During Lent Sr. Philomena Fleck provided retreats for the students of Blessed Sacrament School in Franklin Lakes, NJ. She and Sr. Marita Funke led a retreat day at the monastery for principals of the local deanery. The community also hosted Renew International and the Missionary Sisters of Charity in early March.
Sister Marita Funke participated in the Paterson Diocese convocation “Stirring into Flame, Creating a Vocation Culture,” and assisted in the Busy Person Retreat at Seton Hall University. In late March she attended NRVC (National Religious Vocation Conference) workshops in Washington, DC.
Oblates celebrated the feast of the Solemnity of St. Benedict with the community at Vespers, Eucharist, and dinner. They renewed their Oblation during Vespers.
Sister Margaret Michaud, OSB , of St. Bede Monastery in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, gave the community retreat in June. Her scholarly and practical knowledge of the Rule of Benedict was evident.
Sister Dorothy Huggard, gave the eighth grade commencement address, June 3, in Saint Anthony Church, Washington, DC.
Sister Ursula Butler enjoyed “One Heart, One Soul, Many Communities, the 21 st Annual Monastic Institute in July at St John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota.
Sister Mariette Therese Bernier attended BSWR, July 1-21, in Cottonwood, Idaho. BSWR (Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat) is a three-week program held annually for sisters discerning or preparing for final monastic profession. The program includes input sessions and a directed retreat.