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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the Footsteps of St. Benedict – June 2009

The Missionary Benedictine Monks of Schuyler invite single men, ages 18-50, to experience life in the footsteps of Saint Benedict. The program begins on Friday, June 26th at 7:30 p.m. and ends on Sunday, June 28th after lunch, though the stay can be extended to several additional days. Participants will experience the prayer and work of the monastic community, learn about essential elements of monastic life and spirituality, and enjoy fellowship with the monks and other participants.

There is no program fee, the only cost is for room and board. For more information, please contact Fr. Thomas at St. Benedict Center, (402) 352-8819.

Springtime on Mission Hill

“For see, the winter is past…The flowers appear on the earth…Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!”
-Song of Songs 2:11-13

Indeed, Springtime is here and the sights of blossoming trees and flowers on Mission Hill is truly breathtaking! Enjoy these photos taken by our own Fr. Volker, which capture the beauty and joy of new life.

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.