Mustangs and Monks

I don’t know if there is a car that you associate with a loved one, but the car I associate with my maternal grandfather, Richard Lotter, is the 1968 Ford Mustang. It was white with a dark red leather interior, and when I’d ride in it with him, it was usually because he was taking me on a trip to Sylvia’s penny candy store in Philadelphia or to a nearby park to buy a fresh, piping hot soft pretzel. I loved that car.

It turns out that a lot of other people did, too. When it was first introduced to the public, the 1968 Ford Mustang was a wildly popular car—and it remains one of the most popular cars in the history of the automotive industry. The car achieved even greater fame when, that same year, it was driven by Steve McQueen in the popular Warner Bros. movie Bullitt. Since 1968, there have been several new models of the Mustang. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the designs inspired less enthusiasm and sales slumped. In 1994, however, the Mustang underwent its first major redesign in 15 years. The new design incorporated several styling cues from earlier Mustangs, and the popularity once again began to rise.

Then came 2005. And something truly amazing happened. The fifth generation Mustang’s styling more aggressively echoed the classic fastback Mustangs of the late 1960s, while also exhibiting all curves, angles, sleekness, and sophistication that people have come to expect from modern sports cars. J. Mays, Ford’s senior vice president of design, called it “retro-futurism.” Over the next two years, sales of the Mustang increased. They increased by almost 70,000 units. Ford’s bottom line was revitalized by “retrofuturism.”

What does all this have to do with the monks?

Well, “retro-futurism” is basically the concept of combining the time-tested strengths of the past with new and innovative ideas for the future. It is honoring what happened long ago and preparing for what lies ahead—all at the same time.

That’s what’s happening at St. Benedict’s Abbey. The history of the monks is impressive. For over 150 years these men have served God and others. Every day they have lifted the needs of the world up to God in prayer. Every day they have worked for the glory of God and the good of all—whether as priests, pastors, professors, chaplains, or spiritual directors. So we honor their past. The future of the monks is exciting. In the years ahead, the ‘68 monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey will continue to lead lives that offer hope to others. While they will always be committed to “prayer and work,” they will also be committed to using the newest resources and latest technology to extend their influence, advance their mission, and inspire others to “prefer nothing whatever to Christ.” Whether they post insights from The Rule of St. Benedict on Facebook and Twitter or broadcast homilies and prayers on KansasMonks. ‘05 org, they will meet the new challenges of our day with new faithfulness. They are prepared for the road ahead. With this in mind, Kansas Monks has undergone some changes. From this issue forward, we hope the magazine will be a bit like the 2005 Ford Mustang: We hope it will help our friends draw strength from the past, but also help prepare them for the future. We’ll continue to share important and interesting stories about the history of St. Benedict’s Abbey and the lives of the monks. But now, more than ever, we’ll provide new and better resources to help our friends grow in faith and prayer. As always, we welcome your feedback. Should you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us at 913.360.7897 or development@kansasmonks.org. We also encourage you to visit the Abbey. You are always welcome!

Vaughn Kohler Brother Leven Harton

A message from Abbot Barnabas About Kansas Monks

To honor our Lord as good stewards, we must show fiscal discipline. Kansas Monks costs the Abbey approximately $140,000 a year— an expense we are no longer able to absorb. Therefore, starting in December, Kansas Monks magazine will become a benefit only for members of the Society of St. Benedict, which is described on page 9. If you join the Society of St. Benedict, you will continue to receive Kansas Monks magazine. If you are unable to make the necessary contribution we are happy to continue to provide Kansas Monks to you via e-mail. Just go to Kansasmonks.org/Signup and fill out the form. Thank you for your love and generosity.

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St. BenedictofSociety

What is the Society of St. Benedict?

The Society is a unique group of qualified men and women who embrace the mission of St. Benedict’s Abbey and who, through their prayers and financial support, encourage the monks to continue their ministry of prayer and work.

Simply put: We serve the men who serve the Church.

How do I join the Society?

All current benefactors are included as members in the Society of St. Benedict.

Membership in the Society of St. Benedict is open to those whose

financial support meets the minimum requirements for the Porter’s Circle level. In monastic terms, the “porter” is the monk who welcomes guests to the monastery. He shows genuine hospitality and models St. Benedict’s counsel that “all who present themselves are to be treated as Christ.” The Porter’s Circle includes friends of the Abbey who give between $35 and $500 each year.

Prior James Albers

Serving the men who serve the Church

What is included in membership?

When you join the Society of St. Benedict, you serve the men who serve the Church. As they pray and work on behalf of Christ, you share their mission and joy. In addition to this you will participate in the mission and ministry of the monks in the following ways: • You will be included in the daily prayers and Masses of the Abbey. • You will receive a yearly subscription to Kansas Monks magazine, which has recently been revamped to provide more information and resources for spiritual growth. • You will receive invitations to Abbey events, including special Masses, Vespers, lectures, and art exhibits.

Will you serve the men who serve the Church?

To join the Society of St. Benedict, please visit our website and fill out the membership form and give at: kansasmonks.org/joinsociety. Or, if you would like to speak directly to a member of our development team, feel free to contact us at 913.360.7897.

“It is true that there are countless organizations in the world that need funding, but I think we would do well “ to support those organizations who have clearly had an affect on our lives. For me, and I suspect for every graduate of Benedictine College, that means, at least in part, St. Benedict’s Abbey. - Brandon Boesch, Benedictine College Class of 2011