We awoke to silent beauty this morning — nature wrapped in white.

A WIRED group visited the monastery today. Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development had received a grant for a nine-county area of southern Indiana, and as a follow-up to the grant, representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor visited various towns to discuss economic development with area businesses and agencies. The group met for lunch and toured the monastery as part of their swing through this area.

Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau welcomes visitors from the U.S. Department of Labor and a Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development planning group.

Four women came to our monastery this weekend to experience life in a Benedictine monastery. They participated in our community life — joining us in prayer, work, and recreation — and listened to presentations by some sisters on the theme of “Stability: Commitment to a Particular People and Place.” Benedictine Life Weekends are open to single Catholic women, ages 18 to 40, who want to learn more about our monastic way of life. The next Benedictine Life Weekend is March 14 to 16.

Five sisters served on the team for this weekend experience. (Front row)  Sister Maura Beckman, Alex and Kim (both from North Carolina) (Back row) Angie from Oregon, Sister Agnes Marie Dauby, Sister Michelle Catherine Sinkhorn, Sister Sarah Cathleen Yungwirth, Sister Gail Hamilton, and Erin from Indiana