Benedictine
Sisters, Monastery of St. Gertrude, Cottonwood, Idaho
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VOCATION APPEAL
Dear Friends, Did you know that our monastery is blessed with ten women in initial formation? That’s right, since 2001 TEN women have joined our community! Your financial and prayerful support of our vocation promotion has been outstanding, and the results have been fruitful. Your continued generosity toward these efforts is vital as we continue to invite women who hear God calling them to religious life. We are women who are committed to living the gospel, to community and to working for a greater sense of unity and common good in the church and the world. Sisters Jean Ihli, Michele Bateman, Miriam Mendez and Carlotta Maria Fontes have made first profession and are now engaged in full-time ministry. Their work makes a difference to our local community on the Camas Prairie, and the thousands of people who join us for retreats and meetings, come to explore our Historical Museum, or visit as our personal guests throughout the year. How are these new sisters making a difference? Sr. Jean applies her artistry to the flower gardens that wind their way through our grounds, providing a sense of beauty and tranquility for visitors and guests. Homebound parishioners in our area are grateful for the pastoral care she provides, and here at the monastery we are most happy that she manages our mountains of laundry! “As I work with my hands, my mind and heart can be open for listening to God and praying for the needs of the world,” reflected Sr. Jean on her ministries. Sr. Michele just returned from a pilgrimage to India that focused on ecumenical consciousness. “It was a life-changing experience that helped me to experience God in new and different ways,” said Sr. Michele. A certified yoga instructor, she teaches yoga classes downtown that promote healthy bodies and joyful spirits. This summer she will teach yoga at the Omega Institute in New York. She manages the monastery kitchen, providing delicious meals for our community, employees, retreatants and guests. Sr. Miriam has turned our renovated Gift and Book Shop into a successful enterprise. She displays and sells items made or designed by our sisters, such as icons, rosaries and crafts, plus fair trade coffee. Sr. Miriam answers questions and helps guests choose books on spirituality and Benedictine life. She is a stained glass artist and donates her time and talent to knitting for charity. “I am grateful that I can provide this hospitality and educational ministry for the needs of our guests.” Sister Miriam said. Sr. Carlotta Maria works in maintenance and operations and oversees much of the work in our vegetable and herb gardens. You can find her herbal products for sale in our Book and Gift Shop. Sr. Carlotta is studying to become a Master Herbalist and will share her knowledge during a public workshop this spring. She reflected, “I study how herbal medicine treats the whole person and strengthens the body’s ability to heal. Using this knowledge will carry on our community’s commitment to health and well-being.” The other six women in formation are continuing their journeys of study and transformation. Novices Cindy Schultz and Kim Marie Jordan hope to make first profession this year, and Novice Katie Cooper recently began her her canonical novitiate year, which is a time when she stays close to the monastery to deepen her experience of monastic life. Donna Palm, Wendy Olin and Cindy Harris continue their studies as postulants. I am proud that these women had the courage to say “Yes” to God’s call. Our community prays that more women will say “Yes!” And I am grateful to you for your “Yes” as you continue to support our vocations program. Your generous donation will enable our Vocation Team to meet with women who are interested in living the Benedictine values of hospitality, simplicity and peacemaking in this 21st century. It will support our advertising and marketing efforts, including the Team making contacts at parishes, college campuses and religious groups. It will provide travel expenses for inquiring women who may not be able to afford travel to Cottonwood and also subsidize the Team’s salaries. Last year’s response to our invitation to support our vocation promotion topped $20,000. Can you help us meet or exceed our goal of $25,000 this year? Your donation toward new membership helps assure that our community will move into the future with vitality and continue to bring hope to the world through our ministries. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our future and we count on your daily prayer that God will continue to bless us with new members who will find the monastic way a life-giving context in which to serve Christ and his members. Be assured of our prayers for you, your family and all your intentions. Peace, Sr. Clarissa Goeckner
Prioress P.S. Our sisters reach out to the world through prayer and ministry! You can help by making your donation today. To donate online go to www.StGertrudes.org and click on the “Donate Now” button. Network for Good will collect your donation for us.
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For a map and directions on how to find us click here © 1997-2008 |
April
2007