Thursday, October 15, 2009

New Wine...




Though I have been back in the Commonwealth since Tuesday night, the events of the last two weeks are still hovering in my head. When we experience something new it can seem like a dream – seem better than we’d hoped for. My weary body knows the work was real, but my soul is still doing lectio on the blessings of those days.

The time spent with the new vocation directors – seven Benedictines who are just beginning the ministry – was precious, indeed. I volunteered to work with the new directors because I wanted to share my own joys in the ministry – my confidence that GOD does, in fact, build the house (Psalm 127:1). It can seem an overwhelming job at times. There is certainly fear and trepidation at the beginning of any new work. But, it is easy for vocation directors to take too much on their shoulders – the burden of their community’s future. That future is up to GOD. We, who minister to those seeking, are charged with listening, affirming, guiding, testing the spirits…and helping candidates get where GOD wants them to be. Seen in this light vocation work is truly ministry.

When my workshop was over, I reminded these good monastics that they will do the job their way - not as it has been done in the past. They are "new wine" in "new skins" and in time we will taste the sweetness of their efforts. I will keep these seven in prayer this year…and trust that they will receive the grace required to “listen…with the ear of [their] hearts [RB Prol. 1].”
Next blog: Sister Joan Chittester, OSB, keynote speaker...
Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Too busy to blog...


I am sitting in the airport waiting for a flight that will bring me from MN to VA. I am beyond tired, but happy as I think on the events of the past week. Nearly 40 Benedictine vocation directors met at St. John's Abbey. I arrived early and remained a day late as I am part of the planning committee - the "worker bees" who coordinate the event over a two-year period. This was my first time helping with such a big project. In the company of my friends, Brother Paul-Vincent and Sister Mary Catherine, I learned the ropes fast! We three worked non-stop in between sessions and behind the scenes. I have much to tell you all about these days, but it will take a few blogs, I think. For now, some of the beauty...

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki