Abbey Notes

Abbey Notes Abbey Notes

Monks Named Family of the Year

The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey were named “Family of the Year” by the Benedictine College Knights of Columbus. Michael Pesely, outgoing Grand Knight of the council presented the award, “The monks, as a nontraditional family, provide great support for students, especially those who are away from their families. We are blessed to have them on our campus constantly encouraging the students to grow deeper in their spiritual lives.” Pictured at right: (L to R) Father Meinrad Miller, Michael Pesely, Abbot James Albers, Nathan Patak, Brother Luke Turner.

Classroom Named for Father Bertrand LaNoue

Friends and former students of Father Bertrand honored his career as an economics professor with the naming of a classroom in the Ferrell Academic Center. “Father Bertrand represents all the best as an alumnus of the college,” said Stephen D. Minnis, President of Benedictine College. “He entered the seminary and took vows as a Benedictine, he returned to the college as a teacher, he was the head of the economics department for many years, and he served the community as a parish priest. “It is a testament to his long and distinguished career, and to his legacy as a muchloved professor, that he is being recognized by his former students. Benedictine College is pleased to honor him with the naming of a classroom in the new Ferrell Academic Center.”

Prior Leads Students on Mission to El Salvador

Prior Jeremy Heppler led a group of 21 Benedictine College students on a trip to Santa Ana, El Salvador. Three homes were built over the course of three days for Community Manuel. In reflecting on the trip Prior Jeremy said, “We go to serve the Salvadoran people; and yet, we come back receiving from them – joy, gratitude, hospitality – more than we gave. “I am so impressed with our group. My favorite part of this trip was watching our group work together, form close friendships, and incorporating the generosity and joy of the Salvadorans in their lives.”

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So much more happens than we can communicate in the Kansas Monks. When you join our email list, you receive information about upcoming events, spiritual reflections and much more. Go to KansasMonks.org/signup to join the list. For more information call 913.360.7908 or e-mail development@kansasmonks.org Abbot Owen Purcell 60 years professed Benedict’s bowling bonanza

Over $18,000

raised

The students of Benedictine College and the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey joined forces to host the Second Annual Benedict’s Bowling Bonanza on April 13, 2013, at West Lanes in Atchison, Kansas. $18,346 was raised for the Abbot Barnabas, Maur and Placid Fund.

1020 N. 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002 Kansas Monks USPS 290-760

Abbey Development Office 913.360.7908 KansasMonks.org Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage

P A I D

Omaha, NE Permit No. 579

excerpt from And God Gave us Barnabasby Karen Wuenstel (at right)

Be careful what you do or say, or share with this dear man Your day or trip may soon end up in a homily he’ll plan We know he, too, is master of the winsome, groaning pun He’s always good for a laugh or joke, he simply loves the fun

But no one near can laugh as hard as he does at a joke And when the finger points at one, it’s he the joker pokes His tender heart is known by all to quickly bring a tear He cries, we know, at the drop of a hat, that makes him just more dear

His golden voice would lift in song, his laugh would fill the air He’d sit as easily with those of power, or a kitchen table share And could we ever count the list of those he did confirm? He’d ease the fears of boys and girls who maybe want to squirm

He’d shake a hand, a shoulder touch, a smile he’d send their way And every one of them would think he was there for them that day He’d lift that sacrament in song, the time would seem to fly He had a way of making sure to look them in the eye

And it’s just that, the personal touch, that most of us recall Whether on the racquetball court, or at a formal ball You know you’ve been in the presence of a simple man, but great A man who holds you in his heart, a man no one could hate

We know it’s said the primary task of a monk is to seek God We’ve seen you search along the way, and some of us did prod We’ve watched you grow into the man who every single day Could help us know that living life is the best that we could pray

You see, this man is one of us, he’s just like you and me He might be often dressed in black, he might be at a tea He’s been for us that one so rare, a man we’re blessed to know We sing you now, as you have us, you’ve served us all to grow

And we’ve all said, “Give us a man who makes us proud to be Catholic, to live our faith fully, to celebrate the love we share in Christ!” Summer 2013 | Volume 8 | Number 2