Missionary Benedictine Monks of Christ the King Priory
December 23: O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. Isaiah 7:14
December 22: O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.
For a child has been born for us, a son given us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
December 21: O Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2
December 20: O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, who open and no one closes, who close and no one opens: Come and lead forth from the house of bondage, the captive sitting in darkness and the shadow of death.
I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut; he shall shut, and no one shall open. Isaiah 22:22
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. Isaiah 9:7
The Missionary Benedictine Monks of Christ the King Priory invite all to join them in celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! All liturgies will be celebrated in the Monastery Chapel, except for Christmas Midnight Mass, which will be celebrated in the St. Benedict Center Chapel. Please contact the Monastery at (402) 352-2177 if you have any questions.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Vigils & Lauds, 6:00 am
Eucharist, 11:15 am
Midday Prayer, 12:00 pm
First Vespers of Christmas, 5:00 pm
Christmas Vigil & Midnight Mass, 11:30 pm (at St. Benedict Center Chapel)
Saturday, December 25, 2010 (The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ)
Eucharist, 9:00 am
Midday Prayer, 12:00 pm
Second Vespers of Christmas, 5:00 pm
Compline, 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 26, 2010 (Feast of the Holy Family)
Vigils & Lauds, 6:35 am
Eucharist, 8:30 am
Midday Prayer, 12:00 pm
Vespers, 5:00 pm
Compline, 7:00 pm
Weekday Masses at the Monastery during the Christmas Octave:
Monday, Dec. 27/Wednesday, Dec. 29/Friday, Dec. 31 – 11:15 am
Tuesday, Dec. 28/Thursday Dec. 30 – 5:30 pm (celebrated with Vespers)
Saturday, January 1, 2011 (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God)
Vigils & Lauds, 6:35 am
Eucharist, 8:30 am, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until noon
Midday Prayer, 12:00 pm
Vespers, 5:00 pm
Compline, 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 2, 2011 (The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ)
Vigils & Lauds, 6:35 am
Eucharist, 8:30 am
Midday Prayer, 12:00 pm
Vespers, 5:00 pm
Compline, 7:00 pm
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.
On July 3, 2010, the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, our confrere Fr. Paul Kasun, O.S.B. professed for life stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience according to the Rule of St. Benedict in the Missionary Benedictine community of Christ the King Priory and Muensterschwarzach Abbey. Fr. Paul made his solemn profession of vows in the presence of Abbot Michael Reepen, O.S.B. of Abtei Muensterschwarzach, the monastic community of Christ the King Priory, and many family members and friends.
We wish our newly professed confrere many blessings and continued perseverance on his monastic journey! Ad multos annos!
Additional photos can be found on our Facebook fan page.
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.
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 .
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.
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