It’s What We Do - Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinandthe Rule of St. Benedict and the Benedictine life. Celeste concludes, “This is the best way for me to seek God!” Sister

It’s What We DoA collection of stories about the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana | 2020

Sister Celeste is an example

of Benedictine charism.

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Hospitality team makes all

feel welcome.

Page 4

Sister Jennifer shares the gift of

connection.

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ContentsPage 1A Letter from the Prioress

Page 2Sister Celeste Boda: Benedictine to the Core

Page 4Coming Home to Hospitality

Page 6Monastery Gift Shop Shares Sister-made Artwork

Page 7Sister Jill Reuber: Guiding Women to Community

Page 9Vocations Events in 2020

Page 10Construction in Monastery Immaculate Conception

Page 12On the Path of Grace

Page 14Sister Jennifer Miller: Building Stories Together

Page 16How to Become a Member of the St. Hildegard Society

Page 17Volunteers Make Our Ministry Stronger

802 E. 10th Street, Ferdinand, IN 47532812-367-1411 • [email protected] • thedome.org

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On the cover: The ministry of prayer is vital to Benedictine life. The sisters gather to pray for all of those who have passed from this life and into the next on All Souls’ Day.

Welcome to the seventh edition of It’s What We Do, devoted to how we, the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand touch the souls, hearts, and minds of the thousands we serve.

In the lead story, read about Sister Celeste Boda, who is studying far from home to become a canon lawyer for our community. The next story features our sister-led Hospitality Team and all that you can gain from coming to visit our monastery.

By reading each story, we hope that you continue to learn about our latest hard work in vocations, spirituality, artistry, and the many ways the sisters impact those who connect with them. But rest assured that what they do extends far beyond these pages.

We encourage you to interact with our ministries in whatever way you can! Keep up with what we do at www.thedome.org, or our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/FerdinandOSB.


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It’s What We Do | Page 1

A Letter from the PrioressOra et labora… Prayer and Work. This has been an often-used motto of Benedictine life throughout the centuries. In his Rule, St. Benedict lays out a way of life that strives to create a balance between work and prayer as well as including time and energy for community life and hospitality.

In our mission statement, we say that “by our life and work, we commit ourselves to be a presence of peace as we join our sisters and brothers in the common search for God.” No matter what work we do, as Benedictine women, we are always about seeking God. Sometimes we discover God in our family and friends and sometimes in those who come to visit our monastery. But, we are always called to seek God in those we serve.

We believe that each person is made in God’s image and likeness. Each person, therefore, is a reflection of God. As we minister in various ways, we strive to recognize God’s face in those we serve and in the face of those who serve alongside of us. We also hope to help others recognize God’s presence in their own being.

In the following pages of this magazine, we invite you to read about our sisters and the ways they minister. Some of the stories are about our sisters serving in hospitality to monastery guests and to those who visit our gift shop. In others, you can learn

about Sister Celeste as she studies canon law in Ottawa and about Sister Jill’s efforts to promote vocations to the religious life, inviting young women to consider becoming Benedictine sisters.

No matter what ministry she undertakes, however, each one strives to bring a sense of dignity to every person she encounters and to help each person discover God always present within.

I hope you enjoy reading about our sisters, and I invite you to join us as we seek God and strive to be a presence of peace for our world.

Sincerely,

Sister Anita Louise Lowe Prioress


Page 2 | Sisters of St. Benedict

Above: The postulant class of 1998 included Sarah Yungwirth and Celeste Boda (front row), and Traci Stutz and Katherine Brantley (second row). Katherine has since left community and been happily married.

Sister Celeste Boda: Benedictine to the CoreA student of canon law at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Sister Celeste is currently living close to her ancestral home, as her great-great grandmother was born in the Quebec province of Canada. Celeste’s surname of ’Boda’ has been anglicized from the French ‘Beaudin’ meaning ‘joyful.’

Born in Rush City, Minnesota, Celeste was an only child who grew up in a hotel/restaurant owned and operated by her parents. She learned the intricacies of the business as dishwasher, waitress, cook, housekeeper, receptionist, and concierge. Ice skating, baseball, softball, and tennis were sports that claimed her attention as favorite pastimes.

It was at St. Benedict Monastery in Minnesota that Celeste was drawn to the Benedictines. From her dorm room, she watched a funeral procession with the nuns singing joyfully about the resurrection. Celeste realized “there was something worth discovering about the Benedictine way of life.” She concluded, “Now that’s the way to go!” She also witnessed love and care in the sisters’ relationships with each other. For five years she was a member of the community at St. Joseph, leaving as a temporary professed.

Multi-tasking became the norm for Celeste, as work and study were handled with the dexterity of a juggler. While she was a member of the Army National Guard and working as an accountant to be able to pay her bills, Celeste was also completing an M.A. in liberal studies.

Years after Celeste left St. Ben’s, she reconnected with the sisters as an oblate. Signing up to participate in an oblate directors’ meeting at St. Meinrad was the catalyst that led her to Ferdinand. Having met Sister Maria Tasto at St. John’s, Celeste wanted to visit her monastery. She credits Sister Betty and Sister Sylvia with “snaring” her into the community. Celeste swears that every time she looked at them, they were watching her. Their attention was effective, because Celeste talked to Sister Rose Mary Rexing, the vocations director at the time, even before she left for home.

By Sister Jennifer Miller


How did Celeste become interested in the law? She explains that her study had included both ends of the spectrum—degrees in accounting and in liberal studies. She had applied to a master’s program in spirituality when she received word that she had been accepted into law school. Being an eight on the enneagram, it seemed only natural that she would be preoccupied with issues of justice, with people being treated fairly and equitably. She was highly motivated to fight for the underdog. This led to her Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law.

A shove from Sister Lynn Marie, a sister canonist at the federation chapter in 2017, urged Celeste to broaden her study. The canonist effectively claimed, “We need to get sisters trained in canon law!” With a strong base in marriage law, Celeste took the next logical step. Her research revealed only two schools in North America that offered a degree in canon law: Catholic University and St. Paul University. Affordability and connections sent Celeste to Canada. She was fortunate in knowing a couple of the professors.

Celeste looks forward to the end of June when her studies will have been completed and she can rejoin her community. She especially misses celebrating holidays with the sisters due to her diligence in working on her licentiate paper. The topic she has chosen deals with legalities in the relationship between autonomous member monasteries and their relationship to the administration of the Federation of St. Gertrude.

Though she misses her sisters, Celeste is enjoying the weather. Growing up in Minnesota, Celeste was accustomed to the ice, snow, and cold. On the day of her phone interview, the temperature in Ottawa was four degrees with a wind chill of ten below as Celeste waited for the bus. Such cold enables the residents to skate from downtown Ottawa to Dow’s Lake, one of few achievements that Celeste hasn’t mastered.

Celeste credits her mother as a tremendous influence in her life. She was a woman who modeled an independent spirit and an ability to be the glue that unified their family. Her mom’s example has helped Celeste virtually climb mountains. After completion of her degree, Celeste sees herself working in several dioceses as a defender of the bond and/or as a judge in the tribunal. In addition, she expects to assist the Federation and other religious congregations in canonical matters.

Sister Celeste has been an accountant, worked in a marriage tribunal, been a judicial assistant in the Owensboro Tribunal, and worked in the monastery gift shop. She has been a musician, playing the trumpet, the cello, the organ, the recorder, and the piano. She has served on the monastic council, the visitation committee, the election board, and the discernment-election committee. Through these diverse activities, the ear of her heart has pointed steadfastly to the Rule of St. Benedict and the Benedictine life. Celeste concludes, “This is the best way for me to seek God!”

Sister Celeste has wonderful views in Ottawa as she studies canon law at St. Paul University. Here is a stunning picture of the Ottawa

River near Gatineau, Quebec.

“Through these diverse activities, the ear of her heart has pointed steadfastly to the Rule of

St. Benedict and the Benedictine life.”

Here are some essentials for Sister Celeste’s canon law studies. Looks like some heavy

reading, Sister!




In the Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53, St. Benedict tells us that “all guests…are to be welcomed as Christ” (v. 1). This hospitality is practiced throughout all monasteries. Both Sister Jackie Kissel and Sister Anna Corrine returned to the monastery to carry on their mission of hospitality and service to whomever they meet at the Benedictine Hospitality Center.

Sister Jackie feels privileged to have worked for peace and justice as a teacher, a director of religious education, and for community peace and justice endeavors. These experiences opened her eyes to the needs of our world. She believes each of us doing our part may seem small, but together we can move mountains, making the world a better place.

Sister Anna Corrine’s work in education afforded many daily opportunities to practice hospitality, especially embracing the diversity and uniqueness of the student body and staff in her many years of teaching. While working in downtown Louisville, she thinks she learned to appreciate the giftedness of all people. She says, “I think that ministering in the Benedictine Hospitality Center is a perfect fit for me. It allows me to share with our guests the spirit of Christ and the spirit of the Ferdinand Benedictines.”

The renovated Benedictine Hospitality Center is located in the east section of the original monastery quadrangle. The center opened in July 2018. The eleven bedrooms are warm, welcoming,

Coming Home to Hospitality

and comfortable, all with walk-in showers. Four bedrooms are accessible to people with disabilities, and all rooms provide for double occupancy. In the words of a guest who has come several times, “It feels like a big welcome home from the moment we step through the doors.” Sister Jackie observed, “Beautiful works of art created by many of our sisters add to the warm and welcoming environment.”

After retiring as the principal of St. Benedict Cathedral School in Evansville, Indiana, Sister Karlene Sensmeier was instrumental in creating a peaceful environment with comfortable furnishings and in creating a prayerful space for the guests and retreatants. She relied heavily on Sister Jackie and Sister Mary Carol Kinghorn to minister daily to the guests. The Hospitality Center presents retreats and spirituality programs, provides a sacred space for private retreatants, and invites other small groups to be hosted by the staff.

Shown above is one of the double rooms in the Benedictine Hospitality Center. Each room is outfitted with warm blankets, rocking chairs, and incredibly comfortable beds so that all guests who enter feel the comforting welcome of the sisters.

By Dawn Schnell and Sister Karlene Sensmeier

Sister Jackie Kissel with three guests to the monastery. One guest said, “It feels like a big welcome home from the moment we step through the doors.”



Sister Karlene appreciates how hospitality makes others feel. “I love hearing guests' experiences of the peacefulness of spirit, acceptance of oneself, and renewing their relationship with God,” she says. One of her favorite quotes from Sister Joan Chittister reads, “Hospitality is the way we turn a prejudiced world around, one heart at a time.”

Adding to Sister Karlene’s thoughts, Sister Anna Corrine states, “Hospitality means to welcome people as ‘Christ’ while living our daily

lives as Benedictines. Our monastic life teaches us to work constantly to be kind and welcoming to all we meet.” Coming home is a gift for Sister Anna Corrine. She is not just coming home to a new ministry in the Benedictine Hospitality Center, but also comes home to her community of sisters where hospitality and love abound.

In conclusion, Sister Jackie says, “I believe hospitality is not only opening our door to guests, but as St. Benedict says, ‘to move to that place of receiving guests as Christ.’ This calls me to have mercy, a nonjudgmental attitude, and be open to receiving the gift the guest is to me. Giving and receiving are essential to hospitality. Again, our guests’ presence is a gift to me, and I pray that, as we strive to be hospitable and gracious, we are a gift to our guests. Our hospitality ministry has its source in the love we have for one another. Consequently, it makes me very

proud to say that I am a Sister of St. Benedict of Ferdinand.”

Sister Jackie continues, “To see Christ present in the poor and suffering brought me to know Christ’s presence in me. We, the sisters, are so blessed with abundance, that we sometimes do not see the goodness in the simple things of life. Whether we share a peanut butter sandwich or pray together in the soup kitchen, the people I serve show their faith by their gratitude. It is this same gratitude that I hope to bring to my ministry at the Benedictine Hospitality Center.”

Sister Jackie believes one of the biggest advantages of the Benedictine Hospitality Center being up on the hill, as we call it, is the proximity to the monastery church. The beauty of the church was created for all to feel welcome. The church doors open early in the morning and close at 9:00 PM. All guests are welcome to join the sisters at Mass and communal prayer (Liturgy of the Hours). Our guests are also invited and encouraged to spend time in the church for private prayer. Sister Jackie states, “The Monastery Church is the center of our lives. Time to spend in private prayer is one of the reasons many come to stay at the Benedictine Hospitality Center.” Guests often share, “I leave feeling that I had a ‘soul renewing’ experience.” And Sister Karlene adds, “The guests feel at one with us and know that we pray for them every day.”

“To make the Benedictine call to hospitality a reality, we need everyone’s assistance,” says Sister Anna Corrine. She continues, “Our monastic life teaches us always to be kind and welcoming to all we meet. I find this warmth and welcome present in all who work with us in this ministry of hospitality. The housekeeping staff works tirelessly to keep the Benedictine Hospitality Center clean and welcomes our guests as they would invite friends into their own homes. Our kitchen staff is also terrific. They prepare good food to help nourish our bodies, while the Benedictine Hospitality Center nurtures and supports our souls.”

The receptionists are the first to “receive our guests as Christ would receive them.” This first welcoming is vital in the minds of our guests. The Spirituality team of Sisters Jane Will, Kathy Huber, Betty Drewes, and Karen Joseph are trained in spiritual direction while ministering with much care. They also lead retreats and offer spiritual direction to individuals who come for days of retreat and quiet. In a sense, all community members contribute to this important ministry by praying for and welcoming guests, and by assisting Sister Jackie and Sister Anna Corrine in their efforts.

Sister Anna Corrine plays with a child who came to visit with family. “Our monastic life teaches us to work constantly to be kind and welcoming to all we meet,” she said.

“Our monastic life teaches us always to be kind and welcoming to all we meet. I find this warmth

and welcome present in all who work with us.”



Monastery Gift Shop has all manner of faith-filled items for visitors to buy from water bottles to books to medals. While these gifts will always help you remember your peaceful time at the monastery, one will never find a gift as love-filled as those that were handmade by the Sisters of St. Benedict.

Each sister has a calling to a ministry, but the love they share in those ministries also overflows into the rest of their lives. Some sisters write letters, sing, or play music to let the joy out. These special works of art in our monastery gift shop are simply the joy and praise our sisters wish to send to God.

We have a variety of very talented artists. Sisters Doris Market, Mary Lee Hillenbrand, Jane Becker, Mary Oliver Reising, Mary Ann Verkamp, Jeana Visel and the late Sister Rosemary Dauby take up 2D art in a variety of mediums: watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, and many more. Each artwork they create is inspired by God’s beauty, whether it is in the form of a flower, a child, or an icon of each beloved saint.

Some sisters express themselves through crafts. Sisters Marilyn Schroering, Diane Fischer, Maura Beckman, Charlene Ann Whee-less, Corita Hoffman, and Anna Marie Brosmer are famous for

Monastery Gift Shop Shares Sister-made Artwork

their crocheted works. Sisters Gail Hamilton, Catherine Duenne, and Roxanne Higgins pray over their handmade necklaces, rosa-ries, bracelets, and earrings. Sister Rose Wildeman cross stitches beautiful works like the angel featured above while Sister Mary Rose Hasenour embroiders pillowcases. Sisters Mary Carmel and Mary Carmen Spayd even create floral arrangements.

These works are a small portion of the talent and love that our sisters put into the arts. While you can purchase some of these works online and on various greeting cards at monasterygiftshop.org, most artwork and crafts are sold exclusively in Monastery Gift Shop.

Come visit the gift shop and feel the love each sister pours into these handmade works. You are sure to leave with the peace of the Sisters of St. Benedict in your arms.

Above: Christ and Child, original watercolor by Sister Jane Becker; handmade boxes by Sister Mary Beth Maier; Cross Stitch Angel by Sister Rose Wildeman.

Right: Crocheted dolls by Sister Diane Fischer


Sister Jill Reuber: Guiding Women to Community

By Tory Lanaghan

At the core of every religious vocation is a brave heart that is willing to answer God’s call to community. Sometimes, the search is not as easy as it seems. Where should one go to find the right resources? How does one find the right community?

Sister Jill Reuber took on the role of Vocation Director in July of 2019 from Sisters Teresa Elizabeth Stutz and Teresa Gunter. Inspired by her own discernment process and the help she received from her Vocation Director, Sister Jill was excited to step into the new role after her time as a teacher at Sacred Heart Model School in Louisville, Kentucky. Her current mission is to journey with women who are discerning a call to religious life by sharing the charisms of the Sisters of St. Benedict: Prayer, Ministry, Community, and Hospitality.

This mission does not come without its challenges. Across America and the world, the number of religious vocations is down significantly. The number of religious sisters in the United States alone has dropped from nearly 180,000 in 1965 to just over 50,000 in 2013,

and the numbers are still dropping. Though some say the future of religious life is bleak, we are not without hope. Membership in the Catholic Church is at an all-time high, and women are still looking to find the path God wants for them.

Sister Jill says that one of her biggest challenges is trying to meet the women where they are in order to journey with them. “I don’t want to rush the process as each woman’s journey is different,” she said. “I have a strong belief that if women come to the monastery and spend time with us, it will help their discernment.”

Young women are involved in a plethora of activities these days. From sports to school to bible studies, it is difficult to find ways to draw women to the monastery to learn more about the Benedictine way of life. Sister Jill has been hard at work setting up events and learning from others the best ways to show how viable religious life is.

“It is a challenge to not overwhelm them with my love for community and this way of life,” she said with a smile.

Continued


Above: Sister Jill has worked with Camp Marian for years, leading young girls in prayer and fun. Camp Marian is one of the Vocation Team’s major events during the year as they invite young girls to visit the monastery and work closely with teenage camp counselors.



“Because of my community, my relationship with God has become bigger and stronger.”

Thus far, she has spread the word by planning Come and See Weekends, being present at events on college campuses and diocesan events, giving talks at schools, and sending emails, texts, and cards. But she also relies on her sisters to help in her efforts. Community members are prayer partners with young women, participate in Come and See weekends with discerning women, and constantly pray for vocations.

“I try to involve the whole community, because it is not just the job of the vocation director to share our charism and to encourage vocations,” Sister Jill said. “Everyone is doing what they can.”

In the same breath, Sister Jill asks all people to join in the discernment process. Encouragement from family, friends, and parishes is just as important to the future of vocations as involvement from sisters.

She especially remembers fondly how much the support of her family made a world of difference as she discerned religious life with the Sisters of St. Benedict. Their example of faith in God and their encouragement of her participation in retreats and the sacraments showed that the call to community life was an important part of her journey. She hopes that all families can do the same for their children.

Though many do not have a call to religious life themselves, family, friends, and parish members can help by sharing their belief that the Benedictine vocation and all religious vocations are viable to happiness and success. Each member of the Catholic faith is a gatekeeper. All you have to do is encourage the seeking of God.

“Because of my community, my relationship with God has become bigger and stronger,” Sister Jill said. “My advice to a young discerning woman would be to stay open to where God is calling you and don’t ask for a sign.”

She invites all young women to visit the monastery or the houses in Evansville and Louisville to experience the sisters’ charisms of common prayer and common table. Just one story from the brave hearts that answered God’s call may change your perspective on religious life forever.

Sister Jill and her vocations team made a game plan for how to show the Benedictine charisms to discerning women. Here are the core parts of a Ferdinand Benedictine in 2019.

Sister Jill Reuber in 2009 at her previous ministry of teaching. Sister Jill has always had a love for children. She brings much knowledge from her previous ministry to help on her journey as Vocation Director.


Vocation Events in 2020


Come and See WeekendsHave the opportunity to be with other discerning women, meet sisters and learn about our way of life. We will discuss what discernment means to you, and you will have the opportunity to pray and relax with our sisters at our beautiful monastery. It is a free weekend with meals and rooms in our Benedictine Hospitality Center. Even if you can’t come for the whole weekend, we encourage you to sign up!

Dates:

January 24-26: Learn about us Feb. 28- March 1: High schoolers retreat April 24-26: Learn about prayer Sign up at www.thedome.org/events.

Sundaes with the SistersAll are welcome to learn a little bit more about our community while we serve ice cream and have great conversations at our community homes. This event will be held at each of our different mission houses as well as at Monastery Immaculate Conception.

Dates:

February 9, 1-3 EST at the Louisville House March 22, 1-3 EST at Monastey Immaculate Conception

Go to www.izagged.org for more information about upcoming Sundaes with the Sisters.

Camp Marian 2020For many years, Camp Marian has been a faith-filled summer haven for grade school aged girls. Here young ladies can make crafts, shoot archery, play games, and pray in the company of our fun-loving sisters. Spots fill up quickly, so keep an eye out on our Facebook pages and website to see when registration opens!

Dates:

5-6 grade girls camp: June 8-10 7-8 grade girls camp: June 10-12

If you or someone you know would like to be a Camp Marian counselor, contact Sister Jill Reuber at [email protected].


Construction in Monastery Immaculate Conception


Though our spirit will always be the same, our home has had some major changes in the past few years. Madonna Hall was deconstructed in 2017, revealing a new and beautiful entryway. The Benedictine Hospitality Center opened in 2018, allowing friends, family, and visitors to stay closer to our church and the sisters.

Now, we have completed renovating the hallways and the front entrance of our monastery, updated our bathrooms, and reconstructed several floors and rooms to make sure our home stands tall to welcome all who visit.

Construction wouldn’t have been possible without our friends and their generous donations. We invite you to visit and spend time with the sisters to experience the historic monastery first hand and the essential updates made during the renovation.

Monastery Reception

Before During After

Marian Parlor

During AfterBefore



During After

During After

During After

Alumnae Center

Community Room

Restrooms


On the Path of GraceIs the pace of your life causing you to miss the moments of grace on your life’s journey? How do you cultivate and create ways to experience wellness in mind, body, heart, and spirit? During our March spirituality program and retreat, Paths of Grace, these are questions that will be discussed by Sister Betty Drewes. “My hope and desire for participants would be to deepen spiritual growth on their path — as they listen, linger, and learn — so to live their life in God fully!” This program helps participants to become aware of God’s presence and will bring a sense of peace and joy on their path of grace. Besides the presentations, there will be time for personal reflection as well as group sharing.

The Paths of Grace program is one of many held at the Ferdinand Monastery and Benedictine Hospitality Center each year. Guests are invited to connect and deepen their relationship with God through these personal retreats.

Another opportunity to enhance this bond is journeying with a spiritual director. Spiritual directors listen to the person’s life story and are attentive with the directee to God’s call and presence as it unfolds in the ordinary events of life. Sister Jane Will considers being a spiritual director a privilege and a responsibility. “In spiritual direction, I strive to become a contemplative presence for directees who want to discover how God moves in their hearts and how God has been active in their lives.”

Spiritual direction is a sacred meeting time that allows one to share with another his or her faith journey. It’s the pause to see how God has been and is present in one’s life and listening to how God continues to invite one to a deeper relationship. It is holy listening and spiritual friendship. It is not a substitute for psychological counseling or therapy. Sister Kathy Huber comments, “I’ve had women and men who, through therapy, deal psychologically with some life issues, then come to spiritual direction, focusing on the spiritual aspect of those experiences.”

By Dawn Schnell

Spiritual direction is essentially companioning with some one in their spiritual life. Our spiritual directors guide people on the path of grace, so that they may live their happiest lives.



Directees meet with their spiritual director, who is skilled, caring, and nonjudgmental. Sessions are generally held monthly for 45-60 minutes. Each time begins with prayer and sharing the directee’s experience of God, self, and others. During the entire process, both the director and directee are listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sister Betty states that it is also a time of “accountability, transparency, transformation, and often discernment about one’s faith journey.”

“Every event in life has the potential for spiritual growth and spiritual transformation,” declares Sister Kathy. Spiritual directors for the Sisters of St. Benedict are open and accepting of listening to others. Anyone who seeks to deepen their relationship with God is welcomed.

For more information on the Paths of Grace and all upcoming programs and retreats, visit thedome.org/retreats-and-programs or call 812-367-1411 ext. 7345. Check out the Spiritual Direction page on our website for additional details: www.thedome.org/how-we-serve/spiritual-direction/.

By Dawn Schnell


Sister Karen JosephSister Karen’s education focused on monastic studies and theology. She spent 23 years in leadership in monastic community and is now involved in giving retreats and seeing people for spiritual direction. She sees directees in Ferdinand, Indiana.

Sister Betty DrewesSister Betty has degrees in education, counseling, and spiritual direction. In addition to serving as a spiritual director, she enjoys leading days of reflection or retreat presentations and various personal growth programs with creative prayer experiences. She sees directees in

southern Indiana and western Kentucky.

Sister Kathryn HuberSister Kathryn Huber studied Spiritual Direction in the Institute of Spiritual Leadership credited by Loyola University of Chicago and earned her master’s degree in Spirituality from Loyola. She also leads retreats and workshops, is involved in ecumenical and interfaith activities, and prison

ministry. Previously she served in education as teacher and principal and in monastic leadership as prioress for the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand. She sees women and men for direction at the monastery in Ferdinand, Indiana.

Sister Joella KidwellSister Joella has a master’s degree in biological sciences. In addition, she has a diploma in theological studies from Regis College, Toronto, which included training in spiritual direction. She also had continuing theological training in Rome, Italy. She served as prioress of the Sisters of

St. Benedict, president of the Benedictine Federation of St. Gertrude, and as director of spirituality ministry for the community. She sees directees in the Southern Indiana region.

Sister Patricia Ann McGuireSister Patricia Ann has a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in Christian spirituality, and certification in spiritual direction. She is Pastoral Associate at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, Indiana, and Director of Temporary Professed Sisters for the Sisters of

St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana. She sees directees in Ferdinand and Evansville, Indiana.

Sister Rose WildemanSister Rose has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Oakland City College and a master’s degree in music from Ball State University. She worked as a music teacher and parish liturgist in the Diocese of Evansville for 34 years. She completed the spiritual direction

internship in 2007. Currently, she serves as subprioress and sees directees in Ferdinand, Indiana.

Sister Jane WillSister Jane currently serves on the Spirituality Ministry team as program director and spiritual director. She has master’s degrees in education and Christian spirituality with an emphasis on spiritual direction, and a doctorate in psychology. Sister Jane has been a teacher and has served in

community leadership. She sees directees in Ferdinand, Indiana, and Evansville, Indiana.

Sister Susan Mary HooksSister Susan Mary has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She completed the spiritual direction program in 2016. She has served as business manager for St. Helen Parish in Louisville, Kentucky, as comptroller/assistant to vice-rector for administration for the Pontifical

North American College in Rome, and as the Administrator/Parish Life Coordinator for St. Agnes Parish in Nashville, Indiana. She currently is caring for a family member on the family farm in Arkansas.


Sister Jennifer Miller began her life differently. As one of a set of triplets, she and her sisters Joy and Jan came into the world with two loving parents and three older siblings. With a final addition of a younger brother a few years later, Jenny’s family was complete. They were fun and rambunctious, taking on the world with a wondering eye, but always returning to their faith and family in the difficult times. These values held true when tragedy struck.

At seven years old, Jenny was hit by a car, in critical condition for sev-eral days. With the total support and prayer of her family, she made a full recovery. Later, through difficult moments, Sister Jennifer recalled that crucial time of her life and wondered, “Why didn’t I die then?”

Jenny would go to her mother for answers. Each time, her mother would say, “I have no doubt that God has something special in mind for you.”

Sister Jennifer Miller: Building Stories Together

Inspired by her mother’s trust in God and the love she shared with her family through all her highs and lows, Jenny went in search of the reasons God graced her with life. Gradually, God revealed her call to spread the love her family and faith had written into her heart. Eventually her journey led her to the Sisters of St. Benedict.

Sister Jennifer entered Monastery Immaculate Conception on Sep-tember 7, 1964, and made her perpetual profession on August 11, 1972. As she studied English, Secondary Education, and Religion, she opened her mind to God’s call, knowing that at heart, she was a teacher.

Recalling her many years working with youth, Sister Jennifer’s smile warmed the air around her. Still, she revels in children’s wonder after teaching

By Tory Lanaghan

Above: The Miller children in the family garden, the oldest sitting on the ground, the triplets with arms thrown over each other’s shoulders, and the youngest shyly hiding behind his sisters. Right: Sister Jennifer, 59, in front of Monastery Immaculate Conception after her jubilee.



Sister Jennifer Miller: Building Stories Together

By Tory Lanaghan

Sister Jennifer helps a family member with official paperwork during her time as a Chaplain. Many found comfort in her hospitable and patient care.

them something new and exciting, almost as if God reveals a tiny part of himself in that curious light.

“They [the students] are so, so dear, and so open,” she said. “It really is sort of like clay. You just mold them.”

Teaching held many different roles for her: parish minister, grade school educator, high school educator, campus minister, youth minis-ter, Director of Religious Education, and many others. As she jumped from role to role, she found that each ministry was a different way to see God in others. At the end of the day, the idea of ministry as a whole is much more important than each individual ministry.

“Ministry is God’s work in the world,” she concludes. “It isn’t so impor-tant what I do, but it is important that I do it well, realizing that it’s God who gives the gift.”

It was this mindset that helped Sister Jennifer transition from molding the minds and hearts of children to comforting and listening to the dying in her ministry as a Hospice Chaplain.

Seeing the spirit of God as a Hospice Chaplain was simple to her. “Most of us tend to be a little cautious in this life,” she said, “but when you’re dying, you have little time. Because of that, you say, ‘This is it. This is who I am.’”

That core experience, the revelation of families and loved ones baring their life’s story, is what brought Sister Jennifer to truly trust in the importance of relationships. God’s love was plain to see in the pain and love shared by the families of the dying. Her “God visits,” as she called them, were like speaking directly to the Spirit.

Even as she spoke to the Spirit every day, God was not finished with Sister Jennifer’s story. At the request of Sister Barbara Lynn Schmitz, she became a Donor Engagement Officer in the monastery’s Mission Advancement office.

Sister Jennifer took this transition as a kind of challenge from God, who seemed to say, “Now Jenny, can you find my spirit so easily in the healthy?”

On paper, it seems that Sister Jennifer simply speaks with the friends of the Sisters of St. Benedict, but, to her, it is so much more than that. As an Engagement Officer, Sister Jennifer shares the stories of the sisters and expresses their gratitude for all that the friends of the sisters do to help.

Keeping in mind all she has learned, Sister Jennifer finds that the deep connection the donors and volunteers have with the sisters is simply part of the oneness of God. These relationships – with her family, students, the dying, our donors, and all people she comes across – perfectly exemplify God’s story for us: the gift of shared lives.

After reflecting on all that God has taught her, Sister Jennifer came to the conclusion that God has given us all a gift. Some open it and are disappointed by what they see. Some open it and put it on a shelf, afraid to waste it. Some open it and revel in it, using it to its fullest potential. All of these lives, these gifts from God, are intertwined and shared.

“People can’t do without each other,” she said. “The longer we live, the more we realize, wisely, that we are totally dependent on God and each other.”

Sister Jennifer’s life began with a loving family rooted in faith. Finding God’s spirit in each ministry, she revels in God’s gift of life, sharing it to create a glowing future full of life and hope.

In 2019, Sister Jennifer recounted Leo Tolstoy’s tale of The Three Questions to the St. Hildegard Society. The most important time is now. The most important people are those who you are with. The most important thing to do is love.




thedome.org • 812-367-1411 • 802 E. 10th Street, Ferdinand, Indiana

We’d like to make you a member.

The St. Hildegard Society recognizes people who create a lasting legacy by including the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana in their estate plans.

Have you ever contemplated remembering the Sisters of St. Benedict in your will? Have you already done so? Either way, we would love to hear from you.

The formation of the St. Hildegard Society in 1990 allowed us to recognize those persons who invest in our future through bequests, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies, or other estate planning methods.

We chose St. Hildegard as the patron for this society because she encouraged others to be co-creators of goodness and caretakers of the planet with God. Persons who include the sisters in their estate planning are helping us to co-create the future of our community.

Together, our combined human and material resources make a difference. A legacy gift will help our community prepare for the future with confidence. If you haven’t yet and would like to discuss further, call us or reply with the enclosed envelope. For more information, please contact the Mission Advancement Office at 888-649-1121, ext. 2631 or email [email protected].

The rewards of membership? Well, they’re eternal.


Volunteers Make Our Ministry Stronger

Did you know?Over 200 people volunteered at Monastery Immaculate Conception during the past year. If you would like to share your gifts and talents by volunteering, contact Sister Mary Philip Berger by phone at 812-367-1411 or by email at [email protected].


Here’s how you can be part of what we do:• Visit Monastery Immaculate Conception – for Mass, a tour, community prayer, or a peaceful stroll

on our grounds.• Explore and renew your faith at a program hosted by our Spirituality Ministry.• Volunteer your time and talents.• Consider becoming an Oblate.• Ask for our prayers. It’s what we do, at least three times a day.• Visit the Monastery Gift Shop, either in person or online (www.monasterygiftshop.org).

Our monastery-baked goods are always available there.• Support our ministries with a gift.

However you wish to take part, we welcome you to our community with joy because hospitality is another thing that we do.


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Monastery Immaculate Conception802 E. 10th Street • Ferdinand, IN 47532


Documents

It’s What We Do - Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinandthe Rule of St. Benedict and the Benedictine life. Celeste concludes, “This is the best way for me to seek God!” Sister