In This Section:
Community News
February 2012
Renovation progress featured on Birmingham news station
February 4, 2012
Television station CBS42 out of Birmingham featured the monastery's renovation progress on last evening's newscast. The story highlights the progress as seen through the eyes of the Community's newest member, Postulant Michelle St. Marie, and Sister Tonette Sperando. To view the story online follow the link by clicking here.
Update on Weeks 15-17 of the renovation project is ready for viewing
February 3, 2012
Much progress on the renovation has been made in the last three weeks. Walls in the new construction areas can be seen rising up out of the mud as the brick and mortar crew dodges the winter rain showers. On Ottilia's 3rd floor, new door openings have been busted out and showers have begun to be installed. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical crews have made substantial progress on 1st and 2nd floors. Fire alert system installation has begun in the upper floors of Annunciata Hall as well. Click here to see how things are changing day by day.
January 2012
Renovation progress for Week 14
January 14, 2012
Five days of heavy rain complicated renovation efforts as well as the repair of tornado-damaged roofs to the Chapel and to Ottilia Hall. Both roofing crews are working on Saturday to make up time in the clear but cold weather. The adjusted renovation timeline shows a projected completion date for Ottilia Hall in May and the new construction of the kitchen and Retreat Center dining area in late summer or early fall. Click here for this week's slide show.
Sister Lynn Marie serves as panelist at USCCB-sponsored immigration conference; featured in Utah TV news story
January 13, 2012
Sister Lynn Marie McKenzie traveled to Salt Lake City earlier this week where she served as a panelist at a national conference sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. The conference was entitled Immigration: A 50-State Issue, A Focus on State and Local Immigration initiatives.
While in Utah, Sr. Lynn was interviewed, along with Fr. Tom Ackerman of the Diocese of Birmingham, as part of a local news story on immigration. The news story and interview excerpts can be viewed here.
Week 13 renovation update
January 10, 2012
The renovation progress made last week included the first pouring of the footers for the new kitchen, work on repairing the tornado-damaged roofs of Ottilia Hall and the chapel, and significant progress in the interior of Ottilia. Photos from last week's renovation progress and tornado roof repair can be viewed here.
Sharing our grounds with therapeutic riding program
January 6, 2012
A recent Cullman Times article highlighted H.O.P.E. (Horses Offering People Encouragement), a new therapeutic horse-back riding program which the monastic community is assisting by hosting the center on around 20 acres of monastery property via a long-term lease at a negligible cost. Fencing has been installed (donated by a niece of Sr. Mary Adrian McLean), a driveway cut, land prepared, and the effort is now well on it's way toward being able to serve special-needs children and adults from the Cullman area through horse-back riding therapy with specially-screened horses and trained therapeutic riding instructors. Sr. Lynn Marie McKenzie serves on H.O.P.E.'s Board of Directors, and several Sisters hope to serve as volunteers for the organization.
The December 2011 issue of Benedictine Update featured an article on H.O.P.E. which can be accessed through the link in the box above.
Pictured at left are Kerri Roberts (left), Executive Director of H.O.P.E., and David Poynor, President, visiting the monastery pasture where the program will be housed.
December 2011
Weekly renovation update
December 31, 2011
In spite of the shorter work week between holidays a significant amount of work was accomplished by the various renovation crews. Sheetrock and insulation supplies arrived on Wednesday to begin that work on Ottilia Hall's 2nd floor. Foundation work for the new kitchen and Retreat Center dining areas began. Photos of the progress may be viewed by clicking here.
Christmas celebration
December 26, 2011
The monastic community celebrated a joyous Christmas, centered around a festive Midnight Mass and a beautiful Mass of Christmas Day. The music of organ, handbells, and flute resounded, while the voices of the schola and all the Sisters filled the chapel with joyful song. Solemn Lauds and Vespers of Christmas rounded out our liturgical celebration of the Nativity of our Lord.
In addition to our liturgical celebrations, the Sisters also enjoyed gathering together as a monastic family. Breakfast featured Christmas breads from four different national traditions, home-baked by Sister Kathleen, and traditional ambrosia made by Sister Mary Adrian. A festive Christmas dinner was followed by a time of fellowship and gift-giving around the Christmas tree.
Depicted below are a few images from the day, including a few photographs of Sisters sporting hand-knit caps and scarves, gifted to us by the parishioners of St. Michael's parish in St. Florian, AL, and St. Joseph's parish in Florence, AL.
Community prepares for Christmas
December 24, 2011
Along with preparing their hearts for the coming of the Christ child, the Sisters have been busily preparing for festive Christmas liturgies. The schola (choir) has rehearsed, musicians have prepared, and the sacristans have polished and ironed. Below are photographs taken this morning as Sisters readied the chapel for tonight's Eucharistic celebration at midnight.
Depicted clockwise from top left: Sister Kathleen Gallas prepares poinsettias; Sister Therese Haydel and Postulant Michelle St. Marie; Michelle readies altar to receive altar cloth; Sister Therese arranges crib set; Sisters Kathleen and Therese place candles; Michelle decorates a candle stand in the choir area of chapel; and Sister Magdalena Craig directs schola practice.
Renovation progress photos
December 24, 2011
The work crews have ceased their labor for the holiday and their equipment sits silent and still, but before the Christmas break a good deal was accomplished over the last week. The latest photos can be viewed here.
Sister Janet Marie joins Alabama religious leaders in urging Governor to modify harsh immigration law
December 21, 2011
Sister Janet Marie Flemming, OSB, Prioress of the monastic community, joined Alabama religious leaders in co-signing a letter to Gov. Robert Bentley urging him to support changes in the harsh Alabama immigration law that took effect earlier this Fall. The letter was hand-delivered to the Governor this past Monday.
In signing the letter, Sister Janet Marie joined Bishop Robert Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham; Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile; United Methodist Bishop William Willimon; Episcopal Bishop Henry Parsley; and Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, of Saint Bernard Abbey.
Following are links to the letter and to related news stories.
Cullman Times, the lead front page article on December 20.
Birmingham News, 'breaking news' article on December 19
Text of the letter to Governor Robert Bentley of Alabama (pdf document)
Diocese of Birmingham website, with statements from Bishop Robert Baker related to the law.
Community mourns the passing of Sister Scholastica Warkman, OSB
December 20, 2011
Sister Scholastica Warkman, OSB, died peacefully in the monastery infirmary on Sunday, December 18, 2011, at the age of 96. Reception of the Body with Vespers of the Dead was held December 20 in Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, December 21.
A link to Sister Scholastica's obituary is available here.
Community hosts Christmas luncheon for renovation workers;
week 10 renovation photos posted
December 19, 2011
Photos from the past week of renovation work can be found here. A highlight of the week was a luncheon hosted for the renovation crew. For the meal, Sisters joined the workmen to share a hearty and festive lunch. Sister Janet Marie expressed the thanks of the community for all their hard work, and monastery employee Robby Culver offered the blessing for the meal.
Benedictine Manor holds annual Christmas Open House
December 11, 2011
This afternoon, the staff and residents of Benedictine Manor welcomed their family members, friends, and neighbors to their annual Christmas Open House. The many attendees enjoyed fellowship, refreshments, and touring the beautifully-festooned hallways and gathering spaces of the Manor. Many residents also had their apartments decorated and open for visiting by guests. Pictured below are several photos from the afternoon, including at top right Sister Virginia Rohling, Director of Benedictine Manor, welcoming a guest.
New Renovation photos
December 11, 2011
Considerable rain early in the week slowed outdoor efforts just a bit, but considerable progress continues to be made inside Ottilia and in the former auditorium (soon to be the new Sisters' dining room). For, photos from this past week with descriptions of progress, please click here.
Week 8 Renovation Photos
December 7, 2011
Despite recent rains, renovation work continues at a good pace. Please click here for photos and descriptions of progress through December 2.
November 2011
Connecting with our friends, families, and neighbors
November 28, 2011
Each year as Advent approaches, the monastic Community offers their families and friends an opportunity to recognize special people in their lives through a gift to the Benedictine Sisters. Contributions in honor of or in memory of a significant individual are acknowledged with a personalized Christmas card designed by Sister Therese Haydel, OSB. We also promise them remembrance at a monthly Mass. If you are not on our mailing list, please click to view a copy of the letter and the Recipient Form.
A large number of friends and neighbors assisted the the Community in preparing the letters for mailing. Unlike many organizations, our letters are placed into each envelope by hand - either by a Sister or by someone close to us. The monastic community is grateful for these faithful volunteers who help supplement our efforts!
Renovation week 7 photographs
November 28, 2011
For the latter part of last week, the Community enjoyed a Thanksgiving respite from the noise and activities of construction and the workers enjoyed some well-deserved time off. Click here for photographs of progress from the days preceding Thanksgiving.
Renovation week 6 photographs
November 19, 2011
Click here to view renovation images from the past week. All continues to go well.
Community gathers for Fall meeting; Week 5 of renovation is concluded
November 12, 2011
The monastic community gathered today for their Fall Community Meeting. These gatherings, held periodically through the year, offer an opportunity for the Sisters to discuss various aspects of their monastic life, as well as receive updates from the monastic leadership. PIctured at right, Sister Mary McGehee and Sister Tonette Spera
ndo enjoy a lighthearted moment during the meeting.
The renovation project continues to go well. Among the accomplishments of this past week was the pouring of cement into the auditorium, bringing the formerly sloping floor up to the level of the stage. Photographs from the past week can be viewed here.
Community receives new Postulant
November 9, 2011
On November 8, during a simple ceremony at the beginning of Vespers, the Community received Michelle St. Marie as a Postulant. In keeping with tradition, Michelle knocked on the chapel door, was received into the chapel, and before the gathered Community made her request to enter the Postuancy. In welcoming Michelle, Sister Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, exhorted her with words from the Prologue of the Rule of St. Benedict. The Community expressed their welcome as they recited together, "We promise to assist you in your search for God through our prayers and support."
Postulancy is the first stage of monastic formation, a 10 month (or longer) period during which the candidate becomes acquainted with life in monastic community, receives instruction in various aspects of the monastic charism, and engages in part-time ministry. Sister Magdalena Craig will serve as Formation Director for Michelle, guiding her as she discerns her call.
Benedictine Manor residents enjoy performance by quartet from area parish
November 7, 2011
This past Sunday, residents of Benedictine Manor enjoyed a performance by Plus One, a men's quartet comprised of four parishioners from Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church in Decatur, AL. While focusing on traditional Gospel repertoire, they also performed a wide selection of religious music, accompanied by a talented local pianist. The music was energetic and entertaining, and a residents thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Several Sisters joined residents for the event, and all enjoyed visiting with the group following the performance.
Pictured below: Plus One gathers in the Manor foyer, and at right, the group offers a harmonic rendition of Happy Birthday to a Manor resident. 
(Photos courtesy of Patty Whatley)
Good progress on renovation continues
November 5, 2011
With week four of renovation now complete, the Sisters are grateful that so much has been accomplished and that all continues to move forward in good fashion. Among the accomplishments this week: continued in-filling of the sloping auditorium floor; continued interior demolition of Ottilia Hall; continued scraping, caulking, and painting of exterior Ottilia windows; and digging of the footers for the new Ottilia elevator. Images with descriptions of this week's progress can be viewed here.
Above, gravel in-fill of the auditorium nears the top of the stage.
October 2011
Third week of renovation completed right on schedule
October 31, 2011
After three weeks of work, the renovation project continues to proceed as scheduled. The demolition work on Ottilia Hall's third floor has been completed and is ready for the construction of new walls. The demolition work on the second floor is well underway, too. Clangs and bangs from the basement level witness to the ongoing removal of the old steam heat pipes. The sloped auditorium floor is slowly filling up with gravel in preparation for the new dining room floor, which will be a poured slab of concrete. To view the latest photos of the progress click here.
(In this photo the work on Ottilia Hall's east facing windows can be seen.)
Renovation featured in local TV news story
October 27, 2011
Huntsville TV station WAAY featured the monastery renovation project and capital campaign during their evening news program last night. The segment, entitled Monastery Makeover, aired again this morning. A link to the story is available here. Video can be accessed to the right of the text following a 15 second commercial.
Sister Janet Marie Flemming, OSB, was interviewed for the story, along with Campaign Task Force members Inge and Judi Waddle. Inge serves as Chair of the Resource Development Task Force. An important point made by the story is that after 107 years of serving their community, the Sisters are now in need of the support of the community to help fund these vital renovations. Information about the project and campaign can be found here, as well as a contribution form.
Sisters attend Benedictine Vocation Meeting
October 25, 2011
Sisters Magdalena Craig and Elisabeth Meadows traveled last week to Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, IN, where they attended the National Benedictine Vocation Director's Conference. Both Sisters serve on the monastic community's Vocation Team. During the meeting, they joined around thirty other Benedictine vocation directors and staff in discussing issues pertinent to assisting others as they discern the call to monastic life.
Renovation work continues
October 21, 2011
The grounds of the monastery adorned with the foliage of autumn speaks to us about transition and change. The sounds of hammers, saws, trucks, and large machinery echo the sentiment. Plum
es of plaster dust billow out of windows from Ottilia Hall's upper floors with an occasional chip or two flying out with it. The greatest change one can see on the exterior is found on the backside of the monastery, where the east side of the passageway was completely removed along with all of the connecting cement walkways. Digging and plumbing work have taken place in the auditorium space beneath the chapel as well. Click here for this week's slide show of renovation photos. (If you are having trouble viewing the pdf file, an updated version of Adobe Reader may be necessary.)
Work commences on renovation project
October 14, 2011
The Community's long-awaited renovation project has begun. A slide show documenting the first few days of construction (primarily site preparation and interior demolition) can be found here. Similar photo updates will continue to be posted periodically.
Our capital campaign to fund the project is going strongly. Information about the campaign, along with details of the renovation project, can be found on our REFLECT RENEW REJOICE web pages. A campaign contribution form may be found here.
Guests to the monastery will note that the entrance to the monastery and chapel is now through Annunicata Hall (the building to the left of the chapel) instead of Ottilia Hall. Directional signs guide visitors to this new entrance.
Access to the Retreat Center remains unchanged. Guest parking remains unchanged.
Please rejoice with us at the commencement of this vital renovation project, and please pray with us for its successful completion and for the success of our capital campaign.
Oblates enjoy a special weekend for their annual retreat
October 11, 2011
The Oblates of Sacred Heart Monastery, led by Sister Priscilla Cohen as Oblate Director, gathered this past weekend for their annual retreat led by Sister Marcia Ziska, OSB of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, KS. The theme of this year's program was "The Love of Christ Must Come Before All Else." Saturday evening included an extra-special treat for both Oblates and Sisters. Sister Marcia shared slides and stories from her many trips to Italy as a leader of the Rome Renewal Program for Benedictines from around the world.
At Vespers on Saturday four new Oblate candidates joined the Oblate community and two Oblates made their final oblation. The rest of the Oblates made a renewal of the Oblate commitment by placing signed cards into a bowl on the altar, symbolizing their offering to Christ as an Oblate of St. Benedict.
Community joins in local celebration of German heritage
October 9, 2011
This past week marked the annual Oktoberfest celebration for the city of Cullman, a town noted for its German heritage. The monastic community joined our Cullman neighbors in several of the city-wide festivities. We also took the opportunity to enjoy our annual Oktoberfest dinner here at the monastery this past Thursday evening, a meal with features traditional German fare.
During the week-long celebration, Benedictine Manor offered two German-themed events for residents and their guests - a performance of traditional German music, and another performance featuring German music accompanied by dancers. Depicted at right, Sister Eleanor Harrison (r) visits with Manor residents and Cullman's 2011 Oktoberfest "Burgermeister," Michael Sullins, who joined the Manor residents for the music and dancing.
August 2011
Community celebrates the life of Sister Francine
August 31, 2011
On Tuesday, August 30, well over 150 people gathered in Sacred Heart Chapel for the Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Francine Hasenbein, OSB, who died on August 27th at the age of 87. The monastic community and a large contingent of family members were joined in paying tribute to Sister Francine by monks of St. Bernard Abbey, Oblates, friends, and citizens of Cullman. Rev. Marcus Voss, OSB, served as principal celebrant and homilist, with Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, Fr. Jacob Amos, OSB, and Fr. Patrick Egan, OSB, concelebrating.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, the Rite of Committal was held in the monastic cemetery with Sister Janet Marie Flemming, OSB, Prioress, and Fr. Marcus Voss presiding.
During the liturgical celebration, Sister Madeline Contorno, OSB, offered a moving reflection on the life Sister Francine. The text of her tribute may be found here.
+ Sister Francine Hasenbein, O.S.B.
1924 - 2011
Sister Francine Hasenbein, OSB, died on August 27, at the age 87. Our monastic community along with her family and friends deeply mourn her loss, yet we rejoice in Sister Francine's 61 years of fidelity to her monastic profession and faithful service to God, the Church, and the community.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 30, at 4:00 PM in the Chapel of Sacred Heart Monastery. A link to Sr. Francine's obituary may be found here.
May she rest in peace.
Sister Thérèse to attend conference on retreat center ministry
August 17, 2011
Sister Thérèse Haydel will depart tomorrow to attend the biennial conference of the Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers. The ABRC is an association of around 40 retreat centers sponsored by Benedictine communities in the US and Canada. The conference, to be held at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, KS, will focus on the ways in which Benedictine retreat centers can model, share, and foster peace in the midst of division.
Sister Thérèse has served as Director of the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center since 2007.
Community featured in local news story
August 12, 2011
The monastic community's collaboration with state-wide religious leaders in a joint challenge to Alabama's anti-immigration law was featured in a local news story. The link may be found here.
Sr. Lynn Marie assists in challenge to anti-immigration law; is elected to Board of Directors of state-wide legal organization
August 12, 2011
Sister Lynn Marie McKenzie is serving as co-counsel in the legal effort challenging the constitutionality of the Anti-Immigration Bill recently signed into law in Alabama (see previous Community News story). In this role, she represents the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman as well as the Benedictine monks of St. Bernard Abbey, and is collaborating with attorneys from across the state, including those representing Bishop Robert Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham, Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile, the Episcopal and Methodist Bishops in Alabama, and others. Sr. Lynn Marie states: "I am so proud of our monastic community and of our diocesan leadership for the strong stance they have taken on this important issue. It is a deep honor to work on behalf of justice and Christian charity for our Hispanic brothers and sisters. The fact that the recently passed Alabama law penalizes people of faith for reaching out in ministry to all, regardless of immigration status, is abhorrent, and something that the lawsuit against the state is trying to address."
In related community news, Sr. Lynn Marie was recently honored by her peers in the legal community by being elected to the Board of Directors of the Alabama Association for Justice, an organization representing 1,400 attorneys from across the state.
Community issues statement on Alabama
anti-immigration law
August 4, 2011
During their annual summer meetings last week, the monastic Community discussed and prepared the following public statement in response to the anti-immigration bill recently signed into law in the State of Alabama. The law is set to take effect in September.
We, the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman, Alabama oppose the “Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act,” the Anti-Immigration Bill (H.R. 56), enacted in the state of Alabama in June 2011. Sacred Scripture, the social teachings of the Church, our strong Benedictine tradition of hospitality to the stranger, and the critical needs of our Hispanic sisters and brothers call us to seek justice for all God’s children. The law criminalizes what Scripture dictates and encourages discrimination against Hispanic individuals living in the state of Alabama. The Bill is an unjust and immoral law, and we grieve for the many that it will impact. Repeal of the Bill in its entirety is imperative. We ask our legislators to enact immigration legislation that will more truly reflect our American heritage and the values rooted in Judeo-Christian principles.
In making this statement, the Sisters join the ranks of religious leaders throughout the state in publicly opposing this law, including Bishop Robert J. Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham and Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile (read their joint statement from April 2011 here).
In addition to the Sisters' statement above, the monastic Community will soon join Bishop Baker and Bishop Rodi, together with the Methodist and Episcopal Bishops of Alabama, and others, in a legal effort aimed challenging the constitutionality of the law and seeking to block the enforcement of a law that criminalizes basic acts of Christian charity and our Benedictine charism of welcoming all as Christ.
Sister Bernadette and Sister Karen Ann celebrate Jubilees
August 1, 2011
On Saturday, July 30, the Community celebrated the Jubilees of Sister Bernadette Sachs and Sister Karen Ann Lortscher. The Jubilee marked the 50th anniversary of monastic profession for Sister Bernadette and Sister Karen Ann's 25th anniversary of profession. During the Eucharistic Liturgy celebrating the occasion, Sister Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, received the renewal of their vows. Very Reverend Kevin Bazzel, Rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham, served as principal celebrant and homilist. Rev. Ray Keiser of St. Stephen's University Chapel in Birmingham con-celebrated the Mass. The Community was also grateful for the presence of Bishop Emeritus David Foley of the Diocese of Birmingham.
Numerous family members, friends, Oblates, and monks of St. Bernard Abbey joined the monastic community for the occasion, including a number of university students with whom Sister Karen Ann works in her role as Campus Minister at St. Stephen's University Parish in Birmingham. A festive meal followed the Eucharistic Celebration.
Sister Bernadette has had lengthy service in Elementary Education, teaching for over twenty-five years in diocesan schools in Birmingham, Pratt City, Tuscaloosa, Decatur, Anniston, and Cullman. In 1981, the National Catholic Education Association honored Sr. Bernadette as Distinguished Catholic Elementary School Teacher for the Southeastern USA. In addition to her years of service as an educator, Sister Bernadette has held many roles within the community, including Novice Director, Infirmarian, and Sub-Prioress. She has also served as Director of the Center for Concern at Holy Spirit Parish in Tuscaloosa. Currently, Sister Bernadette serves as Sub-Prioress and Infirmary Coordinator for the monastic community.
Sister Karen Ann's current role as Catholic Campus Minister engages her with college students from three different colleges and universities in Birmingham. Prior to this ministry, Sister Karen Ann taught for several years in the primary grades at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Cullman. A professional ballet dancer prior to her entry into monastery, she has also taught dance to elementary students at Sacred Heart School and elsewhere. In addition to her work in education and campus ministry, Sister Karen Ann has served as Novice Director and Vocation Director for the community. She has recently re-entered vocation work, having been appointed by Sister Janet Marie as Director of Vocation Ministry.
Depicted above: Sisters Karen Ann (left) and Sister Bernadette renew their monastic profession before Sister Janet Marie.
Depicted below (left to right, by row): Opening procession; Sister Bernadette signs her renewal document on the open Book of the Gospels; Sisters Lynn Marie and Therese cantor for the Gospel Acclamation, with Bishop Foley at right; Sister Karen Ann signs her renewal document; Fr. Kevin Bazzel; Sister Bernadette enjoys visiting with family; Sister Karen Ann lights jubilee candles prior to the procession; and Sister Janet Marie visits with Sister Karen Ann and her family.
July 2011
Sisters gather for annual summer meetings
July 26, 2011
A simple social gathering this past Sunday evening marked the initiation of the Community's annual summer meetings. One-to-two day meetings are held each Fall and Spring, but during the summer the Sisters gather for several days to discuss various aspects of their life as a monastic Community. The meetings will continue through most of the week and will conclude with the Jubilee Celebration of Sisters Bernadette Sachs and Sister Karen Ann Lortscher. Below are a few images from the first two days of meetings.
Depicted clockwise from top left: Sisters listen attentively to a presentation; Sister Janet Marie Flemming, Prioress, enjoys a light-hearted moment with two of our architects from ArchitectureWorks; Sisters Lynn Marie McKenzie and Mary McGehee engage in conversation; and Sisters visit during a break in the meetings.
