amp Family Therapist and his colleagues will facilitate a discussion to help men walk in personal wholeness and sexual integrity While topics addressed are mature we welcome minors accompanied by fathers andor grandfathers as well as teens age 15 or older to include in this discussion of a healthy vision of manhood and masculinity Geremy Keeton is the director of the counseling services department of Focus on the Family He leads Focusrsquo team of mental health clinicians and pastoral specialists while they serve as safe and trusted guides on a wide range of family-related issues Keeton majored in human communication and Christian ministry and completed graduate studies in Marriage amp Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University He has extensive experience in counseling men and couples on topics of healthy sexuality infidelity and pornography addiction Geremy lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and three children

Session 4- Monday February 17 ldquoIntroducing BAKHITA MOUNTAIN HOME A Residential Community for Adult Women Recovered from Human Trafficking ~ Founding Group Benet Hill Monastery

VISION Statement Bakhita Mountain Home is a community where love heals restores and empowers women impacted by human trafficking The home provides space for safety privacy community building therapy exercise cookingdining and leisure activities as well opportunities for reflection and experiencing the beauty of nature Each woman will have an individual goal-oriented program to assist her in becoming self-sufficient and re-integrated into society as healthy and productive members Women experience healing through three components Safe Haven Trauma-informed therapy Life enhancing skills

ldquoDear God give bread to those ldquoDear God give bread to those who are hungry and a hunger who are hungry and a hunger

and thirst for justice to those who and thirst for justice to those who have plenty Amenrdquohave plenty Amenrdquo

-Benedictine Prayer-Benedictine Prayer

For more information or questions please contact Sister Rose Ann Barmann OSB sroseannbenethillmonasteryorg

Doug Brummel brought the Doug and Dave Show to the Annual Donor Appreciation event at Benet Hill Monastery in August Doug and his partner David Wilson entertained everyone with ldquoMass Confusionrdquo a show that uses music humor and characters to evangelize and teach about the Mass and Catholic tradition

Making roomfor prayer

8

By John C ldquoJackrdquo Peak Centering Prayer Participant

ldquoIf we couldnrsquot laugh we would all go insanerdquo ldquoIf we couldnrsquot laugh we would all go insanerdquo -Robert Frost

Making roomfor laughterCompiled by Gina Berger Communications Director

Who is at the middle of all this

ldquoPrayer is not asking It is a longing of the soul It is dailyldquoPrayer is not asking It is a longing of the soul It is daily admission of onersquos weakness It is better in prayer to have a heart admission of onersquos weakness It is better in prayer to have a heart

without words than words without a heartrdquowithout words than words without a heartrdquo - Mahatma Gandhi

One of the greatest gifts we give each other is our undivided time and attention The practice of Centering Prayer helps me do this with God I can focus on being physically and mentally calm peaceful and quiet I am simply offering my time and attention to God without expectation I want to be aware of what if anything God may wish to convey to me I have used this form of prayer at home and away from home but my preference is to practice Centering Prayer in a group

Initially I found it challenging to quiet my mind and clear out all those random mental intrusions which typically occur all day long After a while I found this easier and quicker to do as I developed my own pattern for God focused ldquoquietuderdquo This is my fourth year practicing Centering Prayer after learning it from Sister Ana Cloughly at Benet Hill Monastery This form of prayer is a unique and wonderful adjunct to ldquoregularrdquo scripted memorized spoken prayers and provides me a sense of God truly being at the center of my life After completing each session of Centering Prayer I feel a renewed sense of Godrsquos presence in my life and how I see people and the world around me

ldquoThis show is just as professional as lsquoLate Night Catechismrsquo Doug and Dave present a very profound message about the Eucharist in a delightful settingrdquo ndash Sister Mary Jane Vigil OSB

Audience participationDavid Wilson ()left) plays the guitar and Doug Brummel becomes various characters

Joy does not simply happen to us Joy does not simply happen to us We have to choose joy and keep We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every daychoosing it every day -Henri Nouwen

9

The free Film Series at Benet Hill has become a very rewarding experience for me The films are from the library of the Rocky Mountain Womenrsquos Film Institute and the stories are far reaching In September we showed a film entitled The If Project The film began with a single question ldquoIf there was something someone could have said or done to change the path that led you here what would it have beenrdquo This simple question was originally asked by Renata Abramson a woman formerly incarcerated in the Washington State Womenrsquos Prison at an essay writing workshop inside the prison The essays were raw and honest and inspired a collaboration between law enforcement current and previously incarcerated adults and community partners focused on intervention prevention and reduction in incarceration As I watched the film it occurred to me that through this series we engage in stories that connect us in a way not otherwise possible and help us to become communities of compassion

On Sunday October 27th over 120 attendees enjoyed sacred hymns and patriotic favorites performed by the The Catholic Cadet Choir of the United States Air Force Academy under the direction of Kate Johnson The choir is comprised of cadets from all four classes and provides music for all Sunday Masses at the prestigious Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel They perform concerts and events throughout Colorado and this year are invited to sing the Chrism Mass at the Basilica of The National Shrine of The Immaculate Conception in Washington DC

Making roomfor stories By Sister Ana Cloughly OSB

Partnering with the Rocky Mountain Womenrsquos Film Institute the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery desire to educate and enlighten the community about contemporary issues and how people of extraordinary strength and faith inspire us through their ways of handling adversity

Friday Jan 17 2020 ldquoBREAKFAST AT INArsquoSrdquo amp ldquoPICKLErdquo (SHORT FILM)

Friday March 13 2020 ldquoLESSONS FROM A SCHOOL SHOOTING NOTES FROM DUNBLANErdquo amp rdquoSIN BY SILENCErdquo (SHORT FILM)

Friday May 1 2020 ldquoHEAVEN IS A TRAFFIC JAM ON THE 405rdquo amp ldquoANY WEDNESDAYrdquo (SHORT FILM)

All films are FREE and begin at 630 pm

PARISH HOUSE BAROQUE Sunday January 12 2020 COLIN MCALLISTER CLASSICAL GUITAR Sunday February 23 2020

Tickets $25 Save $1500 by subscribing to all 4 Concerts for $85 (Subscription offer ends January 12 2020)

Walk-ins pay an additional $500

Purchase Tickets online at wwwbenethillmonasteryorg

All concerts begin at 230 pm

ldquoMusic is a moral law It gives ldquoMusic is a moral law It gives soul to the universe wings to the soul to the universe wings to the mind flight to the imagination mind flight to the imagination

and charm and gaiety to life and charm and gaiety to life and to everythingrdquoand to everythingrdquo -Plato

ldquoThe purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you ldquoThe purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you

how to think but to give you questionshow to think but to give you questions

to think uponrdquo to think uponrdquo -Brandon Sanderson

Making roomfor music and artCompiled by Gina Berger Communications Director

CRYSTAL CREEK FOLK ENSEMBLESunday March 22 2020 CSU PUEBLO DUOSunday May 3 2020

10

Gratitude Abounds for Boutique Volunteers

The festive mood of gratefulness was in the air when all the volunteers from our Sistersrsquo Thrift amp Boutique arrived on November 14 at the monastery for the Annual Appreciation Luncheon Every year 30 to 38 volunteers work together with the part-time staff to make the boutique a great success These delightful women and men clocked in over 4000 HOURS with a recognized value of over $42000 as an in-kind gift to the monastery All net revenue from the boutique goes directly towards the care of our retired sisters (article continued below)

Making roomto be grateful and celebrate

ldquoIt is through gratitude for the present ldquoIt is through gratitude for the present

moment that the spiritual dimension of moment that the spiritual dimension of

life opens uprdquolife opens uprdquo -Eckhart Tolle

By Sister MT Summers OSB

Sister Lucile Hartmann OSB (below on left) enjoys the volunteers and staff at this

very special luncheon

Many of Sister Lucilersquos homemade breads and jams to choose from

Before the luncheon the sisters prayed a blessing over all volunteers They conveyed the message that their hearts are filled with gratitude joy and abundant blessings for those who give so much of their time

After dessert each volunteer was presented with a certificate recognizing their individual hours of service Then they had the pleasure of choosing from a variety of baked goods made by Sister Lucile as a gift of appreciation along with a gift coupon to be used at the boutique

If you are interested in joining this group of dedicated individuals call Verna Narwold at Sistersrsquo Thrift amp Boutique 719-282-0316

Phone 719-282-0316 8674 N Union Blvd Next to Safeway

Store Hours

Monday - Friday 1000 am -530 pm Saturdays 1000 am - 400 pm

Available volunteer shifts Mon- Fri 1000 am -130 pm Mon- Fri 130 pm - 530 pm Sat 1000 am - 400 pm

Volunteer opportunities opportunities to donate opportunities to recycle reuse and repurpose opportunities

to help others and opportunities to feel great about participating Shop for dealshighest qualitylowest prices New items arriving daily

11

Making roomto give

ldquoThank you so much for supporting us with your gifts from Sunday assembly the annual appeal CO Gives Day and the many other ways not mentioned here Your support enables us toshare our love for the Gospel and embrace the many who are seeking hope and a place of respite May these holy days bring you deep longing for the sacredrdquo -Sister Clare Carr OSB Prioress

Sister Lucile it was so good to see you my classmates and the other sisters at Benet Hill during our reunion It was amazing to come back to Colorado and to visit Benet Hill Monastery My classmates and I picked up where we left off as though we had never left Time is such a mystery isnrsquot it I have found the perfect place to hang the wonderful gift you gave us

After the loss of my husband in October 2017 I floundered a bit I spent 40 years as a wife and partner and now my life is changed I have been waiting on God to direct my path His timetable is not the same as mine but Irsquom learning to be patient I have come to understand that I must just wait

2020 Benet Hill Academy Alumnae Reunion

DATES JULY 25-26 2020Contact Sister Lucile at

benethilljunocom or call 719-633-0655 Ext 118

Sisters Mary John Thomas and Mary Colleen Schwarz were guests of Randy and Juan Diego Salazar (nephews of Sister

Evangeline Salazar OSB) at the September 29th Bronco game

ldquoItrsquos not how much we give butldquoItrsquos not how much we give but how much love we put into givingrdquo how much love we put into givingrdquo -Mother Teresa

Ora et Labora Benet Hill Monasteryrsquos Legacy Giving Society

The Benet Hill community does not receive financial support from the Catholic Church for the care of their retired sisters their ministries or their ongoing operating expenses

Through the sharing of time talent and treasure donors partner with the sisters to ldquoshow in deeds rather than words all that is good and holyrdquo ndash St Benedict Most of our philanthropic support comes from people just like you who give generously throughout your lives

But did you know that by including a charitable gift in your will or estate plan you can help to continue the work of the sisters well into the future You can continue to make a difference in the lives of sisters and spiritual seekers that follow

Please consider making a planned gift to the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery For more information visit wwwbenethillmonasteryorg find the ldquoDonaterdquo tab on the home page or email sragallerbenethillmonasteryorg or call 719-633-0655 Ext 106

In deepest sympathy we remember our dear alumnae and their families who

have lost loved ones

Linda Santistevan Jennings lsquolsquo77 and Kathy Santistevan lsquo76 (deceased) for the loss

of their mother Maria Santistevan

Kristin Schaefer Flannery lsquo77 for the loss of her mother Betty Schaefer

Cindy Lindeman Vestuti lsquo81 for the loss of her parents William amp Marilyn Lindeman

Claudyne Brown for the loss of her husband General Bruce Brown father of

Elizabeth Brown lsquo81 (deceased)

Making roomto reconnectBy Sue Firestone Wyatt lsquo69

Over the years I have had many lsquocareersrsquo I spent the last nine years working in the IT department of a local hospital before retiring at age 62 I now live in the Illinois Valley one and a half hours southwest of Chicago I am close to family and my mother was born and raised here God Bless

Non-profit OrgUS POSTAGE

PAIDColorado Springs

COPermit No 745

Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery3190 Benet LaneColorado Springs CO 80921-1509

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The Review is published quarterly by Benet Hill Monastery of Colorado Springs Inc 3190 Benet Lane Colorado Springs CO 80921-1509 PHONE 719633-0655 FAX 719471-0403 EMAIL infobenethillmonasteryorg WEBSITE wwwbenethillmonasteryorg

EDITORLAYOUTDESIGN - Gina Berger Communications Director Assisted by Barbara Lynette Online Communications Assistant CONTRIBUTORS - Sisters and staff of Benet Hill Monastery students alumnae and friends

Benet Hill Monastery 3190 Benet Ln Colorado Springs CO 80921 PH719-633-0655The Monastery is situated in the woodland setting of the Black Forest

located in northeast Colorado Springs off Highway 83

Making roomfor different cultures

If you would like to receive an email copy only of the Review to help save on printing costs or to be removed from our mailing list please email sragallerbenethillmonasteryorg and we will process your requestThank you for your help

On November 6th amp 7th Sister Jan Ginzkey welcomed 3rd amp 4th grade students and their chaperones from Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning in Peyton CO The students were on a special field trip to learn about the Utes and culturally modified trees The students enjoyed Sisters Janrsquos presentation and a tour of the monastery grounds to view the trees

Sister Jan hopes the students will continue to recognize the signs of CMTs in the Pikes Peak region and to care for all forests and trees After the tour Sister Phyllis Echterling gave both classes a delightful array of stuffed animals

One of the classes plans to lsquopay it forwardrsquo by sharing their stuffed animals with others

Compiled by Gina Berger Communications Director

Left Sister Jan Ginzkey (center) explains how to identify a culturally modified tree

Some of the culturally modified trees as well as a couple of visitors

ldquoIf you live only in one culture for the first ldquoIf you live only in one culture for the first 20 years of your life you become conditioned 20 years of your life you become conditioned

without knowing itrdquo without knowing itrdquo -Eckhart Tolle

Please help

Thank you for making Thank you for making

room in your lives for the room in your lives for the

Sisters of Benet Hill Sisters of Benet Hill

MonasteryMonastery