Kansas Monks Fall 2014 by kansasmonks

k ansas

monks

a publication for the Society of St. Benedict

So that my glory may praise you and not be silent. O Lord, my God, forever will i give You thanks. - Psalm 30

G R AT I T U D E

GIVING THANKS FOR THE GIFTS IN OUR LIVES

Also inside:

THE 2014 ANNUAL REPORT Society of St. Benedict

Ora

Labora

10 - Gratitude

4 - From the Abbot

18 - The Death of the Veil

6 - Monk Life - Novitiate

Br. Emmanuel Orrino offers six thoughts on expressing gratitude.

Benedictine College graduate Shane Rapp discusses a transfiguration.

Abbot James offers his thoughts on gratitude and serving one another.

Novices Br. Placidus, Br. Benedict, Fr. Jay, and Br. Karel discuss their experience of the novitiate.

12 - Benedictine Born

Fr. Blaine Schultz celebrates 60 years of monastic life.

17 - Raised Catholic

Mike Kuckleman looks back at being raised in the shadow of the monastery.

23 - 2014 Annual Report 8 - Cultivating Gratitude

Br. Simon Baker reflects on the start of his year as a transitional deacon.

A look back at the 2013-2014 fiscal year and a thank you to all of our generous benefactors.

in the next Kansas Monks • M o n k s P r o f e s s F i r s t Vo w s • Wa k i n g U p t h e Wo r l d : T h e Ye a r o f t h e C o n s e c r a t e d L i f e •

O n t h e c o v e r : S t . B e n e d i c t’s Ab b e y’s m o n s t ra n c e w a s a g i f t o n t h e o c c a s i o n o f a r e c e n t s o l e mn p r o f e s si o n o f a m o n k f r o m hi s family.

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g r at i t u d e Thank you. A simple phrase that we repeat an countless number of times e v e r y d a y. I t i s i n g r a i n e d i n t o o u r v o c a b u l a r y a t a n e a r l y a g e , w h e t h e r b y o u r p a r e n t s o r b y o u r p a s t o r. We a r e t o l d t h a t i t i s t h e a p p r o p r i a t e r e s p o n s e t o a n y a c t o f k i n d n e s s o r c h a r i t y. But what does it mean to be truly grateful? How can we authentically express gratitude? The monks demonstrate a perfect example of true gratitude for each of us , offering their lives daily to God through their prayers a n d s a c r a m e n t a l m i n i s t r y. R e g a r d l e s s o f c i r c u m s t a n c e t h e y b e g i n and end each day by praising God for the most fundamental gift t h a t w e h a v e a l l r e c e i v e d : l i f e . We h a v e a l l b e e n e n d o w e d w i t h a soul by our creator and are blessed to continually receive his graces through the sacraments. In these pages the monks express their gratitude to you, their benefactors and friends, for your kindness; but I suggest that w e w h o s h o u l d s a y t h a n k y o u . We h a v e b e e n b l e s s e d w i t h t h e i r example for more than 150 years. Through the act of expressing gratitude personally or by offering our prayers for these men, we can thank them for continually sacrificing for us.

- J . D. B e n n i n g E d i t o r, K a n s a s M o n k s

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD H E G AV E H I S O N LY S O N - JOHN 3:16

Society of St. Benedict

From the Abbot

Giving Thanks

I recently visited Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., where a confrere was completing his summer pastoral experience. This gave me the opportunity to meet with his supervisors and “shadow” my confrere to understand his experience there. As I stood outside one patient’s room while this confrere was with her – a woman who had been in intensive care for a month – the patient’s husband came out to talk with me. He wanted to express his gratitude for all that this monk had done for them. He said he wanted to share his deep appreciation for the care he and his wife received in their faith. Gratitude is the heart of our faith. It is the first step in our relationship with God. It is the font of the Eucharist and should be the font of all our prayer. When we sit down to pray, the first thing we should do is spend some moments thanking God. “Thank you, Lord, for my life, for my community, for the family that nurtured me, for the confrere who shared of himself, for the opportunity to spend myself, for all the gifts of creation and for your Son Jesus who has saved me.” There is no greater virtue that will create a stronger bond between others and our relationship with God than this virtue of gratitude. Our whole day is filled with acts of service and favors from those around us. It costs us very little to show our gratitude and it does so much good toward creating a stable and tranquil atmosphere, improving relationships, and making our own charity easier to practice. The root of this virtue is our own gratitude toward God. Fundamentally, cultivating the spirit of gratitude requires of us a deep humility. We need to understand that everything we have and everything we are is a gift. And this begins with the very gift of life. When we stop and think about all for which we should be grateful, it can be overwhelming, but how can we not be in awe of all that we have been given, and how can we not be grateful? This is the sense that St. Benedict is trying to instill in us as he reminds us to offer prayer before every good work. Opening up all that we do to the grace of God, that he might bless our endeavors, so as to provide us with a sense of gratitude for his work in our lives.

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N n D

N on n obi s, Do mi ne Not to us, Lord, not to us

but to your name give glory because of your mercy and faithfulness Psalm 115:1

a bbatia l mot to of a bb ot thomas hartma n f ou rth a bb ot of sa in t ben edict’s a b b ey

G.K. Chesterton put it this way: “You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in ink.” Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus! Equally important to this gratitude is the spirit of detachment in serving others. As disciples of Jesus and of St. Benedict, we are called to give ourselves unconditionally to the service and well-being of each other, and of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we are called to do so with complete detachment from any praise. We experience true gospel freedom when we serve with a spirit of total detachment. It might hurt when we don’t receive praises of gratitude for a kind deed; when our best efforts go unnoticed. We should strive to make sure that our intention is always unconditional – and this is tough – focusing only on what our action is doing to build up the Body of Christ as we seek our eternal reward. This is true Christianity, and this is true monasticism – that our lives are for the Other. There is a price that comes with living for the other – so our standard must be the Cross of Jesus Christ. We may receive appreciation and thanks from those to whom we show acts of charity or whom we serve. When we serve with a spirit of gratitude and detachment we will know joy. The disappointments and adversities that others may cause, or we allow ourselves to be consumed by, will purify our interior motives and allow us to focus on what God truly has in store for us – life with him. We need to be filled always with gratitude for God’s unconditional love. We need to always thank those who serve us and love us with their generous lives. In the end it boils down to this: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name give glory because of your mercy and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1). In the spirit of St. Benedict, Abbot James Albers

Society of St. Benedict

MONKLIFE

living a s a benedictine novice Every journey has to begin somewhere. Life in a habit starts in the Novitiate. For one year these men live under the tutelage and guidance of the Novice Master, Fr. Meinrad Miller, and prepare to profess simple vows, becoming active members of the community.

Getting to know Myself by Br. Placidus Lee

A Humbling Experience by Br. Benedict Geist

Living as a Benedictine Novice is not something I can easily describe – luckily for me, the novices recently had the opportunity to attend a retreat offered by Fr. Michael Casey, a Trappist monk known for writing on the Rule of St. Benedict and Benedictine spirituality. He described monastic life is as a school of self-knowledge. I always thought I knew myself well. But in my experience, my interactions in community life are like a mirror in which my truest self is reflected back at me. When I pause at the end of the day and recollect how my day went, sometimes I do not like what I see: I lacked charity here; I was short there. At first I was scandalized by what I was learning about myself, but slowly I grew in understanding that knowing one’s self in radical honesty is the first step in really growing spiritually. This self-knowledge leads to true humility, knowing not only where one is weak but also where one is strong. What I’ve seen in the mirror of community life this year hasn’t always been bad. I have learned that I am also improving and doing well in many ways. I’ve also learned that I am a decent brittle cook and do well with our work around the grounds. On a more personal level, I have found that I am able to give to the community and my relationships even when I am having a bad day or difficulty in connecting with others at the moment. Even when I do not like what I see looking back at me in that mirror, these opportunities have led me to better myself in ways I could have never known outside the monastery. This year has been a great opportunity to get to know myself more and grow closer to God’s plan for me in that. As I round out the final months of my time as a novice, I am immensely appreciative of what this community has given me and look forward to what is in store for me here in the future.

“My Son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, remain in justice and in fear, and prepare yourself for temptation.” - Sirach 2:1 This passage, one of my favorites from scripture, describes the novitiate very well. Since I became a novice, I have experienced many beautiful moments of prayer with God. I have also faced many temptations – including anything from sleeping in to harboring a grudge. I have learned first hand that the devil does not like monks. The novitiate has provided a window for me to look in upon myself and take stock of my weaknesses and strengths. It has also helped me to get an idea of what it takes to be a monk and whether or not I will be able to persevere. But I know God is stronger than anything that stands in my way: “Await God’s patience, cling to him and do not depart, that you may be wise in all your ways” (v. 3). I know that despite everything, God will always be there with his mercy. In this year I have been privileged to witness many great examples of how to live the life of a monk in my confreres and have learned how to be more properly part of a community centered on Christ. I often find Christ startlingly present in them, sometimes when I least expect it. I take courage and heart from their examples, their fellowship, and their prayers. They are a living witness for me: “Consider the ancient generations and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?” (v. 10). Even in my novice Brothers, I have found friends who will walk this path with me until the end of our lives. I look forward to seeing them grow older and holier as we progress down this road together. Finally, I have had the privilege of experiencing death and the frailty of life in those confreres who have gone before. It has been a humbling experience and a continual reminder of what I hope will be my end. “Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for as his majesty is, so also is his mercy” (v. 18).

Kansas Monks

Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice. - Rule of St. Benedic t, Prol o gue: 1

Seeking Stabilit y by Fr . Jay Ky th e

Wh e r e I F o u n d G o d by Br. Karel Soukup

Having come from the background of a busy parish priest, one could say that my new life as a novice at St. Benedict’s Abbey has been an escape to a simpler life. Seriously, how often do people get to have a year-long retreat? However, my time in the novitiate has been much more than a retreat from a busy world. It has deepened the role of stability in my life. The world is a busy place, and I lived in it. I found it “crazymaking.” People often resign themselves to the fact that this is the way things are. But this never made sense to me. If God is unchanging, and we are to share in his divine life, somehow shouldn’t the stability of God be reflected in our lives on earth? Monastic life does exactly that, with its daily rhythm of ora et labora, and it encourages us to take that back into the world for the purpose of bringing some order and stability in the chaos of daily life. Monastic life challenges us to realize that we are often responsible for a lot of our own “crazy-making” busyness, and perhaps we need to cast aside sin and deepen our life with Christ to bring order and stability into our lives. In the novitiate I was invited to rest in the stability of monastic life. There were, of course, many times when our routine was disrupted, but it was clear that stability was the norm rather than the exception. This was made clear to me twice this summer when Atchison was under tornado warnings. As we took refuge in the subcrypt, I remember looking outside from the boiler room doors at the frightening scene of the storm. I was grateful for the thick walls and foundations of the monastery, and I realized that this is how monasteries should be built: strong, stable structures set on a hill (or bluff ), inviting everyone to enter into the stability of God and of his Church, built upon solid rock. Yet despite being built to last, monasteries come and go. But if they can call people to rest upon the unchanging rock of Christ and to look towards eternal life, they have fulfilled their purpose.

Fr. Meinrad tells us of a monk from our motherhouse who would sigh, “Ah, to be a novice again.” When asked why he would want to be a novice, he responded, “Because then I could leave!” Those words ring true with me. I entered the novitiate in 2007 with Br. Leven. After nine months I left. Seven years later, I found myself in the last place I ever imagined: right where I started. In between, I studied in seminary, worked at a grocery store and as executive director for a small not-for-profit organization. As novices, we take no vows; we are free to leave at any time and can be dismissed from the community at any time. Nonetheless, it has been precisely this freedom to leave which, for me, has been most educative in the vow of stability which I am preparing to profess. The past eight years, both my time in and out of the monastery, have taught me that my joy does not come from the material circumstances in which I find myself, nor my happiness from achieving self-imposed goals. Rather, I see every day that my life is given meaning: Christ who sustains me and works through me and in me, no matter where I am. It is said that The New York Times once sent an inquiry to G.K. Chesterton asking him to compose an essay on the topic “What’s Wrong with the World.” His response was simple: “I am.” There’s a similar saying repeated to those discerning religious vocations: “You won’t find a perfect religious community; and if you do, don’t join because you’ll screw it up.” The monastery isn’t perfect, I learned that eight years ago. It took me a lot longer to figure out that neither am I, and that the things I thought I would escape by leaving had an amazing knack for following me. St. Benedict says that the novice should be one who truly seeks God. But that is the basic desire of every human heart, and God is to be found both within the monastery and without. I have returned to the monastery because I have found God here, because I see Christ working here, in me, in my brothers, in our apostolates and in our guests.

Society of St. Benedict

C U LT I VAT I N G A G R AT E F U L H E A R T by Br. Simon B ake r

I n th e ve ry fir st w e e k

of my summer assignment I moved in with the Jesuits across from Rockhurst University (Sunday), began my eleven-week Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program (Monday), and was ordained to the transitional Diaconate (Thursday)! Although the learning curve was a steep one, I find myself with countless reasons to be grateful. Gratitude arises from the awareness of having received something one did not earn or deserve. Therefore, the key to cultivating a grateful heart is to recognize everything as gift. As one of my seminary professors likes to say, “Unexpressed gratitude is useless.” Therefore, allow me to express my gratitude for the gifts I received this summer. First, I am grateful to the Jesuits of the Claver Residence at Rockhurst University for opening wide their doors to me. It is no secret that monks have historically been known for their hospitality. However, if ever a monastery could be rivaled in its practice of this virtue, I think the Kansas City Jesuits would give us a run for our money! I am grateful for their treatment of me as a colleague and for modeling dedicated service to God’s people. Second, I will be forever grateful for the gifts I received during my time as a hospital chaplain in the ICU – of a Level 1 Trauma Center – in a tough part of town! My time in CPE taught me how true it is that in ministry “we get much more than we give.” My patients taught me how to pray, no longer for ambiguous categories, but for people - no longer for the vague category of “the unloved,” but for Theresa who has five children by four different men and is being physically abused by the fourth; no longer for the generic “helpless,” but for Jim who is watching his wife die and is powerless to do anything. Although I did nothing to earn the intimacy my patients shared with me, I am grateful for them inviting me into the mystery of their life and death, pain and loss, faith in God, and sometimes almost inhuman strength in trials.

One of Br. Simon’s first acts as a deacon was to baptize his newborn nephew.

I am grateful for the opportunity of ministerial collaboration with the many wonderful staff of the hospital (doctors, nurses, security, environmental services, etc.) and especially my strikingly diverse group of fellow CPE interns. I never imagined a group of people could be so diverse religiously, ethnically, culturally, in personality, and still get along so well. They taught me to love Jesus and live my Catholic faith with renewed zeal and fervor. Ministry to God’s people takes all kinds. And working with these marvelous men and women, I take solace in the Church’s teaching that even if someone is not one of us (Catholic) they are still one of us (a member of God’s Kingdom). “Whoever is not against us is for

Br. Simon Baker has been a Benedictine monks since 2009. On June 5 Br. Simon was ordained to the transitional Diaconate after studying at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. He will spend the next year working in various ministries preparing to be ordained to the Priesthood in April 2015.

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us,” says Jesus (Mk 9:40) – see also Unitatis Redintegratio (3) and Lumen Gentium (16). I am forever in debt to their companionship, mentorship, and discipleship. And finally I am grateful, perhaps most of all, to have been invited by God into a new way of doing ministry, through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The very day I was ordained I gave new life to my youngest nephew through the Sacrament of Baptism; later in the summer I was privileged to witness the marriage of my uncle; and I “Deaconed” at the Eucharistic table of my parents’ parish, which has supported me since the very first day that my vocation was born. Assisting at Mass is without question the greatest gift of all and therefore deserving of the most gratitude. In fact the very word, Eucharistia, while usually translated as “thanksgiving,” can just as accurately be translated “gratitude.” The Eucharist is a feast of gratitude! Truly, all is gift, even if some gifts are more easily recognizable than others. When we make a conscious effort to give thanks for the gifts we do recognize we might begin to see the wisdom of Henri Nouwen’s words in Life of the Beloved: “every time we decide to be grateful it will be easier to see new things to be grateful for. Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love” (p. 52). So let us heed the words of St. Paul and “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18).

Br. Simon pictured with the other summer interns at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Young Knights Accomplish A Steep Mission Thanks to Benedictine College’s Knights of Columbus, St. Benedict’s Abbey holds a complete Pontifical set of vestments. Br. Simon Baker’s (above, center) ordination to the transitional deaconate was a perfect opportunity to raise money for a dalmatic, a liturgical vestment worn by deacons. “The vestments are hand made, so they exude a sense of beauty and design that reflects our Creator,” said Zach Rohm (above, left), Grand Knight and senior at Benedictine College. The Knights of Columbus place an emphasis on charitable works, especially when it comes to supporting religious vocations. “The Knights have numerous opportunities to support priests on the diocesan level, but we thought that supporting a future priest who was within our own Benedictine community would be most meaningful,” Rohm said. “This dalmatic is special because it comes from the Knights!” Br. Simon shares. “Raising the money to purchase it for the monastery demonstrates the respect the students have for the monastic liturgy. The choice of this specific vestment confirms that they understand the monastic liturgical ideal of ‘noble simplicity.’” “It’s wonderful,” Br. Simon expresses the essence of his thoughts about the student support. “A nice liturgical vestment is not cheap. I don’t want to quantify the students’ level of support but it does show to what lengths they will go to express this support.” Fundraising took place at events throughout the school year guided by Br. Luke Turner (above, right), the financial secretary for the Knights. The largest fundraiser was through spring study mugs for the college students. A study mug includes candy and a letter from parents to encourage their son or daughter during exams. The Knights fundraising motivated Br. Simon during his own seminary studies. “Br. Luke informed of the Knights support. It has been a great encouragement for me as I move toward Ordination.” Every year, BC Knights of Columbus elects a particular seminarian to pray for and support financially. “Not only is it fulfilling our mission as Knights, but it also fulfills our call as Catholic gentlemen. Hopefully it will foster future vocations for the Abbey,” Rohm said. Br. Simon will be ordained a priest April 25, 2015 at St. Benedict’s Abbey Church. “Part of the reason I have dedicated the rest of my life as a monk and priest of St. Benedict’s Abbey is because of the students. The gift of this vestment by the Knights of Columbus is the tangible expression of their reciprocity and their mutual dedication to the monastery.”

Society of St. Benedict

Six tips for growing in

gratitude by Br. Emmanue l O r r in o

The self-m ade m an is an illusion.

Tr y a s one mig ht , n o one c a n ma ke hims elf happy, or c au s e a no th e r to lov e him. Ne ithe r c a n a ny one exp e r ie nc i n g succe ss say that it i s e nt irely hi s ow n, a nd n o t s omehow the f r uit of tho s e w ho c a me b e fo re . S elf - suf f ic ie nc y may s ound nice , but thi s illu sion pl a ce s a n unf a ir burde n on the one w ho ha s it a nd de nie s him a re ma rk able opp or tunit y for a life f ille d w ith the b e auty of g rat itude !

Kansas Monks

Remember the “you” in “thank you” W h e n w e a r e g r a t e f u l , w e d o a c k n o w l e d g e t h e g o o d n e s s o f w h a t w e r e c e i v e . B u t t h a t ’s n o t the most important part! Real gratitude is about acknowledging the giver! So the most i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f “ t h a n k y o u ” i s “ y o u .” R e a l i z e t h a t y o u ’r e t a l k i n g t o a r e a l p e r s o n ( a “ y o u ” ) when you give gratitude to God.

Be generous with others. “It takes one to know one.” A s y o u g r o w i n g e n e r o s i t y, y o u w i l l b e c o m e m o r e a t t u n e d t o t h e g e n e r o s i t y o f G o d a n d o f o t h e r s . A n d a s y o u u n d e r s t a n d f o r y o u r s e l f t h a t r e c e i v i n g g r a t i t u d e i s a n i m p o r t a n t a f f i rmation, you’ll want to give gratitude in response to the generosity you see elsewhere.

When something good leaves you speechless, try saying “thank you” H a v e y o u e v e r b e e n s p e e c h l e s s a t t h e s i g h t o f a b e a u t i f u l s u n s e t ? O r p e r h a p s b y h e a ri n g t h a t a s i c k f r i e n d r e c o v e r e d ? W h e n y o u h a v e n o t h i n g e l s e t o s a y, t r y s a y i n g “ t h a n k y o u .” G r a t i t u d e m a y n o t b e y o u r i n i t i a l r e a c t i o n , b u t c h o o s i n g t o g i v e i t m i g h t s u r p r i s e you!

Examine yourself and your life. H o n e s t e x a m i n a t i o n r e v e a l s a t l e a s t t w o t h i n g s : Fi r s t , t h a t w e a r e b r o k e n a n d h e l p l e s s t o give ourselves ever ything we need. Second, that we are nonetheless given many wonderful things . Acknowledging our shortcomings helps us realize the wonder of what we are given. This is ripe ground for gratitude!

Make small sacrifices. Fr o m t i m e t o t i m e , s a y “ n o” t o m o r e t h a n o n e c h o c o l a t e c h i p c o o k i e , t o e x t r a s a l t , o r adjusting the heat two degrees. Allowing ourselves to feel even a little discomfort helps us receive our blessings with gratitude rather than take them for granted.

Pray for the gift of gratitude. O f c o u r s e i t w o u l d b e s i l l y i f w e c o u l d g i v e o u r s e l v e s g r a t i t u d e ! We c a n c h o o s e t o f o s t e r i t in our lives, but ultimately God gives us the grace to recognize him and what he chooses to g i v e u s . A s k h i m f o r t h e g r a c e t o l i v e g r a t e f u l l y ! Yo u w o n’t r e g r e t i t ! J u s t b e s u r e t o t h a n k him after wards.

Society of St. Benedict

Benedictine

Kansas Monks

Born

60 Years of Monastic Life by Rachel Lanz, BC ‘15

S o me ch o o s e th e B en e d ic t ine w ay of life , but for Fr. Bl a ine S chult z , th e life ch o s e h im. Fr. B l aine live d w ith a h e av y B e ne dic t ine inf lue nce e a rly on. Hi s f a m i ly attend e d a p ar i sh in Ka nsa s Cit y, Ka n., w he re the p a stors , Fr. A m bro s e Ke ating and Fr. Maur u s Ke nne dy, w e re B e ne dic t ine m o n k s . K now ing noth ing ab out the ir live s a s monk s , he g re w up a d m ir ing th em. “ I w a s imp re ss e d k n ow ing that the s e t w o pr ie st s b elonge d to a much big g er g rou p of me n. A p a r t of s ome thing that mo st don’t h av e an exp er ien ce of .” Pa r tic ip atin g in th e b oy s choir at hi s p a r i sh st re ng the ne d hi s a dmirat i on. Sin ce Fr. B l ain e w a s the only one w ho could pl ay pi a no, he w a s th e accomp an i st for the choir. Hi s mothe r w a s a pi a ni st a nd re q u ire d all h er ch ild ren to t a ke le ss ons for at le a st t w o y e a rs . “ My and two you ng er si ste rs counte d dow n the d ay s to quit . But I n e ver stop p e d . I’ve alw ay s pl ay e d pi a no. A s s o on a s I got home f ro m s ch o ol, I wou ld p l ay on our sma ll pi a no. I re a lly to ok to it .” I nv olvem ent in th e ch oir ha d it s p e rk s . Fr. Maur u s aw a rde d the b o y s , t ak ing th em to p ark s a nd pic nic s . One d ay, he re nte d a bu s to br in g th e ch oir to th e Abb e y. “S e e ing the monk s come to ge the r re a lly ap p e ale d to m e,” Fr. Bl a ine sa id. Fr. Mau r u s inve ste d tim e in Fr. Bl a ine b e c au s e he k ne w s ome thing sp e c i al w a s th ere. He w a s the one w ho prop o s e d atte nding Maur H i ll Pre p S ch o ol, ar ran g ing a s chol a rship. “I ow e him a g re at de a l,” Fr. Bl ain e sh are s . D i s cer nm ent to th e B en e dic t ine life b e g a n in hig h s cho ol b e c au s e o f Fr. M au r u s’ involveme nt in Fr. Bl a ine ’s life . “My w hole life i s p ro v id enti al. Th e y alw ay s ha d w ord s of e ncoura ge me nt a ll the w ay.” Th i s m otiv ate d h im to cont inue a s one of the “Hilltopp e rs” at St . B ene d ic t ’s Colle g e in 1951. cont inue d on ne x t pag e

Society of St. Benedict

From

B e n e d i c t i n e R av e n to Benedictine Monk

“A Hilltopper was a student thinking about becoming a monk or diocesan priest who studied separately from the student body in the top two stories of St. Benedict Hall. We had classes and meals together, but we formed friendships with the other students, too.” After two years of studying theology and philosophy, Fr. Blaine and four others professed vows in St. Martin’s Chapel before Abbot Cuthbert McDonald, clothed as monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey. “It was a much larger and younger community back then. Most of us became friends and shared many experiences together,” recalling his early years of monkhood. Fr. Blaine looks back fondly at week-long vacations to the Ozarks in the summertime. The young monks in training, called Clerics, travelled by bus to a large remote cabin. “It was a totally different setting. We cooked our own food and said prayers together. There was that camaraderie we had that I really enjoyed.” Fr. Blaine was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1960. He started teaching theology and philosophy courses at St. Benedict’s College after his ordination, along side playing the organ. “I’ve always wanted to become a teacher and I did well in my theology and philosophy classes in school. One of my professors, Fr. Dunstan, told me I was a born teacher.”

E d u c at i on E v e r l a s t i n g His work ignited a desire to continue his own education. His love of music set the tone. He chose graduate school at the University of Kansas in Lawrence because of the excellent music program. While living with KU’s chaplain, who happened to be a Benedictine monk, he received a Bachelors of Music degree in music history in 1964. Fr. Blaine went on to the University of Wisconsin at Madison for a masters in music. “It was a wonderful situation. There was another Benedictine monk chaplain at a convent right outside Madison. He more than welcomed me in, taking advantage of having another monk. He was a very holy man.” Arriving back to Atchison, Fr. Blaine taught history of music, as well as art history in the introduction to fine arts course with two other professors who taught music and theatre. “At the end of the intro class, I continued to teach fine arts. And that’s when I asked if I could study in Europe to learn more about art.” Fr. Blaine took a sabbatical, an academic year off from teaching, to study in Europe with Benedictine monks from all over the world from the fall of 1987 to the summer of 1988. “It was a great experience because I actually saw the art I was teaching in class. I actually saw the Parthenon in Greece and the Chartres Cathedral outside Notre Dame. I went from watching slides, telling the students, ‘isn’t it marvelous,’ to bringing first hand experiences into the classroom which improved my lectures.”

Fr. Blaine was ordained in 1960. He is seen above witnessing the marriage of his mother on May 26, 1962. 14

Kansas Monks

Fr. Blaine’s favorite part of teaching was the opportunity to team-teach courses. One coworker he enjoyed working with most was Sister Joachim Holthaus, a distinguished musicologist. They took students to the Opera and Symphony in Kansas City, and the Nelson Art Gallery. “It was really heart warming reading the student’s reaction papers expressing the desire to go back. Years later, I got postcards from Rome bragging that they saw what they learned in class. That’s what makes teaching worthwhile. Giving an experience to someone they hadn’t had one before.”

Fulfilling Future

Fr. Blaine retired in 2006 after 45 years. He turned to composing in his spare time, putting music to text. He gained experience doing this during the changes of Vatican II. “It was an outstanding experience that the young monks don’t have, living through the changes from Latin to vernacular in the liturgy. When that switch happened, we could no longer sing the Psalms. So, Abbot Brendan asked if I could start writing music for the Psalms. I composed 45 psalm tones that the monks still sings today.” In addition to full-time organist, Fr. Blaine’s work includes guestmaster, a post he has held since his appointment in 1982. “I thoroughly enjoy both my jobs. I meet the most wonderful people and when you are happy, people see that and it attracts others.” Reflecting on his 60 years as a Benedictine monk, Fr. Blaine declared, “No regrets whatsoever. I’m glad that I could bring my musical talent with me. The monks always encouraged me, provided teachers, and I can serve the community doing what I love as a musician.” Fr. Blaine hopes to fill every place in the choir section again. “We can’t let Benedictinism die in Atchison, we have to keep it going.” He encourages the community of Kansas Monks to attend more Benedictine College athletic games and to be more involved and present among the students. “I have never missed a ballgame, if I can help it.” You will most likely find Fr. Blaine sitting in the back of the bleachers. Say hi to him, he will be there. “This lets students see we’re human, happy, share the same interests, and we know how to have a good time outside of the monastery. Hopefully they benefit by contact with us and discover what religious life is about. It is not an easy life, but a rewarding life.”

We can’t let Benedictinism die , we have to keep it going. •

Fat h e r B l a i n e S c h u lt z o f t h e O r d e r o f S t . B e n e d i c t

•

P r o f e s s e d • J u ly 1 1 , 1 9 5 4 O r d a i n e d • M ay 2 6 , 1 9 6 0 Society of St. Benedict

The Abbey and the College will never separate. But we are separate.

“ We embrace the college a s a father embrace s hi s child . Yet we operate independently and count on the f inanci al g enerosit y of our f r iend s to do G od’s work .”

- A B B OT J A M E S A L B E R S B C C L A S S O F ‘94

A Common Heritage The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey are proud of their heritage as

co-founders of Benedictine College. The Abbey’s commitment to education and learning is as strong today as it was in 1858 when the monks established a “school for the Lord’s service.”

A Separate Mission St. Benedict’s Abbey is, however, a separate corporation from Benedictine

College. This is often a surprise to many people. The Abbey must raise its own support and maintain its own facilities. The good works of the monks are supported mostly by the contributions from friends and benefactors and salaries for academic services and pastoral assignments.

Kansas Monks

RAISEDCATHOLIC

G R AT I T U D E F O R A S TA B L E F O U N D AT I O N b y Mi k e Ku c k l e m a n

The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey have impacted my life in many ways for which I say, “thank you.” However, saying “thank you” is not enough; gratitude is required here. We are instructed on gratitude in the Catechism, “for Christians a special gratitude is due to those from whom they have received the gift of faith, the gift of Baptism and life in the Church.” I owe gratitude to the monks just as I owe gratitude to my family. Gratitude comes from the Latin, gratia, meaning grace. Gratitude is a virtue and requires humility and grace. Saying “thank you” is part of gratitude but it is not equivalent to gratitude. When we say “thank you” to a store clerk that is social politeness – there is an exchange and the customer and store owner each receive something they are entitled to receive; one to payment and one to goods. Gratitude is much more than an expression of social politeness. Gratitude is the realization that what we have received is unearned, it is a true gift. We receive many gifts that we have not earned and for which we have no entitlement. We are not worthy but instead, it is gratia; a gift bestowed upon us but not owed to us. Thus, gratitude requires humility in recognizing we are not worthy but we are blessed anyway. We receive many gifts strictly by the grace of God. We all are called to show gratitude for many gifts which we were given but did nothing to earn: our parents, our life, our children, air, living in a free country – the list could go on forever. Likewise, I feel gratitude towards the monks for the impact they have on my life, my family and the community. I am grateful I was raised in the Atchison Catholic community. The presence of the monks provided a continuity to my faith outside of my home. This has been the way for many people in Atchison for many years. The earliest settlers in Atchison County were beneficiaries of the monks who traveled and settled along the river in hope that as the west was settled, faith would be a cornerstone of the communities. The monks were certainly successful in their evangelization considering Atchison became home to a monastery, a convent, two Catholic colleges, two Catholic high schools, three Catholic parishes with three Catholic schools. I was fortunate to grow up in Atchison and received many blessings as a result of the presence of the monks. My introduction to my faith was a result of being born into the Kuckelman family but my faith was impacted substantially as I grew up in such close proximity to this group of men. I recall dinners at our home that included many of the community members over several years. One of my earliest memories is of Fr. Germain Kuckelman coming to our house for dinner. I recall the rosaries he made from sweetgum fruit. Even today, the thorny sweetgum fruit laying just north of St. Benedict’s Church serves as a permanent reminder of Fr. Germain and his rosaries. While social interaction with the monks was an important part of my childhood, I am especially appreciative of their role in my formal education in grade school and at Maur Hill. In considering my personal gratitude for the monks, I have always felt special gratitude for Br. John Peto (above at top right).

When I was a sophomore at Maur Hill I was in Br. John’s religion class. His teaching of catechism was especially effective. As Maur Hill students we received a great understanding of tangible versus intangible aspects of our faith. Br. John went so far as to eat chalk to demonstrate the difference between something tangible such as chalk which can be touched, seen and even eaten as compared to intangible features of our faith. To this day when a sacrament is given, I can recall with clarity Br. John’s teaching of the sacrament. Br. John is but one example of many ways the monks impact the lives of those around them on a daily basis but frequently that impact is life-long. In Luke 17:5-17 we learned of the ten lepers who were healed. One healed leper returned in gratitude. The one healed leper that returned glorified God and fell at the feet of Jesus and gave thanks. Jesus said “Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they?” I hope in my gratitude for the monks I can be like the leper that had the grace and humility to realize he was given a gift that was unearned. I close with a heartfelt “thank you” to the monks but know that it is really gratitude I am attempting to express. Ora et labora.

Mike Kuckleman is a native of Atchison, Kan., graduating from Maur Hill Prep School in 1982. He lives in Kansas City with his wife and children.

Society of St. Benedict

the

I r e c e n t ly r e a d a n a rt i c l e

by Shane R app

in The American Conservative by an Orthodox Christian named Rod Dreher entitled “Beauty and Transfiguration” which examined what Christ’s Transfiguration has to do with our lives. Surely it is one of the oddest moments in the gospels: shining face and clothes, descending prophets, booming voice, and then…nothing. Back to business as usual. Strange, to say the least. But what Dreher suggests is that we have all had transfigurative moments, that at times in each of our lives the grey film of the Fall is peeled back and we see things “as they really are” and become like Peter and James and John that day when gazing upon their Lord. It is not altogether different from what C.S. Lewis proposes in The Great Divorce, where Heaven is not so much different from this world but more real, thicker and richer and fuller to the point that we appear as ghosts in a land where even sunlight has weight. When I reflect on this idea that, as St. Paul says, we “see dimly now, as in a mirror” (1 Corinthians 13:12), I am brought back to my first transfigurative moment. After my sophomore year at Benedictine College, I decided to remain on campus over the summer to work, train for soccer, and focus on my faith life through prayer and spiritual direction with Fr. Bruce Swift. Through the witness and encouragement of friends, I had begun a conversion of sorts, finally accepting my faith as my own and ready to face up to its demands, and I thought a summer near the monastery could be the jump-start I needed as I began my journey anew. After the first few weeks, however, I felt stymied. There were no mystical visions or fits of ecstasy, no immediate dissolution of my sins, no mass conversions of my friends and family inspired by the courage it took to live off my parents’ money with my friends in my favorite place in the world for a whole summer. I didn’t get it. What I know now is that, as the author/blogger Mark Shea puts it, “Grace is grace, not magic.” I was waiting for the magic-Jesus-wand to turn me into a man with no temptations and no faults and no struggles. Didn’t happen. But what He did give me was a moment I will never forget. It was not a vision of Mary. It was not a dream of an angel. It was a transfiguration. One night that summer, I simply didn’t want to pray. It was late, I was tired, and I just wanted to go to bed. But as I lay down, the gruff voice of Fr. Bruce kept echoing in my mind, reminding me that I was not allowed to sleep until I prayed. So I grudgingly got out of bed, walked out of Memorial Hall, and cut through campus to the adoration chapel in the back of St. Benedict’s Church. After being let in the door by an elderly gentleman, I knelt down to pray in front of the Eucharist and tried to focus. Almost immediately I became aware of a prompting to leave the chapel. It was odd, and I won’t call it a “voice” per se, but it was definitely there, an urging of sorts, quite clearly telling me to go.

Kansas Monks

D e ath And while you might think there is no way the Holy Spirit would urge someone to leave the presence of Christ mere moments after settling in front of Him, it seemed clear to me that that was precisely what was happening. So I made the sign of the cross, sheepishly stepped past the old man who had just had his prayer disturbed 90 seconds before to let me in the chapel, and left. I wasn’t exactly sure where I was supposed to go, but I found myself walking towards the Abbey. I passed under the oaks outside the guesthouse and towards the weathered bench at the river overlook. I paused when I got there and surveyed the scene before me. Even now as I write I know this is a futile effort. I can’t really tell you what happened there or why it changed me. All I know is that something there changed, transfigured, was revealed to me as it truly is: something vibrating with life and reality, still, yet pulsing with Something More. As I looked off the edge of the bluffs, the clouds above me moved and a full moon shone brightly on the river. A light fog was drifting like smoke over the Missouri and the bluffs beyond the bend were simmering in the white light as the water north of me curved like a scythe. The reds and browns

of the trees stood stark against the stones framing them like a red-breasted robin breathing in the iridescent moonlight. I stood there and wept by myself, and have never felt less alone. I don’t know why I cried. I don’t know why the Spirit moved me to that place at that time, other than to see what I saw. I didn’t have an intellectual epiphany or finally find the recipe to kick all my sins to the curb. But I was filled by the deep breath of life and burned by the desire for more of it. And perhaps that was all I needed. What response could one have to this but gratitude? The knowledge that I am bankrupt and all that is good in my life comes from God, often through family and friends and monks but at times through the sheer splendor of His hand, that the best I could do after a summer of prayer and study was be struck dumb by beauty: this makes gratitude easy. Perhaps you’ve had a moment like this, even if you didn’t know what was happening at the time. Regardless, Jesus is waiting to put the “mirror” away and show you something, show you Himself “face to face”, if you have the eyes to see. Pay attention. When something changes, even for a moment, it can change everything. It did for me.

Shane Rapp graduated from Benedictine College with his bachelor’s in English and Secondary Education in 2008 and again with his Master’s in School Leadership in 2012. He and his wife Megan (BC class of ‘08 and ‘12 as well) live in Olathe with their two children, Cayleigh and Ryan. To read more of Shane’s work, see his blog at thedeathofcatholocism.com

Society of St. Benedict

a bbe y not e s Summer is the time for enrichment programs and some of the monks have profited by them: Fr. Blaine Schultz participated in the 37th Annual Convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians July 14-18, 2014, in St Louis, Mo. The five days featured liturgies, workshops, vocal and instrumental performances and exhibits. Br. Timothy McMillan and Br. Emmanuel Orrino joined 35 other male Benedictines in first vows at the annual Junior Institute for male Benedictines at St. Vincent Archabbey (right), Latrobe, Pa. June 14-28, 2014. Representatives from five of the major groups of Benedictines in the country participated in this two-week study/exchange program. Our Abbey will host the program in 2015. News items from St. Joseph Priory, Mineiros, Goiás. Brazil Abbot James’ role as abbot includes periodic visits to St. Joseph Priory, our monastic foundation in Mineiros, Goiás. Brazil. He journeyed there April 21-30 to visit the community and to participate in the ordination to the priesthood of Br. Carlos Alberto Nogueira Filho on April 27. Br. Victor Hugo Pinheiro Leão dos Santos made profession of triennial vows on the feast of St. Scholastica, February 10. In view of future seminary studies he began philosophical studies at the Federal University of Goiânia on February 17. On the feast of St. Benedict, July 11, two young men, Br. Thiago Ferreira and Br. Filipe Hélio Inácio da Silva Junior Inácio began their novitiate year and received the monastic habit from Prior Duane Roy. They have also been joined on August 2 by João Luis Vascancelos Machado, a native of Mineiros, as a postulant. Prior Duane Roy and Fr. Josias da Costa have moved from residency in St. Benedict Monastery, Goiânia, the priory’s house of studies, to St. Joseph Priory in Mineiros and serve as associate pastors of St. Benedict Parish there. Subprior Rodrigo Perissinotto, until now pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Mineiros has moved to Goiânia where he is the superior of the house of studies, St. Benedict Monastery, and is pursuing graduate studies in Psychology at the Catholic University of Goiânia. Fr. Carlos is master of novices and is teaching in the Literature Department of the Catholic University. Fr. Vinícius de Queiroz Rezende became the pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Mineiros on June 15. 20

Kansas Monks

With the transfer of Bishop José Luiz Majella Delgado, CSSR, from the diocese of Jataí, Goiás to the archdiocese of Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Fr. Joaquim Carvalho has been elected administrator of the diocese until the appointment of a new bishop. Prior to his election Fr. Joaquim had been serving as Vicar General of the Jataí diocese. News from Atchison Fr. Matthew Habiger continues to promote strong marriages and Natural Family Planning (NFP). He offers NFP Parish weekends, Parish Missions on the Catechism and the Theology of the Body and clergy conferences throughout the USA. He recently travelled to Hong Kong to promote NFP. He preached at several parishes and gave presentations to permanent Deacons, NFP teachers, Catholic doctors and other medical professionals. He was sponsored by the Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory Council. Br. Emmanuel Orrino is teaching Introduction to Law in the Political Science Department at Benedictine College and is the faculty moderator for the Communion and Liberation Group at the College. He also collaborates with Br. Leven Harton as associate vocation director of the Abbey. Br. Luke Turner completed his Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration on August 17. He was chosen by his classmates to give their address and was chosen by the faculty to receive the Dr. Lawrence Hart Award for the most outstanding student of this year’s cohort. He was a member of the team that won the Business Plan of the Year Award through the Kaufman Foundation. Br. Luke teaches International Management in the Business Department of Benedictine College. He will also be taking philosophy courses in view of studies for the priesthood.

Although he graduated from Benedictine College in 2011, Br. Timothy McMillan is pursuing the equivalent of a Major in Philosophy there in view of future studies for the priesthood. Fr. Marion Charboneau continues his doctoral studies in American history at Kansas State University. He is currently preparing for comprehensive examinations in his chosen fields of Civil War, Southern history, and Modern China. Earlier this spring, he presented a paper at a student history conference at the University of Kansas entitled “To Put an End to Bayonet Rule: The Religious Motivations of Rutherford B. Hayes, the Civil War, and the End of Reconstruction.” Fr. Marion composed this paper for a course on U.S. religious history.

For more than one hundred years the Abbey of Saint Michael at Farnborough has enjoyed a reputation for excellence in the field of liturgical scholarship and publishing.

The monks live a traditional life of prayer, work and study in accordance with the ancient Rule of Saint Benedict. At the heart of their life is the solemn celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.

What difference does the Easter vigil make in the life of one celebrating its rites?

In this book the liturgical rites and prayers of the Easter vigil reveal the human transformation intended in the process of becoming Christians in the sacraments of initiation celebrated during the Easter vigil. Whereas other scholars provide focused studies on the scriptural readings or on a major prayer of the Easter vigil, this unique book provides a comprehensive view of the Easter vigil by examining all the short prayers which in turn reveal the steps in the process of human transformation.

www.farnboroughabbey.org

Contributors

A Pope and a Council on the Sacred Liturgy ‘Mediator Dei’ (Pope Pius XII) and ‘Sacrosanctum Concilium’ with comparative study by A. Nichols OP ISBN 0 907077 38 2

On The Holy Mass by Dom Prosper Guéranger

ISBN 0 907077 47 1

Liturgy the Life of the Church by Lambert Beauduin osb

ISBN 0 907077 40 4

Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr

Dominic Carey cssi Ephrem Carr osb Anscar Chupungco osb Alain Intimi James Leachman osb

Fr Daniel McCarthy osb Fr Patrick Regan osb Fr Manuel Eduardo Solórzano Zerpa op

Fr Daniel P. McCarthy osb , a monk of St Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, is engaged in research and teaching in the Institutum Liturgicum with the Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium: liturgyinstitute.org

Fr James G. Leachman osb , a monk of Ealing Abbey, London, is an associate tenured professor at the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, Rome, also engaged in research and teaching at the Institutum liturgicum: institutumliturgicum.org.uk

ISBN 978-0-907077-64-0

The Monastic Diurnal The Day Hours of the Monastic Breviary ISBN 0 907077 44 7

All St Michael's Abbey Press titles available from

www.

.com

Saint Michael’s Abbey Press Saint Michael’s Abbey, Farnborough, Hampshire. GU14 7NQ. England.

www.theabbeyshop.com

Fr. Meinrad travelled to Kolkata, India, to give a seminar to some of Blessed Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity from August 5-13 on the topic of “The Paschal Mystery and the Mystical Body of Christ.” This was Fr. Meinrad’s fourth trip to India to give religious seminars to the Missionaries of Charity. He continues as a faculty member of the Theology Department of Benedictine College and is the Novice Master of the Abbey.

D. McCarthy osb & J. Leachman osb

Other St Michael's Abbey Press Titles

LITURGIAM ÆSTIMARE : APPRECIATING THE LITURGY

Transition in the Easter Vigil

Fr. Daniel McCarthy and Fr. James Leachman, OSB, are co-editors and authors of a new book in the Appreciating the Liturgy Series , Transition in the Easter Vigil: Becoming Christians. The volume is comprised of scholarly articles by the editors and five other liturgical scholars. It is published by the St. Michael’s Abbey Press, Farnborough, UK. Fr. Daniel continues teaching and research at the Institutum Liturgicum located in London and affiliated with the Catholictheabbeyshop University of Leuven, Belgium.

On June 1 Abbot Emeritus Barnabas Senecal and his brother, Fr. Gerard Senecal, celebrated jointly their respective 50th and 60th anniversaries of priestly ordination at St. Benedict Parish, Atchison. In recognition of Fr. Gerard’s leadership while pastor of the parish, the parish school gymnasium has been named the “Fr. Gerard Senecal Gymnasium.” Abbot Barnabas is currently associate pastor of St. Benedict Parish and Fr. Gerard has recently retired after 15 years as pastor at Atchison parishes and one year as administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, Kan. and St. Stanislaus in Rossville, Kan.

Transition in the Easter Vigil Becoming Christians

Series LITURGIAM AESTIMARE : APPRECIATING THE LITURGY Series editors James G. Leachman osb Daniel P. McCarthy osb Appreciating the Liturgy offers a fresh understanding of post-Vatican II liturgical texts, based on their historical development, clarity about Latin and the interpretative method of the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy. The President’s Council of The Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, Rome, endorses this project. Its President, Ephrem Carr osb, serves as project moderator with the directors James G. Leachman osb and Daniel P. McCarthy osb. «DREI» publications: Documenta Rerum Ecclesiasticarum Instaurata. Other books in this series:

Edited by

Daniel P. McCarthy osb & James G. Leachman osb

Appreciating the Collect: an Irenic methodology edited by J. Leachman osb & D. McCarthy osb

After 29 years of ministry to incarcerated persons in various locations, Fr. Bruce Swift retired this year from his prison ministry at the Lansing Correctional Facility, Lansing, Kan., where he celebrated Mass and provided sacramental ministry for 13 years. Fr. Roderic Giller has assumed the role of sacramental minister at that facility.

ISBN 978-0-907077-61-9

Br. Simon Baker was ordained deacon on June 5 in the Abbey Church by the Most Reverend Joseph Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas. He has spent the summer enrolled in the Clinical Pastor Education (C.P.E.) program of Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. He is currently completing his fourth and final year of priesthood studies at Saint Meinrad Seminary, Saint Meinrad, Ind. His ordination to the priesthood is scheduled for April 25, 2015.

Cover photograph by Daniel P. McCarthy

Society of St. Benedict

$22.00 PER TIN INCLUDES S&H

Fill out the form below to order a 20 ounce tin of Benedict’s Brittle. Fill out the bottom form(s) to send a tin to a loved one. Drop the order form off at St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. Second St. Atchison, KS 66002, place it in the enclosed envelope or call 913.360.7906. For orders of 5 tins or more to one location call for reduced shipping rates. Name (please print):____________________________________E-mail:_________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State:____ Zip:_________ Phone:________________________ Total Cans of Brittle:____ x $22.00 = $______ For gifts please fill out the form(s) below. Make checks payable to St. Benedict’s Abbey. Visa:__ MC:__ Card No.:______-______-______-______ Exp. Date:_____/_____ Week to ship:___________

Send to:________________________________

Address:________________________________

City________________ St:____ Zip:________ Cans of Brittle:____ Week to Ship:____________ Card to read:_____________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________

Tax and shipping & handling are included in the $22.00 price. 22

Kansas Monks

Weekly production is limited so reserve your order now.

Society

St. Benedict

• annual report 2014 •

Serving the men who serve the Church

Society of St. Benedict

Lo o k i n g Bac k at 2 0 1 4

a fiscal recap b y Fr. Maur ice Hae f lin g , Bu s in e s s Man ag e r

Th r o u g h o u t t h e c e n t u r i e s

monasteries have strived to be self-sustaining. However, due to a variety of situations, to be self-sustaining has proven to be a formidable challenge. Since the founding of St. Benedict’s Abbey in 1857 the monks have placed a high priority on that same monastic value. And, as might be expected, it has been a difficult task from the beginning. Those early years were filled with financial challenges. We frequently like to quote Fr. Peter Beckman’s opening line in his 1957 centennial history of St. Benedict’s Abbey: “The history of St. Benedict’s Abbey . . . demonstrate(s) how not to found a monastery.” However, this does not necessarily mean that the monks here in Atchison, Kan., or those monks founding monasteries for more than fifteen-hundred years, have been poor financial planners or inadequate business officers. Of course, one can find an occasional example of that in monastic history. But luckily those are the exceptions. To discover the source of the dilemma one might better look at the very mission and goals of monastic life itself. The real “problem” may be that these monks have given a higher priority to carrying out their mission and higher values of maintaining monastic centers of prayer and work, evangelizing God’s people in missionary territories, responding to the call to provide education and pastoral ministry, and being focal points of hospitality and spiritual reflection. While these are highly important contributions to the People of God in their continued search for God’s Kingdom, they are not necessarily sustaining financial enterprises.

The 2014 Abbot’s Table was a great success. Just under 600 guests, donated over $475,000. Above: Abbot James chats with Tim Mispagel. 24

Kansas Monks

Thus, when a person reflects on monastic history and the various apostolates and ministries taken on by the monks, it is not surprising that monasteries have been dependent upon the charity and generosity of their benefactors to assist them in meeting their financial obligations. In order to reach out to embrace others and to assist them in meeting their various spiritual and material needs, the monks find themselves being financially needy as well. There is another area of concern: St. Benedict’s Abbey, like many religious institutions today, faces a demographic challenge. We have many elderly members and also some very talented younger members. We are missing the comparable membership in the central age group. And, as it happens, these are often the primary wage-earners for the community. There are many reasons for this current age gap in many religious communities, but that would be an article in itself. For the moment it suffices to say that it is a challenge we face daily. Finally, St. Benedict’s Abbey, like many other religious institutions today, is very dependent upon financial investments. As demographics and apostolates have changed, communities have often sold or leased buildings and land holdings in favor of more reliable and productive sources of income. Yet, as we all well know, investment return in the current market situation can be extremely volatile. And so it becomes evident that our benefactors are our most reliable source of sustaining support as we work to rejuvenate our community. We have been blessed with many generous friends who make it possible for us to maintain this monastic community as a center of prayer and work, a focal point of spiritual reflection and hospitality, and at the same time enabling us to provide for the greater Church community the many ministries it needs as its members continue their search for the Kingdom. I am happy to report that at the end of the most recent fiscal year on June 30, 2014, we showed an operating surplus, primarily due to contributions and investment return. This surplus will help to compensate for the serious operating deficits we suffered in previous years when the economy was enduring the severe recession. However, the financial challenges continue to confront us as we look forward to the current fiscal year and subsequent years. As we enter further into our strategic planning process, one of our financial priorities is to achieve and maintain a balanced operating budget while at the same time bringing in additional revenues to cover necessary capital projects and endowment needs. We daily remember our benefactors as we celebrate the Eucharist and pray the Liturgy of the Hours. May God continue to bless all those who have been so generous in assisting St. Benedict’s Abbey maintain its witness and ministries here in Northeast Kansas as well as in our mission in Brazil.

•F in a nc ial Stat e m e nt • F iscal Ye ar - J uly 1 , 2 0 1 3 - June 3 0 , 2 0 1 4

Investment Revenue

Advancement Revenue

Social Security & Medical

Revenue from Ministries Miscellaneous Revenue

Administration & General

Operations & Maintenance

Contributions & Alms

Health Care

Depreciation

Support of Members

EXPENDITURES

REVENUES Advancement Revenue $ 1,408,180.00 Investments Revenue 1,034,823.00 Revenue from Ministries 363,178.00 Miscellaneous Revenue 195,112.00 Social Security & Medical 133,609.00 Total $ 3,134,902.00

Administration & General $ 730,899.00 Operations & Maintenance 614,008.00 Support of Members 598,087.00 Health Care 416,655.00 Depreciation 341,093.00 Contributions & Alms 44,533.00 Total $ 2,745,275.00

Advancement Revenue • d e ta i l e d •

Special Projects $ 342,853.00 Abbot’s Table 476,254.00 Bequests 76,274.00 Annual Fund Giving 512,799.00 Total $ 1,408,180.00

Society of St. Benedict

commitment levels

Society of St. Benedict members may pursue increasing levels of commitment by investing in the mission and ministry of the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey. The names of the levels correspond to key roles that different monks exercise within the monastic community, with varying levels of responsibility and authority.

The Abbot ’s Table $10,000+

The Abbot serves as the father in Christ to the monastic community. It is a high honor to be invited to sit at the Abbot’s table.

The Prior’s Guild $5,000+

The Prior assists the Abbot in the governance of the monastery. A guild is a hard-working group of people, coming together to serve a common cause.

The Pr ocur ator’s Council $2,500+

The Procurator is the monk appointed by the Abbot to be in charge of the financial affairs of the monastery.

The Choir M a ster’s Schol a $1,000+

The Choir Master is the monk appointed for choosing the music used within the monastery. The monastic schola is a group of elite singers from within the monastic community.

The Porter’s Cir cle $500+

The porter is the monk appointed to welcome guests to the monastery. It is considered an important office, as the porter is the representative of the monastic community to the outside world.

The Friends of the Abbe y $1+

Every gift aids the monks in spreading the message of Christ to the world. The monks want you to know that you are part of our family and are kept in our prayers each day.

To learn more or become more involved in the Society, contact Matt Kemnitz, Director of Advancement, at 913.360.7897 or e-mail mkemnitz@kansasmonks.org. 26

Kansas Monks

Our ministr y is m a d e p o s s i ble by y o ur g e n e r o s it y Th e re i s n e v e r a lack of opp o r tu n i ty to s e r ve ou r L ord in our min i s tr y o f prayer an d wo rk in o u r ap o stolate s . My con f re re s a n d I h ave th e utmo st g r atitu d e for all ou r f r i en d s who , thro u g h you r gen ero u s s u p p o r t , j oin u s in thi s mis s io n o f l if tin g u p th e worl d i n p r aye r a n d s er v in g C h r i st i n hi s C hu rch . Ab b o t Jame s Alb ers Ninth Abb ot of St. Benedic t’s Abbe y Benedic tine Monk sinc e 1996

A bbot ’s Tabl e Anonymous

National Religious Retirement Office

Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Lou & Sue McAvoy

J.E. Dunn Construction Company

Mary McBride

John & Clara Crawford†

David & Rebecca Moritz

Gallagher Family Foundation

Michael & Theresa Murphy

John & Terry Gillcrist

Dorothy Ryan†

Michael R. & Marlys Haverty Family Foundation Fund

Terry & Michelle Sexton

AJ & Marjorie† Horinek Richard & Elizabeth Kampeter Koch Foundation, Inc. Don & Diane Lueger

Bob & Grace Strathman Emmett & Mary Jo Tangeman Paul & Kathleen Westerman The Westerman Foundation

Prior ’s Guild Adair/Exchange Bank Foundation

Mick & Marlys Haverty

Steve & Lynn Rus

Aegon Trans America Foundation

Larry & Linda Kaminsky

Rev. Donald Schwalm

Anonymous

Hank & Susan Keeley

Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica

Ray & Mary Jo Becker

P.J. & Virginia Keeley

Bob & Janet Wholey

Larry & Tresa Buessing

Ronald Kelly

Jim & Earlene Wilson

Dick Deitchman

Pete Klebba

Thomas Dekat†

Phyllis Lieb

Rich & Cindy Dickason

Matt & Sheryl McAvoy

Bob & Shirley Chenoweth

Steve & Peggy McBride

Dan Fangman & Dolly Duffy

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

Jim & Zibbie Ferrell

Dave & Mary Pat Miller

John Gages

Jack & Kathy Newman

Larry & Fran Gallagher

Jim & Katie O’Brien

Mike & Susan Gangel

Chuck & Marty Raplinger

William & Nina Gerst

Tim & Sue Regan

Ilene Good

Bob & Carolyn Reintjes Donors continued on ne xt page

I s e e in a sp e c ia l w ay h o w yo u r k indne ss cont r ibute s to th e da ily life of the m onk s . Yo u r ge ne ro sit y supp or t s u s i n o u r m ission of pray e r a n d w o rk . Tha nk y ou for y our co nt i nu e d pray e rs a nd supp or t o f th e Abb e y. Fr. Je re my He p p l e r Pr ior of St. Benedic t’s Abbe y Benedic tine Monk sinc e 2003

Society of St. Benedict

Pr o cur ator ’s Cou nc il Michael & Susan Becker Mike & Lisa Boddicker Betty Bunck Charley & Janelle Carrigan Frank & Cecilia Carpinelli Bob & Laura Cotter Jerry & Aileen Cronan Dean & Mary Ellen Diederich Dick & Charlotte Dooley William & Rita Dooley Easterday Charitable Foundation Tom & Sandy Fitzmaurice Joe Geist Ed & Marlene Gellings Bob & Diane Harton Mark & Janelle Hegarty Rich & Sheila Henry Burton Huerter Joe & Chanda Koechner Margaret Ann Koechner† Abbie Lyden John Lynch, Jr. Skip McCarthy Steve & Amy Minnis Mitchell Capital Management Co. Robert & Carol Penka Rev. Daniel Schmitz Andrew & Trâm Schreffler Rev. Gene Sitzmann Pat & Judy Smith John & Marge Steinhauser Pete & Marcie Stokman Corky & Molle Stueve Bob Sueper John J. Sullivan, Jr. Charitable Trust Byron & Joan Thompson The Trinity Foundation Unipro Graphics Inc. Rev. Bill Warman Mark & Barbara Wetta Tom & Carmen Whalen Ali Winterscheidt Jonn Wullschleger

Choir Master’s Sc hol a Chuck & Susan Adams Bob & Janet Adrian Bob & Betty Albers Don & Kathy Albers Edwin Amrein Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Inc. Milton Arganbright Mike & Kay Bartoletti George & Barbara Baumgartner Rev. Henry Baxa Bob & Louise Bona Jim & Linda Bongers Dave & Joyce Boone Joe & Connie Brickner Michael & Kimberly Brox Jerry & Cass Brungardt Leonard & Kitty Buddenbohm Gary & Eileen Burkart Thomas & Carol Burke Patrick Byrne John & Marilyn Carroll Stephen & Joan Charbonneau Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program Robert Chisolm Dennis & Rosemary Clyde Country Club Bank Bill & Kathy Cunningham Rev. Earl Dekat Irene Dierks Edward Dillon David Dinneen Sean & Julie Doherty David & Libby Domann Terry & Peggy Dunn Carlyle & Kathleen Dunshee Lee & Ruth Eckert Damian Enneking Lee Euler Elmer Fangman Peter & Barbara Fayard Bud & Dorothy Feichtinger Jim & Eleanor Fleming Joseph & Marilyn Foos

Dick & Kathy Forge Bo & Terry Fraser John Fridell James & Marlene Fugere Paul Giller Louis & Darra Glavan John & Theresa† Gould, Jr. Jon & Barb Haden Kevin Hager Joe & Missy Hahn Rosco Halsey John & Lisa Harpole Louis & Norma Harris Michael Harris Joanne Hart Rev. Bob Hasenkamp Angela & Gene† Hegarty Steve & Nancy Heideman Justin Hein Dennis & Judy Heine O.Z. & Brenda Helmer Bill & Terri Hendricks Keith & Kelly Hertling Jack & Ellen Hickman Ron & Karen Hindman Patrick & Lisa Hirsch Dick & Mary Lou Homan Randy & Debbie Huber Joe & Connie Hund Lamar & Rita Hunt Tom & Shirley Hutchison Tom & Ann James Bert & Terry Johnson Br. Peter Karasz, O.S.B. Bill & Monica† Kastens Peter & Clare Kearney H. B. & Carol Keithline Ted Kelly Tom & Joni Kemlage Joe & Tara Kerr David & Jean Ketter Roger & Joan Knapp Knights of Columbus #4708 Al & Beth Koch

I ap p re c iate this opp or tu n ity to th an k the m a ny donors f rom this pa st y e a r. A s th e P ro c u r ato r for more th an twenty y e a rs , I hav e w it ne ss e d a lm o st on a d ai l y ba s is the i mp or t an ce an d v alu e o f our b e ne f a c tors a s w e st r iv e to m e e t ou r v a r io u s f in a n c ial oblig ation s . Without y our k ind a ssist a nce w e w ould not b e abl e to c a r r y ou t ou r mission of pray e r a nd s e r v ice to the Church. Tha nk y o u fo r yo u r co nt inu e d gen ero sity an d supp or t . Fr. M au r ice Ha e f lin g • Pro c ur ator of St. Benedic t’s Abbe y

Benedic tine Monk sinc e 1963

Kansas Monks

You r g if t s allow u s to ele v ate the com munit y in pray e r throu g h mu s i c an d s on g e ach day at Ma ss a nd in the Div ine Of f ice . Tha nk yo u fo r b ein g par t of ou r l iturg ic a l m ission. Fr. B lain e S chu ltz • Choir M a ster • Benedic tine Monk sinc e 1954

Mark & Christine Koechner Walter & Ingeburg Koehler Dan Koenitz Msgr. Vincent Krische Gene Kristof Mike & Jo Kuckelman Greg & Lucy Kuhn Lathrop & Gage LLP Keith & Terri Lilek Jane Macke Jackie & Bernie† Madden Addison & Mary Rose Marquart Edward & Julie Martin Michael & Elaine Martin Dolan McKelvy Leonard & Eulalia McKinzie Joe & Janie McLiney Phil & Janet McManus Kevin & Mary McNicholas Daniel & Jo Ann Meara Rev. David Metz Ray & Theresa Miller Richard Miller Mission Center Tibor & Michelle Mohacsi Paul & Laura Moccia Darrin & Dina Muggli Michael & Catherine Murray Dolores Nangle Nelson & Marcia Newcomer Buck & Martha O’Keefe John & Janice O’Leary Tom & Diane O’Leary O’Malley Beverage, Inc. Fred & Ardy Orrino Tim & Gina Osborn Dominic & Marilyn Paolucci Steve Park, Jr. Steven & Theresa Paul Robert & Cynthia Pavlu Joseph & Laura Peters Al & Deanna Pianalto Edward & Jean Pillar Steve & Dorothy Podry Warren & Joanne Powers Lawrence & Mary Kay Prior Jerry & Jeneane Prisk

Carol Rogers Rick & Leann Romero Gerald Rottinghaus Sabatini Family Foundation James Scanlon James & Wendy Scheid Syl & Vicki Schieber Jerry & Pamela Schmidt Nancy Schneider Ralph & Mary Schramp Gene & Sharon Schreiner Randy & Mary Schrick Wil & Gail Schuler Ladd & Karen Seaberg John & Karen Sheehan Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. Gene & Darlene Sittenauer George & JoAnn Sittenauer Jim & Linda Slattery Smith Bros., Inc. Paul & Michelle Smith Steve & Mary Beth Smith Roger & Lisa Steiner

Richard Strathman William & Lina Sublette David & Patty Szott Cyril Tangeman Gloria Throne Steve & Michelle Torline Ed & Debbie Trompeter Pete & Mary Anne Tulipana Rosemary Tynan Frank & Ann Uryasz Helen Wack Dennis & Marlene Wagner Caleb & Diane Wayne Tom & Linda Wessels Annie Wiggs Rick Wilbanks Ken & Diane Williams Roberta Wolters Fred & Sydnnia Wulff Joe & Megan Wurtz Steve & Jeannine Wyatt Zielinski Companies, Inc. Henry & Mary Zigtema

Monks, like Fr. Brendan Rolling, serve as teachers, chaplains and spiritual directors at St. Benedict Catholic School, Maur Hill-Mount Academy, and Benedictine College. Society of St. Benedict

Porter’s Circle Bob Albers Joe & Charlotte Albers Buck Alberts Rich & Dee Andra Baird Foundation, Inc. William & Carole Baker Robert & Virginia Barker Mary Barnes Gina Bauer Mark & Anne Bauman Craig & Monica Bedke James Bell John Berger Greg & Paula Birket Paul & Marilyn Boeding Steve & Marina Bond Elaine & Jim† Brandt Michael & Shirley Breight Celeste Brodigan Randy & Pam Brown Tony & Pat Brox Jon & Linda Carmain Patrick & Kate Carr Bill Casserly, Jr. Maria Chastain-Brand Donald Christy Raymond & Julia Clem Marty & Linda Clements Patrick & Kathleen Cocherl Steve Cole Tom & Joni Colwell Kevin Connor Mike & Katie Cotter John & Carolyn Crilly James & Judy Crossley Jim & Judy Curtis Salvatore & Carolyn Cusumano Don & Margaret Dallao Alex & Patricia Darvishi Rev. James Dean Flora DeBacker Thomas & Joy DeCoursey David & Barbara Dehaemers Audrey Deters Margaret Diedrich Larry & Cheryl† Domann

Richard & Brenda Driscoll Robert & Jean Dummermuth Richard & Margaret Ebel Mary Ann Eschmann Matt Eshnaur Peter & Margaret Faciszewski Myron & Valerie Fanton Dave Farris Phillip Farris Tom & Patsy Fawcett Bill & Joyce Federhofer Jerry & Pam Finnegan Forte Plastics Company Timothy & Meredith Gaigals Jim & Donna Gales Tom & Mary Garbach Ron & Kathy Garrison Charlie & Sheila Gartenmayer Tony & Sarah Geiger Robert & Therese Geise John Gioia, II John & Marge Gladbach Steve & Tammy Glaser Jerome & Kathleen Graney Rev. Larry Grennan Joseph Gronniger Charles & Jeanne Haake Dewitt & Barbara Hackett William & Wayona Hafeman Michael & Theresa Haire Michael & Loretto Hayes Tony & Beth Hemann Ed Hemberger Judith Hemberger John & Mary Anne Henke Rick & Joan Henry Dennis & Joan Higginbotham Bill & Jeannette Hinz Leon & Arlene Holthaus Frank & Carol Hopfinger Michael & Mary Frances Horton Dennis & Joan Huber Bruce & Tracy Hudson Quentin & Barbara Huerter William Januszewski Jirak Family Produce

Nancy Jones Darryl Jones Quentin & Linda Jones William Joyce Al & Kathy Kaine Knights of Columbus #723 Knights of Columbus #7781 Knights of Columbus #818 Ed & Diane Krall Andrew & Madlyn Kramer Kevin & Pam Kramer Prem Kythe Dennis & Jean Larkin Jerry & Kelly Lasater Bob & Jeanie Latz David & Jacque Liebenthal Brook & Patrice Maese Jerry & Janet Malone Maur Hill-Mount Academy Jack & Kathy McCarthy Jane McCarthy Tom & Barbara McCarthy Gary & Judy McGinness Gary & Frances McGrath Patti Meier Rodney & Frankie Mense Robert & Marilyn Montoya Brendan & Ellen Moran Msgr. Michael Mullen Daniel Musso Pat Mykins Michael & Jeannie Nagle Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann Walter & Mary Jo Nelson Dan & Joyce Nolan Bernie & Mary Anne Noonan Jim & Mary Nordhus Cliff & Kathy O’Bryan Pat & Marilyn O’Gara Ken & Bernie Otke Miles Otoupal Charles & Alice Parcell Chris & Joan Pawlowicz John & Sylvia Pillar Leo Pimple Bill & Darlene Pivonka

Patrick & Cyndy Price Larry & Nancy Prohaska Joan Rader Allen & Sara Reavis David & Bernice Rebein Leo & Helen Rieke Ronald & Linda Rizzo RLM Foundation Bruce & Suzy Roeder Charles Rogers David & Rosanne Rutkowski David & Karen Sapenoff Gary & Gloria Seib Daniel & Kathleen Sexton Paul Seymour, III Isidor & Rose Sittenauer Deborah Sonnenmoser Charles & Tricia Sprouse Ted & Beth Sri Stevenson Family Pharmacy Howard & Gail Sturdevant Dan & Mary Sutherland Msgr. Thomas Tank Anthony & Mary Tremmel Loren & Anne Trimble Matthew & Peggy Tynan Marianne Vespa Innes Villalpando Walter & Renee Voorhies Tom & Deanna Wagner Dennis Wetta Robert & Patricia Wickenheiser Rudy Woerndle Frank Woodbury W.T. Jochems Knights of Columbus 4th Degree #1716 Daniel Wulff Frank & Mary Young Lionel & Florence Young Richard & Margo Young Mark & Julia Zia Richard & Elizabeth Zitnik Doug & Susan Zubradt

Th an k you for supp or t ing our m ission of ho spit a lit y a s w e fo l l o w St . B en e dict ’s in str uc t ion that “All g ue st s who pre sent them s e l ve s ar e t o b e w e lcome d a s Chr i st . . .” rule of saint benedic t 53:1 Br. Jo s e ph Ry an • Porter of St. Benedic t’s Abbe y Benedic tine Monk sinc e 1995

Kansas Monks

What is more delightful than the voice of the Lord calling to us? rule of st. benedic t - prol o gue:19 Robert & Connie Aaron Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Kathryn Abels Kurt & Beth Ackermann Kevin Adams Stan Adamski Rev. Msgr. Thomas Adrians Joseph & Jean Aho Joe Airey A.L. Huber, Inc. Sr. Celeste Albers, O.P. Greg & Jennifer Albers Ralph & Lucille Albers William & Karen Alberts Pamela Albrecht Bob Alexander Cecilia Allen Jim & Marigay Allen Paul & Judith Allen Eric Allison John & Cindra Altman Roberta Amenell Marian Amrein Joel & Kate Anderson Marie Anderson Bill & Michelle Andre Betty Andrews† Melvin & Margaret Andrews Tim & Lisa Andrews James & Sheila Antes Richard & Betty Lou Anthony Mary Lou Aragon Lee & Lulu Arensberg Robert & Mary Aringdale James & Constance Armour James & Ann Armstrong Jay Armstrong Jim & Maureen Asher Mary Asher Robert Asher Keith & Dorothy Atlakson Mary August Dennis & Virginia Ayer Ted & Marcia Ayres Deacon Ron Aziere Christopher & Katie Baca Todd Bachamp Roger & Barbara Backes Dan Baker Frank & Betty Baker Pat & Beverly Baker Paul & Colleen Baker Richard & Barbara Baker

Fr ie nd s of St. Benedict ’s Abbe y Rick & Terri Baker Dan & Pamela Balch Steve & Liz Baldwin John & Mary Ellen Ballinger Francis Bangasser Phil & Lisa Baniewicz Bryce & Carolyn Banion Dave & Linda Banks Rev. Christopher Barak Dave & Katie Barber Deborah Barclay John & Marti Baricevic Thomas & Emily Baril Robert & Virginia Barker Howard & Crystelle Barnett Gene & Kathryn Barrett John Barry Rhonda Barry Robert & Linda Bartkoski Dustin & Jane Bartley Skip & Barbara Baughman Virginia Baumgartner Vern & Jean Baumhover Richard & Ruth Beal Ronald & Linda Beare Andrew & Mary Beauchamp Austin Bechard

John & Mary Beck Larry & Sandy Becker Patrick & Cathy Becker Regis Becker Richard Beckwith Stephen Beggs John Behrmann Dan & Sheila Beingessner Joe Belden Diane Belken Joseph & Catherine Bennett JD & Lauren Benning Laura Benson Dan & Brenda Berardy Barbara Berg John & Deb Bergman Thomas & Helen Bergschneider Steve & Jennifer Berko Harlan & Sandra Berland Ken & Charlotte Berndt Rev. Michael Berner Evelyn Bernica Norbert & Alice Berning Donald & Georgene Bernskoetter

Timothy Bersch Cheney Bertholf, Jr. Albert & Annette Beuerlein

Bob & Carol Bieber Donald & Alleta Biggs Patricia Bildzok Ellis Bingham Edward & Louise Birzer James & Rebecca Bishop Nila Bishop Robert & Luana Bitter Valerie Blevins Jerry & Marie Blocher Leroy Blocker George & Dorlene Blodig Warren Boazman

The David C. Bodenhausen Trust

Dennis & Judy Bodenhausen Ken & Mary Ellen Boerner Rev. Marvin Boes Brandon Boesch Doris Boland Jim & Kathleen Boldt Andy & Michelle Bolin

Jacqueline & Vincent† Bommarito

Ronald Bonesteel James Bonke George & Jane Boos Michael & Karen† Boos Phil & Betty Boos

Fr. Gerard Senecal (left) celebrated 60 years of priestly service this year. St. Benedict Catholic School honored him by dedicating their gymnasium in his honor. Fr. Gerard’s younger brother, Abbot Barnabas (right) celebrated 50 years of priestly service. Society of St. Benedict

SHARE OUR MISSION

ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The Share our Mission Captial Campaign is still underway. Thanks to your generosity we have enough funds to begin work on our windows. A crew is shown here inspecting one of the Abbey’s windows. For more information contact the Abbey Advancement Office: info@kansasmonks.org • 913.360.7908 Raymond & Donna Boos Steve & Cathy Boos Forrest & Dorothea Borden Lendell & Joan Boudreau Archille & Eileen Bourque Dave & Marlene Bowers Bill & Katherine Bowler Richard Boyle Dave & Kelly Bradley AJ & Janna Braithwait John & Nancy Braman Larry & Ann Brandon Dennis & Kim Branson Mary Anne Brant Kelvin & Nona Brath Brigid Breazeale Diane Breckenfeld Bob & Carlene Breen Barb Breheny Lucille Brennan Elizabeth Breting Robert & Mary Kay Bright Stephen & Mary Brodersen Karl & Melissa Brondell

Kansas Monks

Bill Brooke, Jr. Mary Jane Brooke Robert Brooks Edward & Ann Brophy James & Dorothy Brophy Chris & Angela Brown Jerry & Greta Brown Dan & Monica Browne Dan & Linda Brox Susan Broxterman JonElliott Brubaker Dave & Patty Brull LeRoy & Linda Brungardt Daniel Bruns Jack & Barbara Buckley Richard & Kathleen Buessing Charles Buhler Adam & Anita Buhman-Wiggs Max Burbach Douglas & Denise Burbank John Burke Rev. Paul Burke Tom & Betty Burke Clark Burnett

Joseph Burns Mike & Olive Burns Steve & Sharynne Burns Michael & Holly Buser Jeanie Byrne Tom & Maureen Byrne Dorothy Cacioppo Mike & Mary Ann Caffrey Pat & Anna Cairney Carl & Ann Calcara Paul & Karen Camarata Agnes Camilleri Valeria Campbell Richard & Karyn Campin Robert & April Caplinger Stephen & Sharon Caplinger Bruce & Mary Ann Cappo Alice Carey Thomas Carey Barbara Carlson John Carmody Dorothy Carnelia Ann Carrigan Gere Carrigan Kevin & Donna Carril Joseph & Jeri Carroll Richard & Janet Carroll Jan Carson David & Marlene Case James & Joellen Caskey William & Musette Castle Mark & Judy Catanzaro Art & Terri Catrambone Leo & Judith Cavanaugh Warren Cawley Frank Ceresia Alice Chang Pius Chao James Chappell Milton Charboneau Msgr. William Charnoki Bob & Imogene Chew Chinchillas.com E-Store Len Chmelka Evelyn & Paul† Chmidling Paul & Marcia Chopp Jim Christoff Ed Ciarniello, Jr. Mike & Jeanine Cindrich Vicente & Regina Cisneros John & Audrey Clarkin Bernadette Cleary Ellen Cleary Michael & Jeanne Cleary Richard Clem Joseph Clemens Lorene Clemens Don & Kathleen Clement Charley & Shirley Cline Jeanne & Brian Cline John & Louise Clinton

James & Louise Clossick Connie Clune Patrick & Virginia Clune Norman & Mary Kay Coakley Mike & Susan Cochran Dan & Amy Coder Lucille Coder Nancy Cohen Winifred Colby Chris & Jennifer Cole Forest & Rita Coleman Jesse Coleman Berdene Collins Kitty Colwell Morton Comer Ty Compton Henry & Mary Concha Concrete Accessories Co., Inc. Most Rev. James D. Conley Ray & Marcy Conley The Conner Trust Erin Conry Charlie & Linda Contreras Gail Conwell Paul & Linda Cook Rev. Msgr. Thomas E. Cook Terry & Kathy Coots George & Maxine Copeland Richard Cordero Bob & Rose Cordry Richard & Shirley Corken Judith Corley Rick & Cathy Coronado Pete & Anne Corpstein Jim & Barb Cosgrove Katy Cossairt Alejandro Costilla Robert & Christen Cota Rita Coupe The Cowley Trust Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens

Charles & Mary Crawford David & Martha Crawley John & Patti Creen Ronald & Margaret Creten Charles & Joy Crevoiserat Rev. Kenneth Criqui Tim & Diane Crockett John Cronin Ron & Anna Crowe John & Maggie Crulcich Carl & Sheri Cuda Thomas & Loretta Cullan Jean Cummings Mary Cummings Denise Cunningham Douglas & Peggy Curran Penny Cutler Richard & Joann Cyr Philip Daddona Richard & Suzanne Dahl

William & Sylvia Daletski Mike & Barb Dallavis Timothy & Carolyn Dalton John & Marlene Daly Richard & Kathie Dalzell Gene & Rosemary Dames Holly Dao Mike & Laura DaPra Jim & Janet Dargin Chubby Darrenkamp Tim & Theresa Davenport Gary & Jackie Davis Virginia Day Clara De Groff Flora DeBacker Ted & Joan Debauge Dennis & Mary Debrecht Charles & Jolene DeCarlo Virgil & Ann Dechant Robert & Bertha DeFelice James & Rhonda Dehner Rita Dehner Patricia Deitchman Richard & Helen Deitchman Rev. Carl Dekat Damian & Rae Dekat John Delphia Leo Demmer Timothy & Barbara Dempsey Dennis & Antoinette Denmark Steven Denson Jack Denzer John & Kathleen DePhillips Ben Deters, Jr. Fred & Marlene Deters Shirley Deters Angela DeVillier Aileen Diaz Meador Sr. Bridget Dickason, O.S.B. Margaret Diebolt Dennis & Alice Diederich Bernard & Suzanne Dierks Katie Diller Janet Dillman David & Jennifer Dillner Richard & Ruth Dillon George & Nancy Dirnberger Diocese of Des Moines Greg & Jan Dixon Dalila Dolenz Charles & Joan Domann Joe & Sherry Domann Robert Domann Larry & Millie Donahue Irene Donahy Rev. Charles Donajkowski Daniel & Andrea Donaldson Nancy Donaldson Frank & Doreen Donovan Berniece Dooley Cindy Dooley

John & Ann Dooling John & Mary Dornhoffer Mary Dougherty David & Mary Dover Rob & Terrie Dowdy John & Kaarin Downey DST Systems Inc. Timothy & Susan Draftz Jay & Rexine Draper Paul Drees Ruthe Drew Michael Driver James Drotar Tony & Theresa Drummond Rob & Jeanette Drury Darlene & Charles† Du Lac Jack Dundon Bill & Jean Dunn Brian & Lynn Dunn Carol & Bob† Dupuis Sue Durkin Tony Dusil Edward & Sharon Dyer Robert & Georgiann Dytrych Mike & Mary Alice Easterday Larry & Barbara Ebner Michael Eck William & Lillian Eck James & Shirley Eckert Jerry & Rita Eckert Michael & Amy Eckert Michael & Claudia Eddins David & Rebecca Eder Eileen Edgren

Courtney Edmonds Stephen & Ann Edmonds John & Anne Eggers Harry Eggleston Chris & Janet Elias Leroy & Sally Ellerman Mark & Jean Elliott Roy Elliott Nolan Ellsworth Rollie & Mary Jane Elpers Craig & Kathryn Elson Jim & Jo Ann Emerson Clarence & Lillian Engelken Richard Engelken Robert & Shauna Engelken Paul Engler John & Angie English James & Charlene Enneking Larry & Donna Erpelding Ron & Donna Erpelding Patrick & Barbara Erwin Ramiro & Diana Espinosa Marie Esselmann Rich & Diane Eurich Brian Evans Opal Every Jim & Norma Ewbank George & Terri Fagg Joan Falk John & Frances Fangman Richard & Mary Fangman John & Mary Farrell Mike & Lois Farrell Sean & Laura Farson

John & Darlene Fassler Richard & Mary Feierabend Duane & Marceil Feldkamp Jerry & Nancy Fennell Fern Charitable Fund Robert & Kathleen Fernandez Ryan & Maureen Fesker Frances Finnegan† Gunther & Elizabeth Fischer James & Irene Fitzgerald Joseph & Jean Fitzgerald Scott Flater Eldon & Paula Fleury Mark & Stacey Floersch John Flynn Patty Flynn Sean & Mary Flynn Dennis & Carolyn Ford Dale & Angela Forge Lee & Donna Forge Tom & Pat Forge James & Barbara Forst Duane & Mary† Fortin Raymond & Leita Foster Thomas & Julia Foster Francis & Mary Fox David & Karen France Kenneth & Ruth Fraser Robert Fraser Phil & Brenda Frazier William & Anne Freeburn Randy Freehling Jeffrey & Angela Freeman Luke & Sharon Fry

Several monks attended the first ‘Pitching for Priests’ charity softball game between priests and religious of the Kansas City Kansas Archdiocese and Kansas City/St. Joseph Missouri Diocese. Society of St. Benedict

Norman & Sharon Guettermann

In 1962 the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey estbalished St. Joseph Priory in Brazil. Fr. Rodrigo Perissinotto (above at left) is among the monks who continue to serve the people of Brazil.

Daniel & Donna Fuhrman Phyllis Fuhrman James & Mary Fulton Al & Linda Funk John & Linda Funk Matthew & Juanita Galindo Rev. Daniel Gardner Gerald & Maurine Gardner Charles & Mary Garrett Perry L. & Omalee C. Garten Trust

Nick & Janice Gaspers Mike Gaughan Sandra Gaul Gerald & Diana Gearhart Thad & Bobette Geiger Al & Helene Geiselhardt Kathy Gellings Leo & Regina Gensweider Albert Geritz Frank & Yoshi Gerner William & Rosemary Gervais Nancy Gibson Peggy Giefer Dwight & Shawn Gigstad Kevin & Jennifer Gigstad Todd & Barb Gigstad Daniel & Deborah Gilg Bill & Marilyn Gill Billy & Jeanene Gill Patrick Gillcrist Larry & Ginny Giller 34

Kansas Monks

John & Kathleen Gishpert James Gladbach James & June Glaser Cathy Glennon Dan & Karen Glennon Stella Glennon Sharon Goding James & Joyce Goetzinger Lee & Angie Gomez Marty & Joyce Gonzales Tom & Jill Gorman Roger & Esther Gormley Robert & Kathryn Gotcher Brian & Beth Gowasack George Gragg Jake & Ruth Graves Neal & Mary Gray Christina Green Denis & Jennifer Greene Adele Greer Conrad & Leila Gregoire Joe & Gerry Grennan Tom & Carol Grennan Norbert Gress Brian & Sabrina Grewe Raymond & Karen Griesedieck Thomas & Corrine Griffin Joseph Grodahl Biever Gary & Lonni Grosdidier Gene Gruenbacher Kurt & Sylvia Gruenbacher

Juanita Guilmette Claire Haag Robert & Jane Haas Thomas & Cheryl Haase Bill Haegelin Paul & Catherine Haerle Mark Hafeman Nelson Hall Robert & Winifred Hall Clarita Halling James Halling Leo & Kathleen Halloran Joseph & Rosina Halpin Ted & Lisa Halpin Wayne & Denise Hammersla Rev. Greg Hammes Tim & Cecilia Hand Handke Cattle, Inc. Brian & Sabrina Handke Steve & Paula Handke James & Leonila Hanley Ron & Mary Hansen Charles & Patricia Hardy Max Hargrove Dolores Harkins Daniel & Bridget Harrington Dennis Harrington Gerald & Anne Harrington James & Andrea Harrington Raymond & Patricia Harrington Vincent & Nancy Harrington David & Jackie Harris Jim & Deborah Harris Paul & Mary Kay Harris Robert & Mary Harris Kent & Barbara Harrison John & Rita Harrison John & Avani Hart John & Janet Hart Charles & Dreda Hartman Joseph & Jan Hattrup Frank Hauber John & Janell Haug Martin Haug

Hausman Metal Works & Roofing

Dawn Hausmann Dan & Sharon Haverkamp Tom & Mary Beth Haverkamp Rev. Nathan Haverland Daniel & Rebecca Hawk James & Kathy Hawk Michael & Loretto Hayes Carol Hazlett Daniel & Margaret Hebert Gerald & Martha Hegarty John & Cassandra Hegarty Terry & Becca Hegarty Tim & Stephanie Hegarty Fred & Geri Heideman

Hubert & Mae Heideman Jane Heideman Robert & Eleanor Heideman Wayne & Michelle Heideman James & Barbara Heili Don & Gerrianne Heim Don & Norma Heiman Maurice Heiman David & Connie Heinen Harold & Ruby Heinen Paul & Dianne Heinen Rev. Gregory Heinlein Larry & Rita Heintzelman Patrick Helfrich Pete & Melissa Helgesen Robert & Nancy Helget Ryan & Gretchen Hembree Aaron Henderson John & Betty Henderson James & Elizabeth Hendricks Laura Hendricks John & Mary Anne Henke Ryan Henningsen Thomas Henrion Dennis & Joyce Henry Edgar & Sally Henry Elmer & Rita Henry Jerry & Linda Henry Bob & Joan Henson Harry & Catherine Heppler Paul Heppler Norbert & Marlene Hermes Eleanor Hermesch Albert & Jacqueline Hernandez Brett & Kara Herrman Jerry & Laurie Hess Don & Barbara Hiatt BJ & Barbara Hickert Rev. Tim Hickey Paul Highstrom Jo Hildman Stephen & Bobbi Hiltibidal Tim & Janet Hiltibrand Daniel & Jean Himmel David & Jane Hiner Herbert & Cecilia Hiner William & Ruth Hodes Charles & Mary Hodge William & Eda Hofmann Tom & Jane Holek Joseph & Kadi Holmberg Robert & Sheila Holmes Bryan & Tara Holt Darren & Tammy Holthaus Leon & Arlene Holthaus Teresa Holthaus Thomas & Sheryl Homan Don & Gina Hommertzheim Tom & April Hoopes John & Betty Horigan

Clint & Sarah Horinek Rev. Dave Howell Frank & Margo Huebner David Huelsmann Ronald & Constance Huerter Rita Hulsing Mike & Debbie Hundley Dick & Ginger Hunninghake Bob & Rita Hunter Sam & Erica Hunter Mark & Mary Hurst Mary Hurst Herbert & Mary Huseth Richard & Elia Ibarra Donald & Karen Indra Rev. Mark Inglot Daniel & Ronda Intfen James & Virginia Jackson Marcia Jackson Corky & Kathi Jacobs John & Patricia Jacobs Margie Jacobs Rita Jacobs Ken & Marilyn Jacquinot Carolyn James Dan & Amy James Kristina James Larry & Patti Janacaro Lee & Ann Janssen Ed & Kathy Jaster Jayhawk Plastics, Inc. Fred & Kay Jehle Christopher & Rita Jensen David & Janice Johnson David & Nancy Johnson Mark & Mary Ann Johnson Michele Johnson Natalie Johnson Ronald & Kathleen Johnson Lois Joiner Bill Jones Donald & Ruth Jones R.D. & Kay Jones Nikola & Janice Jurasic Mary Jurgensmeier Roger & Peggy Jurgensmeyer Mike Justin Greg & Connie Kaaz Robert & Cindy Kaemmerer Warren & Florence Kaemmerer Al & Kathy Kaine Rev. Ralph Kaiser Mary Kalk James & Charlene Kaminski Dick Kamp Mary Kanak Tom & Lisa Kane Philip & Michelle Kapusta Dewayne & Connie Kasl Jesse & Betty Kasler

Janet Kauffman George & Jo Ann Kautz Gus & Ashley Kautz Tom & Karla Kautz Mark & Linda Kearney Bob & Lila Keefer Ted & Norine Keeley Susan Keith Jerry & Julie Keithline Brian & Maria Kelly Michael & Kathleen Kelly Patrick & Sally Kelly Jerami Kemnitz Rev. Leonard Kenkel Louise Kennedy Max & Alita Kennedy Gene & Nancy Kermashek John & Bonnie Kern Gerald & Maggie Kerr Bob & Jeanette Kerschen Charles Kesse Michael & Cynthia Ketter Millie Ketter Kim & Jane Keutzer James Kew William & Kathleen Kibler Genevieve Kiefer Kil Construction Company Donald Kilkenny Charles & Dolores Kilmer Stephen & Monika King Rev. George Klasinski John & Lisa Klebba Thomas Klein James & Kathleen Klenke Roger & Nancy Kleopper Phillip & Denise Klevorn Gregory & Lori Kloepper Ron & Joan Kloppenberg Megan Klump Jerome & Satsuki Knapczyk Harold & Debbie Knapp Knights of Columbus #675 Knights of Columbus #834 Knights of Columbus #1769 Knights of Columbus #9532 Jane Knudson Bud & Barbara Kocour Julie Kocour Frank Kodell Michael Koechner Alex & Mary Kay Koenen Cecil & Nancy Kohake Dan Kohake† Joan Kohake Leonard Kohake Al & Patricia Kolarik Paul & Monica Kolars Gerry & Sherry Konjura Kenneth & Carol Kopp Haydee Kostecki

Albert Kovac Theodore & Thelma Kozan Tim Kraemer Francis & Elizabeth Kram James & Mary Kram Kevin & Pam Kramer Kathryn Kraus Fes Krebs, III James & Catherine Krebsbach Duane & Nancy Kreiensieck Francis & Mary Ann Krier Larry & Susan Krische Robert Krogmeier James & Sharon Krone Kuckelman, Torline, Kirkland & Lewis George & Patricia Kutey Dave & Bharti Kythe Paul & Marge Lafermann Joe & Karen Laffleur Rea & Karen Laflin Donald & Kathryn Laird Glen & Patricia Lammers Jerry & Anna Marie Lammers Mary Landon Dave & Linda Landwehr John Landwehr Roger & Doris Landwehr Sherry Lange William & Janet Lange James & Nancy Langley Lisa LaNoue David & Darla Lanter Clare Larkin Mary Larkin Dick & Sharon Larson Gertrude Larzalere Bill & Alecia Latz Jeff & Amy Latz Peggy Latz Thomas & Colleen Latz Lauer-Love, Inc. Sally Lauer Courtney Laurie Mel & Rita Lavery Adrian & Diantha Lavoie Kelly & Sharon Lawless Patrick & Kris Lawless Milton & Lorna Lawrence Lazarus Project, Inc. Michael & Julie LeCluyse Calvin & Karen Ledbetter Mary Therese Lee Steven Lee Tad & Tommie Lee Tom & Pauline Lee William & Ann LeFevers Daniel & Vali Leis Kenneth Leitner Dennis Leman Mary Leonard

As he prepares to begin his third year as a junior monk, Br. Luke Turner has recently completed the Executive Masters of Business Administration. He currently teaches in the Business Department at Benedictine College as he furthers his philosophy education to complete the requirements for seminary. Br. Luke also serves as the finance secretary for the BC Student Council of the Knights of Columbus. He serves the monastic community in several capacities, primarily by assisting with fundraising and marketing efforts.

Society of St. Benedict

Ed & Lisa Letourneau Carolyn Leverone Jim & Dunrie Lewis William Lewis Joe & Sue Ley Karl & Melissa Ley Richard & Diane Liebsch Joe & Judy Lienemann Carl & Sarah Lind George & Betty Lingenfelser Bob & Norma Lippold Jo Lister J.R. & Ardena Loch Jim & Gerry Loehr Drew & Therese Loew Steve & Kristi Logan Lawrence & Gertrude Lohman George & Rosalind Long Robert Long David & Emily Lopez Clinton & Carol Lord Steve & Barb Loughman Ralph & Trudy Lowder Nancy Lowe Bob & Regina Luchi Rev. Philip Luebbert David & Diane Luetkenhaus Frank Luke Karen Lundgren Paul & Joan Lundgren William & Maria Lyda James & Mary Ann Lynch Jim & Dorothy Lynch

Beverly Lynn Gary & Jane Lyons Margaret Mabry Edward & Catherine Macan Jim & Nancy Madden John Madden Roseann Mahieu John & Geraldine Majerus Jim & Betsy Malkus Rose Mary Malm Greg & Chris Malmgren Michael & Vicki Manly Marlatt Enterprises Kurt & Katherine Marquart Edward Martin Kenneth & Emilie Martin Dona Martinez JoAnn Marts Marty’s Coaches Corner Inc. Donald & Barbara Marx Paul & Kathleen Marx Arlin & Cathy Mast William & Betty† Matzeder Mike Maude Steve & Yvonne Maune Ron & Marie McAdams Jim McAnerney Jim & Sheri McAuliffe Dorothy McBride Neil & Maureen McCaffrey Stephen & Heidi McCann Aine McCarthy Frederick & Leora McCarthy

Thomas McCarthy Don & Donna McCarty Karl & Carol McCarty Barbara McCauley Karen McConnaughey Russ & Sharon McCort James & Kathleen McCoy Virginia McCoy Bill & Debbie McCullough Jim & Theresa McDade Dorothy McDermed Kent & Rhonda McDermed Kevin & Theresa McDermed Madeleine McDonough Tom & Mary McDonough Michael & Linda McGargill Msgr. Charles McGlinn Charles & Marcia McGrew Mike & Debbie McGuire Marita McGurk Larry & Patty McHugh Jerry & Debra McInerney Jim & Kathleen McKenzie Ed & Bev McKinney Thomas & Jan McKnew Charles & JoAnn McLaughlin Rob & Patricia McLenon Bernard & LaVon McManaman

Marie McManaman Kyle & Cari McMillian Lawrence & Ruth McMurtray Richard & Margery McNally Michael & Mary McNamara

Kevin McNeill Tim & Anne McNulty Michael & Ginger McReynolds Ed & Ann McShane Kathleen Meade Leo Meade Steven & Karen Meeks Gene Meiners Harry & Mary Meinhardt Mel & Diane Melichar Richard & Denise Melichar Mera Excavating, LLC Racki & Margaret Mertes Patricia Messbarger Sr. Ann Metzen, O.P. Chris Meyer Glen Meyer Jay & Barbara Meyer Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland Lawrence Mikesic David & Jennifer Miller Faye Miller Kevin & Mary Lorraine Miller Margaret Miller† Raymond & Traci Miller Carla Mills Jay & Nancy Mills John & Kathleen Minicky Dee & Janice Minnis John & Angela Minnis Matt & MK Minnis Alfred & Susan Miossi

The monks of St. Joseph’s Priory in Brazil have been blessed with vocations in recent years having a junior monk, two novices and one postulant. Pictured here during their annual retreat: (back L to R) Fr. Vinícius, Br. Victor, Br. Filipe, Br. Thiago, Fr. Josias, Fr. Joaquim, Fr. Carlos, Postulant João, (front L to R) Father Gregory, a Benedictine guest retreat master from São Paulo, Fr. Duane, and Fr. Rodrigo. Please keep our Brazilian brothers in your prayers. 36

Kansas Monks

Mary Miro Dan Misener Joe & Vicki Mitchell Quentin & Sharon Mitchell Gordan & Cookie Moffitt Mary Moll Rev. Timothy Monahan Michael & Patricia Mooney Ron & Margie Moore Mary Moorhead Charles & Marjorie Moos William Morales Bonnie Moran Timothy Moreland Donald & Rita Moriarty Ryan & Amy Morrell Andrew Morris Sylvester Morris Christopher & Hannah Motz Barbara Moulds Marguerite Mueller Arthur & Marcella Muller Michael & Becky Mullican Mark & Alice Mullin John & Diane Mulryan Thomas & Cleo Murphy Kent & Sandra Murray Charles & Barbara Murrell Kenneth & Peg Myers Mark & Therese Myzer Robert Nadeau Jim & Winnie Nass Louise Naumann Scott & Lori Navinsky Frank Nedrow James Needham Jim Neff Bob & Dolores Neidert Thomas & Maryanna Nerney Dave & Janice Neumann Richard & Joy Neumann Pat & Marilyn Nevins Charles & Bernice Newman Gerard & Ellen Nick Tom & Sandy Nickel Benjamin Nicks, Jr. Dennis & Laurie Niehues Frank & Janell Niehues Kyle Niehues Marvin Niehues Wayne & Nancy Niehues Eric & Lois Niemann Katherine Nilles James Nixon, Sr. Rachel Noffke Deke Nolan Paul & Mary Kay Nold Lucille Noll

Richard L. Noll Rev. Living Trust

David & Donna Nordhus

John & Bernice Nordhus Larry & Ellen Nordhus Michael & Lori Norlen Louis & Irene Normandin Bob & Nancy Nowatzke James & Gladys O’Brien Terry & Valerie O’Brien Tom & Katie O’Brien Dub O’Bryan Katie O’Connor Mark & Michelle O’Connor Mike & Nancy O’Connor

Richard & Bernadine O’Connor

Robert O’Gara Jim & Kathy O’Hara Carol O’Keefe, OSUA Brian & Tiffany O’Neill John O’Sullivan, Jr. John & Elaine Oakleaf Andrew Ochs Reuben & Felicia Ogbudinkpa Jerome Oidtman Albert & Betty Olberding Ron & Peggy Olinger Andrew Oloffson Patrick Orlich Yvonne Ornelas-Rios Dave & Michele Orrino Bill & Ruth Orth, Jr. Leland & Irma Ostdiek Dave & Marian Oswald Floyd Oswald James & Pamela Oswald John Owens Ronald Oyler Sharon Page Jerome Paluka Russell & Gail Panza Joe & Kathy Paolucci John & Eileen Pappas Jack & Nancie Paradise Nancy Paradise-Donaldson Gri

David & Deborah Parnell Henny Parre Rupert & Deborah Pate James & Mary Ellen Paunovich William Pautler Mary Pavich Patrick Peddecord Colette & Frank Peel Charlie & Sarah Peitsch Bill & Carol Peltzer Tom & Theresa Penning Rev. Gary Pennings Jim & Carol Percy John & Pat Perez Michael Pesely Betty Peters Evan & Lois Peterson Robert & Frances Peterson

Nick Petros Mary Jo Pflumm Steve & Christy Pick Camille Pickhinke Bob & Dorothy Pickman Jerome & Freda Pickman Tim & Janie Pickman Zachary Pinaire David Pitt Eugene Pitts Boyd & Helen Plankinton Calvin & Janet Plitt Mary Jean Podrebarac Msgr. Daniel Pohl Mary Ponnath Naomi Popp Nick & Rachel Porretta Thomas & Genevieve Potthast Dean & Rozanne Prather James Pretz Esther Proffitt John & Laura Proffitt Don & Alberta Prohaska Raymond & Elaine Protti Galen & Sharon Pruett Rev. David Przedwiecki Alexander Ptak Corie Pung Michael & Penny Purslow Bill Putthoff David & Stephanie Pyne Kelly Quick Dick & Patti Quinn Thomas & Mary Quinn Jon & Rita Quintana Phillip & Consuelo Quo Russell & Margaret Rabjohns Charles & Monica Racki William & Joan Raczkowski Marty Radetic Stacey Rains Matthew & Jen Ramage Ronald Ramberg Dorothy Randall Rob & Shelly Rando Msgr. James Rasby John & Shannon Rasmussen John & Judy Raydo Lewis & Lucinda Real Daniel & Janelle Reeder Thomas Regnary Anton Reichart The Reid Trust John & Barbara Reilly Patrick & Karen Reilly Rex & Lenae Rempel Gary & Pam Rethman Barbara Rew Payce & Jody Reynolds James & Virginia Rezac

Fr. Matthew Habiger continues to promote strong marriages and Natural Family Planning. He travels throughout the USA giving NFP Parish weekends, Parish Missions on the Catechism and the Theology of the Body and clergy conferences. He recently travelled to Hong Kong to help promote NFP. He preached at several parishes and gave presentations to permanent Deacons, NFP teachers, Catholic doctors and other medical professionals. He was sponsored by the Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory Council.

Society of St. Benedict

Joseph Reznik Dean & Brenda Rice Lorene Rice Wayne & Lisa Rich Ben & Sue Richenburg Chris & Diana Ricketts Tylan Ricketts Elmer & Helen Ridder Robert & Mary Riedel Alvin & Carol Rieger Rose Mary Riley William & Sally Riley David & Brenda Rindom Raymond & Mary Ring Jean & Maria Rioux Phyllis Rizzo Robert & Meighan Roberson Harold Roberts Riley & Ellen Robertson Bill & Barbara Robey Tom & Frances Robinson Mark & Rita Robson Rev. David Roche Earl & Mary Roche Rev. Al Rockers Lawrence Rockers Kimberly Rode Celestino Rodriguez, Jr. Joe & Jenny Roe Don & Bonnie Roeder Paul Roettele, Sr. Frank & Elizabeth Rogan Cy Roggenkamp Jim Roh Jay & Karen Rohleder Jack & Kathi Rohr

Elmer & Kate Ronnebaum Gina Ronnebaum Len Ronnebaum Robert & Diana Rooney Roland & Julie Rosario Margaret Rosberg Anne Roseberry Harvey & Vicky Roseberry Ardan Rottinghaus Bob & Annette Rottinghaus Elmer & Delores Rottinghaus Emmett & Kathleen Rottinghaus John & Gladys Rottinghaus Ken Rowan Vula Roy Jackie Rubi Ken Ruda, II Duane Rueb Paul & Elizabeth Ruff Mary Margaret Ruhlman Anthony & Terry Ruotolo George Russell Pete & Maureen Russo Donald Rutherford Catherine Ryan Rosemary Ryan Tom & Teresa Ryan William & Susan Ryan Edward & Lorene Rychlec John & Jeanne Rziha Loretta Sadler Neil & Susanne Saettele Francis & Anne Sanna Mike & Eddie Saunders Paul & Pauline Savageau

Br. Christopher Start has begun his second year as a middle school teacher at St. Benedict School, Atchison, teaching Mathematics, Science and Religion. On the occasion of his solemn profession of vows on December 8, 2013, his friends gave him a two-week trip to Rome, Italy. He took this trip during the month of June. 38

Kansas Monks

Bernard & Goldie Schaefer Joe & Joyce Schaefer Joseph & Diane Schell Harold & Mary Lou Scheopner Rev. Brian Schieber Rev. Matthew Schiffelbein Joe & Mary Schleicher Charles Schletzbaum Daniel & Lucy Schletzbaum Gerald & Nina Schletzbaum James Schletzbaum Joe & Diane Schletzbaum Paul & Stacy Schletzbaum Maxine Schlichter David & Karen Schmidt Kathleen Schmidt Leon & Marjorie Schmidt Elaine Schmidtberger Rosemary Schmiedeler Charles & Elaine Schmitz Rev. Daniel Schmitz Kenneth & Diane Schmitz Norbert Schmitz Ray & Joan Schmitz Roger Schmitz, Sr. Rudolf & Susan Schnasse Margaret & Bill† Schneickert Todd & Tracy Schneider John & Julie Schneller Gene & Camille Schoettlin Priscilla Scholz Harold & Virginia Schrick John & Nancy Schrick Kenneth & Mary Schrick Tony Schrick Dolores Schroff Kelly Schuck Karl & Jane Schuele Tom & Pauline Schuele Carl & Nancy Schuetz Larry & Carol Schuetz Emmett & Mary Ann Schulte Neil & Marsha Schulte James & Dorothy Schultz Ted & Catherine Schultz Jackie Schuster Gregory & Rebecca Schwab David & Ellen Sedeno Ronald & Elizabeth Sedlacek Jerome & Gloria† Seeger Timothy & Judith Seeger Donald Seifert Donald & Betty Seitz Donald & Barbara Seiwald Robert & Doris Sempek Wladimir & Diane Senutovitch Frank & Kathryn Seprino Jim & Bobbie Sexton Don & Kim Shankman John & Rose Shaw

Patricia Shaw Michael Shirley Carol Shomin George & Joyce Shomin Tony & Joy Shomin Tom & Becky Shrimplin Larry & Rita Siebenmorgen Frank & Judy Simonich Richard & Sheila Sims Marlene Sinnott Bob & Susan Sittenauer Curt & Jill Sittenauer Isidor & Rosie Sittenauer Ken & Teresa Sittenauer James Skahan Jim & Martha Skain Bob & Charlene Slater Najla Sluder Richart & Shirley Slusher Bert Smice Henricus Smit Dallas & Christina Smith Howard & Kim Smith Mark & Maria Emma Smith Roger & Joyce Snowden Bob & Joanie Snyder Joseph & Rhonda Snyder Mary Snyder Terry & Rebecca Solander Frank & Jeanette Soukup Larry Sowers Robert & Kelly Specht Ralph & Mary Spellmeier Eduardo & Martha Spencer St. Ann’s Knights of Columbus Council No. 10321 St. Mary Magdalen Parish St. Mary’s Church Gwendolyn Staab Bob & Joan Staley Matthew Stallbaumer Rev. Ed Stander John & Connie Stanley Mary Stark Jerry & Margie Starke Donna Stec Daniel & Susan Steffens Don & Carol Steingreaber Robert & Nancy Steingreaber Dale & Geri Steinlage James & Jo Ann Stigall Dorothy Stoffel James & Stephanie Stokman David & Marilyn Stolwyk William Strathman Ann Strecker Anna & James† Strickland Jerry & Patricia Strohmeyer Michael & Julie Strommen Jeffrey & Jennise Stubbs

Mike & Wanda Studer Anne Stueve Ann Stutz Francis & Eileen Sudbeck Mark & Jane Sullivan Richard & Sandra Sullivan Gerva Sunneberg Curt & Margaret Supalla Super Saver Oil Co, Inc. Michelle Susinko Jim Suther LeRoy & Reba Sutlief Jim & Patty Sutterer Andy & Sarah Swafford Eleanor Swann Susan Sweeney Clarence Synakiewicz John & Lisette Sztukowski Don & Margaret Mary Tabor Joe & Debbie Taliaferro Rev. Joseph Taphorn Rich Teahan Robert & Mary Teed Jack Teegarden† Steven & Chaunzey Tenbrink Robert & Patricia Thedinger Edmund & Alice Theis Alan & Cynthia Thibault Francis & Nancy Thissen Al & Rosanna Thomas Tim & Susan Thompson Ryan & Jill Throne Michael & Cheri Throop Bill Tiemeyer David & Lucille Tobben David & Elizabeth Todd Bill & Beverly Todhunter Martin & Martha Tomasko John & Marlene Toms William & Leslie Toner Jim & Joan Toplicar Robert Torbett Raymond Tracy John & Susan Traffas Leo & Jeanette Traffas Mark & Pat Tranckino Mark Tremmel Margaret Tritsch Milton & Mickie Trujillo Santiago & Cecilia Trujillo John & Noreen Turek Douglas & Patricia Turner Thorene Turner Don & Rosa Turpin Joe & Joan Tyler Kenneth & Shelia Tyner George & Delores Underwood Michael & Marilyn Unrein Kenneth & Mary Uphaus David & Angie Vallejo

Richard & Donna Van Cleave Albert Van Hoecke Frank Vance Victoria Vannest Fred & Vicky Vanwey Kevin & Lori Vertin Steve Vertin Maggie Vettel Della Vigil Gerald Vincke Denis Viscek Frank Viscek Francis & Luz Elena Vitt Ed & Jeri Vogrin Bill & Moira Vogt Richard Vogt Keith & Theresa Vogts Rev. Gerald Volz Bob & Mary Beth Vondemkamp Leo & Linda Vorwerk Ralph & Jerri Voss Kelly Vowels Beverly Vyhanek Kenny Wachter Gregory & Rachelle Waddle Charles & Carol Wagner Jeff & Bev Wagner Larry Wagner Mike & Darlene Wagner Tim & Carrie Wagner Wally Wagner A.G. & Laura Waite Marcus Walden Lucy Walker Rev. Scott Wallisch Dean & Nina Walton Brad & Lura Weaver James & Barbara Weaver Walter & Christine Weglarz Tom & Brenda Wehkamp Mildred W. Wehking Trust Erich & Judith Weidner Paul & Darlene Weinmann William & Marjorie Weis Bernard & Kathleen Weishaar Johnny & Lora Beth Weishaar Laverne Weishaar Vicki Weldon Henry & Evelyn Wellman Thomas & Robbie Welsh Melvin & Judith Werner John Werth John & Karen Wertin Alice Wessel Joe & Mary Wessel Leander & Stella Wessel Mike Wessel Karen West Lené Westerman Richard & Phyllis White

Brother Leven Harton serves as vocations director at St. Benedict’s Abbey, helping young men discern God’s will in their lives. He also leads the Benedict’s Brittle effort each fall.

Edward & Janet White John & Linda Whitehead Frank Whitesell Kenneth & Rita Wichorek Gerard & Mary Wickey Jerry & Marie Wilburn Larry & Janet Wilcox Mike & Linda Wildgen Bill & Valerie Wilkus Annabel Willcott Rev. Anthony Williams Dwight & Toni Ann Williams Michael & Victoria Williams Bryan & Lisa Willie Wendell & Kathleen Willis Michael Willming Barry & Marge Wills Steve Willy David & Kelly Wilmes Dean & Tara Wilmes Carolyn Wilson Thomas Wilson Ginger Winder Mark & Cyreesa Windsor Renee Winkel Albert & Ellen Winkler Herbert & Wanda Winter Art & Dee Winters Robert & Ollie Winzer Roger & Mary Ann Wisehart John & Ann Wissman

Eileen & Walt† Wohletz Jerry & Theresa Wohletz Leo & Jan Wohletz Ray & Barb Wohletz Donald & Mary Claire Wohlgemuth Kent Wohlgemuth Lyle & Patricia Woita Larry & Kay Wolfe Bill & Edna Mae Wolters John & Pam Wolters Nancy Wolters Bill & Patty Wolvington Alvin & Barbara Wood John & Karen Wood Richard Wood Robert & Karina Woolley Florentina Worthman Thomas Yancey Harold & Alice Yanow Brian Yockers Rev. Pat York Jarrod Youk Kenneth Young Kenneth Zimmerman Rev. Mitchel Zimmerman Gene & Margaret Zylka Thank you for your generosity!

Society of St. Benedict

St. Benedict’s Abbey Atchison, Kansas

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1020 N. 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002 Kansas Monks USPS 290-760 Abbey Advancement Office 913.360.7908 KansasMonks.org

Fall 2014 | Volume 9 | Number 3

seconds for Sund ay

A weekly video series from the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey. Get it delivered to your e-mail inbox. Register at:

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Kansas Monks Fall 2014

Articles inside

The Death of the Veil

Gratitude

Cultivating Gratitude

Monk Life - Novitiate

Raised Catholic

From the Abbot