Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together… Eccl 3:1-5a

In the midst of our taking down parts of our monastery, creation has a way of bringing to birth new growth.  In our soon-to-be-gone courtyard, this robin was protecting a nest located in a nearby downed tree. 

On the other side of the walkway, flowers bloom and droop, oblivious of how their world is going to change.  How often during this process God’s providential words bring solace and comfort, even in the smallness of little creatures.

I just returned from some time in New Mexico with family and friends.  While there I had plenty of opportunities to talk about the renovations going on here in Clyde.  The most popular question from my mom, siblings and friends was, “Why?”

Why take down part of this old beautiful building?

Why go through the upset, turmoil and expense?

The reason anyone does anything is pretty revealing.  We Sisters have been looking at this from many different viewpoints, done studies and have discussed lots of options.  The question of why comes down to the belief that this project will help us live our values more readily in an ever-changing world.

Wanting to be good stewards of God’s gifts of physical and spiritual resources, we could not move forward with hope without doing this.  We pray that our “why” is blessed by God.

(author: Sister Sophia)

The July 6 start date to begin deconstructing the walls of the southern portion of our monastery is quickly approaching!

We continue working to prepare the building, which includes removing the many, many, many windows.  As much of the work has taken place inside the building, the gaping holes are a visible reminder outside that mostly a shell remains. Standing in wait for a new beginning.

One of the final pre-deconstruction stages: removing windows

We lift our prayers to the Lord, in remembrance of all the wonderful times spent here, the memories made and our Sisters who walked the halls and lived a contemplative life devoted to him.

For anyone who has built or renovated a home, you know there are a million decisions to make. And that includes deciding how best to decorate your new space.

Along with the deconstruction and recyling processes we’ve undertaken the past few months, we’ve also been swamped with samples of floor coverings, tile and paint. Goodness!

Happily we’ve finally narrowed down our choices, sticking with neutrals that will go with the wide variety of furniture colors and styles here around the monastery.  We’re very excited about the new cork tiles we’ll use for specific areas, which will expand our efforts to live green.

We’ve been blessed with this opportunity for a new beginning and know our choices will ensure a peaceful environment for generations of Sisters to come.

Tile and floor coverings for new baths.

New tiles - ecofriendly cork - for stairs.

Carpet and tile for hallways, offices and parlors.

Sister Paula and Seminarian Adolpho enjoyed learning about each other

Four seminarians from Conception Seminary College recently completed an apostolic outreach with our Sisters of Our Lady of Rickenbach.

During the past year, the four men visited our senior Sisters each Saturday after mass and spent 90 minutes talking, playing games and learning more about each other’s lives. Over the year, strong friendships were forged and prayer bonds established.

“They were so good for the Sisters,” OLR director Sister Virginia Anne Argenziano said. “They were personally present to each of them, whether playing cards or sharing their faith. It was such a delight to have them with us.”

The seminarians were invited for a final mass last month and brought a few of their friends with them. Fifteen seminarians joined us! Good thing we ordered extra donuts!

We were so blessed and thank the Lord for their presence.

Conception College Seminarians who joined us this past year in fellowship were (from left) Hip, Andrew, Adolpho and Felix

When St. Benedict wrote that guests are blessings, he knew what he was talking about and we do too.

There are always guests in a monastery…and with them come blessings.  Recently, several guests arrived from Atchison, Kansas, in response to a call for help.  Srs. Elaine, Susan and Lou took part in one of our deconstruction parties on May 29.  They hauled wood, transom windows and pipes with about 15 of us without thought to tiredness.  Our other Sisters cooked, prepped the refectory, cleaned out more rooms and cupboards and lent a hand in any way they could.  God’s grace was with us and we retired for the evening spent but well pleased.

 Two oblates of ours, Shannon and Barb Jennings, came to Clyde for the first time about fourteen years ago.  Their first experience was so spiritually overwhelming for them that they knew they did not want to make it their last.  They travel as often as possible, relishing in the peace, solitude and “holy ground” aura. 

In their own words, “Praying with the Sisters in the chapel has been a transforming experience and we are able to bring Christ to the world in a better way.”  They are also members of our lay advisory board for our development office and look forward to the time when they can come once again and praise God in our midst.

Oblates Barb and Shannon Jennings