Christ the King Priory Celebrates 75 Years of Prayer & Work

The weekend of July 10 -11, 2010 was the culmination of two years of planning and spiritual preparation for the monks of Schuyler.  The monastic community celebrated 75 years of prayer and work in Northeastern Nebraska with several hundred friends, Oblates, clergy, religious, and fellow Benedictine men and women.  The events at Saint Benedict Center were celebrations of God’s faithfulness and blessings over three quarters of a century and of hope for the future of the monastic community.

On Saturday, July 10th, clergy and consecrated men and women of the Archdiocese of Omaha gathered in Schuyler to celebrate with the monks.  The Eucharistic Liturgy of Thanksgiving was presided by Abbot Michael Reepen, spiritual father of Muensterschwarzach Abbey and its priory of Christ the King in Schuyler.  In his homily, Abbot Michael not only highlighted the tireless work of the early monks of Schuyler, but also the continuation and expansion of these efforts by the current monastic community.  Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss shared a few words at the end of the Liturgy, thanking the monastic community for their involvement in the life of the Church of Omaha.  Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, all enjoyed a delicious lunch and time for fellowship.  A program followed lunch, featuring music by our friends Virginia and Morgan Semerad, and a keynote address by Abbot Leo Ryska of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Benet Lake, Wisconsin.  Abbot Leo spoke of the prophetic call of all Christians and the importance of the Benedictine witness in the life of the Church and in the world.  The program ended with the premiere of two new short films highlighting the life and work of Christ the King Priory and Saint Benedict Center.  All gathered at the end of the afternoon in Chapel for the celebration of Vespers.

The monks of Schuyler were blessed to celebrate the Feast of Saint Benedict, July 11th, with Benedictine men and women from around the world.  Six abbots, several priors and prioresses were present with monastics from as far away as South Korea and as near as Norfolk, Nebraska.  Also present were the Oblates of Christ the King Priory, our co-workers, volunteers, and friends.    Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Eucharistic Liturgy.  After an appetizing lunch, all were treated to a musical performance by the Summit String Quartet of Lincoln.  The keynote address was given by Archabbot Jeremias Schroeder, the Abbot President of the Missionary Benedictine Congregation of St. Ottilien.  Archabbot Jeremias traced the history of Benedictine missionary efforts, highlighted the work of the Benedictine Mission House, and shared a glimpse of new mission projects taken on by Missionary Benedictines in various parts of the world.  After additional time for fellowship, the day ended with the celebration of Vespers, with the assistance of the Schola Cantorum of St. Cecelia Cathedral, who also sang at the morning Mass.

The Missionary Benedictine monks of Christ the King Priory give thanks to God for the many blessings received in the past 75 years and look forward to many more years in God’s service.  We appreciate the support of countless friends and benefactors who have sustained our ministries with spiritual and material sacrifices over the years.

Photos of the celebration, by Omaha photograph Mark Kresel, can be viewed at our Facebook fanpage or at our Picasa web album.  Archabbot Jeremias Schroeder’s keynote address can be viewed as a PDF here: archabbot’s jubilee keynote.  Abbot Leo Ryska’s keynote address can be viewed as a PDF here: abbot leo jubilee keynote.

Monks on Facebook

Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged the gift of digital technologies in his message for the 43rd World Communications Day in 2009.  The Holy Father praised the capacity for new digital media to “foster connectedness, communication and understanding between individuals and communities.”  Furthermore, His Holiness notes that “these networks can facilitate forms of co-operation between people from different geographical and cultural contexts that enable them to deepen their common humanity and their sense of shared responsibility for the good of all.”

The monks of Christ the King Priory, looking for new ways to communicate our mission to preach the Gospel and build God’s kingdom, invite you to “become a fan” by visiting their Facebook page!  The page will be an additional way for you to stay in touch with our monastic community and to remain connected to our life of prayer and work.

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.

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

Oblate Family Picnic 2009

The monks of Christ the King Priory gathered with its Oblate community on August 16th for the annual Oblate Family Picnic.  It was a joyous occasion for the monks and oblates, with their families, to pray togther and to enjoy fellowship and good food with one another.  A special highlight of the day was the reception of four oblate novices.  These four new members of the oblate community will spend the next year learning more about Benedictine spirituality and how to integrate its values into their own lives.

New Oblate Novice

On June 27th, Father Jim Secora, a priest of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa, became an Oblate Novice of Christ the King Priory.  Several members of the Oblate community joined the monks for Vespers and the Rite of Entrance into the Oblate Novitiate, which was followed by a potluck supper.  The coming year will be for Fr. Jim a period of formation in Benedictine spirituality and a time  for him to further integrate the values of the Rule of St. Benedict into his life as a diocesan priest.

If you are interested in learning more about the Oblate community of Christ the King Priory, please contact Fr. Volker, Oblate Director, at (402) 352-2177.

Fr. Jim receives the Rule of St. Benedict from Fr. Volker, Oblate Director

Amazing Grace: Kathleen Norris at SBC

Saint Benedict Center was filled to capacity June 12th to the 14th as Benedictine Oblate, spiritual writer, and poet Kathleen Norris was the featured speaker for a weekend retreat. Throughout her presentations, Kathleen interspersed her wisdom and personal life experiences with her own poetic works and poetry from various other sources, including the writings of her husband.  The theme of the entire weekend was based on her book Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith. Each session opened with the chanting of an antiphon and the proclamation of a Psalm which was then incorporated into the presentation.  There was ample time for quiet reflection, prayer, sharing and discussions.

The Oblate community of Christ the King Priory was well represented and had an opportunity at the end of the program to meet personally with Kathleen.

Kathleen Norris to Speak at SBC

Kathleen Norris

On June 5-6, 2009, award-winning poet, writer, and best-selling author Kathleen Norris will come to St. Benedict Center and speak on the topic of Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith.   On Friday, June 5, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. she will give an evening presentation, followed by discussion and sharing.  On Saturday, June 6, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., she will present a one day retreat.

The spiritual world is rooted in the chaos and the beauty of daily life.  In her talks, Kathleen Norris will shed light on difficult theological concepts such as grace, repentance, dogma, and faith by telling stories about them and so grounding them in the world in which we live.  Norris has authored the New York Times bestsellers The Cloister Walk; Dakota: A Spiritual Geography; Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith; and The Virgin of Bennington.  Her latest book is a theological memoir titled Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks and a Writer’s Life (Riverhead 2008).  Exploring the spiritual life, her work is at once intimate and historical, rich in poetry and meditations, brimming with exasperation and reverence, deeply grounded in both nature and spirit, sometimes funny, often provocative, and alway important.  Widowed in 2003, Kathleen Norris resides in Hawaii.

The guest rooms at St. Benedict Center are fully booked for overnight stays from Friday to Saturday.  There are, however, several motels available in a radius of 20 miles.  The program fee for Friday only is $20; for Saturday only it is $40.  On Saturday, lunch is available at the Center for $9.23 (includes tax), if you pay for it before the program starts.  For more information call St. Benedict Center at (402) 352-8819.

Another Successful Fish Fry!

On March 27th, St. Benedict Center was the destination for people from near and far seeking good food and good company.  When asked about the reason for attending the Fish Fry on Mission Hill, the most common responses were: Mark and Patty Bosh prepare the best Carp and Pollock, the price is right, the setting is great, and the service is superb!

The secret to such remarks is to have a dedicated team working together with each one knowing his or her responsibility, and of course fresh carp and all the other ingredients that add to a great dining experience. The nine people working in the kitchen with food preparation, cooking, and supplying the buffet managed without much stress to feed over 700 people. They were assisted by several members of the Oblate family and volunteers who served beverages, cleared tables, and directed the traffic flow in the dining area.  Also, employees of St. Benedict Center deserve thanks for setting-up the dining area and cleaning of the facility the morning after the Fish Fry. The regular kitchen crew managed to call it a night around 9:00 p.m., only to return by 6:30 the following morning to serve breakfast for 80 retreatants and to serve over 140 guests for lunch.  Definitely, the key to success with food service and hospitality is team work which even allows for interaction with the visitors.

Lenten Fish Fry

Saint Benedict Center hosted the first of two fish fries Friday, March 6th, a Lenten tradition in its third year.  Over 550 guests enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet of pollack and carp with a variety of side dishes.  Each Lenten Fish Fry is an opportunity for the monks, oblates, and co-workers of Mission Hill to provide a space of hospitality and fellowship for families and individuals in the local community while serving a delicious home-cooked meal.  Guests from as far away as Omaha and Lincoln came to savor the delectable selection of food and to take time to explore the beautiful facility and grounds of Saint Benedict Center.

The second Lenten Fish Fry is Friday, March 27th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  The cost is $8 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 6-12.  There is no cost for children age 5 and under.  Take out containers are also available.  For more information contact the Saint Benedict Center at (402) 352-8819.