Benedictine Spirituality Workshop & Retreat
by Sister Rebecca Ann Mathuaer
At the beginning of July, those of us under the age of 55 gathered in Yankton for the Benedictine Spirituality Workshop & Retreat (BSWR) weekend. Our weekend began on Friday evening with a brief introduction and then a time to reconnect with friends and socialize together. Last year, we began working in small groups on proposals for passion projects. We were each part of a different group and each group was asked to research and present their findings in naming ways we can collaborate together as Benedictines from across the country — including the Perpetual Adoration Benedictines from Clyde and the Missionary Benedictines from Norfolk. As the weekend unfolded, it became clear to me that our task was to look at how our Benedictine Monastic Life is changing and how we can support and join each other in our efforts to live our monastic promises into the future.
On Saturday, we spent the day listening to one another’s presentations. Facilitated by Sister Candy from Yankton, we discussed and asked necessary questions that provided greater insight into the goals of each group. While not all groups presented, many presented wonderful visions and ideas for collaboration and mutual support. We then voted and chose three groups to formally move forward with their proposals to possibly the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) or Conference of Benedictine Prioresses (CBP) for further discussion and discernment. The other groups were told that they could continue their work and support each other as needed so as not to abandon their needs and desires. The day ended with some social time and much needed recreational outings.
On Sunday, we came back together to discuss the future of this 55 and under group. The current planning team, who had been working for three years on the leadership team, laid out for us a possible two-tiered leadership structure moving forward. We then had panel of presenters speak to us about where they are in their community life and what their monastic life looks like right now. We then celebrated with a banquet beautifully prepared by the sisters and the kitchen staff at Yankton complete with ice cream, wine, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic spritzers. Our day concluded with a closing prayer service which incorporated a blessing for each of us and a commissioning and blessing for those groups moving forward with their proposals.