Revisiting Emmaus

 Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke with us on the way…?
Luke 24:32

As guests enter Saint Benedict Center, one of the first things to catch their attention is a mural depicting the Emmaus story from the Gospel of Luke.  The beautiful wall painting tells the story of two disciples who, after unknowingly journeying with the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus, recognized him as he broke bread with them.  The mural also reminds us that we too encounter Christ today in our communities, our families, our prayer, and in the people we meet.  It is our hope that all guests to Saint Benedict Center have an encounter with Christ.  We hope that we can provide a space for an awakening to Christ’s presence in our daily lives.

The mural was painted by Josef Mahler, an accomplished artist originally from Germany and now residing in Georgia.  He and his wife recently spent a week visiting with the monastic community while Josef touched up the mural, the first modification to the mural in over ten years.  The small details added to the painting make the scenes even more vibrant and alive.  We invite you to come see the Emmaus mural and many other pieces of religious art at Saint Benedict Center.

Liturgical Schedule – Christmas 2009

The Monks of Christ the King Priory invite you to join them in celebrating the Incarnation of our Savior Jesus Christ!  All Liturgies, except for Christmas Vigils and Midnight Mass, are celebrated in the Monastery Chapel.

Thursday, December 24, 2009
Eucharist, 11:15 a.m.
First Vespers of Christmas, 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Vigils & Midnight Mass, 11:30 p.m. (Saint Benedict Center Chapel)

Friday, December 25, 2009 – Nativity of the Lord
Eucharist, 9:00 a.m.
Second Vespers of Christmas, 5:00 p.m.

Weekday Eucharistic Liturgies During the Christmas Octave
Saturday, December 26/Monday, December 28/Wednesday, December 30 – Eucharist, 11:15 a.m.
Tuesday, December 29 – Eucharist & Vespers, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 31 – Eucharist, 11:15 a.m.

Sunday, December 27, 2009 – Feast of the Holy Family
Eucharist, 8:30 a.m.
Vespers, 5:00 p.m.

Friday, January 1, 2010 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Eucharist, 8:30 a.m.
Vespers, 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 3, 2010 – Epiphany of the Lord
Eucharist, 8:30 a.m.
Vespers, 5:00 p.m.

Winter Monastic Experience Weekend

In the Footsteps of Benedict: A Monastic Experience Weekend
Friday, December 18 – Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Missionary Benedictine Monks of Christ the King Priory invite single men, ages 18-35, to join them for a weekend of prayer and work, fellowship and discernment.  Participants will be immersed in the monastic rhythm of life and will also have ample time for reflection, sharing, and leisure.

There is no cost for the retreat.  The registration deadline is Monday, December 14, 2009.  Please register as early as possible, as space is limited.

Click here to view the brochure (includes the retreat schedule): monastic experience weekend brochure – 2009

For more information or to register, contact Brother Damian at (402) 352-2177, ext. 302 or e-mail him at BroDamian@benedictinemissionhouse.com .

Ordinary Oblates – Oblate Retreat 2009

Twelve Oblates of Christ the King Priory gathered at Saint Benedict Center for the annual Oblate Retreat.  The weekend of prayer and reflection was directed by Br. Benet Tvedten, O.S.B., a monk of Blue Cloud Abbey in Marvin, South Dakota.  Brother Benet is the Oblate Director of his community and author of several books on Benedictine life.  Through storytelling and with impulses from his own writings, Brother Benet reflected on ways ordinary men and women can live Benedictine spirituality genuinely in the world.

A highlight of the weekend (aside from the surprise snow day!) was the reception of Dennis H., of Dubuque, Iowa, into the oblate novitiate.  The novitiate is a year of formation in Benedictine spirituality and prayer in preparation for final commitment as a Benedictine Oblate.  We wish Dennis and his mentor, Oblate Anton, the grace of perseverance as they journey through the coming year.

Is there anyone here who yearns for life?

Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? (Ps 34:13)
If you hear this and your answer is “I do,” God then directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim (Ps 34:14-15).
Rule of Benedict, Prologue 14-15

November 13-15, 2009
Saint Benedict Center

Explore the Benedictine way of life, an ancient tradition, which even today continues to offer wisdom for daily living.  Share and experience key elements of Benedictine spirituality as lived within a monastery by a monk and in the world by a lay oblate and how these values can be incorporated into everyday living.  Participants will be encouraged to create their own rule of life, based on Scripture and insights gained during the retreat, to assist them in building a personal prayer life and to live the Gospel faithfully in the world.  Retreatants will also have an opportunity to pray with the monastic community throughout the weekend.

The retreat begins Friday, November 13th at 7:30 p.m. and ends after lunch on Sunday, November 15th.  The program cost is $50, plus the cost of room and board.  For more information or to register, please contact Saint Benedict Center at (402) 352-8819. 

About the facilitators:
Br. Damian Cayetano, O.S.B., is a Missionary Benedictine monk of Christ the King Priory.  He has extensive experience in youth and young adult ministry and currently serves as Assistant Vocation Director of the monastic community.

Darla Weisbeck, M.S.W., a Benedictine Oblate, is co-founder of the Center for Contemplative Spirituality, Crestwood Christian Church.  She has over 26 years experience practicing a home-based contemplative life in the city.

A Celebration of Commitment

Receive me, Lord, as you have promised, and I shall live;
do not disappoint me in my hope.
Psalm 119:16/Rule of Benedict 58:21

The Missionary Benedictine community of Christ the King Priory celebrated three milestones on September 6, 2009: the 40th anniversary of priestly ordination of Father Volker, the 5th anniversary of oblation of our first group of Oblates, and the first monastic profession of Brother Damian.  Abbot Michael Reepen, O.S.B., of Münsterschwarzach Abbey, presided at the Eucharistic Liturgy and Rite of Monastic Profession.  Joining in the celebration were a group of Missionary Benedictine Sisters from Immaculata Monastery, confreres from Conception Abbey, including Abbot Gregory Polan, O.S.B., and numerous Oblates, family members, and friends. 

In his homily,  Abbot Michael reflected on the importance Saint Benedict placed on listening, and connected this theme with the story of the deaf man healed by Jesus in the Gospel according to Mark.  Emphasizing that ”it is the essence of the created to be God’s call, to be God’s call turned into response,” Abbot Michael reminded the assembly that “this celebration is meant to encourage all of us to trust in God.”

Abbot Michael examines Br. Damian

Br. Damian signs his profession document

Br. Damian receives the long scapular

Abbot Michael, Br. Damian, and Abbot Gregory

Br. Damian with family and confreres

Oblate jubliarians

Oblate jubilarians

The Oblates pay tribute to Fr. Volker

The Oblates surprise Fr. Volker with various gifts

Guests enjoy a festive brunch

Abbot Michael, Br. Damian, and Missionary Benedictine Sisters

Abbot Michael, Fr. Volker, and Oblates

One Person Theater: The Story of the Orphan Train

Sunday, October 18, 2009
3:00 p.m. at Saint Benedict Center
This performace tells true stories of seven brave young Orphan Train riders from their East Coast beginnings to their new lives in other parts of the country.  Orphans who remember the experience come to life and share a heartrending and forgotten part of American history.  Pippa White calls her unique, captivating, and touching productions “part theater, part storytelling, part history.”  She has extensive background in theater and television on the West Coast, including five years as a host of a daily morning television on ABC in San Francisco.

Tickets are $7 (advanced purchase, seniors, and students) and $9 (at the door).  For more information, please contact Saint Benedict Center at (402) 352-8819.

United in Peace (Rule of Benedict 53:4)

How much more important, then, to lay our petitions before the Lord God of all things with the utmost humility and sincere devotion.  Rule of Benedict 20:2

The Rule of Saint Benedict is infused with prayer.  Saint Benedict reminds us to “devote yourself often to prayer” (RB 4:56).  The monk unites himself with God and also lifts up the needs of the world through prayer. 

A new page has been added to this blog – We Pray for You.  Visitors to our blog are invited to share their prayer intentions with the monks and all other blog guests.  The monks of Christ the King Priory remeber all our friends and benefactors in our daily prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours and celebration of the Eucharist.

For more information about requesting Masses to be celebrated for your intentions, please contact the Monastery at (402) 352-2177.

Adventures in Germany

The Abbey Church of Münsterschwarzach

Brother Damian spent the final six months of his second novitiate year in Münsterschwarzach Abbey, the German motherhouse of Christ the King Priory.  He was immersed in the daily life of prayer and work at the Abbey, but also had the opportunity to explore various sights throughout the country, including visits to several other monasteries.

An interview with Br. Damian describing his time in Germany can be found here.

The inner courtyard of Münsterschwarzach

The inner courtyard of Münsterschwarzach

The city of Würzburg on the Main River

Wine vineyards in Franconia

Participants of Benedictine Study Days

Visiting the sisters of Dinklage Abbey

Missionary Benedictines from around the world visit Andechs Monastery

The Archabbey of Beuron

Br. Damian with Missionary Benedictines from Asia

The Carthusian Charterhouse of Marienau

Monks in formation & formation directors at Münsterschwarzach

Apple Harvest 2009

The apple trees on Mission Hill yielded another abundant harvest this year.  Our resident apple expert, Fr. Germar, along with co-workers Marv and Brad, led the effort of picking and pressing the apples to be used for our home made cider and jelly.  Apples were also sliced and frozen to be used in various cakes and pastries in the coming year.