Newsletter and Notes
from the desk of Elizabeth Swenson
Spring 2007
Happy Easter -- a good time to be back in touch as April marks the 10th anniversary of the Friends of St. Benedict. From our first Benedictine Experience at Canterbury Cathedral in 1982, planned and led by Esther de Waal, the Benedictine Experiences have been our principal focus and inspiration. We have sponsored over 100 and from these experiences has grown a community – sometimes referred to as our invisible monastic community. We could not begin to count the number of people whose hearts and minds have been touched and influenced by St. Benedict and his Rule. Undoubtedly, the Friends of St. Benedict is responsible for a substantial portion of these, and we give special thanks for the love and support we have received from our many Friends.
Another important part of our work is helping parishes and individuals establish Benedictine Way groups – groups that meet to study and meditate on the Rule, pray together, sometimes eat together, and form community. During the coming months, we will be gathering more information about Benedictine Way groups around the country. If you are interested in establishing such a group or are aware of any new ones, please let us know.
A Friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, is offering a Matching Grant of $5,000.00 for the Craig Eder Scholarship Fund. It is our hope that we can establish a substantial fund to draw on in the years to come. As we have mentioned before, the costs for sponsoring Benedictine Experiences continue to rise and therefore the fees go up, making it difficult for some to participate. Also, please note that the Friends of St. Benedict is happy to receive gifts of securities and bequests.
The year 2007 began with a very successful Benedictine Experience in February at Live Oak, Florida (to be repeated February 14-17, 2008 in the Diocese of Florida) and we have six more scheduled this year, as well as a first-time Benedictine Heritage Pilgrimage in England. Plans are well underway for 2008 and much thought is being given to our future – trusting that God will continue to be our guide.
|
