Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama

Sacred Heart Monastery 
916 Convent Road, Cullman, Alabama 35055 
(256) 734-4622 --- shmon@shmon.org

 

Bishop Baker Makes Episcopal Visit to Sacred Heart

Bishop Robert J. Baker, S.T.D., paid his first episcopal visit to Sacred Heart Monastery on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, May 30, 2008. Installed on October 2, 2007, as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama, he came to the state from the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., where he was appointed bishop in 1999.

Sister Janet Marie, Prioress, met Bishop Baker at the door of the monastery and escorted him to the chapel, where he celebrated the Eucharist and gave the homily. The bishop spoke warmly of our Community, expressing gratitude for our long and varied service in the diocese and throughout the Southeast. He encouraged us to continue our tradition of prayer, community, and ministry according to the Rule of St. Benedict throughout the 21st century and beyond.

At dinner after the Eucharist, Bishop Baker visited the Sisters at each table, asking the name of each and her experience in ministry. Sister Janet Marie presented to him on behalf of the Community a colorful afghan, crocheted by Sister Emilie Schmitt. Later, the bishop sent to the Sisters a beautiful tropical plant which now graces a corner of the dining room.

 

Community Welcomes New Postulant

At Vespers on Sunday, July 6, the Sacred Heart community welcomed Sara Burress as a new postulant. In keeping with monastic tradition, the simple ceremony of entrance began with Sara's knocking on the chapel door and stating her desire to seek God within the Sacred Heart community. Following words of instruction and blessing from Sister Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, Sara then took her place in the monastic choir.

Sara is the daughter of John and Irene Burress, both deceased. She was raised in Mississippi in the Presbyterian faith, earned a Bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, and was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1991. While serving parishes in South Carolina and Mississippi, Sara often visited Sacred Heart on retreat. She became an Oblate of Sacred Heart Monastery in 1999, and later spent a year living and working with the community as part of the volunteer program. Drawn to the Catholic faith, Sara entered into full communion with the Church in 2006.

As a postulant, Sara is taking courses in prayer, monastic life, theology of Church, St. Benedict and the Bible. She also assists at Benedictine Manor, the community-sponsored retirement home. Sister Magdalena Craig, Initial Formation Director, accompanies her on her monastic journey.

Reflecting on her first months at Sacred Heart, Sara comments: "The Rule of St. Benedict describes the monastery as a 'school for the Lord's service.' This community of Benedictine Sisters is truly a school of Christ's love. I am grateful for their encouragement and prayers, kind discipline and guidance, as I take these first exploring steps in monastic formation."

 

Sisters respond to new calls to ministry

Sister Marian Davis has accepted a faculty appointment in the English Department of Stillman College, a Historically Black College in Tuscaloosa which was founded in 1876. She began her appointment as assistant professor this past August. For Sister Marian this marks a return to teaching at the college level after a lengthy tenure on the faculty at St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman.

Sr. Marian's early teaching experience was in the diocesan school system where she taught at both the grade school level and at John Carroll Catholic High School. She subsequently pursued advanced studies at Auburn University where she was awarded an M.A. in English in 1971, followed by a Ph.D. in British Literature in 1979. Her college teaching ministry has taken her to Conception Seminary College in Missouri, Spring Hill College in Mobile, as well as two state colleges in Alabama. Sister also spent several years working in campus ministry at the University of Alabama. Following a sabbatical year in 1994, Sister Marian began thirteen years of ministry at St. Bernard Prep where she taught English and Theology.

Sister's ministry at St. Bernard extended well beyond the classroom as she engaged her students in service projects, enthusiastically attended school performances, and accompanied them on school trips both close to home and as far away as Europe. Sister Marian speaks gratefully of her time at St. Bernard, stating "I was happy to take part in a specifically Benedictine ministry with dedicated colleagues, and I especially enjoyed working with the St. Bernard students." Sister Marian had long intended a return to college teaching and she is grateful for her appointment to the faculty of Stillman College.

Sister Veronica Ryan recently transitioned into a new ministerial role with the Montgomery Deanery of the Archdiocese of Mobile. Since this past July Sister Veronica, along with Trinitarian Sister Janet Santibano, has been developing a Hispanic ministry for the Deanery. Their ministerial work has included locating and visiting Hispanic families in the Deanery and developing programs for catechists, Young Adults, Bible studies, and RCIA. In addition to meeting catechetical needs, Sister Veronica also attempts to respond to other needs in whatever way is possible. She states, "Our goal is to bring them the love of Christ made visible, connect them with the nearest Catholic Church to incorporate them into a faith family, and to provide formation in the Faith."

Prior to beginning her current ministry, Sister Veronica ministered at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Birmingham. She has previously ministered in parishes and schools throughout Alabama and northern Florida, including serving as Parish Administrator at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Talladega and Resurrection Catholic Church in Clanton. Sister Veronica has also served in many roles within the Sacred Heart community, including a term as Prioress from 1999 - 2005. In addition to her ministerial role with the Montgomery Deanery, Sister Veronica continues to offer her gifts to the monastic community in many ways, including membership on the Monastery's Visioning and Planning Committee.

Sister Veronica speaks with enthusiasm about her new ministry, stating that "in the few months that I have had the privilege of relating with these beautiful people I have learned from them the true meaning of hospitality and joy in the midst of struggle." She also reports that her efforts to communicate in Spanish have helped her to deepen her capacity to listen.

 

Sister Magdalena Attends Monastic Formators Programme in Italy

Sister Magdalena Craig participated in a 3-month program in Rome and Assisi during the spring semester of 2008. The program is designed to meet the needs of men and women monastics who minister in the area of Initial Formation within their communities. The participants in the international gathering represented 13 countries and 5 continents.

The group of 30 received rich input on various monastic topics from esteemed monastic scholars from around the world. Among the presenters were Columba Stewart, OSB, Mary Irene Nowell, OSB, and Michael Casey, OCSO. In addition to classes the group visited the historic and beautiful monastic sites of Subiaco, Monte Cassino, and Norcia. The group was also able to visit some of the major historic and religious sites of Rome, as well as some less familiar gems. A particular highlight for the group was the Passion Sunday liturgy at St. Peter's Basilica, at which Pope Benedict XVI presided.

Sister Magdalena says that "the experience far surpassed my expectations, and the spiritual benefits of the program will nourish me for some time to come. The opportunity to share spiritually, intellectually, and playfully with such a solid, diverse group of people was exhilarating and enriching, to say the least. Special thanks goes to the directors of the program, Mark Butlin, OSB, of Ampleforth Abbey in England, and to Brendon Thomas, OSB, of Belmont Abbey in England, who never failed in patience, planning, and providing for all of our needs, and to my community at Sacred Heart for providing me this marvelous opportunity."

 

 

Oblates Gather for Annual Retreat Weekend

The Oblates of Sacred Heart Monastery met October 10-12, 2008 to renew their commitment to the Benedictine way of life through prayer, study and community with the Sisters. Sister Mary McGehee, OSB, of Sacred Heart Monastery, facilitated the weekend with a review of the life of St. Benedict and themes in the Rule of St. Benedict. Presenting material she received in Italy under the direction of Rule scholar Sister Aquinata Bockmann, Sister Mary emphasized that St. Benedict, in his life, reflected a model of Christ. In his Rule, St. Benedict defines the way to respond to God's call and live the Benedictine way through a life of prayer, work, and community. Sister Mary guided the Oblates through an inspirational reflection of Scripture images in the Rule and positive actions that St. Benedict expects for a follower's daily commitment. The Oblates expressed much gratitude for Sister Mary's inspirational presentation that will assist them in deepening their commitment to live the Oblate way of life in the world.

Under the direction of Sister Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, and Sister Priscilla Cohen, Oblate Director, eleven new members were received as candidates and twenty-five Oblates renewed their annual commitment during Vespers.

 

Benedictine Sisters Celebrate the Year of Paul

As Catholics around the world celebrate the jubilee year of St. Paul, the Benedictine Sisters have been involved in a variety of activities throughout the Diocese of Birmingham.

Through the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Sister Therese Haydel offered a reflection day in August entitled "Custody of the Heart: Freedom and Slavery in the Writings of St. Paul." Sisters, Oblates, and laity from around the diocese participated in this event. Between sessions participants had the opportunity to reflect, share insights, and enjoy the beautiful monastery grounds. On three separate occasions Sister Therese also presented a talk entitled "The Love Letters of St. Paul" at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Cullman, Holy Spirit Church in Huntsville, and St. Joseph Church in Huntsville. Sister Therese comments: "I am deeply touched by the openness, eagerness, and enthusiasm individuals have exhibited in getting to know this great apostle and his writings at a deeper level."

Sister Karen Ann Lortscher is involved with two Bible study programs focusing on St. Paul through St. Stephen's University Chapel in Birmingham. She also has been involved with co-leading an eight-week study group on Fr. Mitch Pacwa's book, St. Paul: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics, at the campus of Samford University.

Sister Madeline Contorno, pastoral minister at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Birmingham, is using the Year of St. Paul as the theme of her two adult education programs in the parish. In her Bible class, called "Fresh Bread for Hungry Catholics," she is leading the study of individual letters of St. Paul throughout the year. In her "Theology on Tap" program for young adults, the young adults themselves will facilitate faith sharing sessions on Paul's letters, on Sunday mornings and also during their Tuesday night monthly gatherings.

Sister Treva Heinberg also has incorporated the study of St. Paul in the ongoing religious education for adults at Holy Spirit Church in Huntsville. She coordinated a three-week series of Sunday lectures on St. Paul at the parish. The series included presentations by Msgr. Michael Sexton, Sister Therese Haydel, and Mr. Michael Dubruil.

Sister Mary McGehee offered a presentation called "Sabbath Rest and Delight" at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood, AL as preparation for a seven-week program the parish will host on St. Paul.

 

Sister Mary Leo Retires from John Carroll

After a long and fruitful ministry in education, Sister Mary Leo Arnold retired as of June 1, 2008. Following stints in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Sheffield, Sister moved from St. Paul High School in Birmingham to the new John Carroll Catholic High in 1947. From 1947 to 1966, she alternated between John Carroll Catholic High and Pensacola Catholic High. In 1966 Sr. Mary Leo was appointed Procurator of the Benedictine Community. In addition to serving the community in this role she also taught biology at Sacred Heart Junior College in Cullman. In 1966 she returned to Birmingham to teach religion and biology at John Carroll, where she served until her retirement. In the last few years she left the classroom to serve as Alumni Director of John Carroll. She remains in residence in one of the Benedictine Sisters' mission houses in Birmingham.

Sister Mary Leo is well-loved and respected by students, alumni, parents, and colleagues alike, and her active presence in Catholic education will be greatly missed. Her Sisters at Sacred Heart are proud of her many accomplishments, her commitment to excellence in teaching, and her tireless devotion to her ministry.

 

African Benedictine Visits Sacred Heart

The Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery were blessed to have Sister Auxilia Hokororo spend nearly three weeks with them this past summer. Sister Auxilia is a Benedictine of the Our Lady Help of Christians monastic community in Tanzania. After four years in the U.S. studying biology and education, she graduated this past May with a Bachelor's degree from Mount Marty College, a Benedictine institution in Yankton, S.D.

This was Sister Auxilia's second visit to Cullman. The Sisters were delighted to host the new graduate again prior to her return to Tanzania. They were also pleased for the opportunity to hear first-hand reports of the flourishing of monastic life in Africa.

Sister Margaret Mary Liang especially enjoyed seeing Sister Auxilia again. Through her mission work with the Alliance for International Monasticism Sister Margaret Mary spent time at the community's motherhouse in Ndanda and taught at the high school operated by Sister Auxilia's community in Mtwara.

 

Sister Lynn honored by State Bar; re-appointed to state commission; elected to Canon Law position

At the annual meeting of the Alabama State Bar, Sister Lynn Marie McKenzie was presented with the Albert L. Vreeland Pro Bono Award. The award was in recognition of the legal work Sister Lynn provides without charge for those in need of legal assistance but who are unable to pay. This work is done in conjunction with her regular law practice at Knight, Griffith, McKenzie, Knight & McLeroy, LLP.

Sister Lynn was also recently re-appointed by the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court to the Access to Justice Commission; its purpose is to design and find ways to deliver legal services in the state to those unable to afford it. The commission is based upon the concept that there can be no justice unless everyone who needs it has access to the system.

In October, Sr. Lynn attended the Canon Law Society of America (CLSA) meeting in St. Louis where she was elected as a Consultor to serve a 2-year term on the Board of Governors for the CLSA.

 

Sisters host hurricane evacuees

As Hurricane Gustav approached the Gulf Coast the Sisters of Sacred Heart began preparations to receive possible evacuees. Several individuals requested assistance and the Sisters were pleased to be able to offer them safe shelter from the storm. St. Benedict teaches that "all guests are to be received as Christ," and it was a privilege to have these individuals 'ride out the storm' and its aftermath here at Sacred Heart.