We were honored to have the Kentucky Youth Chorale present a concert in our monastery church this evening. Thirty-eight singers and instrumentalists delighted the audience with a variety of musical selections, including classical, sacred, and folk. The performance also included compositions for harp, pipe organ, violin, and piano. Our monastery was one of several venues on the chorale’s spring concert tour. We're grateful that they shared their talents and enthusiasm for music with us. 

It's story-telling time. 

Telling stories — that's what a group of about 20 sisters did when they met with author John McMullen this afternoon. McMullen, who is helping write a 60-year history of Mater Dei High School in Evansville, wanted to gather some first-hand experiences and information from sisters who had taught at the school or attended as students. Mater Dei was established in 1948 and was staffed by our sisters from its beginning. Some sisters who couldn't be present today sent written accounts of their memories and experiences.

Mater Dei alum Sister Agnes Weinzapfel, former staff Sisters Jane Will and Mary Victor Kercher, John McMullen, and former principal Sister Mary Clare Scheessele enjoy an anecdote shared by one of the sisters.

We're gearing up for Ferdinand's town-wide yard sale on April 3 and 4. The monastery will have a variety of items for bargain hunters on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Madonna Hall. For Heaven's Sake gift shop will also have items for the sale and homemade baked goods on Saturday and Sunday.

Sister Carlita Koch helps price items for the yard sale. Sisters, monastery workers, and volunteers have helped gather and organize the treasures that will be available for purchase.

Today we celebrated the feast of St. Benedict, founder of Western monasticism and, in particular, the Benedictine order. St. Benedict lived in Italy and wrote a simple guide for persons seeking God in the monasteries that he established near Subiaco in the sixth century. That Rule of Benedict contains the foundation of Benedictine spirituality — beliefs, principles, and practices that still guide spiritual seekers today.

St. Benedict, or someone in his likeness, made an appearance at our community feast day party this evening. (Sister Jeannine Kavanaugh was seen earlier in the day taking a staff from the St. Benedict statue in a monastery hallway.) The visitor spoke briefly to the sisters about Benedictine life in the sixth century.

An apple for the teacher. Sister Mary Francis Williams received a highly coveted glass apple during an awards banquet and ceremony this evening at the University of Evansville. Sister Mary Francis received the glass trophy in recognition of her award as the outstanding high school teacher of the year in the 2009 Vanderburgh County Outstanding Educator of the Year awards. She teaches business and technology at Evansville Mater Dei High School, where she has taught for the past 42 years.

The award, sponsored by the University of Evansville and the Evansville Courier and Press, acknowledges the dedication and contributions of Vanderburgh County educators by recognizing four who excel within their profession. In addition to the glass apple, the award includes a free credit course at the University of Evansville and a cash award of $1,000.
The director of schools for the Evansville Diocese, Donna Halverson, said of Sister Mary Francis: "Her dedication to students and the Mater Dei school community is beyond definition…. She does the little things with great love and devotion…. She is the teacher that students know and remember." (From The Message, Evansville diocesan newspaper) The Message also quoted a former student who described Sister Mary Francis as the "teacher who motivated and inspired us, the one who is the center of our fondest high school memories and the one teacher we will never forget when we think of Mater Dei High School."

From left, Sisters Doris Marie Knebel and Leta Zeller, and at far right, Darlene Quinlin join Sister Mary Francis Williams at the banquet meal.

Yum, yum. A buttery-rich shortbread cookie is fast becoming another favorite from our Simply Divine Bakery, following the popularity of the springerle, almerle, and Hildegard cookies. The shortbread cookies, imprinted with religious symbols of the season, will be available beginning April 6, in time for Easter, First Communions, weddings, and other gatherings. Limited quantities will be available at For Heaven's Sake, our monastery gift shop. Large quantities need to be ordered in advance by calling 812-367-2500.

Sister Jean Marie Ballard does a "dry run" baking session to refine and perfect the process for the shortbread cookies.

At a special dinner today we presented our Dome Award to Bill and Gayle Cook, friends and supporters of the sisters. The Dome Award is given to persons who, by their exceptional generosity and support, have made a significant contribution to the Sisters of St. Benedict. The Cooks’ support goes far beyond financial contributions. They have given invaluable advice and guidance in our strategic plans and projects, including our church restoration a few years ago. They continue to share their resources, expertise, and wisdom with us. This Dome Award expresses our utmost respect and gratitude to Bill and Gayle Cook. Previous recipients of the award are the late Gregory Kempf and Edwina Kempf of Evansville; the Krampe Family of Ferdinand; the late Irma Lasher of Derby, Indiana; and Joseph W. Story of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Bill Cook, Sister Rose Mary Rexing, Gayle Cook, and Prioress Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau