Winter 2011 master - St. Benedict Monastery

Published for their friends by the Sisters of St. Benedict Winter, 2011
St. Benedict’s Monastery, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Volume 19, No. 2
Merry Christmas from the Sisters of St. Benedict. . .
. . . Peace! Let the spirit of love
gently fill our hearts and homes.
Monastery Grounds
Photo by Harry Johnson

year—1912.
Message from the Prioress
D
ear
Friends,
Today is
All Saints Day and,
in the monastery,
the anticipation in
the air is not for
Christmas yet, but
for our centennial
On August 19, 2012 we will celebrate
our 100th anniversary of the foundation
of St. Benedict’s Monastery. All
Saints Day reminds us of the everyday
saints of our families, of our friends,
like yourselves, and of our foremothers
who have inspired us
throughout these many years.
We had a very special foretaste of
coming celebrations in the Catholic
Sisters Legacy Recognition Project
which took place in Edmonton, AB on
September 28th.
Serendipitously, Sister Irene, who
Above- Monument entitled “Service
through Christ” on the Alberta
Legislature Grounds & inscriptions.
Page 2
- Sister Virginia Evard, OSB
spent over 20 years in Calgary as
an itinerant teacher for the blind,
was there again for another meeting.
So she was in Alberta just in
time to take part in the celebration
with Sister Dorothy at the Legislature
in Edmonton and the Eucharistic
Celebration at the Cathedral and
reception following.
Within a week we had a copy of a
video, which Sister Dorothy made of
the unveiling of the monument entitled
“Service through Christ” and of
the moving tribute given by then
Premier Ed Stelmach. We watched
with wrapped attention and raised a
glass of wine in a tribute of our own.
Each congregation of sisters present
were also given a special memento
of the event. A framed gift
featuring the face of the sister on
the monument with the cross she
wears embedded in the picture.
The inscription reads:
In honour of your compassion and
devotion to addressing the medical,
educational and social needs of the
vulnerable in society
We know that we have not done this
alone. We thank you, our friends
and supporters, who have helped in
our mission. And we wish for you
blessings of joy and peace in this
coming feast of Christmas.
Alberta Legislature Pays Tribute to Catholic Sisters
(l-r)—Sr.Irene Burzynski, Ed Stelmach, Sr. Dorothy Levandosky; Archbishop Richard Smith; Gordon Self.
On September 28, 2011 the people of Alberta paid tribute to 74 Congregations of Catholic
Sisters. Sisters Irene Burzynski and Dorothy Levandosky are pictured with former Alberta
Premier Ed Stelmach. They attended the installation and unveiling of a permanent artwork
entitled “Service through Christ” on the grounds of the Alberta Legislature. The monument
serves as a constant reminder to both the leaders and people of Alberta of the gospel values
essential to building and sustaining a just society. The statue has inscribed on it 74
congregations instrumental in caring for the sick, the poor and the disadvantaged in cities,
towns and rural areas across the province. Also pictured is Archbishop Richard Smith and
Gordon Self, a Benedictine Oblate and now vice president of the Covenant Health who was
a catalyst for the event.

Manitoba State Knights of Columbus
Special Charity Project “Project 40 –Refurbish” Extended to June 2012
T
he Sisters of St. Benedict are
pleased to recognize the extraordinary
support the
Knights of Columbus in Manitoba
have given in helping to celebrate
the 40th Anniversary of the opening
of St. Benedict’s Retreat and Conference
Centre by helping to refurbish
25 shared accommodation bedrooms
in “Project 40 – Refurbish”.
The partnership and collaboration we
have received from the devoted
Knights of Columbus Councils, Districts
and Brother Knights and family
members in support of this project is
gratefully appreciated.
“Project 40-Refurbish” involves refurbishing/renewing
25 shared accommodation
bedrooms, each having
two single beds, totaling 50 beds,
and includes new mattresses, box
springs, sheet sets, pillows, blankets,
towels and washcloths at an estimated
cost of $1,790 per room.
The total cost of refurbishing 25
shared accommodation rooms were
estimated at approximately
$44,750.
- Diane Huselak
As of October 31, 2011 the Manitoba
Knights of Columbus have
collectively contributed a total of
$27,677 towards “Project 40-
Refurbish” - 62% of the project
goal has been achieved (15.5
rooms)! By keeping St. Benedict’s
refurbishing costs down, the
Knights of Columbus have added
value to the programming offered
through our Retreat Centre and
those we serve as part of our mission
and ministry. We are profoundly
grateful to the Manitoba
Knights of Columbus for their tremendous
generosity and are
deeply proud of this wonderful
and exceptionally productive partnership,
which is now entering its
second year.
We invite other Councils to participate
in the on-going project in
order to reach the desired goal of
refurbishing all 25 rooms. Any
contribution will be accepted, and
individual donations are more
than welcome.
Guy Precourt, former Manitoba State
Deputy, presents a gift on behalf of the
Manitoba State Council to Sr. Virginia
Evard, Prioress, to refurbish the first
shared accommodation room.
Sr. Mary Coswin (top), Director of the Retreat
and Conference Centre and Sr. Joan Mormul
(bottom), Executive Director of St. Benedict’s
Foundation, receive the first shipment of mattresses.
Sincerest Thanks to Our Donors. . . . . who between September, 2010 and October, 2011 donated $27,677.35
towards St. Benedict’s Retreat & Conference Centre’s 40th Anniversary Project, “Project 40—Refurbish”:
Knights of Columbus Manitoba Councils:
Beausejour Council No. 5870
Bishop De Mazenod Council No. 1115
Brandon District Council No. 1435
Dauphin Council No. 3497
Deloraine Council No. 6647
District #6 Councils:
Dauphin No. 3497
Mossey River No. 6798
St. Lawrence No. 7071
Ste. Rose du Lac No. 5105
District #10 Councils:
Blessed Sacrament No. 13185
East Kildonan No. 4107
Holy Eucharist No. 11330
Holy Redeemer No. 7972
Transcona No. 3853
Flin Flon Council No. 2746
Gianna Council No. 14199
Manitoba State Council
Manitoba State Council (Catholic Foundation,
Knights of Columbus Fund))
Mary Queen of Knights Assembly
Morden Winkler District Council No.
10153
Mossey River Council No. 6798
Portage la Prairie Council No. 4250
Santo Condestavel Council No. 11000
St. Anthony of Padua Council No. 10569
St. Ignatious of Loyola Council No. 5808
St. John Brebeuf (Winnipeg) Council No.
1107
St. Lawrence Council No. 7071
St. Peter’s Council No. 12319
St. Theresa Council No. 9425
Stonewall Council No. 8894
Sts. Martyrs Council No. 6885
Knights of Columbus Brother Knights/Family
Members and Friends:
Rev. Msgr. Michael Buyachok
Robert & Beverly Hall
Edward Kelsh, In Memory of †Joan
Patricia Kelsch
Rev. Msgr. Louis McCloskey
John & Anne Preston
Brother Jaime Rodrigues, K of C Council
No. 1107, In Memory of †Maria J
(1910-2010), †Jose (1915-2005),
and †Maria L (1922-2010)
Murray & Adrienne Teetaert
Stanley Yankoski, In Memory of †Orpha
Yankoski
Benedictine Connection Page 3

Page 4
Highlights
Sister Gerarda Pura participates in “Renewal” Program
Sister Gerarda Pura (front row, second from right) is pictured here
with other Benedictine Sisters and presenters of the “Renewal” program
held in Crookston, MN in June, 2011. The program is designed
for participants to take an in-depth look and study of their monastic
vows and lifestyle.
Sr. Mary Coswin Facilitates
Retreat
Sister Mary Coswin (l) with Ingrid
at Providence Spirituality Centre in
Kingston, Ontario where Sister
Mary facilitated a Retreat on the
Mystics, July 12-19, 2011.
Sister Virginia Evard—50th Golden Jubilee
Sister Virginia Evard, Prioress, renews her profession
vows during a ceremony in celebration of her
50th Golden Jubilee held in the Monastery Chapel
on July 10, 2011.
Sr. Mary Coswin at St. Johh’s Abbey
Monastic Institute
Above—Sister Mary Coswin (second from
right) is pictured with Sisters from Crookston,
MN where they participated in a workshop
“The Bible & Prayer in Monastic Spirituality”
given at St. John’s Abbey Monastic
Institute, June 27-July 1, 2011.
Left—Sister Genevieve Glen from Virginia Dale, a
speaker at the Institute.

Federation of St. Gertrude
Chapter Meeting held in Ferdinand, IN
Left (l-r) —Sisters Irene Burzynski (delegate),
Virginia Evard, Prioress and Dorothy Levandosky
(delegate) toasting the 75th Anniversary of the Federation
of St. Gertrude during a dinner banquet held
at the Chapter July 1-6, 2011.
Breanne Entertains
Breanna Goldenberg performed
for the Residents of
St. Benedict’s Place and the
Sisters on Sunday, October
30, 2011.
Sabbaticals and Guests
Holy Ghost Bursary
Sister Joan Mormul presents a
bursary from the Sisters of St.
Benedict through St. Benedict’s
Foundation to graduating student,
Grace Daet from Holy Ghost School.
Top—(l-r) Sabbatical Guests: Sister Louise Borst, OSU from Prelate, SK; Sister Darlene DeMong, Sister of Sion from Saskatchewan,
missioned in Egypt; Sister Marina Picardel, ICM from the Virgin Islands; Donna Royer from Winnipeg.
Bottom —Sabbatical Guests: (l-r) Minnie Joldersma from Calgary, Kathryn McMorrow from Montreal; Charis Chan and Agnes
Wong from Hong Kong. Bottom Right—Summer Guest Britta Travis (centre) spent a week at Benedict’s becoming acquainted
with monastic life and doing some volunteer work. Pictured with her are Sr. Filomena Silva (l) and Sr. Mary Coswin (r)
Benedictine Connection Page 5

Y
Page 6
Sister Hilda Frost, OSB
Benedictine Monastic, Scholar, Lover of Monastic Life
our parents… your memories
of them… what can you tell
me about them? My parents were
wonderful people and I felt very
loved and cherished by them and
my extended family. My father,
William, a Methodist and my
mother, Elsie, a Congregationalist,
married in the Anglican Church, so
from very early on I was comfortable
with ecumenism. My parents
loved the bible and knew a lot of it
by heart. It was from them that I
received my love of scripture.
W
hat memories do you have
of your childhood? What
was it like being an only child?
Small families were very common
in England at that time. I was born
in Sampford Courtney, a tiny village
of Devonshire, England. I had lots
of friends and often brought them
home with me. I never really felt
lonely as an only child.
W
here did you spend your
childhood? Your teenage
years until 17? Your journey to
Catholicism… When and how did
this come about? I lived on my parent’s
farm until I was 4. My father
gave up the farm then and began
working in the army. We moved to
a place near Oxford. My parents
accepted my choice to send me to
a convent school at Abingdon,
- Sister Joan Mormul, OSB
A
s I prepared to write this feature story of Sister Hilda Frost, I
recalled from his two books two most interesting conversations I
had read of Peter Seewald interviewing Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger,
the first being Salt of the Earth and the second God and the World. The
second took place at Monte Cassino in 2000. Because I had been completely
taken up into the dialogue conversation, I decided to use the same
format for this article which took place at St. Benedict’s Monastery in
Winnipeg.
taught by the Mercy Sisters. I
stayed there until I finished senior
(high) school at 16. Here I
received my introduction to Catholicism
and became a Catholic
when I was 17.
W
h a t
d i d
you do until
you entered
religious life?
What career
job? What
studies? I left
Mercy School
and took a
secretarial
course in Oxford. I really wanted
to train for nursing but could not
begin until I was 18. I was always
interested in nursing—
belonged to the St. John’s Ambulance
Brigade, volunteered in
hospitals and nursing homes.
However, I was not able to continue
my nursing training because
of the extreme physical
demands. We had 12 hour night
shifts, lectures next morning and
back on wards at 7:00 PM.
W
hat attracted you to religious
life even before
you became a Catholic? I met
the Benedictines before I went
into nursing. I went on holidays
and was invited to visit some
Benedictines. I had no idea what
they were! We were treated with
much hospitality—invited to stay
for Vespers and tea. Gregorian
chant and Perpetual Adoration
appealed to me and
I fell in love with it
all. The moment I
walked in I felt I was
meant to be there.
H
ow did your
parents respond
to your desire
to enter a cloistered
Benedictine community?
My parents
were not too pleased at first. They
found this very hard to understand
but finally they said that it was my
life and would not stand in my
way. They felt, however, that I
should wait to enter until I was at
least 21.
W
hat did you do until you
reached the age of 21
and were you able to enter? I
stayed with the IBVM sisters
House for Students in London.
This was a very good experience
for me. Being a new Catholic, I
immersed myself into “Catholic
activities” such as the Legion of
Mary, selling Catholic newspapers
outside the “tube” (subway), Sta-

tions of the Cross, instructed converts.
W
Benedictine Connection
hen and where did you
enter? What do you re-
member about the different rituals
regarding your various transitions
or states in religious life in
England to finally full membership?
Many of the rituals were the
same as in Canada but one does
stand out for me. On the day of
my final vows,
the Abbess presented
me with
a breviary and
led me to my
new place in
choir symbolizing
that the
main task of a
Benedictine is
to sing the divine
office in
choir. There
were five years
of studies during
formation—Gregorian chant,
church Latin, New Testament
Greek, Philosophy of religion,
Christology and the study of the
mystics, monastic history and of
course the Rule of St. Benedict
which was to be memorized in
English—all 73 chapters. Then we
were to start the memorization in
Latin!
W
hat kinds of
jobs/ministries/ activities
did you have in the cloistered
community? The usual duties
such as assistant to the infirmarian,
sacristan, linen room, and
gardening were rotated. Sister
Paul, the procurator, was in
charge of the chickens but I did
the work. The farm manager
taught me how to kill chickens.
He told me: “They don’t know
nothin’ when their neck’s broke”.
Chickens and infirmary—the sisters
reminded me not to get these
two ministries mixed up.
H
ow long were you a member?
Why did you choose
to transfer and enter St. Benedict’s
Monastery in Winnipeg?
After 23 years I was still the
youngest member. There was diminishment
in membership. I
took a leave of absence to look for
another Benedictine community.
I made some inquiries in the U.S.
and Canada and was put in touch
with Sr. Mary Rose Hammerling
Sister Hilda facilitates Christian Meditation Prayer Group
from whom I received a 9 page
letter on the 9th day of the 9th
month. I was very impressed and
took this as a positive sign. I met
Sister Mary Rose in Rome and it
was agreed that I would “come
and see” to Winnipeg. Sr. Grace,
prioress at the time wrote me a
welcome note on Rainbow stationery—which
I remember well—also
as a positive sign.
W
as the change from being
a cloistered Benedictine
to being in an “open monastery”
difficult for you? Why or why not?
Not at all. If you are a Benedictine,
it is not difficult to fit in with
another Benedictine community.
W
hat sustains you in monastic
life now? The monastic
life itself—its regular rhythm
and routine, Opus Dei, prayer, silence
and friends—women and
men, both in community and outside.
I am very drawn to Cistercian
(Trappist) spirituality because
of their love of simplicity, contemplative
prayer and silence.
W
hat are some hobbies
you enjoy? What kind of
music do you especially like? I
love to read, especially mysteries
and mystics, relaxing with
friends, Tim Horton’s, ice-cream.
Gregorian chant and the classics,
Beethoven and Bach especially
are my favourite kinds of music.
W
hat ministries
have you had at
St. Benedict’s Monastery
and what are you presently
involved in? I became
interested in the
practice of Christian
meditation before I came
to Canada and currently
have a group that meets
regularly at the Centre. A
number of years ago I
gave a retreat to John
Main’s community in
Montreal. I was also the coordinator
of Christian Meditation Oblates
and have given various retreats
both at the Centre and
elsewhere. I was also involved in
hospitality at St. Joseph’s Residence
and worked as receptionist
at the residence.
I am presently the recording secretary
for Monastic Chapter and
Council which I have done for
many years. I work at the Monastery
business office reception
desk each week and am currently
involved in various liturgy duties
as well as the community organist
several days each week.
I
f you had the opportunity to
completely retire (which
Benedictines usually never do!),
what would you choose to do?
Take more studies, courses in
spirituality and offer services to
teach for free.
Page 7

Jean Kiazyk
t is with much gratitude that I
I give to St. Benedict’s Foundation
because it was the Sisters who were
most instrumental in providing my
children with a good Catholic education
at Holy Ghost School. I am
most grateful for their hospitality
whenever I visit them.
Anne Malis
my donation.
St. Benedict’s Foundation, Inc. Annual Appeal
- Sister Joan, Mormul, OSB
W henever
a special
occasion or
memory of a
loved one
comes up, the
sisters can help
the needy with
Anonymous
ny amounts I have given over
A the years have been like tokens
of thanksgiving. They have
provided a way for me to participate
in the life of the community, an opportunity
to learn and then integrate
the Benedictine way of life, a spirituality
for those not living in community
but in the wide world. This has
been for me the greatest gift, a
foundation for my own every day
life, with the values of community,
hospitality, humility, balance and
stability. Offering small gifts to the
Foundation has become a sign of
my participation in that way of life.
May God continue to bless and
Page 8
D
ear Friends and Donors to St. Benedict’s Monastery and Foundation,
As we look forward to the milestone celebration in our lives this coming 2012 – our centenary
– we remember with much gratitude your loving and prayerful support, financial generosity and
friendship. It is because of you, our donors, that we are able to continue the work of our mission.
We will continue to be good stewards of all your gifts as we put ourselves at the service of others.
There are numerous and varied reasons why people donate to our Foundation. Here is what some
donors have to say:
strengthen the community of St.
Benedict’s through the work of the
Foundation
Rev. Sue Foley-Currie
I
cannot think of any better way to
share my heart with God (except
to being there in person) – than to
support the Sisters of St. Benedict in
their prayer, monastic lives and work.
My time with the community and at
the Centre has become a part of who
I am. It has been key in my formation,
transformation and service to
others. It is as close to Psalm 84
that I have ever found on this earth.
Fran & Estela Violago and Family
he Sisters through their Founda-
T tion help the poor, infirm and
the weak. In their house of Faith
they offer spiritual insights, sanctuary,
hope and love. For who they are
and what they do, they have our love
and support.
Nelson Tomsic
hrough their many programs,
T God has honored the Benedictine
community with the gift of providing
for others. They offer solace
and comfort to the weary. They encourage
others to come to worship.
Many educational seminars are held
at their Centre. They provide assisted
living suites in a converted
part of the Monastery. It is an honor
to support the happenings at St.
Benedict’s through financial dona-
tions with which the sisters can
continue to reach out to the
wider community.
Ken Bristow, a participant at
Heart Song Retreat and recipient
of donor gifts dedicated to
the HeartSong Retreat writes. . .
“F rom
m y
heart to
yours” -
Coming to
St. Benedict’s
for
the last
seven years for Heart Song, it
seems as if all my worries and
problems disappear and I become
normal for three days. I
want to thank the organizers
and Sisters of St. Benedict for
their support, and offering such
a beautiful place for us. I was
able to relax, make new friends,
visit with old ones and remember
those who are no longer
here. I come away with a renewed
sense of energy and
peace of mind.
Anonymous
he Benedictine sisters are a
T wonderful group of charitable
women who try to help people
in the world. I want to share my
money with them so they can continue
to help others. I am grateful
to be part of their charitable work.

Gail and Keith Magee
e have been Benedictine Ob-
W lates for many years. The
sisters are a part of our heritage. We
believe in what goes on in their monastery
and want to be a part of keeping
that going. It is a shelter from
the storm. Agape love exists there.
By our donations we recognize further
and more concretely what the
sisters do, and want to share in their
good works.
Praying for our Donors by Name
Benedictine Connection
Bill & Elaine Uruski
We donate to St.
Benedict’s Foundation
as a “thank you”
for what we have
received. For the
years we have enjoyed
our stay at St.
Benedict’s. The sisters have enriched
our lives spiritually. Their atmosphere
of peace and warm hospitality tell us to
come back again and again.
The Sisters of St. Benedict will be praying (during their Friday Evening Prayer) for their donors by name on the week
of their birth date. If you would like to be remembered in prayer by name on the week of your birth date, please
contact the Foundation Office and give them the month and day of your birth date and your name will be added to
the prayer list.
Phone: 204.338.4601 or E-Mail: stbensfoundation@mts.net
T he 6th Annual Service of Remembrance
was held on Sunday, November
14, 2011 in the
sacred space of St. Benedict’s
Chapel. The theme
for the evening was
“Forget Me Not” and began
with a procession –
Sr. Mary Coswin carrying
incense, Sr. Cathryn Labinowich
carrying the Memorial
book of
names remembered
through
donations to St.
Benedict’s
Foundation and
Sr. Irene
Burzynski carrying
the Gospel.
On behalf
of St. Benedict’sFoundation
and the
Sisters of St.
Benedict, Sr.
Joan Mormul
welcomed approx. 75 guests who came
to remember their deceased loved
ones. Sr. Virginia Evard, Prioress lit the
Paschal candle, and Srs. Marie Baker
Service of Remembrance - Diane Huselak
and Filomena Silva lit taper candles
from the Paschal candle. Following
the reading of the Epistle
by Sr. Mary Rose Hammerling
and the Gospel reading
and reflection by Sr. Irene
Burzynski, guests were invited
to light a tea light
from the taper candles
while the names of their
departed loved ones were
announced. 123 names were read
by Sr. Gerarda Pura and Sr. Cathryn
Labinowich and remembered by
all who came to pray with the Sisters
in their memory. With lights lowered,
the centre table was soon filled
We remember you, dear friends, in
our daily prayers with gratitude,
asking that you always be sustained
and blessed by God’s love.
An envelope is attached for your
donation convenience and continued
support.
Sister Joan Mormul, OSB
Executive Director
St. Benedict’s Foundation, Inc.
with candles aglow, while Brian Paul
played softly in the background, between
sung refrains of Psalm
27. 164 other deceased loved
ones were also named and candles
were lit in their memory.
The evening concluded with the
Prioress, Sr. Virginia, giving a
Celtic blessing to all and inviting
them to a reception held in the
Centre assembly room.
The Service of Remembrance is held
annually the second Sunday of November.
Any one who would like to
remember a deceased loved one in
prayer is welcome to attend.
Page 9

A Little Bit of History. . Facts. . and Tidbits. .
Sisters Cathryn Labinowich, Joan Mormul and Mary Coswin
Did you know?
THAT St. Benedict’s Monastery in Winnipeg,
Manitoba was founded August 19, 1912 by the
Benedictine sisters from Duluth, MN, and
THAT they started with 27 cents?
THAT its roots extend back to the time of
its 6 th century founder, St. Benedict, born in
480?
THAT the first home, “convent”, of the
Benedictines was at 311-317 Pritchard Avenue
in Winnipeg?
THAT by the end of 1912, they had 35 orphans
in their care?
THAT at the end of their second year, 111
motherless children had been nurtured by the
Benedictine sisters?
THAT by 1915 the sisters were caring for 75
orphans in Arborg, Manitoba?
Did you know?
Did you know?
THAT our co-foundress, Sister Candida,
was an accomplished sharpshooter and
targeted many a rabbit for stew to feed
the orphans?
THAT after only 15 years, the community
numbered 71 professed sisters?
THAT “Magda” was the name of their
first model T Ford which took them to
Winnipeg, 70 miles from Arborg and
which they used to travel across Canada
begging for the orphans in their care?
THAT in 1934 the sisters sold their old
car for $40 and bought a new used one
for $250?
THAT until 1969, the sisters met in
chapel daily 7 times to pray the Divine
Office?
THAT the Sisters in Winnipeg belong to a Federation of 12 other Benedictine women’s monasteries
and that only one other is in Canada—Naniamo, BC?
THAT the sisters taught catechism annually during the summer holidays, and conducted
Catechism by correspondence lessons from 1936-1966 to well over 3,000 students as well?
THAT the Benedictines taught at Holy Ghost School from 1904 to 1989?
THAT Archbishop Pocock laid the cornerstone at the present monastery in 1960?
Benedictine Connection Page 10

Hold the Date—
Sunday, August 19, 2012
At St. Benedict’s Monastery Grounds
Friends, family, benefactors and supporters. . . Mark this date
on your calendar and plan to celebrate with the Sisters !
Liturgy, Reception, Guest Speakers . .watch for more details!
The sisters are birthing a new pictorial history book which will provide a pictorial reflection on
how they presently continue to live the Rule of St. Benedict. Upon completion, the book will be
available to purchase on-line as well as in the Centre bookstore . . . watch for more details!
Page 11
100th Anniversary Celebration Event
St. Benedict’s Place
Above —Some of the residents enjoying fellowship during a coffee-break.
Rental Units for
Independent
Active Living
On the grounds of St. Benedict’s
Monastery.
A welcome place
designed for active seniors
who seek to age meaningfully
and gracefully with others
in a peace-filled environment..
Suites available for rent—
Phone 338-4601
Left—Resident, Henryk Kozubski, a decorated veteran from the second World War, received yet another prestigious medal
from the Polish Ambassador to Canada recently. Centre—Residents, Rose Herbachuk and Anna Truijen enjoy a leisurely
outing on the monastery grounds. Right—Sister Aileen Gleason, who belongs to the Sisters of our Lady of the Missions
and resides at St. Benedict’s Place has changed the lives of hundreds of refugees starting anew in Canada. She founded
Hospitality House Refugee Ministry and was granted the Citation for Citizenship by the federal government’s Department
of Citizenship and Immigration. She has been made an honorary member of the City of Winnipeg and nominated for the
Women of Distinction Awards.

Retreat & Conference Centre Activities. . . . .
Summer Directed Retreat held July 6-10,
2011, facilitated by Rachel Twigg Boyce (top
row, second from left) and Sr. Marie Baker
(top row second from right).
Hilary Musgrove & Monica Brown, facilitators of
Celtic Spirituality Workshop held Oct. 21-23,
2011.
Page 12
- Sister Mary Coswin, OSB
The Contemplative Dimension of the 11th Step
January 27, 7:30 pm—January 29, 1:00 pm
T
14 participants of the Summer Sabbath Retreat held August 11-14,
2011. Retreat facilitators were Rachel Twigg Boyce (top row, second
from left) and Kalyn Falk (bottom row, second from left).
Don Bilotta, Reflective Leadership
Workshop leader, is shown above
(4th from left) with some of the workshop
participants which was held
Sept. 16-18, 2011.
he 11th Step provides for an interior surrender through prayer and meditation.
Centering Prayer is a simple method of facilitating the surrender of self and the
opening of mind, heart, body, and emotions to the God of our understanding. Centering
Prayer can provide a contemplative dimension to the Steps and to life. This retreat
will offer an experiential approach to the practice. Led by Frances and Garth.
“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as
we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to
carry it out.”
Commuter $105; Shared $180; Private Room $200. Phone 339-1705 to Register.

Conversations: Following the Mystics
Through the Narrow Gate
3 Tuesdays, 7– 9 pm.
E
. . . . . Upcoming Workshops. . . . .
Prayer of the Seasons—Mini Mid-Week Retreats
4 Wednesdays, 9:45 am—3:00 pm
“T
here is a season for everything under heaven”, we are told. Come celebrate the seasons
of the earth and their reflection in our inner landscape. Give yourself this time
of mid-week quiet, time to pause and ponder and gain insight into your life at this time.
Three retreats left:
December 7 Seasons of Stillness February 7 Season of Hope
April 11 Season of New Life
Register in advance. $35/session: includes lunch. Phone 339-1705
Led by Sister Marie Baker, OSB, a member of St. Benedict’s Monastery.
xplore the long mystical tradition and
find in it the mystics pattern of spiritual
growth that can inspire your own
journey.
Feb. 14 Passing through the Mystic Gate
James Finley
Feb. 21 Expansive Space of the Mystics
Richard Rohr
Feb. 28 A Practice to Be with God
James Finley
$10 per evening. Please call 339-1705 to register.
Led by Sister Mary Coswin, OSB
Winter Stillness
December 9, 7pm—December 11, 3pm
A
gift you give
yourself for
time to stop, rest
and be still before
Christmas.
Deepen your relationship
with the
Divine and rediscover
meaning in your daily life. Daily
meetings with a spiritual director are provided.
Private room $215
Led by Sisters Marie & Mary, OSB
Phone 339-1705 to register.
Sabbath 2012:
A Spiritual Retreat for Young Adults in Ministry
April 19—22, 2012 with Michael Hryniuk, PhD,
Kalyn Falk and Rachel Twigg Boyce
ooking for a break from the noisy demands of life and ministry? Hun-
L gering for some quiet time to nurture your soul? Then Sabbath is the
perfect place for you (for young adults ages 18-40). Leave with new spiritual
exercises that you can use long after you’ve returned home.
(Subsidized by St. Benedict’s Foundation)
Registration $75. For more information call: 339-1705
Benedictine Connection Page 13

I’d Say ‘Yes’, God, If I Knew
What You Wanted
Fri. Feb. 17, 7-9 pm; Sat. Feb. 18, 9:30-4 pm
ven the smallest decision
E in our lives may have a
great impact for good or ill. In
this prayerful retreat, we will
explore ways to ‘tune into’
God’s guidance more clearly,
so that, as St. Benedict says,
we can listen with “the ear of
our heart.” The weekend allows
participants to choose
how to spend time-alone or exploring with others.
Private room $15; Shared $135; Commuter $100.
To register, phone 339-1705.
Dr. Nancy Reeves is a psychologist, spiritual director, bestselling
author, award-winning columnist, and published
poet. With 33 years experience she conducts presentation
internationally and is known for her practical information,
inspiring stories and warm presentation style.
Page 14
Re-Visioning Workshop: Evolving
Toward Simplicity & Resilience
Fri. Mar. 23, 7:30 pm—Su. Mar. 25, 1:00pm
(no Sat. evening)
ur society faces major chal-
O lenges in the years ahead.
We sense that our way of life must
change. Is there a positive way
forward and will the way forward
be more difficult for our children?
How can we mobilize creativity-incommunity
to fashion lives of simplicity
and resilience for the future?
How might we reach deep into the
co-creative power we share with Spirit to serve life and
love?
Meals and Accommodations only: Private Room $160, Shared
$140, Commuter $90
Donation of $40/person for facilitator is suggested.
Mark Burch is an author, educator and group facilitator.
Mark invites free will donations for the teaching and facilitation
he offers. Those living on slender means need not
forego the workshop on that account and those who enjoy
more abundance may recognize an opportunity to practice
generosity.
To register, phone 339-1705
Riding the Dragon: Strengthening Your Inner Life
in Challenging Times
Fri. April 27, 7:30-9:00 pm; Sat. April 28, 9:30 am-3:30 pm.
O ne
of the greatest gifts we can share with others is a sense of our
own peace. However, we can’t share what we don’t have. By
discussing spiritual and psychological approaches to maintaining
perspective and inner strength in challenging times, Dr. Wicks, an expert
on the prevention of secondary stress, offers insights into how we can
live in peace and, in turn, extend our warmth to others without losing our
own inner fire in the process. Topics will include: “unlearning”, maintaining
a sense of perspective, ordinariness, chronic and acute secondary
stress, developing a self-care protocol, knowing the “voices” we
need in our circle of friends to have balance and courage in life, depth,
self-awareness, inner darkness and improving mindfulness. Practical,
illustrative, lively, this rich presentation will provide essential information
on professional resilience and personal well-being.
Dr. Robert Wicks, Psy.D., a professor at Loyola College in Maryland, has taught in universities and professional
schools of psychology, medicine, social work, nursing and theology. Author of 40 books, his most recent
includes a book for professionals, Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice.
Fri. eve. Only: $15, with advance registration. Sat. only $65; Both $75 (includes lunch). Register 339-1705

DECEMBER
2 Taizé Prayer
5-6 Shekinah Seminar
7 Mid-week Retreat
9-11 Winter Stillness Retreat
31 Year-End Retreat Day
JANUARY 2012
6 Taizé Prayer
6-8 Shekinah Weekend
13-15 Retreat for the Unemployed
14 Heartfulness Series
27-29 Contemplative Dimension
of the 11th Step
FEBRUARY
3 Taizé Prayer
6-7 Shekinah Seminar
8 Mid-week Retreat
11 Heartfulness Series
17-18 I’d Say “Yes” God, If I Knew
What You Wanted
17-18 Progoff Intensive Journal® Part 1
19-20 Progoff Intensive Journal® Part 2
MARCH
2 Taizé Prayer
2-4 Deepening Centering Prayer
Retreat
5-6 Shekinah Seminar
17 Contemplaative Outreach United
in Prayer
23-25 Re-Visioning Workshop
23-25 Spring Renewal Directed Retreat
APRIL
5-8 Holy Days’ Retreat/Easter
6 Taizé Prayer
9-10 Shekinah Seminar
11 Mid-week Retreat
19-22 Sabbath Retreat for Young
Adults in Ministry
20-22 Progoff Intensive Journal®
Part 3
21 Heartfulness
27-28 Riding the Dragon: Robert
Wicks
MAY
7-9 HeartSong Retreat
JULY Retreats
1-8 Centering Prayer Retreats
3-8 SummerFullness Retreat
Coming UP. . . Workshop with Brother
Don Bisson, FMS, October 19-21, 2012
Visit us at www.stbens.ca
Contact us at stbenscentre@mts.net
Need a Unique Gift? Visit our Bookstore!
We have a good selection of books on spirituality by authors such as Richard Rohr, Edwina Gateley, Robert Wicks, Thomas
Keating, Stephanie Dowrick and more. We also have CD’s of music and song by Monica Brown for quiet listening
plus a large array of greeting cards for all occasions and hand-made photo cards. Drop by any weekday and browse.
s I look out
A my office
window, I notice
the billowing
clouds moving
quickly, but ever
so steadily in the
sky, below the
changing colors of the autumn
trees. The clouds are like a
stream, or river that flows naturally,
always mirroring the colours
of their environment. It is this
steady rhythmic movement of the
clouds that remind me of the Sisters
– who move so steadily,
adapting to the ever-changing
movement of the world about
them.
In a recent visit with one of the
elderly Sisters during my coffeebreak,
I asked her how she was.
Benedictine Connection
…...Upcoming Events
A Note from the Editor
- Diane Huselak
Her eyes lit up, and she cheerfully
expressed her gratitude for the sun
shining that day. I listened to her
as she spoke with passion and a
clear voice of her connection to all
of creation and how she communicates
with nature. I asked her if she
would join me for coffee, and she
politely said “I’m going outside to
talk to the sun”. Now, how great is
that? I was in awe. Despite the
natural limitations that come with
age, she consciously embraced the
change in her abilities. Her frailty
exposed an inner strength that revealed
how, in the face of adversity,
a person can become stronger than
they ever knew. Her presence is
virtue and a source of hope,
strength and blessing in our turbulent
times. Grounded in gratitude,
prayer and peace I know that her
essence is the thread, woven so
delicately among all, that holds St.
Ben’s together.
Then I am reminded that this is perhaps
one of the reasons why I am
drawn to and feel blessed to work at
St. Ben’s, surrounded by women of
great faith, grounded in the truth of
their being, adapting to the everchanging
world, sharing their bits of
wisdom at random, unexpected moments.
As I look out my window again, the
clouds are steadily moving, but getting
darker. My window is ajar, and I
hear the honking of geese and watch
them in precise formation and flight.
I hear the sound of the gentle breeze
as the trees sway in its invisible presence.
Ah, life is good! Umm, excuse
me. . . . I have to go. . . . to talk
to those dark clouds!
Page 15

Benedictine Connection is published twice a year by the Sisters of St Benedict, St. Benedict’s Monastery, Winnipeg, MB Canada and is distributed free of
charge to relatives and friends of the community.
Newsletter Committee: Diane Huselak— Editor, Sr. Mary Coswin, Sr. Catherine Labinowich, Sr. Joan Mormul. Many thanks to all who have contributed to the
newsletter by way of articles or photos.
Return undeliverable address blocks to:
Office of Communications and Development
St. Benedict’s Monastery
225 Masters Avenue
Winnipeg, MB Canada R4A 2A1
Phone: 204/338-4601
Fax: 204/339-8775
E-mail: stbens@mts.net
Website: www.stbens.ca
Invitation to Worship
Morning Prayer Mon.-Fri. 7:00 am Sat. 9:00 am Sun. 10:00 am
Midday Prayer Daily 11:50 am
Evening Prayer Daily 5:00 pm
(No Evening Prayer in Chapel on Wednesday)
Eucharist Sunday 11:00 am OR anticipated Sat. 7:00 p.m.
Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 9:00 a.m.
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament with Adoration on Sisters’
Retreat Sunday. Last Sunday of month, 2:45– 4:45pm
Times may change. Please phone 338-4601 to check.
Privacy Policy
St. Benedict’s Monastery (the “Monastery”) and St. Benedict’s
Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) do not sell, trade or share their
database information. The Monastery and the Foundation use a
reputable mailing firm to prepare mailing labels for their newsletters and
brochures.
The Monastery and the Foundation rely on the generosity of their
supporters and friends. Supporters and friends always have the right
to be removed from our mailing list or be exempt from specific
communication from us. Please contact the Monastery or the
Foundation or look at our website for more information about these
matters.
Please notify us of any change of address
Christmas Eve Eucharist
8:00 p.m.
Presider: Fr.Vince Herner
All are welcome!
Let us know if you are
coming.
Call: 338-4601
Year-end Retreat: The Year in Review
Saturday, Dec. 3l, 10 am—4 pm
A retreat day of review exercises that awaken a
great power in the soul. $55 / includes lunch.
For the love of the earth, this newsletter is printed on recycled paper without an envelope.
Carol Ann Gotch is a wise and
creative woman who has been
a spiritual guide to many for
over 30 years. She is an ennegram
teacher and co-director of
the Priarie Jubilee (Spiritual
Direction) Program.
Phone: 338-4601 to register
Publications
Mail Agreement
No. 40033353