Abbey Banner- Fall 2015

Abbey Banner Fall 2015

The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, God’s boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God. Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home), 84

Aidan Putnam, O.S.B.

Title of Article This Issue

Title of Article Land Stewardship Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

The natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity, and the responsibility of everyone. If we make something our own, it is only to administer it for the good of all.

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aint John’s is blessed with incredibly beautiful land that has been significantly enhanced over the past thirty years, notably through the creation of the Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum. Father Paul Schwietz, O.S.B. (1952–2000), had a vision to reclaim drained farmland through the creation of wetlands, restored prairie, and oak savanna.

His vision has grown into a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship that defines our relationship to the land. Since his death, Father Paul’s family and others have continued to support the development of the abbey arboretum with a boardwalk, a rebuilt sugar shack and classroom, and the purchase of a concentrator for making maple syrup as well as a teaching-size model for Saint John’s Outdoor University.

Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home), 95

Magazine of Saint John’s Abbey Published three times annually (spring, fall, winter) by the monks of Saint John’s Abbey.

Editor: Robin Pierzina, O.S.B. Editorial assistants: Aaron Raverty, O.S.B.; Dolores Schuh, C.H.M. Abbey archivist: David Klingeman, O.S.B. University archivists: Peggy Roske, Elizabeth Knuth Design: Alan Reed, O.S.B. Circulation: Ruth Athmann, Mary Gouge, Jan Jahnke, Danielle Schmiesing, Cathy Wieme Printed by Palmer Printing Copyright © 2015 by Order of Saint Benedict Saint John’s Abbey Collegeville, Minnesota 56321-2015 abbeybanner@csbsju.edu saintjohnsabbey.org/banner/ ISSN: 2330-6181 (print) ISSN: 2332-2489 (online)

Change of address: Ruth Athmann P. O. Box 7222 Collegeville, Minnesota 56321-7222 rathmann@csbsju.edu Phone: 800.635.7303

This issue of Abbey Banner examines elements of our community’s stewardship in light of Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Laudato Si’. Though written by a Jesuit and influenced by the spirituality of Saint Francis, Laudato Si’ harmonizes well with the Benedictine understanding of stewardship. Much of the Rule of Saint Benedict asserts the fundamental values expressed in the encyclical: reverence for people, especially the poor and guests, and reverence for God’s creation and the work of human hands. Dr. Derek Larson introduces us to Laudato Si’, noting its call for cultural change to address the current environmental crisis. Honeybees may be the oldest and most indispensable stewards of this earth. Brother Aaron Raverty chronicles the abbey’s apiary and related enterprises. Acres of oak and the Pine Curtain are among the most recognized features of Saint John’s, giving our Collegeville home its unique “sense of place.” Mr. Larry Haeg introduces us to a book he was instrumental in creating which explores the trails, highlights the flora and fauna, and presents the caretakers of Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum.

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On the feast of Saint Benedict, we celebrated the grace and abundant blessings that God showers on this community. Listening with the ear of their heart (Rule of Benedict, Prol.1) and responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, four junior monks of Saint John’s Abbey—Brothers Isaiah Frederick, Eric Pohlman, Richard Crawford, and Lucian López—professed solemn vows on 11 July. During the same liturgy, Novice Aidan Putnam professed simple (temporary) vows, and ten senior confreres were honored on the occasion of their silver, golden, or diamond anniversary of monastic profession. We meet each and learn how they are caring for our common home through their journey of faith.

In September 2012 Lean on Me, a stickwork sculpture by Patrick Dougherty, was built on the western edge of the abbey arboretum near our entry road. It has been enjoyed by over one hundred thousand visitors, including thousands of school children who have delighted in its playful leaning.

Second only to the divine blessings on this community are those of our friends, oblates, and benefactors. “Saint John’s would not be what it is today without such generosity,” notes Father Geoffrey Fecht, as he identifies, with deep gratitude, those whose gifts and service support our community and its ministries.

A dozen recent graduates of Saint John’s University have begun their service as Benedictine Volunteers across the country and around the world. We meet one member of the class of ’16: Mr. Ochirbat Bayanjargal, born in Mongolia, educated in the U.S., and now serving in the Holy Land. We also meet a monk from Iowa, explore the Benedictine vow of stability, deal with a mess in the kitchen, and more.

Cover: Blessing the jubilarians Photo: Alan Reed, O.S.B.

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The staff of Abbey Banner joins Abbot John Klassen and the monks of Saint John’s Abbey in offering best wishes and thanks to all our readers for your support of our common home.

Brother Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

In June 2009 we blessed and rededicated a refurbished Stella Maris Chapel, made possible through the generosity of Don and Marion Hall and the skilled architectural guidance of Ed Sövik. Dieterich Spahn created the stained-glass windows, and Alexander Tylevich designed and fabricated Madonna with Child, a bronze sculpture that graces the chapel’s interior. Janey Westin’s calligraphy scripted the Magnificat, the pregnant Mary’s prayer when she visited her cousin Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist.

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

This summer a trailhead marker (left) for the Stella Maris Chapel trail was constructed on the northern shore of Lake Sagatagan at the base of the abbey guesthouse. With the support of the Schwietz family, John and Bonita Benschoter, and Jeff and Molly Thompson, four monks and six other members of the arboretum spent five days at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Under the supervision of Peter Henrikson they constructed a timber frame roof for the trailhead marker using white pine that fell in a storm at Saint John’s in 2011. In July, after footings were poured to support concrete pylons, the crew and other volunteers reassembled the timber frame trusses. Cedar shingles were installed on the roof; the pylons were faced with fieldstone by Mickey Saatzer, and cedar benches were added. A beautiful, inviting beginning to the trails!

On behalf of the monastic community, I express our deep gratitude to all those who have contributed ideas, funding, and physical labor to bring these projects to fruition.

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Monastic Profession

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n the feast of Saint Benedict, 11 July, Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., and the monks of Saint John’s Abbey rejoiced in God’s blessings as five of our brothers professed monastic vows. Novice Aidan Putnam professed simple (temporary) vows, while Brothers Isaiah Frederick, O.S.B., Eric Pohlman, O.S.B., Richard Crawford, O.S.B., and Lucian López, O.S.B., professed solemn (lifetime) vows as Benedictine monks. In his homily, Abbot John welcomed and blessed these men, noting, “You can expect your life to take some unexpected twists and turns.

But the community is constant in opening itself to the mystery of God’s love.” Following the joyous Mass, the newly professed joined their families, friends, and confreres for a festive luncheon.

Alan Reed, O.S.B.

Novice Aidan professes simple vows.

Brother Aidan Putnam, 37, calls Oakland, California, home. He completed a bachelor’s degree in American studies, a master’s in theater, and a master of fine arts in writing. During his years of

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Profession prayer: Sustain me, O Lord.

study, he also worked as an arboretum gardener, a personal care attendant, a legal clerk, and a conference planner and organizer. Following completion of his studies, he was a library archivist and cataloguer for two years, then managed a small restaurant for five years. He also acted in a San Francisco theater company for four years, including major roles from Shakespeare, Molière, Pagnol, and Valayre.

Drawn to monastic life for the integration of work and prayer, Aidan moved from California to Minnesota. “Saint John’s attracted me,” he explains, “because of its wide variety of apostolates pursued by the monks, oblates, and lay people who call Collegeville home.

Once I came, I stayed because of the spirit of hospitality here.

Benedictine life in community has begun to bring me to a deeper understanding of Church as the Body of Christ.” Brother Aidan now assists in receiving visitors

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

at the abbey guesthouse and is teaching theater at Saint John’s Preparatory School. He also enjoys photography, gardening, yoga, hiking, canoeing, and playing chess.

A self-described “Fool for Christ,” Brother Isaiah Frederick, 42, hails from the western United States; born in Puyallup, Washington, he grew up in Washington, New Mexico, and Arizona. His connection to Saint John’s dates to his college years. He majored in accounting and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Following graduation in 1995, Isaiah spent four years in the Army as a field artillery officer and then ten years as an auditor in public accounting. He was also a special agent with the F.B.I. for one year. In 2008, searching for his vocation in life, he came back to Saint John’s, this time to the monastery, not the university, and, he says, “I found what I was looking for.” “How do I know?

Because for once in my life I really feel that I am flourishing as a human being. Our life of prayer and community have really given me a new sense of energy. What attracted me to the university originally was the community life of the school—the sense of family. But that was only a small fraction of the sense of family that I have experienced as a monk. After living here for seven years, I am ready to profess vows of a lifetime commitment to this community and to this way of life.” Following service in the abbey business office, Brother Isaiah is now studying for the priesthood at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary.

Brother Eric Pohlman, 33, was raised on family farms near Delphos, Ohio. His initial formal education, prekindergarten through high school, was with his home parish of Saint John the Evangelist—cheering for “Saint John’s” comes quite naturally to

him! He credits the Sisters of Notre Dame there, in particular his second grade teacher, Sister M. Michel Schmitt, S.N.D., with planting the seeds of his religious vocation. Further education included bachelor’s degrees from the University of Dayton, Ohio (religious studies), and from The Ohio State University, Columbus (construction management). For a time he was associated with Saint Procopius Abbey in the Chicago suburbs. There he made his canonical novitiate and spent some months as a junior monk, leaving after discerning a need for more time in “the world.”

Brother Eric retained an interest in Benedictine monasticism, however, and following much reflection and research, determined that Saint John’s Abbey would be ​a good fit. Entering in June 2010, he was reinvested in the monastic habit soon after and professed new temporary vows in September 2011.

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

Solemn vow class (l to r): Brothers Lucian López, Isaiah Frederick, Richard Crawford, and Eric Pohlman

Reflecting on his calling to monastic life, Eric shares: “I have come to appreciate that monastic life is not just, to paraphrase a confrere, ‘good people, doing interesting things, in a beautiful place,’ but more importantly a context that may permit a monk to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.” His current work assignments include duties with the abbey vocation office, abbey woodworking, and the Saint John’s Fire Department.

For recreation he enjoys biking and swimming.

Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Brother Richard Crawford, 32, was first attracted by the physical beauty of Saint John’s while visiting as a prospective college student during his senior year of high school. After graduating from Saint John’s with a bachelor’s degree in theater, he spent five years as the facilities operations manager in Fine Arts Programming of Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict, all the while discerning a call to religious life.

“I joined Saint John’s Abbey after witnessing the way that the monks, and sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, serve Christ by living in community,” Richard notes. “Without those witnesses I would never have considered religious life. The constant refrain of public prayer, work, community time, private prayer, and study help regulate my life. There is a sense of peaceful joy that comes with living out a common mission in community.”

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Monastic Jubilees

D Alan Reed, O.S.B.

Prior to entering the novitiate, Richard tested his call to monastic stability by selling western boots at Wall Drug in South Dakota. Saint John’s Abbey won a good race! “What keeps me here now is the monastic community, the generations living together to serve Christ. I find great peace in the fact that Saint John’s will be my home while I am on earth, and my final resting place when I’ve gone home to God.” Brother Richard serves in the abbey business office as a staff accountant and at Saint John’s Prep School as the technical director of the theatre department. He enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and gardening.

“I have always been attracted to monastic life,” says Brother Lucian López, 37. Growing up

in Texas, however, he had little direct exposure to Benedictines.

After graduating from high school, he began his vocational journey with a Carmelite community, where he fell in love with prayer. Nonetheless, after four years with the Carmelites, he discerned a need to move on and find himself along other paths. He completed a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and Spanish at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, and a master’s degree in history at The University of Texas at San Antonio, and worked a variety of jobs, including magazine editor for a small national Carmelite publication, service in the hotel industry, and bartending.

But the attraction to monastic life persisted throughout all of this.

Lucian first visited Saint John’s Abbey in 2002. “I loved the purposeful way the monks celebrated the Liturgy of the Hours,” he recalls. During his visits and throughout his monastic formation here, he felt accepted by the community as he discerned God’s call. “Maintaining a balance of prayer and solitude has helped me to keep my relationships in this monastery in perspective, and even sanctify them so that they can be used by God’s grace to change me into a more loving person. I’ve learned to trust these men by the ways in which they have forgiven me and made efforts to befriend me.”

Brother Lucian teaches Spanish at Saint John’s Preparatory School and enjoys drawing comics, playing the guitar, and working in his herb garden.

Cassian (Will) Hunter was invested as a novice during Morning Prayer on 8 July. He grew up near Atlanta and lived for eight years in Nashville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in religion and the arts from Belmont University and a master’s degree in theology from Vanderbilt Divinity School. More recently he served at the Loaves and Fishes Catholic Worker House in Duluth. Through prayer, work, and spiritual direction, Novice Cassian continues to discern whether God is calling him to monastic life.

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

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uring a festive Eucharist on the feast of Saint Benedict, 11 July, Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., and the monks of Saint John’s Abbey honored ten of our confreres on the occasion of their twenty-fifth, fiftieth, sixtieth, or seventy-fifth anniversary of monastic profession.

“Today we celebrate the generosity and grace that have been present to us in our jubilarians,” said Abbot John.

Diamond (75) Jubilarians Since 1940 Saint John’s senior monks Fathers Fintan Bromenshenkel, O.S.B., and Magnus Wenninger, O.S.B., have followed the monastic manner of life.

Father Fintan Bromenshenkel came to Saint John’s from Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and served as a teacher of mathematics, first at Saint John’s Preparatory School, and then for twenty-four years at Saint John’s University. He was also the director of the first computing center on campus, helping to unload a state-ofthe-art IBM 1620 computer— all 2600 pounds of it!—in the summer of 1963, and writing programs in the computing center for the next twenty-six years.

Rather than retire after decades of faithful service to the university, Father Fintan embarked on a second career: monk missionary for fifteen years at Saint Augustine’s Monastery in Nassau, The Bahamas. Blessed with good health and physical vigor, Fintan split wood on Saint John’s campus well into his 90s; now, aided by two walking sticks, he explores the grounds daily.

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

A total of one hundred fifty years of monastic life: Fathers Magnus (left) and Fintan

Father Magnus Wenninger, from Park Falls, Wisconsin, was a founding member of Saint Augustine’s Monastery in Nassau and missionary to The Bahamas for thirty five years, teaching mathematics at Saint Augustine’s College for a quarter century. While studying at Teachers College, Columbia University, he first encountered polyhedrons, and thereafter they became the passion of his work, study, recreation, and occasionally prayer. Among his many publications on the subject are three books published

by Cambridge University Press (Polyhedron Models [1974], Spherical Models [1979], and Dual Models [1983]), which have been translated into numerous languages, including Russian and Japanese. Recognized internationally among the foremost authorities on polyhedrons, Father Magnus is happy to spend his retirement years with paper and scissors, building colorful polyhedrons as gifts or decorations.

Diamond (60) Jubilarians Fathers Jerome Coller, O.S.B., Roger Kasprick, O.S.B., and Jonathan Fischer, O.S.B., were honored and blessed by the community on the occasion of their sixtieth anniversary of monastic profession. Music has always been at the center of Saint Paul native Father Jerome Coller’s life. From his time as an undergraduate through his doctoral studies in composition at Cornell University, he delighted both in playing the piano and in composing music.

Among his most beloved compositions for the abbey are his settings for the psalmody for Sunday Evening Prayer and the Vigil of Palm Sunday. At Saint John’s University, Jerome served as a faculty resident and a professor in the music department for twentyseven years. He has also been engaged in pastoral ministry in Moorhead, Minnesota, in Puerto Rico, and for weekend assistance at Twin Cities’ parishes.

Father Roger Kasprick, from the Minnesota Red River Valley town

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with the Ojibwe people on the White Earth reservation in Minnesota, and was a hospital chaplain for twenty-six years, first at Divine Redeemer in South Saint Paul, and then at St. Joseph’s and St. John’s in Saint Paul.

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

Fathers Jonathan Fischer (left) and Roger Kasprick

of Angus, wore many hats during his monastic life. He was a teacher of theology at the university for forty-three years, a faculty resident, and a visiting scholar at Stanford University’s Center for Bioethics. From 1970–1975 he served as the novice master for the abbey and later deepened his own knowledge of monastic life and history while studying at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. Roger also wore a Liturgical Press hat for thirteen years, working as a writer and editor of Sisters Today. His pastoral ministry included being a retreat director and hospital chaplain.

Coming to Collegeville from Strasburg, North Dakota, Father Jonathan Fischer began his monastic life teaching German and theology at Saint John’s Preparatory School. He studied German at Middlebury and in Munich, which helped prepare him for his later appointment as field director in Germany for the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library. Pastoral ministry was also a major part of his life.

Jonathan served in parishes and

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Golden Jubilarians The three surviving members of the monastic class of 1965, Fathers Dan Ward, O.S.B., and Dominic Ruiz, O.S.B., and Brother Damian Rogers, O.S.B., were presented with canes to mark their golden anniversary of profession. Father Dan Ward, of Minneapolis, served the university for years as a faculty resident and faculty member in the government (political science) department. A canon and civil lawyer, he has assisted dozens of religious communities in the U.S. and abroad, sorting through complicated corporate and/or personal legal situations. His plentiful frequent flyer miles attest to his expansive interpretation of monastic stability. Most recently Dan shared his legal expertise in helping the abbey create a new corporate structure for the university. He has also

held leadership positions at Saint Gregory’s Abbey in Oklahoma, Saint Augustine’s in The Bahamas, and Abadía del Tepeyac in Mexico. Community building and hospitality have always been central to Dan’s expression of Benedictine life.

Born in El Paso, Texas, and transplanted to Los Angeles, Father Dominic Ruiz came to Saint John’s and blossomed in the North Star State. His interest in linguistic theory, grammar, and languages found expression in teaching Spanish to high school students at Benilde-St. Margaret’s in Saint Louis Park and at Saint John’s Preparatory School. He also provided pastoral ministry to a number of Minnesota parishes where he worked diligently to improve worship spaces. Dominic is devoted to the Benedictine sisters of Saint Scholastica Convent in Saint Cloud (and they to him), where he serves as chaplain, proclaiming (sometimes shouting) the Good News to the retired sisters each day. He is a master at sharing the oral tradition with his confreres.

(L to r): Fathers Dan Ward and Dominic Ruiz, and Brother Damian Rogers

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

Brother Damian Rogers came to Collegeville from Osage, Iowa.

Though interested in local athletic teams, he has yet to give up his unwavering loyalty to the University of Iowa football team.

He has, however, eagerly adopted Minnesota’s official pastime—fishing—and has even been known to deliver a few deer, in season, to the monastery.

Damian’s eternal reward is all but assured, thanks to his four decades of shepherding the monastery’s fleet of automobiles.

And he’s seen it all! Like the abbot, he has had to adjust and adapt himself (Rule of Benedict 2.32) to accommodate a variety of monastic characters and their wildly differing driving abilities.

His quiet and quick wit have been a blessing to us.

Silver Jubilarians Fathers Luigi Bertocchi, O.S.B., and William Schipper, O.S.B., were honored for their twentyfive years of Benedictine service, though each followed an unusual vocational path to Saint John’s.

A native of Venice, Italy, Father Luigi Bertocchi first became acquainted with monks of Saint John’s Abbey while serving in Japan as a Xaverian Missionary.

After journeying to Collegeville and completing the abbey’s formation program, he again served in Japan. He was later appointed guestmaster at Sant’ Anselmo, the international Benedictine house of studies in Rome, where he was able to put his native Italian to good use. Luigi’s cosmopolitan background led him to reflect often about the ecumenical and interreligious

Fathers Luigi Bertocchi (left) and William Schipper

dimensions of our faith. He continues to be actively engaged with the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research and with the Muslim community in Saint Cloud.

Born in Batesville, Indiana, Father William Schipper’s monastic journey began at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in his native state; he transferred to Saint John’s Abbey fifteen years ago.

His interest in spirituality and

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

men’s development has been expressed as a faculty resident in the dorms, as a teacher in the classroom, and as a mentor in men’s spirituality groups in the university. He oversees a program to assist students who have made bad choices to reconsider their actions (in lieu of suspension). Father Bill was also instrumental in attending to all manner of details and red tape when the monks first enrolled in Social Security and Medicare.

Final Oblations During their annual retreat in mid-July, eight oblates of Saint John’s Abbey made their final oblation in the presence of Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., Oblate Director Father Michael Peterson, O.S.B., and the monastic community. Mr. Dean Rademacher (Oakdale) seeks wisdom to balance his work, prayer, and leisure. Ms. Emily Stamp (Saint Joseph) hopes her oblation will help her become more dedicated to prayer. Mr. John Fraune (Saint Francis) finds that the support and sharing with other oblates enables him to give his energy to his kids, neighbors, and church—sentiments shared by his wife, Ms. Jeanne Fraune, who looks to the Rule for its insights and guidance in living with joy and compassion. Ms. Dian Zeck (Lisbon, North Dakota) hopes to apply Benedictine spirituality to her daily life. Her husband, Mr. Frank Zeck credits his fellow oblates and members of the monastic community as the source of his strength.

Ms. Marilyn Cavanaugh (Minneapolis) seeks to build within herself a sense of community and prayerful holiness; her husband, Dennis, made oblation in 2013. Mr. Brian Hirt (Kalamazoo, Michigan) seeks to deepen his spirituality and following God as an oblate.

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Benedictine Volunteer Corps thirty-five alumni from Saint Benedict’s Prep have come to Saint John’s for college. It was into this atmosphere that Ochi entered eight years ago.

Ochi Bayanjargal: Listener and Speaker Eric Hollas, O.S.B.

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chi was not typical of the people who have spoken to the monastic community. For one thing, he is quite young. For another, he was the only one in the room who spoke fluent Mongolian. And third, he showed not a shred of stage fright. Perhaps he had already pushed himself to the limit so many times that a case of the nerves simply was not in the cards. In any event, he was there to tell the monks what it was like to grow up in Mongolia.

On that topic Ochirbat Bayanjargal, a 2015 graduate of Saint John’s University, was the undisputed expert in the room.

All of this raises several questions. How did a young man from Mongolia end up speaking to a group of monks in Minnesota? Equally puzzling, how did a guy who grew up on the other side of the planet come to Saint John’s University? And finally, how is it that this same young man is now in Israel as a member of the Benedictine Volunteer Corps? It is a great story and testimony to the power of the Benedictine tradition to change the course of one life.

Ochi was born in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Once part of the Soviet Union, Mongolia has gone through an enormous transition, and Ochi’s own family scrambled to adapt. So it was that Ochi and his brother

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Eric Hollas, O.S.B.

spent much time with their grandparents, while their parents struggled to make a living in a new economy. Ochi describes himself as a self-starter, and in the eighth grade he dreamed of college in the United States.

That is what prompted him to enter a competition that tested his athletic, academic, and social skills. Of fifty-three entrants, he was the last man standing. And that’s what led him to Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. There he encountered the Benedictine tradition, and there he took hold of the thread that eventually led to Saint John’s.

Saint John’s Abbey has long ties to Newark Abbey, and in recent decades several monks from Newark have studied at Saint John’s, including Father Edwin Leahy, O.S.B., the current headmaster at Saint Benedict’s Prep.

It was Father Edwin who welcomed the first Benedictine Volunteers from Saint John’s ten years ago. Since then some

Ochi gravitated to the liberal arts and majored in economics. He worked at making friends, joined the wrestling team, and served as a resident assistant in one of the dorms. All the while he began to think about his future—to the liberal arts he attributed his outlook on life. No longer was it a matter of the job he hoped to get. Rather, the important question centered on the person he aspired to be.

Ochi describes the distance between Ulaanbaatar and Newark as enormous, but his experience at Saint Benedict’s made the distance to Saint John’s short. He came to America as a “listener,” and English was just one of many challenges. But he persevered, he worked, and in time he mastered the language.

By the time of his graduation from Saint John’s, Ochi was both a listener and a speaker.

Yet another new experience for Ochi was the Benedictine tradition. Neither Benedictines nor Christians figured into the landscape of Mongolia, but he soon

The Benedictine Volunteer Corps of Saint John’s Abbey exists to provide a year of volunteer service for graduates of Saint John’s University at a monastery of the worldwide Benedictine confederation and to support the work, prayer, and life of Benedictine monasteries around the world.

Ochi serving in Tabgha, Israel

began to absorb this new influence. At Newark there was one monk who had a particular impact on Ochi’s life. He daily encouraged Ochi to smile, but this was at first an irritation.

People do not readily smile in his own culture, and for two years Ochi resisted. But one day he realized the cultural difference that the monk had tried to teach him. He began to smile, and he discovered that people reacted more positively, and it impacted his own mood. He has not stopped smiling since!

At Saint Benedict’s, Ochi met several Benedictine Volunteers from Saint John’s, including one who is now a monk of Saint John’s Abbey: Father Michael Leonard Hahn. Father Michael

BVC

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Leonard recalls stopping by Ochi’s room in the latter’s first weeks in Newark, and he worried about the challenge that Ochi faced. Adapting to an alien culture would be daunting, but adapt Ochi did.

From the Benedictine Volunteers Ochi learned about Saint John’s University, and in time it became his dream. With their encouragement he applied, but nothing was sure until he received a call from Mr. Brandon Novak, the wrestling coach at Saint John’s.

With only nine days before the first day of classes, all was finally set. It was time for Ochi to pack for Minnesota, rather than for Ulaanbaatar, and to become a Johnnie.

Ochi’s familiarity with the Benedictine tradition continued to grow, but unlike most of his classmates, monks had been part of his mental landscape for years.

He appreciated the presence of the monks and came to respect the prayer life he encountered here. This prepared him for the next adventure—service in the Benedictine Volunteer Corps at the priory of Tabga in Israel.

Ochi is now settling into Tabga, determined to contribute in any way he can. He takes with him his personal store of wisdom.

“Learn as much as possible, and do your best. If something good happens, great. If bad, then you learn.” If Ochi has not paraphrased from the Rule of Saint Benedict, it’s still very close to Benedict’s advice to look for the face of God wherever you turn.

Father Eric Hollas, O.S.B., is deputy to the president for advancement at Saint John’s University.

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Pruning for Life Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B.

tion that God is working within us, then we are not living the Benedictine way. An open heart is one that allows balanced practices of prayer, work, study, hospitality, and renewal to illuminate the ways that God is working within us and within the world.

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generally prefer to be outdoors rather than behind a desk or in a classroom. Perhaps this is why I am drawn to the more agrarian images that are found in Scripture, such as in the Gospel of John 15:1-8.

This gospel story brings to mind the abbey’s own little vineyard.

After working in the garden on a warm summer afternoon, I love to sit in the shade of our grapevines. The leaves are at least the size of my hand and are a translucent green. By late summer, big bunches of grapes hang from the vines—grapes developed by our own Father John Katzner, O.S.B., and known as the “Alpha Grape.” But you would get a very different picture of these beautiful plants if you were to visit the vineyard in the spring. In contrast to the full, succulent, vibrant plants of late summer, the branches in the spring are pruned back to just the vine: sturdy, thick vines specially developed to withstand a cold Minnesota winter and able to produce much fruit.

I imagine that this cyclical nature of the life of the grapevine is what Jesus had in mind when he began instructing his disciples. Jesus is the vine, that sturdy thick trunk that survives the seasons. And we are the branches: able, if willing, to produce fruit and provide shade.

This article is a revised version of Father Nick’s homily at his first Mass on the Fifth Sunday of Easter, 3 May 2015.

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One such conversion experience is that of the troubled figure of Saul (see Acts 9:1-31). Saul had been determined to destroy the Church and wished to act out in violence toward the disciples of Christ. However, the Lord saw something different and cut Saul down to the bare vine. Saul was pruned of his arrogance, his violence, and his self-will. Saul was

pruned so that he could bear the fruit of repentance and conversion. Saul, known after his conversion as Paul, preaches, teaches, and proclaims the faith of Christ.

I imagine that for Paul it was not easy; his personal pruning must have come as a surprise and with much self-sacrifice and pain. But having been cut back to the vine, Paul was filled with the hope of life with Christ and called forth to bear fruit for the Church.

Each of us is faced with pruning so that we can come to a full and fruitful life in Christ. We participate in the rhythm of conversion, pruning, growing, producing fruit.

Each of us has dead branches that must be cut away, whether

branches of stubbornness, selfwill, arrogance, or pride. These must be cut away so that we can bear the good fruit of God. Pruning and conversion are difficult, but we have the assurance that God is working in and through us. And we have the water of baptism, the Eucharist, and Christ present in those around us to provide nourishment and strength for our new growth. If we remain with Christ, Christ will remain in us and work through us so that God may be glorified in our bearing much fruit.

Father Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B., serves as chaplain and faculty resident at Saint John’s University.

Ordinations In the presence of their confreres, family, and friends, Brothers Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B., and Lewis Grobe, O.S.B., were ordained to the priesthood and diaconate, respectively, by Bishop Donald Kettler on 2 May. Both Nick and Lew are graduates of Saint John’s University, former Benedictine Volunteer Corps members, and abbey beekeepers.

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

Each spring we are pruned back, the dead branches cut away to make room for new life and growth. This is a source of great hope, because it is the branches that produce fruit—with big beautiful leaves providing shade, and juicy bunches of grapes.

Our Benedictine vow of conversatio morum (conversion to a monastic manner of life) is much like the process of pruning. We commit ourselves to a constant reevaluation and dedication of our hearts to Christ.

Conversion is a lifelong process,

not simply a one-time experience. As Benedictines, our conversion of life reminds us that everything we do is from, for, and with God, and that God continually prunes and nourishes us. Conversion, like pruning, helps us walk continually in the presence of God. In order to open our ears to God’s voice and our eyes to God’s presence among us, Saint Benedict tells us we must keep our hearts and our minds open to the ways that God is challenging us to new growth (Rule of Benedict, Prol.1-50).

When we block the transforma-

“When I joined the monastery, I knew that I was interested in being a monk and seeking God in this Benedictine community,” says Father Nick. “I did not know exactly what that would look like over time but was open to the ways in which God was calling me. After much personal discernment, theological exploration, and listening to the community, I decided one of the ways to share my gifts with the community was through ordained ministry. For me it is very important to couch my priestly ministry within the context of monastic life. I hope to balance my interests in manual labor, music, the outdoors, and the priestly ministry as I look forward to serving our community.”

“As a transitional deacon,” reflects Brother Lew, “I look forward to moving my theological education beyond the classroom of the School of Theology and into the parishes of Sts. Peter & Paul (Richmond) and St. Martin. Through a combination of sacramental, liturgical, and educational responsibilities within these parishes, I hope to gain invaluable practical experience to prepare me for my future ministry.”

Michael Becker

(L to r): Deacon Lew, Bishop Kettler, and Father Nick

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Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home Derek Larson

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acked by the moral and theological authority of the Church, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, is a welcome sign that Francis means to engage the central ecological, economic, and ethical issue of the twentyfirst century directly. In fact, the pope calls upon all humanity to join him in this daunting task.

Our unquestioned faith in technology and unlimited economic expansion has brought us to a crossroads. We are collectively unable (or unwilling) to see alternatives to the status quo— a way of living that is, in fact, disrupting nature on a global scale, the effects of which will be felt first and most painfully among the poor. Ultimately then, “we fail to see the deepest roots of our present failures, which have to do with the direction, goals, meaning, and social implications of technological and economic growth” (109).

Laudato Si’ is “addressed to all people of good will” (62).

Through its inclusive language, it invites us to consider its

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critique of the dominant political, economic, and moral systems that have led our planet to the brink of disaster. The resulting call to action goes far beyond the technocratic solutions proposed by political, corporate, and even most environmental leaders. Pope Francis challenges the fundamental assumptions of modern society and suggests cultural change is the only path to solving the crisis before us.

Climate change is a result of a broken human culture, one that ignores natural cycles and favors profit and convenience over justice and complexity. Citizens of developed nations pursue lifestyles based on the unsustainable consumption of goods and services. This disproportionate consumption of resources creates a tremendous gap between the world’s rich and poor countries, and between the rich and poor within each nation as well. The resultant human suffering is widespread, tragic, and mounting —yet most of us remain blissfully unaware of the short-term impacts of our daily consumption habits or the longer-term consequences of destabilizing the planetary climate system. The

future may look bleak. Francis, however, calls on us to express hope, believing that the same freedoms that brought us to this stage can be turned into service of the collective good. Rejecting technical solutions as unrealistic or morally questionable due to their acceptance of dramatic power imbalances between the global North and South, the pope argues instead for cultural solutions: we must change our values, behaviors, and priorities.

This is what makes the document radical at its heart. Rather than endorsing technocratic solutions like carbon markets or accepting vague promises of an innovative “green tech” future, it calls us to change ourselves, to live differently upon Earth and in relation to one another.

The movement to secure humanity’s future must come from the grass roots. Thus, the first step toward change is education.

We need a widespread environmental and ethical awakening led by “educators capable of developing an ethics of ecology, and helping people . . . to grow in solidarity, responsibility, and compassionate care” (210).

Laudato Si’ offers the initial step

in that direction by embracing the scientific consensus on climate change and directly linking environmental decay to the moral issue of poverty.

Those who suffer the first and most from climate change are the least equipped to deal with the challenges on their own. Thus we must educate those with access to greater resources on their responsibility to care for their fellows as they steward creation.

Expanded knowledge and compassion lead us to question the systems and institutions that brought us to this point. Market capitalism, the “magical conception of the market which would suggest that problems can be solved simply by an increase in the profits of companies or individuals” (190), has failed us. It is this system that produced the global imbalance of resources, justice, and quality of life, while turning nature into a mere input in an economic equation. In Francis’ words, “Where profits alone count, there can be no thinking about the rhythms of nature, its phases of decay and regeneration, or the complexity of ecosystems which may be

gravely upset by human intervention” (190).

The encyclical prescribes a range of behavioral changes that directly link environmental health and social justice. Global carbon emissions must be reduced by shifting away from fossil fuels and embracing renewables. Biodiversity must be preserved by slowing deforestation and habitat loss. Waste of all kinds must be reduced, and recycling or reuse should replace disposal. Net consumption should decline in wealthy countries while increasing enough in poor countries to bring all humanity to a basic level of dignity. These and other positive steps recommended by Francis have been advanced by environmental advocates, scientists, and politicians for years. What distinguishes Laudato Si’ are the moral arguments behind these actions: we must do them out of respect for God’s creation and out of concern for the poor.

Pope Francis’ call to engage these issues should be welcome in Collegeville. The traditions of Benedictine stewardship and the core values reflected in the

Rule of Benedict have led monks, academics, students, and visitors alike to consider the value of creation and to question their own impact on nature. More recently, collective decisions to reduce the burden we impose on the planet—from eliminating coal as a fuel for the powerhouse, to replacing paper napkins in the monastic refectory with reusable cloth—have made our community more sustainable. Our schools have embraced the call to provide environmental education that is based in both science and ethics.

While there is much more to do, Saint John’s has taken steps in the right direction and could serve as a model for other communities.

Laudato Si’ offers hope and even excitement to those who share Pope Francis’ concern for the earth and the injustices that result from systems that exploit its resources without regard for the resulting impact on ourselves, the less fortunate, or the other forms of life with which we share our home.

Dr. Derek Larson is the chair of the environmental studies department of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.

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The Nature of Saint John’s coordinator of Outdoor U, Ms. Jennifer Kutter, offered her expertise as content guide for the text, as did her husband, Ryan, studio manager of The Saint John’s Pottery. Also joining our editorial committee were Brother Robin Pierzina, O.S.B., editor of Abbey Banner; Ms. Doris Matter, director of communications for the university president’s office; and Mr. Hans Christoffersen, publisher for academic and trade markets for Liturgical Press.

Larry Haeg

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he idea for this book emerged from discussions that began ten years ago.

The late Brother Dietrich Reinhart, O.S.B., president of Saint John’s University, 1991– 2008, had formed an advisory committee to vet manuscripts submitted to Saint John’s University Press—an imprint of Liturgical Press that publishes, as its mission states, “distinctive work that illuminates the creative spirit of the communities of Saint John’s and the College of Saint Benedict.” The poetry of Father Kilian McDonnell, O.S.B., and Saint John’s at 150 by Father Hilary Thimmesh, O.S.B., are among its recent titles.

Because there was but a trickle of submissions, I suggested that rather than merely consider manuscripts that happened to come our way, why not ask: what book about Saint John’s hasn’t been done that should be done? I proposed that a good place to start would be the precious landscape of Saint John’s, the 2,500 acres of pristine forest, lakes, streams, prairie, and savanna that the monks of Saint John’s Abbey and their lay helpers have so carefully stewarded for more than a century and a half. Despite having spent four years at Saint John’s Prep and four more at Saint John’s University, I confessed to knowing little about the landscape that gives Saint John’s its distinctive “sense of place.”

Like most of my classmates, I had rarely ventured beyond

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Jerry Furst

the northern shore of Lake Sagatagan and the well-trod trail to the Stella Maris Chapel.

What exactly is “out there,” beyond the monastic gardens and the university campus? It is, after all, Minnesota’s largest arboretum, one of America’s few intact native terrestrial plant communities, and features Minnesota’s oldest and largest pine plantation.

There was just one problem. I have difficulty telling an oak from a maple, or a beaver from

a muskrat! For the book to become a reality, a team of experts had to be assembled.

Veteran forester Mr. Tom Kroll, land manager of the Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum, offered his full support and guidance, and escorted me on several exploratory hikes into the woods.

Tom also doubles as director of Saint John’s Outdoor University, which provides outdoor and environmental education with the abbey arboretum, Saint John’s University, and the College of Saint Benedict. The

The book’s framework and content came into focus slowly, on Benedictine time—over the course of four or five years.

From the beginning we envisioned it as a pocket-guide companion for hikers or for those who simply want to “hold the Abbey Arboretum in their hands.” For it to be distinctively Saint John’s and Benedictine, it had to integrate the natural and spiritual worlds—unite botany and spirituality. It aims to show how the abbey arboretum celebrates and preserves the beauty and richness of God’s creation, and be a sort of “lectio on nature” with meditations and prayers for spiritual renewal.

Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., agreed to write the preface, linking the arboretum to the Benedictine traditions of stewardship, spiritual renewal, education, environmental respect, and sustainable land use. The guidebook tells the story of the natural and human history of the landscape and features detailed topographical maps, provided by cartographer

Mr. Ben Carlson, a recent university graduate. It contains descriptions of the arboretum’s six distinct hiking trails: PrairieWetlands (including the floating boardwalk), Savanna-Prairie (with the restored oak savanna, once the abbey’s dairy cow pasture), Chapel (leading to the Stella Maris Chapel and including Minnesota’s oldest documented reforest planting), Deep Woods (with the old logging road, sugar shack, and the northwestern-most stand of red and white oak in the U.S.), Old Road (identifying the faint outline of the monks’ first wagon trail, 1865), and Pine Knob (including the hill of majestic pine planted in 1896 and the 1930s). I confess to getting lost more than once and being redirected by Mr. Dan Vogel, abbey forest technician.

Each trail features descriptions of twenty native species of vegetation and wildlife one might encounter along the way, with text and photos overseen by Ms. Jennifer Kutter, including many photos from the abbey arboretum or Outdoor U archives. There also are profiles of pioneer Benedictine stewards, such as Adrian Schmitt (1864–1940), who planted the seedlings of pine and spruce in the late 1890s; John Katzner (1850–1930), who experimented with hundreds of varieties of apples, plums, pears, grapes, and cherries; Paul Schwietz (1952–2000), the abbey arboretum’s founder and visionary; and Walter Kieffer (1946–), co-leader of the annual maple syrup harvest. The book relies heavily on the work of

those who have written so diligently and wisely about the landscape of Saint John’s over the decades, including Benedictine confreres Alexius Hoffmann, Vincent Tegeder, Colman Barry, Alfred Deutsch, John Kulas, Gunther Rolfson, Hilary Thimmesh, and lay faculty such as Dr. Steve Saupe.

The production of this volume was a team effort on the part of the editorial committee. I do believe, however, that Jennifer contributed more than any of us.

Many of the psalms, says Abbot John in his preface to The Nature of Saint John’s, “are embedded with a haunting sense of fragility and finitude of human living and striving . . . .

So also the Abbey Arboretum and this campus are gifts, to be received with joy and care, to be a part of for a while, then handed to the next generation.”

Mr. Larry Haeg, general editor of The Nature of Saint John’s, is the author of Saint Benedict’s Rule for Fair Play in Sports.

The Nature of Saint John’s: A Guide to the Landscape and Spirituality of Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum, edited by Larry Haeg with Jennifer Kutter. Collegeville: Saint John’s University Press, 2015.

Contact: www.litpress.org or call 1.800.858.5450.

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Meet a Monk: David Klingeman

Abbey archives

Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

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T seems that one could open just about any door at Saint John’s Abbey or its environs and find Brother David hard at work. There is a logical explanation for this: Brother David Klingeman, O.S.B., is the abbey’s archivist, its guestmaster, and one of its main organists for Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. And although David would never admit this, he excels in all his work.

After graduating from high school David attended nearby Wartburg College where he earned a degree in music education. Feeling called to monastic life in some form, he began a systematic search for communities in the Midwest. In 1978 he made his way to Saint John’s, which just happened to be the last place on his list. He notes: “What attracted me was that there were so many younger people, and the community had a sense of excitement and dynamism about it.” It was the perfect atmosphere for a young, talented musician who was deeply interested in a Benedictine way of life. He professed first vows on 11 July 1980 and solemn vows three years later.

A man of many talents, Brother David began to explore his career options. His first assignment was to Computing Services where he worked as an intern for what was then a burgeoning

enterprise on the Saint John’s campus. From 1981-1985 David served in Alcuin Library as a technical services clerk, a position that inspired him to seek further education in the library sciences, which he did at Simmons College in Boston. In 1987 David returned to the abbey with a M.S.L.S. degree and began serving as a public services librarian specialist overseeing the government document collection of Alcuin Library, and later as circulation librarian.

Brother David’s service in the library ended in 1995 when Abbot Timothy Kelly, O.S.B., called him to a meeting and shared with him that Father Vincent Tegeder, O.S.B., the abbey archivist at that time, wished to retire. Abbot Timothy asked David to consider this important work. Without hesitation, he agreed, but asked for some time for training. He was given a year of study at the University of

Born in Postville, Iowa, David was raised in the nearby town of Monona, where his parents owned and operated the town’s only diner and taught him his earliest lessons in hospitality.

Even though the abbey guesthouse does not feature a blue plate special yet, the atmosphere attempts to capture a blend of Iowa charm and Minnesota nice, and Brother David’s leadership values both.

Brother David, organist

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Klingeman archives

Wisconsin–Milwaukee and began his new assignment on 1 August 1996.

Abbey archivist is a position David takes quite seriously. This nearly 160-year-old institution has a rich archival deposit, but a good curator must have a nose for what is ultimately worthless or of great value. Between professional “know how” and consultation with the abbot and other confreres, Brother David is adept at paring down the mountains of stuff that pours into the archives each year. He admonishes his confreres: “No matter how much you accumulate or accomplish, you will end up with one lateral inch of shelf space when you die, so start throwing things away so I don’t have to do it!” Sobering but sound advice! As one could imagine, those shelves are filled with many fascinating, sometimes historical, treasures. Some of David’s favorites include over five thousand glass-plate negatives and a series of Saint John’s banknotes—actual currency that was printed because banks were too far away from the campus.

Like any Benedictine monastery, Saint John’s Abbey takes hospitality seriously. Until 2006, however, there were only six rooms for visitors, making it difficult to accommodate all those who wished to stay on campus. After tenacious and careful planning, spanning decades, the monks opened a new guesthouse in 2006. Built to house forty-five people, the new facility was in need of a monk to manage it

had to repeat his mother’s rebuke of a surly patron: “See if you can find another restaurant in this damn town!”)

Brother David, archivist

Klingeman archives

well. Since guests deserve the best attention a monastery can give them, Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., turned to Brother David to fill this important position.

Unwilling to give up his work in the archives, David added to his plate the job of guesthouse director, and in 2013 he also became the abbey’s guestmaster.

The job requires attention to detail and the same skills one would need to run a small inn.

But, more importantly, it demands a clear understanding of the Benedictine spirit that must be seen and felt within the walls of the guesthouse. Each person who comes to the monastery must be welcomed like Christ himself (Rule of Benedict 53), and every effort must be made to meet each guest’s needs. This is a demanding and relentless enterprise, for guests “are never lacking in a monastery” (RB 53.16). (As guestmaster, David has not yet

If you were to ask Brother David to describe a typical day, he might look at you over his glasses with a stare that says, “Are you kidding me?” And that would be an appropriate response, given the many and varied tasks he juggles each day.

Yet, each manifestation of his talent for music, organization, and hospitality is accomplished with finesse, professionalism, and exacting detail. All his jobs, especially that of playing the organ for abbey liturgies, have people breathing down his neck one way or another. Each of his jobs carries heavy expectations of excellence, but perhaps growing up in that small town diner taught him how to meet those needs by being prepared, being welcoming, and being good at what he does.

Klingeman archives

Brother David, child prodigy

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Living in the Moment Bailey Walter

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have often heard people talk about their intentions to “live in the moment,” typically in an attempt to live life to the fullest. This has always sounded like a noble goal, but quite honestly, I find the thought of always being present and attentive a little exhausting! As I reflect on what “Benedictine” means to me—on what I have learned about the charism and life from my time living at Saint John’s, working and studying alongside the monks, and praying with the community—this idea of being present and living in the moment stands out. It may be one of the most important things I have learned from the Benedictines here.

Each part of the Benedictine’s day is marked with prayer. The rhythm of this daily prayer and work schedule seems, in theory, as though it could quickly become a rote and meaningless series of repetitive tasks to check off the monastic list each day.

The same cycle of psalms is recited, the songs on rotation, and the same people each day.

In many ways I have come to realize that this is not much different than my life as a nonmonastic. Instead of psalms recited, it is the familiar and daily greetings: “Good morning” and “How was your weekend?” conversations of my co-workers, or seeing the same flock of geese on my way into work, or my simple yet habitual routine before I go to sleep each night.

Just as the daily prayer and

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work schedule of the monks can become rote, my life sometimes seems to fall into a routine rut.

But, since coming to Saint John’s, I have discovered something meaningful and beautiful in the repetition—and God speaks through it.

Benedictine life has taught me how to live more fully in these moments, without feeling as though the task is an unattainable cliché or overwhelming goal. I have learned a lot about listening from the practice of lectio divina that goes beyond my prayer and study of Scripture. It has encouraged me to appreciate the rhythm more and to remain open to new things

Richard Eckroth happening in the daily repetition of psalms, the familiar “good morning” greetings, and my daily commute.

Benedictine college and university. After earning both bachelorate and licentiate degrees, he returned to Saint John’s for priesthood studies and was ordained on 7 June 1952.

The psalms become a part of me the more that I pray them, just as the other parts of my routine become a part of me. Choosing more intentionally how I live out my routine, and being aware and open to God’s movement, and my response in my everyday life, are what “Benedictine” means to me.

Ms. Bailey Walter completed her master of divinity degree at Saint John’s School of Theology in May 2015 and serves as a volunteer seamstress at Saint John’s Abbey.

Aidan Putnam, O.S.B.

IOGD: In Omnibus Glorificetur Deus. That in all things God may be glorified.

1 Peter 4:11, Rule of Benedict 57.9

Abbey archives

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ather Richard Eckroth, O.S.B. (baptized William Anthony), was born in Mandan, North Dakota, on 21 June 1926, the tenth child of fourteen born to Louis and Hattie (Gruenenfelder) Eckroth.

By the time he received the sacrament of confirmation from Bishop Vincent Wehrle, O.S.B., he felt called to the priesthood.

His Benedictine sister Caroline, and Saint John’s Father Angelo Zankl, O.S.B., who was once an assistant at Mandan, helped him focus his vocational call on Benedictine monasticism. In 1945, a year after graduating as valedictorian of Saint John’s Preparatory School, he entered the novitiate of Saint John’s Abbey and received the name of Richard.

Shortly after professing vows on 11 July 1946 as a Benedictine monk, Richard was sent to Rome to complete his undergraduate studies in philosophy at Sant’Anselmo, the international

Father Richard served in many capacities during his nearly seven decades of monastic life: teacher of philosophy and a faculty resident at Saint John’s University, instructor at Saint Benedict’s High School in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, master of the brother monks, and master winemaker of the powerful, if dreadfultasting, “abbey gas.” He had a special love for construction and even de-construction projects: he assisted in the building of the Breuer wing of the monastery residence in the mid-1950s, and in the removal of barns, silos, sheds, and a chicken coop. In the 1970s, during the construction of Interstate Highway 94, Richard cut lumber for its right of way.

Pastoral and missionary work were also part of Father Richard’s long monastic career.

In Minnesota he served as a chaplain at Saint Benedict’s Monastery, Saint Raphael’s Convent, and Saint Scholastica Convent, and as assistant pastor at Saint Augustine’s Parish, Saint Cloud, and Seven Dolors Parish, Albany. Beginning in 1977 he was assigned to Saint Augustine’s Monastery, the abbey mission in Nassau, The Bahamas. Initially he served as assistant pastor of Holy Family Church, Nassau. Later he took charge of six churches on Andros

Island where he eagerly applied his love of physical labor, doing extensive maintenance work including putting new roofs on the churches. In 1987 Father Richard was assigned to Bimini Island where he supervised the building of the new Holy Name Church. He returned to Collegeville in 1993.

When he could not build something, Father Richard enjoyed spending time in the abbey woods, clearing damaged trees and cutting firewood. In September 2001 he sustained severe injuries when a dead tree fell on him. A student happened to be running in the area and came to his assistance. Father Richard recovered from his injuries but with his mobility and physical strength greatly diminished. He was never again the vigorous builder or woodsman of his earlier days.

On Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2015, Father Richard died in the abbey retirement center. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on 29 May, followed by interment in the abbey cemetery.

His way of “building up the Church” included the infrastructure.

Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

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Barnabas Laubach Benedictine monk on 11 July 1946. Following completion of his bachelor’s degree in philosophy, he began studies for the priesthood and was ordained on 7 June 1952.

Abbey archives

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he oldest of six children of Nicholas and Alvina (Richter) Laubach, Father Barnabas (Urban Matthias) Laubach, O.S.B., was born in Melrose, Minnesota, 15 November 1925. During his childhood, Father Barnabas established a pattern he would follow the rest of his life: calling both Minnesota and California home. He attended a rural school in Spring Hill, Minnesota, from 1931– 1935, finished his elementary education in Bellflower, California, and completed his first two years of high school at Melrose High before being accepted into Los Angeles College Junior Seminary in 1941. He transferred to Saint John’s Preparatory School in 1942, graduating in 1944, and then enrolled at Saint John’s University.

Given the religious name Barnabas after being accepted into the novitiate of Saint John’s Abbey, he professed his first vows as a

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Father Barnabas served in a number of Minnesota locales in the 1950s and 1960s: Saint Joseph Church in Minneapolis, Church of Saint Bernard in Saint Paul, and as chaplain at the Saint Cloud Reformatory.

In California he completed a clinical pastoral education program and also participated in training programs at the California State Prison, San Quentin, and the Menninger Foundation, Topeka, Kansas. During his chaplaincy the Saint Cloud Reformatory saw many innovations. Father Barnabas reshaped the prison Catholic choir, sparked an outside interest in inmate welfare, and instituted prison discussion groups.

We pray the risen Christ will welcome this missionary monk home.

Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

After completing a master’s degree at Boston College School of Theology in 1971, Father Barnabas was appointed associate director of Liturgical Press, responsible for public relations and the marketing of various publications. In 1974 Barnabas returned to Saint Joseph’s Church in Minneapolis where he supervised the closing, sale, and

Nicholas Thelen demolition of the property to make way for the new interstate highway. In 1982, after serving as pastor in churches in Lake Park, Lake Eunice, and Frazee, Minnesota, Father Barnabas began his last and longest stint in California, ministering in the spiritual care department of the Saint Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino. He also assisted the diocese by providing weekend assistance, especially with the Hispanic community.

Reflecting on his many years of ministry as pastor, teacher, promoter of pro-life causes, administrator, chaplain at prisons and on cruise ships, and world traveler on behalf of Human Life International, Father Barnabas noted: “My career as a priest has been a ministry with many variations, every one meaningful to me.”

Father Barnabas retired to Collegeville in 2011 and struggled to reconnect with a monastery and confreres much changed in the decades since he last called Saint John’s Abbey his home. He maintained a vigorous pattern of daily power walks: his head and shoulders were typically bent at a nearly ninety degree angle to his legs so he could better inspect the grounds.

Following years of declining health and loss of memory, Father Barnabas died on 23 June 2015 in the abbey retirement center. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on 30 June followed by interment in the abbey cemetery.

crucifixes, shrines, and plaques.

His interest in art and design found expression in the abbey barber shop, where he gained recognition among his confreres for his skill at cutting hair.

Nicholas also welcomed visitors to Saint John’s while serving as an attendant in the abbey porter’s office. Beginning in 1962 he spent three years at Saint Maur’s (later, Saint Mark’s) Priory in South Union, Kentucky, an interracial community founded by Saint John’s, where he worked in the kitchen.

Abbey archives

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rother (Claude) Nicholas Thelen, O.S.B., was born in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, on 8 December 1929, the sixth of seven children of Nicholas and Gertrude (Mohs) Thelen.

He attended elementary school at Holy Angels parish school in Saint Cloud and graduated from Cathedral High School.

After enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951, Nicholas was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War from 1952–1954. Upon returning to civilian life, he was employed as a granite draftsman and pursued courses in photography and commercial art and design. In 1957 he entered the novitiate at Saint John’s Abbey, professing first vows as a Benedictine monk on 21 March 1959.

As a junior monk, Brother Nicholas engaged his creativity through photography and in woodcarving such artifacts as

In 1970 Nicholas traveled to the abbey’s mission in Tokyo and began thirty-eight years of faithful service to the people of Japan.

As maintenance supervisor at Saint Anselm’s Priory, he attended to the daily details of maintaining the physical plant. He also assisted with major projects, including the repair of the roof of the church and the installation of two large glass windows in the west wall of the balcony.

Other responsibilities included managing audiovisual projects and preparing meals for the brethren. He assisted in the task of assembling chairs and benches sent from Saint John’s, furniture crafted from wood from the abbey forest. His skilled competence and craftsmanship were evident in every task he undertook.

In addition to much manual labor, Brother Nicholas offered Biblestudy classes and private English lessons to the local Japanese residents in Tokyo and was an adviser to STAIFA, Saint Anselm’s International Friendship

Association. He was affectionately dubbed “night prior” by his confreres at Saint Anselm’s, since he was responsible for closing everything up at night. In 1999, when the Benedictine community moved from Tokyo to Fujimi, Nicholas brought his skills and quiet demeanor to the newly established Holy Trinity Benedictine Monastery. Here he served until 2008, when declining ealth required that he return to the abbey.

Earlier in his monastic life, one of Brother Nicholas’ confreres glowingly commented: “I deeply admire the way in which he has given himself so thoroughly to his religious vocation. His faithfulness in striving for a spirit of quiet and recollection coupled with his faithfully conforming to the monastic schedule of prayer and reading and work is a most edifying influence to the other brothers.” These sentiments were shared by all those who came to know Nicholas.

Brother Nicholas died on 27 June 2015. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on 2 July, followed by interment in the abbey cemetery.

If one is going to spend hours praying every day, these cannot be hours of talking, or asking, but hours of loving.

Prayer is totally resting one’s head on the heart of God, certain that he knows our every need. Yes, prayer is complete surrender.

Brother Nicholas Thelen, O.S.B.

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Worker bees transform floral nectar into honey. Worker monks harvest the honey in the fall for year-round enjoyment. Sweet!

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Photos: Theresa Reichert

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Abbey Apiary Aaron Raverty, O.S.B.

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e read in the book of Proverbs, “My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste” (24:13). Consistent with this scriptural injunction, the monks of Saint John’s Abbey have added apiculture—the science and art of beekeeping— to our list of extra-monastic historical enterprises. But the ambrosial reward is not just the honey. Bees also produce wax, the essential ingredient for making the candles that grace our liturgical celebrations and through which we illuminate the very light of Jesus Christ (see John 12:46).

The earliest amber-encased “fossil” bee from Myanmar may be as old as one hundred million years. Scientists propose that bees coevolved with flowering plants about sixty-five million years ago. Ever since, this evolutionary dance has resulted in the pollination of a broad spectrum of plants that would not exist today without bees.

Saint John’s pioneer monks likely tended a small apiary located near the original frame house in Collegeville as early as 1864. As a novice, I worked in the garden under Brother Charles Kirchner, O.S.B. (1904–1985), abbey gardener and beekeeper. Abbot Jerome Theisen, O.S.B. (1930– 1995), lauding the candlemaking skills of Brother Charles, declared that “his Easter candle was an annual noteworthy crea-

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Abbey Banner Fall 2015

tion.” More recently Father Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B., and Brother Isidore Glyer, O.S.B., have proved themselves able abbey apiarists. Brother Lewis Grobe, O.S.B.—a member of this beekeeping triad—reports that we’ve been sustaining about three to four hives a year for the past five years. The annual yield of honey is unpredictable, but the goal is one hundred pounds per year.

Beekeeping requires considerable attention and labor investment.

Summers are when the hives are checked every couple of weeks to determine whether the bees have enough room or if they are struggling with other issues.

Spring and fall are the busiest seasons. Three-pound boxes of bees arrive from Florida or California in the spring, and this is also the season when abbey beekeepers clean out the brood boxes and ready the hive frames.

Weekly visits are required thereafter to determine whether the bees have enough room, or if they are running out of their early spring sustenance: sugar water. Once the apple trees blossom, providing a source of nectar, the bees are on their own. The honey supply is checked during the fall. Honey frames are removed, decapped, and spun in a centrifuge prior to winter storage. Preparation for the winter months involves leaving seventy pounds of honey in each hive and then wrapping it in wax-covered cardboard boxes. This is essential to keep the bees alive during the winter when they gather themselves into a ball, “flexing their muscles” to keep warm.

The value—indeed necessity— of bees in the local ecosystem cannot be overestimated. Having coevolved with flowering plants, honeybees (and other

Brother Conrad Zimmerman, abbey candlemaker, c. 1949

Abbey archives

harden in proper form. In addition to Brother Charles, Brothers Conrad Zimmerman, O.S.B. (1872–1960) and Urban Pieper, O.S.B. (1929–2012), and Father Sebastian Schramel, O.S.B. (1917– 1999), were candlemakers. The Benedictine sisters from Crookston, Minnesota, also got involved in working with these earliest candle molds, adopting and refining the candle-making method of our monks.

related species, including bumblebees) have developed a mutual interdependence with wildflowers, plants, and trees, including the vegetable and fruit produce from the abbey’s orchard and garden. This is essential for nectar extraction and successful pollination, and thus for the reproduction of both the bees and the varied plants they visit. Brother Lew shared a comment attributed to Dr. Albert Einstein: “If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.”

Whether or not Dr. Einstein made this statement, the contemporary concern about the issues facing bees and beekeepers— the death of so many hives—is serious. Scientists are not sure why bees are dying at such alarming rates. Some blame tiny mites that attack the honeybees’ respiratory tracts; others target widespread and reckless agricultural pesticide use. One proposed response involves encouraging backyard floral redesign shorn of insecticides to make the landscape more “bee friendly.” Others advocate contacting legislators to promote the enactment of bee-protection laws.

Besides honey, the other important resource the honeybees provide is wax for candle making.

One of the brick structures built at Saint John’s as early as 1878 was a wax house where wax from the hives in the abbey apiary was processed to make candles. (The wax house was

Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B.

razed in the 1970s.) The abbey’s current candle shop is located behind the plumbing shop, west of the quadrangle.

Brother Michael Hurth, O.S.B. (1897–1945), appears to have been our first confrere to use molds for candle making as a hobby: Thanksgiving Day 1929 was the date and the campus science hall was the place.

Father Christopher Bayer, O.S.B. (1899–1978), acquired the crafted molds from a nearby parish priest. These molds not only provided the structural form of the candle but were also important for the correct positioning of the wick inside the candle. With these original molds, smaller candles (six at one time) were created in as little as fifteen minutes. Larger candles took up to an hour to

The first sanctuary candles, appearing in the spring of 1933, were one hundred percent beeswax. Other candles incorporated both bleached wax (from the abbey apiary) and commercial unbleached wax. The abbey was not the only place where these candles were used; quantities were also sent to The Bahamas and to the Indian missions staffed by Saint John’s monks in northern Minnesota.

I hope this honey-and-beeswax overview has provided a glimpse into how Saint John’s Abbey has marshaled its resources to “bee” productive.

Brother Aaron Raverty, O.S.B., a member of the Abbey Banner editorial staff, is the author of Refuge in Crestone: A Sanctuary for Interreligious Dialogue (Lexington Books, 2014).

“My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.”

Proverbs 24:13

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Donor Honor Roll Abbey Legacy Circle Recognizing those benefactors who have made a planned gift for the abbey through wills, trusts, annuities, and life insurance policies. People who asked that their gifts remain confidential this year or recently are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +)

Saint John’s would not be what it is today without such generosity from our friends and supporters.

A

bout this time each year Saint John’s Abbey recognizes and gives thanks to those who so generously assist the abbey through their contributions, planned giving, and volunteering. We do so for the first time in Abbey Banner by listing the names of donors and volunteers in this issue.

We read in Scripture: “Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it” (Mark 14:23). Jesus, the perfect steward, gave thanks and passed the cup on just before he gave himself to us completely for our salvation. He offers us the chance to drink from his cup. We know what drinking from it means for each of us. It means our own sacrifice—giving up some of what we have in order to do the Lord’s work on earth—and recognizing that we are responsible not only for our own lives but also for the lives of those around us. Caring for our brothers and sisters is also an important Benedictine value.

The monks of Saint John’s Abbey thank all our donors and volunteers for making their own special sacrifice to assist the abbey in our work. Saint John’s would not be what it is today without such generosity from our friends and supporters. Our heartfelt hope is that you will continue to partner with us in our service and outreach. It is through your generosity that we are able to continue our vital ministries, great teaching, and unique abbey programs that bring the presence of Christ to our students, parishioners, oblates, friends, and others in need. Your generosity makes possible programs such as the Benedictine Volunteer Corps, prison ministry, and social justice work. Your help is essential in sustaining and strengthening the work of Saint John’s Abbey— where your gift has a lasting impact.

Thank you and God bless you!

Father Geoffrey Fecht,

O.S.B.

Abbey Development Director

The following are those who have given directly to Saint John’s Abbey.

Saint John’s University and Saint John’s Preparatory School have their own fundraising offices and programs.

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Abbey Banner Fall 2015

Anonymous (2) Harriet Acheson+ Dr. Peter J. Albert and Charlotte

Mahoney Bernard J.+ and Joan+ Andert Daniel N. Arzac Jr.+ Lydia Avery+ Bernard J. Axtman+ Richard+ and Irene+ Barry S. C. Bauclair+ Rev. Eugene G. Belair+ Paul J. and Edna Berres Leigh F. Birkeland+ Joseph J. Bischof+ Anna B. Blissenbach+ Beatrice M. Bloms+ George F. and Geri Bodmer Henry G. Borgerding+ Mr. and Mrs. Peter Botz+ John Braegelmann+ Jackie Breher+ Thomas F.+ and Lorraine+

Bresnehen Rev. Francis A. Britz+ Margaret D. Broderick+ Mary E. Brown+ Margaret A. Bucher+ Harry E. Burns+ James F. Burns+ Marion+ and Charlotte+ Butcher Addie L. Butler+ Therese Carbonneau+ William P. Cashman+ Vera M. Chapado+ Col. Benjamin+ and Opal+

Chapla Dr. Robert and Nancy Christensen Margaret Collins+ Rev. Louis G. Cook+ Claire Crandall+ Norma+ and Francis G.+ Culhane Rev. Martin T. Cullen Edward Cunningham+ Hermit Angela G. Del Greco, Obl.S.B. Carol Deutsch+ Stephen S. Deutsch+ Rev. Patrick T. Devine+ Ruth K. Dindorf+ John and Anna Dreis+ Frances Drinkwine+ Rev. Charles J. Duerr+ Joleen and Dean+ Durken Marie+ and Henry+ Ehmke Deacon Elmer+ and Georgina+ Eichers Wilfred F. Engel+

Mary Eynck+ John Finken+ Mary Fischer+ Rita G. Fisher+ Lucille A. Fitzsimmons+ Edward P.+ and Loretta H.+

Flynn Harriet R. Fraser+ Angeline Freund+ Rev. Joseph J. Fridgen+ Nellie Gaida+ Paul and Mavis Gannon Margaret L. Gilboe+ Dr. Theodore and Bernadine+ Gimenez Lawrence J. Gleason Sr.+ Edward R. Goossens Louise and Emmett+ Gorman Rev. Peter W. Grady+ Richard J. Grant+ Charles and Mary Griffith Elizabeth Grote+ George H. Haack+ Msgr. James D. Habiger+ Lois J. Hall Marybelle+ and Willard+ Hanna John E. and Geraldine Happe Florentina Herding+ Abraham and Sharon Hernandez Arthur G. Hessburg+ Elmer Hoeschen+ Msgr. Michael J. Hogan+ Lenora Hollas Rev. Jerome J. Holtzman Fred J.+ and Valeria+ Hughes Joseph B. Hunn Catherine A. Huschle+ Mary G. Huschle+ Rev. Wilfred Illies+ John+ and Claire+ Jacobowitz Richard T. and Patricia M. Jessen Lois Job Mark E. Johnson+ Francis+ and Helen S.+ Jordan Marjorie Kalinowski Rev. Neal E. Kapaun+ Ann+ and Herbert L.+ Kelly Jack Kelly+ Dorothy B. Kennedy+ Marie P. Kiess+ Severyn+ and Margaret+ Kipka Br. Robert Kirkley, Obl.S.B. Martin+ and Gertrude+ Kirschner Catherine Klassen+ Rev. Kenneth F. Knoke+ Robert J. Kohorst Bernice Kowalik Theodore Kraker+ Hedwig L. Kratz+ Anna C. Kremer+ Lucille E. Kreutzian+ Vivian Krogh+ Rev. Philip J. Krogman Kenneth P. Kroska+ Catherine Kruchten+ Josie Kwatera+

Alvina Laubach+ Helen C. Lauer+ Edward W. Lehmann Jr. and Susan Lehmann Bernadine A. Leicht+ Lester F. LeMay+ Eugene+ and Ursula+ Lenard Iver M. Linnemann+ Bernice Locci+ Robert H. Mace Jr., Th.M. Brenda Maiers+ Richard+ and Dolores T.+

Manthey Terrence J. Martin+ John+ and Marian+ Maurin Mary F. Meinberg+ William M.+ and Leona R.+ Meinz Rev. Michael G. Mertens+ Florence Meyer+ Magdalen Michels+ Michael Molloy and Thomas Hilgers Rev. John E. Moore+ Florence G. Mortiz+ Helen Moritz+ Henry A. Morof+ David J. Morreim Mary M. Muckley+ Louise Muggli+ Martinella and Stephen J.+ Muggli Sr. William Paul Muldoon Doris H. Murphy+ Arthur G. Nelles+ Steven T. and Dr. Kristen Nelson Gertrude Niehoff+ Milton J. Nietfeld+ Joseph Niggemann+ Msgr. Allan F. Nilles E. Thomas O’Brien+ Walter Otto+ Rev. Harold J. Pavelis Alma Pavia+ Steven Pederson and John Burns Gregory J. and Ellen Pelletier Jerry and Ruth+ Peltier Melvin Pervais Mary Pfau+ William Phelps and Sayre Weaver-Phelps John J. Pieper+ Emily Platnik+ Elizabeth Portz+ Joseph+ and Caroline+ Portz Rev. Gerald L. Potter+ Harriet Pregont+ Joseph Prostrollo Adella L. Rademacher+ Msgr. James W. Rasby+ Erma T. Rausch+ Lydia Reichert+ Mathias J. Reichert+ Anthony+ and Mary+ Rhomberg Rev. Donald W. Rieder+ Evelyn Roche+

Evelyn Roelike+ Marcella Rotty+ Laurel Rudolph-Kniech and James Kniech Eddie Rueth+ Rev. Kenneth Russell Rev. Thomas J. Ryan Steven and Cynthia Saboe Josephine T. Sauer+ Ralph Schad+ Margaret Schissel+ John J. Schmitt+ Rev. Bernard P. Schreiner+ Roland J. Schreiner+ Ottilia Schubert+ Rev. Raymond A.

Schulzetenberg+ Rev. Paul A. Schumacher+ Ludwina Schwinghamer+ Rev. Alex L. Schwinn+ Donald+ and Joan Seifert David and Patricia Serreyn John A. Siebenand Mildred M. Sieve+ Wilfred J. Simon+ Elizabeth Sjoving+ Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Mary Jean Smith+ Gen Stein+ Julia Stein+ Rev. Louis C. Stovik+ Virgil M. Stovik+ A. John and Electa+ Strub Marjorie C. Studer+ Joseph Suk+ Alice G. Sullivan+ Miriam H. Sullivan, Obl.S.B.+ William P. Sullivan Jr.+ Rev. David K. Taylor Bill and Jean Tehan James L. and Donna+ Tembrock Alfred A.+ and Elisabeth+ Terhaar Louise Theisen Robert J. Thielman+ Frances+ and Ted+ Thimmesh Henri V. Tran Sharon H. Tupa Sherri L. Vallee Helen C. VanAcker+ Nestor and Evelyn Vorderbruggen Alfred C.+ and Dorothy+ Wagman Arthur L.+ and Romana+ Wahl Florenz Walz+ Dr. Stephen and Mary Ellen Weber John C.+ and Eileen+ Weihs Patricia A. Weishaar Thomas S.+ and Margaret+ Welch David A. and Karin+ Wendt Theresa M. Wendt+ Dr. Waldemar H. Wenner Edward L. (Chuck) Wenzel+ Harriet Wicklace+

Orville Woeste+ Gregor+ and Marie+ Wollmering Abbey Founders’ Circle (Lifetime Giving)

Recognizing those who have made cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more to the abbey over the course of their lifetime (gifts and pledges, outright and deferred). People who asked that their gifts remain confidential this year or recently are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +) Anonymous (9) Harriet Acheson+ Dr. M. George and Gloria Allen Ayco Charitable Foundation Richard+ and Irene+ Barry Florian L.+ and Kathleen+ Baumgartner Rev. Eugene G. Belair+ Paul J. and Edna Berres Leigh F. Birkeland+ Beatrice M. Bloms+ Jackie Breher+ Joseph T. Brudney+ Margaret A. Bucher+ Marion+ and Charlotte+ Butcher Phyllis S. Carmien Dr. Robert and Nancy Christensen Margaret Collins+ Claire Crandall+ Brian P. and Joy L. Crevoiserat Norma+ and Francis G.+ Culhane Rev. Martin T. Cullen Hermit Angela G. Del Greco, Obl.S.B. Ginger and Roger Delles Ruth K. Dindorf+ Driscoll Foundation Joleen and Dean+ Durken East Bay Community Foundation Marie+ and Henry+ Ehmke Wilfred F. Engel+ Rita G. Fisher+ Edward P.+ and Loretta H.+ Flynn William and Patricia+ Friedman Andy and Jodi Fritz Paul and Mavis Gannon Dr. Theodore and Bernadine+ Gimenez Rev. Peter W. Grady+ Gary K. Grooters Judith Grooters Msgr. James D. Habiger+ Marybelle+ and Willard+ Hanna Dr. Harris D. and Mary Hanson Abraham and Sharon Hernandez Wayne and Jody Ho Elmer Hoeschen+ Marjorie Kalinowski Ann+ and Herbert L.+ Kelly Severyn+ and Margaret+ Kipka Br. Robert Kirkley, Obl.S.B.

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Martin+ and Gertrude+ Kirschner F. Alexandra and Robert Klas Rev. Kenneth F. Knoke+ Frank+ and Julia Ladner Rev. Peter Lambert Edward W. Lehmann Jr. and Susan Lehmann Diane Liemandt-Reimann and Ronald Reimann Bernice Locci+ Joseph R. and Sylvia Luetmer Michael R. and Nancy McCarthy McGough Construction Company, Inc. McGough Foundation Lawrence and Andrea McGough William M.+ and Leona R.+ Meinz Minnesota Community Foundation Michael Molloy and Thomas Hilgers Florence G. Mortiz+ Henry A. Morof+ Mary M. Muckley+ William Paul Muldoon Steven T. and Dr. Kristen Nelson Walter+ and Caroline+ Niebauer Milton J. Nietfeld+ Omaha Community Foundation Onchuck Law Office, S.C. Steven Pederson and John Burns Jerry and Ruth+ Peltier Melvin Pervais William Phelps and Sayre Weaver-Phelps Joseph+ and Caroline+ Portz Joseph Prostrollo Adella L. Rademacher+ Rev. Donald W. Rieder+ John E. and Lois Rogers Marcella Rotty+ Rev. Kenneth Russell Steven and Cynthia Saboe Saint Paul Foundation Ralph Schad+ Scherer Bros. Lumber Co. Michael and Susanne Scherer John J. Schmitt+ Ottilia Schubert+ Lawrence and Marilyn+ Schwietz William and Joyce Sexton William and Joyce Sexton Family Foundation Ambassador Robert and Ellen Shafer Slaggie Family Foundation Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Virgil M. Stovik+ A. John and Electa+ Strub Alfred A.+ and Elisabeth+ Terhaar Louise Theisen Lyle and Marilyn Theisen Raymond and Mary Turcotte Kae and Maurice+ Vandeputte+

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Alfred C.+ and Dorothy+ Wagman Arthur L.+ and Romana+ Wahl Dr. Stephen and Mary Ellen Weber John C.+ and Eileen+ Weihs Patricia A. Weishaar Thomas S.+ and Margaret+ Welch Robert J. and Jeanette+ Welle Dr. Waldemar H. Wenner Edward L. (Chuck) Wenzel+ Daniel A. and Katharine Whalen Harriet Wicklace+ Willis of Minnesota, Inc. Abbot’s Circle (Lifetime Giving)

Recognizing those who have made cumulative gifts of $25,000 to $49,999 to the abbey over the course of their lifetime (gifts and pledges, outright and deferred).

People who asked that their gifts remain confidential this year or recently are listed as Anonymous.

(Deceased +) Anonymous (3) Dr. Peter J. Albert and Charlotte Mahoney Bernard J.+ and Joan+ Andert Gordon J. and JoAnne Bailey John and Bonita Benschoter Rev. Francis A. Britz+ Mary E. Brown+ RoxAnne Daly and Jack F. Daly Jr.+ Laurence G.+ and Redelle+ DeZurik Rev. Charles J. Duerr+ El-Jay Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Nellie Gaida+ Edward R. Goossens The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Group for Affordable Housing Joan M. Gurian George H. Haack+ Matthew and Jacqueline Haughey Rev. Lloyd G. Haupt Rev. Robert Hazel Rev. Wilfred Illies+ John+ and Claire+ Jacobowitz Francis+ and Helen S.+ Jordan K. C. Marrin Co. Thomas and Joan Kasbohm John J. and Marilyn Kennedy Vincent R. and Jean Kinney Klas Family Foundation Koch Foundation, Inc. Rev. Philip J. Krogman Catherine Kruchten+ Mary and Bud+ Lambert Helen C. Lauer+ Edward J. LeMay KC and Anne Marrin Joseph S. McGraw

Abbey Banner Fall 2015

Tom and Linda McGraw Mary F. Meinberg+ Magdalen Michels+ Theodore E. and M. Irene Micke Louise Muggli+ Gertrude Niehoff+ Robert J. and Rita Rengel J. Patrick Rooney+ Mary Ellen Rudden Eunice and John+ Ruff Rev. Thomas J. Ryan Rev. Raymond A.

Schulzetenberg+ Rev. Alex L. Schwinn+ Rev. Louis C. Stovik+ Target Corporation Michael Urbanos and Rosann Fischer Florenz Walz+ David A. and Karin+ Wendt Regina and Stephen Wolfe Gregor+ and Marie+ Wollmering Prior’s Circle (Annual Giving)

Recognizing those benefactors who have made annual gifts of $1,000 or more to the abbey during the fiscal year beginning 1 July 2014 and ending 30 June 2015. People who asked that their gifts remain confidential this year or recently are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +) Anonymous (8) John and Catherine Agee Dr. M. George and Gloria Allen John and Elizabeth Anderla Steven F. Arnold Gordon J. and JoAnne Bailey Fred Bartlett Bob and Mary Becker Benedictine Community of New Norcia John and Bonita Benschoter Ann M. Berendes Alois and Margie Beste Tom Borak and Marie-Louise

Borak Robert J. Bray Stephen W. and Rita Buckley Phyllis S. Carmien Noreen L. Carroll Catholic Community Foundation Dennis and Marilyn Cavanaugh Central MN Community Foundation Dr. Robert and Nancy Christensen College of Sant’Anselmo Don and Sheila Coy Hermit Angela G. Del Greco, Obl.S.B. Ginger and Roger Delles John L. and Jeune Dieterle Driscoll Foundation

James C. Drozanowski Bernadette S. and Ed Dunn Joleen Durken Albert and Moira Eisele El-Jay Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Patrick J. and Kris Ellingsworth Cynthia M. Foster James and Cathy Franta Andy and Jodi Fritz John T. Gerlach The Getty Foundation Richard and Maria Grant Greater Kansas City Community Foundation Lawrence P. and Mary Haeg Rev. Lloyd G. Haupt A. E. Hauwiller Rev. Robert Hazel James A. and Maxine Hecimovich Don P. Helgeson and Sue Shepard Abraham and Sharon Hernandez Dr. Noreen L. Herzfeld Dr. Charles J. and Susan Hipp Wayne and Jody Ho Holy Name Church, Wayzata, Minnesota Willem T. Ibes The J Foundation Thomas Joyce and Annette Atkins Diana Juettner The K Foundation Daniel and Sara Kantor Steve and Taffy Karel Lyle C. and Kathleen Kasprick Ivan+ and Lois Kauffman John J. and Marilyn Kennedy Richard S. Kilty Vincent R. and Jean Kinney Br. Robert Kirkley, Obl.S.B. Knights of Columbus 5136 Tom and Jan Kordonowy Hedwig L. Kratz+ Richard and Pamela Kunkel Peggy Ladner and Clifton Brittain Mary J. Lambert David Lerner Associates H. Daniel and Wendy Levene Hon. John and Mary Lindstrom Joseph R. and Sylvia Luetmer Rev. Paul A. Magnano Robert L. and Anne Mahowald Scott and Mary Kay May Michael R. and Nancy McCarthy McGough Construction Company, Inc. McGough Foundation Lawrence and Andrea McGough Tom and Linda McGraw Kenneth and Patricia McKenna Thomas and Mary McKeown Florence Meyer+ Minnesota Community

Foundation Mondelez International Foundation Paul and Nancy Moran

Joseph and Kathleen Mucha Richard and Janet Muellerleile William Paul Muldoon Garrett E. Mulrooney Michael E. and Jane Murphy Robert A. Murray Jr. and Joan Murray Edwin M. and Mary Anne Nakasone Dr. Brian J. Neil Robert and Joanne Neis Dr. Robert A. and Barbara Nelson Elaine M. and Thomas Newton Milton J. Nietfeld+ Elizabeth Nilles Augustine and Elizabeth Nolan Susan and Stuart Nordquist William and Jeanie O’Connell Omaha Community Foundation James P. O’Meara Onchuck Law Office, S.C. John and Gigi Ossanna Gianfranco and Susan Pagnucci Steven Pederson and John Burns Jerry C. Peltier Jose A. Peris and Diana L. Gulden Michael C. and Sharon Peschel Col. John F. and Barbara Phelps Vincent C. and Marcia Pletcher Ponca Hills Enterprises, Inc. George H. L. Porter and Carol Arnold Porter Joseph+ and Caroline+ Portz Dr. Kenneth and Gretchen Preimesberger Joseph Prostrollo David and Karen Quinby Msgr. James W. Rasby+ James S. and Lori A. Rausch Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc. Robert J. and Rita Rengel John E. and Lois Rogers Richard Rose Al and Vivian Rowe Mary Ellen Rudden Eunice Ruff Steven and Cynthia Saboe Saint Paul Foundation Michael P. and Patricia Salm Thomas and Linda Sanders Michael and Susanne Scherer John J. Schmitt+ Diane Schulte Schwab Charitable Fund Gregory and Mary Lynn Schwietz Mark Schwietz and Marti Elliott David and Patricia Serreyn James F. and Paula Sexton William and Joyce Sexton Family Foundation Elizabeth P. Shipton Andrea and Arthur Sitterle Dennis and Mary Kay Smid Louis and Dori Soroe Saint Cloud Mission Office

William J. Temmler Mary Ann Tham Louise E. Theisen Lyle and Marilyn Theisen Jon and Lea Theobald Allan and Judy Thomes Christopher J. and Sarah Thompson Wallace and Mary Ann Tintes Raymond and Mary Turcotte Thomas and Madeline Turner Patricia Tyson Michael Urbanos and Rosann Fischer Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Dr. James E. and Perha Varley Miriam R. Vetter Mil Voelker Phyllis L. Volk Katherine Wallace Helen Wang Jerome Weber David Weinmeyer Patricia A. Weishaar Robert J. and Jeanette+ Welle Dr. Joseph H. and Mary Wenner Dr. Waldemar H. Wenner Lloyd and Elaine Wenning Raymond Wesnofske S. Linn and Noriko Williams Thomas B. Williams Regina and Stephen Wolfe Stephen R. Yurek Confreres’ Circle (Annual Giving)

Recognizing those benefactors who have made annual gifts of $1 to $999 to the abbey during the fiscal year beginning 1 July 2014 and ending 30 June 2015.

People who asked that their gifts remain confidential this year or recently are listed as Anonymous.

(Deceased +) Anonymous (10) Mark and Maryann Aaron Kokou and Anoko Abalo Howard Abbott Jr. Marcus Abbott and Loreen Herwaldt-Abbott Deacon Courtney and Bernadine Abel Matthew and Andrea Abeln Mary Adams Steven R. Adams Sandra Adducci Mary Ager Donald Ahlbach Barbara Ahlstrom David Albert and Laura Klugherz George S. Albert

Dr. Edwin Albrecht James M. Albrecht Robert A. and Jean Albrecht Rosemary Albrecht Brenda Albury Jean M. Allen William and Linda Allen Robert and Elli Alpers Donald and Sharon Althaus Eugene and Marion Altmann Randall O. Altmann Jeffrey and Theresa Ambord Mary Ann Amelse Msgr. Gaspar Ancona Tony Andersen and Ann Pryor Andersen Charles and Lana Anderson Connie L. Anderson Daryl Anderson John M. Anderson Laun Anderson Mark J. and Karmen Anderson Mary C. Anderson Rev. Michael F. Anderson Rick and Cynthia Anderson Rolf T. Anderson Laura Andert Shawnette Andries Claire and Warner J. Angelle II Mary Anglin Michael Antolik Clem and Alice Anton Sandra A. Antonelli Lois Antonich Mathias R. Antony William H. Arata Lydia Argote Mary M. Ariens Joseph P. and Jennifer Armitage Patrick and Natalia Armitage Aileen Armstrong Florine K. Armstrong Steve and Cindy Armstrong Kathryn L. Arndt Margaret and John Arnold Mary and Lawrence Aszmann Ilene A. Atarian Amy Atkins Richard and Carol Atkins Karen and Curt Atkinson Mary K. Aubart James A. Audette Dolores and Joe Auge Kyle D. Auringer Mildred M. Bach Susan Bachelder Peter A. Bacich Marina E. Bahmer Scott and Kaizen Bailey Joseph and Kathryn Bainbridge Marge Baker Lois Bakker James and Sharon Balcom Debbie J. Baldwin Amy S. Ballard Rev. Tim Baltes

Michael P. Bancks Nicholas A. and Jodi Bancks Eleanor T. Barba Patricia R. Barbone Isabelle Barker Robert and Lori Barklow Anacleta S. Barlaan Mark J. Barrett Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Barrett Rosanne M. Barrett Bob and Pat Barry James Barry Mary Ann Bartel Rose Bartley Constance G. Barton Paul M. Bassett Meghan Battista John and Lisa Anne Bauch Ally Bauer Debbie Bauer Jeffrey P. Bauer Merle and Claire Bauer Michael W. and Margaret Bauer Richard L. and Helga Bauerly Tim and Pat Baumberger William and Barbara Baumgarten Timothy K. and Linda Baumgartner Todd and Carin Baumgartner Msgr. Thomas F. Baxter S. Amelita V. Baybay Richard J. and Sharon Beach Dr. Edward and Kathleen Beal Alex and Gretchen Bealer Jack F. Beatty Robert S. Beaudry Muriel M. Bechtel LeMay Bechtold Mark Bechtold Guy W. and Ruth Ellen Beck Joseph W. and Joyce Beckermann Vern and Sue Beckermann John R. Beckes Lt. Cols. James and Lisa Beckmann Aimee Beckmann-Collier and David Collier George and Bernadine Bedingfield Mary and Keith Bednarowski Ruth Beiswenger Roger and Sue Ann Beiting Mary Belden John M. Bell Gary M. and Lorrie Bellair Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Belland Christian M. and Milagros V. Bencio Frank P. Bendewald Geno Beniek Kathleen Bennett Raymond and Joan Benson George Berg M. Joseph and Theresa Berg Glenn and Karen Berg-Moberg Bergen County United Way Christopher and Debra Bernish

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Alexis R. Bernstein S. Caroline Berres, O.S.C. Scott Beske Richard J. Bess Helen J. and Joseph Bettendorf Phil Betts Mary G. Beverage Bonnie Reim Bifulk Sharon Bigot Rev. Timothy E. Biren James L. and Virginia Bisek Carol Bishop Mary Ann Bishop Cletus M. Bitzan Donald J. and Patricia+ Bitzan LeRoy Bitzan Dick and Mimi Bitzan John and Kathy Bjerke Charles Bland Gerald F. and Beverly Blaschko William F. and Kristin Blatzheim Valeria Blenker Theresa J. Blommer Bill and Marjorie Blubaugh John and Mary Bluemle Uta-Renate Blumenthal Chang Bo Terry and Mary Kay Bodeen George F. and Geri Bodmer Faye and Robert Boehler Robert A. Boehler Patricia Ann Boelman Phillip Boelter Thom Boerigter Howard C. and Patricia Boeser Suzanne Bolger Helaine F. Bolter Anthony A. and Rebecca Bombich Cynthia A. Bondoc Zoenid Bonet Anita M. Bongcaron Mark Bonkiewicz Jeffrey Bonneville Bill and Mary Boom Mary Anne Boos Rev. Brian David Boosel, O.S.B. John T. and Katie Borgen Vernon Borgen DiAnn Bormes Nancy Boss Ralph and Patricia Bossert Harvey Botting Ben and Gerry Bowar Joseph T. and Kelly M. M. Bower James R. and Yong Bowers Keith and Deanna Boyer Daniel Boyle and Ann MacKay John P. and Kathleen Boyle Andy and Jenny Bradley Stephanie S. Bradley Kathleen A. Brady-Murfin Rosalind L. Braga Glen and Joan Brakner Dr. Rochelle J. Brandl John E. and Terrie Brandt

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Gerald H. Brantner Fred and Sue Brass Zora B. Bratsch Donna S. Brauch Allan Braun Marlene L. Braun Bill and Joanne Braun William Bravener Douglas Breckenridge Rita Breier Thomas Breitenbucher Victoria Brenna Ellen Brennan Robert and Marlen Brennan Bob and Bev Bresnahan Marlene and Steve Bresnahan Dr. Nicholas S. Briese and Nicole Huebner Briese Robert and Mary Rae Briggle Rev. Horace L. Brignac Chuck Briscoe George Bristol Clark M. Brittain Beatrice and Larry Britz Lois A. Broden+ Marc D. and Elizabeth Broemmelsiek Cheryl L. Broich Mark Brokering Daniel and Angela Broos Ann Brown Curtis and Rachel Brown Florence M. Brown Peter and Ellen Brown David L. Bruch S. Lorraine Brueggemann Joel Bruels Timothy Bruels Estelle Bruemmer Mary O. Brugliera and L. O’Brien Matthew C. Brumleve Lillian R. Brummel Carolyn Brusseau Jeffrey N. Bryan Carl and Diane Bublitz John Buckley and Anne Mills Jerry and Jean Bucksa Robert Buckvold Ruth Bueckers Donna R. Buell Edward and Mary Buksa Richard Buller Marjorie M. Bulver Mary Kay Bungert Jochen Burgtorf Cecelia Burgwald James W. Burke and Maria T. Doce McKenzie P. Burns Robert R. and Betty Burns Joe and Kayreen Burns Marlow and Cathy Burt Joseph A. Busch Jr. Leonard S. and Margie Busch Sylvia A. Busch Jacquelyn Bush

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Lorraine A. Butler Joe Butorac Nancy M. Butts Raymond J. Buttschau Brenda and Lloyd Buttweiler Timothy J. and Julianne Buttweiler Rev. J. Michael Byron S. Michaea Byron, O.S.F.+ Aleksandra L. Bzdyra Marjorie B. Cagley Kathleen Cahalan and Don Ottenhoff William and Jennifer Cahoy Charles G. Calhoun Walter R. Calhoun William A. and Deborah Calley Calligraphy Society of South Africa Graham and Karen Cameron Rev. Joseph Cameron Cathy Campbell Jackie Campbell Scott R. and Celine Campbell Brian Campion and Gerry Huerth Richard D. and Marie Cannady C. Patrick and Marlene Cannon Lynn H. Canterbury Mark Capaldini Dr. Joseph G. and Eileen Capecchi Robyn Caponi Dominie Cappadonna Catherine A. Carey Benjamin T. Carlson John and Colleen Carlson Lucille Carlson Michelle and Guy Carlson Nancy K. Carlson Deacon Roger B. Carlson+ Msgr. Patrick Carney Nicky B. Carpenter Gary and Catherine Carruthers Julie M. and Craig Carter Louis H. and Caye Carufel Gerald and Marcia Casper Jonathan D. Casper Deborah E. Castellanos Catholic Community Foundation Rev. Lawrence A. Cavell Joseph Cecil Carl R. and Diana Chalupsky Mary Chamberlain Christopher E. and Colleen Chambs John and Sally Chatelaine James D. Child Michael S. Chisarik Dorothy Chizek James and Nancy Chouanard Cary Chow Bonnie M. Christensen Nicholas M. and Melanie Christianson John W. and Nora Chromy Elaine P. Churchill

Donald Chvatal Eunice Chyu Daniel T. and Janice Cincoski Janice Cink Delores A. Clair Thomas and Linda Clancy Marion Clark Robert J. Clark William L. M. H. Clark Joseph and Jeanette Clements Dr. Robert and Nancy Clements Ann and Jim Coady Ellen A. Coates Mr. and Mrs. J. Colaruotolo Albert J. and Susan Colianni Alfred G. Colling Jan T. Collins Rev. Richard F. Collman Joy McDonald Coltvet Tony and Lynne Comazzi Lorraine M. Comfort Clement J. and Molly Commers Community of Solitude Ralph E. and Barbara Congdon Jane Conlin Dr. Daniel C. Conlon Charlene Connelly Sara A. Connerty Gerry Connolly Carol J. Connor John Connors Barbara Conrey Paul M. Conroy James Conway John and Donna Conzemius Ralph J. Cooke Carla M. Cooper Michelle and Thomas Cooper John and Susan Coppens John A. Corbo Ruth and Kim Corcoran Lucy L. Cords and Alvin Gerads Patrick F. and Nancy Corkrean Paul E. Cormier Corpus Christi Monastery, Bronx, New York Kenneth J. and Carol Coskran Nathaniel G. Costa Eileen Costello Musser and Bret Musser Laverne Edith Cottet Thomas Coughlan Francis M. and Marilyn Court Matthew Couture Rev. Robert P. Coval Rev. John Cowan Barbara J. Cox James C. and Michele Cox William L. and Judy Cox Richard M. Coyan Robert Coyle Francis R. Crain Renate C. Craine-Sutterlin Richard and Sara Crawford Roseanne C. Crawford David Creamer

BVC

archives

Generous donors make the service of the Benedictine Volunteer Corps possible. Thank you!

Kathleen M. Crispo Cynthia A. Cronin Michael and Ellen Cronin William V. Cronon John and Laura Crosby Robert V. and Florence Crow Daniel and Sandra Crowley Anne Crowningshield Dr. William P., D.D.S, and Glenda Cruse Violeta Cruz-Hudnall and Edward Hudnall Donald and Jeanette Culhane Rev. Martin T. Cullen Bridget Cummings Dr. Michael and Virginia Cummings Steven B. and Laurie Cummings Margaret Cunningham William and Judy Cunningham Sylvia Curiel Edward D. and Eileen K. Curley Stella Curran Chad K. and Rochelle Curtis J. Michael Dady and Kim M. Dady Julia Dady Mary Dahl Adele W. Dahlberg John and Jean Dahlke Joseph R. and Ann Daley Rev. Gerald E. Dalseth Thomas M. and Patricia Daly Mary P. Danaher Rev. Thomas P. D’Angelo Betty Davidson Angela Davis Jayne Davis James K. Day Lisa S. Dean

Jennifer and Bradley Deane Jeffrey M. DeBevec Elaine Deeney Brad and Diane Deering Patrick M. Deering Richard DeFeyter Jeffry and Joanne Degenhardt Gene E. Dehler Ludovicus J. and Susan DeHoog Richard and Elizabeth Deibert Martin J. Deignan Paul and Susan DeJute Mrs. Angela D. Del Greco Amparo V. Dela Cruz Joseph and Jean Delahanty Julio G. and Mary DeLaRosa Renate and Dieter Dellmann Dr. Robert L. Delorme Sheila DeLuca Richard and Diane De Luna Benjamin T. DeMarais Thomas and Annmarie DeMarais Gregory J. and Ann DeMarco Joe B. Demmer Maurice E. and Madeleine DeMontigny Paul J. and Pam DeMorett Terence C. Derosier Rev. Brent DeSilva James A. Deutmeyer Alfred S. Deutsch Ben and Shari Deutsch Terry Devitt William DeWitt and Katie Conlin Ann M. DeWolfe Dale and Constance DeZeller Jeff and Geri Dezenski Dr. Peter A. and Nancy D’Heilly Carroll M. Dick Sandra Dickinson

Ann Didier Drake and Madeline Dierkhising Julie and Gary Dietman Mary Dietz Msgr. James E. Dillenburg Rev. Richard J. Dillon Laury M. DiMarco Robert J. and Paula Dinndorf Diocese of Winona Lisa I. Directo Davis and Glen Davis Edward J. and Dianne Dirkswager Norman and Jennifer Discher John M. and Julie Ditzler Dennis and Marlene Doetkott William and Leah Doherty Margaret A. Dolan Bert and Joan Dold Doug Dombek Judy Donley Larry A. and Rita Donlin David Dooley Christina Dorsey Richardson Steven and Ann Dorsey Dorrine M. Douglass Charles E. and Carmelle Dowdle Gregory D. and Mary Jo Downs Daniel J. and Kim Doyle Michael and Marie Doyle Patricia Drahota Donald B. and Marilynn Drever Ross B. Drever Mary G. Drew Jeanne Drewes Judith A. Drinan S. Monica Drogon Elizabeth M. Drucker Edward A. Duane Richard Dudas Kris and Gina Dudziak Harold J. and Mary Duffy Robert B. and Linda Duffy Norman J. Dukart Rosemary H. Dummer Robert and Evelyn Dumonceaux Todd A. and Penny Dunbar Dr. Laura Dunham Suzanne M. and Richard Dunn Michael and Maureen Dunne Mark and Barbara Durenberger G. R. Durenberger George and Helen Durken Kevin and Deb Durken Scott and Kari Durken Richard J. and Laura Duthoy Alexis Duval-Arnould Paul and Laurie Duxbury Janice A. Dworschak Clark Dyrud Bill Eaves Dr. Timothy and Nancy Ebel Jerome and Sheila Eckrich Anthony and Joanne Eckroth Charles and Evelyn Eckroth Rev. Leonard A. Eckroth

Ruth Edberg June A. Eddingston Steven Edelman-Blank David and Rose Marie Ederer Jane Eesley Kevin and Betsy Egan Celeste and Jim Egger Ronald and Wendy Eggerichs Brian Eggersdorfer Kathy Ehrhard Marlin G. and Betty Eich C. Jack and Judith Eichhorst Brice Eichlersmith Joseph S. and Laura Eiden Alan and Lollie Eidsness S. Grace M. Eidt, C.S.J. Jeffrey A. Eiffler Eugene and Dottie Eisenschenk Gregory and Jeanne Eisinger Robert T. and Carol Ekhaml Carol Elbert Gary and Ruth Elderbrook Marilou and Donald Eldred Joel and Mary Ann Elftmann Mary Jean Elioff S. Marilyn Ellickson, C.S.A. Daniel and Marian Elliott James Ellison Nicholas J. and Nancy Eltgroth Paul M. Elwell J. David Enestvedt James J. and Virginia Engel Cynthia Engelkes Thomas R. and Sharon Engels Howard and Avelina Engen David Engleson Jerome J. Engleson Larry and Kim Engleson Russel and Beverly Engleson Ramon T. and Mary English Clarence and Jean Enneking William and Ann Erbes John J. and Debra Erhart William P. and Bernadette Erickson Katherine T. Ernst Lora Eschenbacher Michele Esposito Bernadette and Robert Ethen Terry and Karlyn Etheridge Leo and Terry Euteneuer Mel and Julie Euteneuer Bernard F. and Nancy Evans Deborah L. Evans Patrick D. and Gail Evans Rita M. Evans Rev. Dennis D. Evenson Ethan J. Evenson Elizabeth Everitt John W. and Margaret Faber Stuart and Rosemary Fagrelius Dr. Scott and Ann Fairbairn Lucy Fallon Martin S. and Margaret Fallon Joseph and Mary Conover Faltesek

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Dr. Terese Fandel and Dr. John Pennings Francis J. and Nora Fanelli Raymond and Estelle Farley Michael and Victoria Farmer Michial Farmer James and Joanne Farver James and Mary Ann Fasbender Robert A. and Deborah Fasnacht Louis E. and Mary Faust William and Patricia Fay Daniel C. and Lynn Fazendin Lynn and Daniel Fazendin Leo Fecht+ Margers Feders Perry and Yvonne Feders John M. Fee Charles and Marilyn Feit Mark C. and Theresa Feldmann Joseph F. Felker Rev. Thomas Feltman Jeffrey and Caren Fenske Carolyn Ferguson Robert P. Ferrari Jeanne L. Ferrian and Robert H. Byers Jere and Dawn Fetter Gerald Fiamingo Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Virginia A. Field Rev. Brian J. Fier Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Fierst Dan and Karen Finn John J. Finnegan Jr. and Donna Finnegan James and Lois Fisch Benedict L. Fischbach Jack and Nancy Fischer Richard and Patricia Fischer James and Norma Fitts Joseph Fitzgerald and Ane Kvale Fitzgerald Margaret J. Fitzgerald Rev. P. Tim Fitzgerald Brian D. and Heidi Fitzpatrick John D. Flanagan Kathleen Flanagan Jane Flannigan Susan M. Flannigan Jon Fleming Timothy M. and Ann Fleming Charles A. Flinn Jr. and Elizabeth Hayden Denis and Mary Flint Jeanne Flood Mary Joe Florian Thomas Fluit David and Anita Flynn Maxine Z. and Patrick Flynn Robert C. and Agnes Flynn William D. and Patricia L. Flynn Jay Foley Mary J. Foley Rev. William E. Foley Jr. James Foltz May Forberg

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Daniel P. and Cindee Forby Frank P. Forsberg and Mary Heer-Forsberg Linda L. Foster Judy Fournier Maria-Teresa Fowell Carolyn M. Fox Eugene and Claire Fox Michelle Francl-Donnay Bruce and Christine Frank Aaron Franta and Jennifer Lahmann Peter J. and Cheryl Franta Earl F. Franz John and Jeanne Fraune Joseph W. and Elaine+ Fraune Paul and Julia Frawley Stanley and Florence Frederick Robert A. Freed Penny J. Freeman Lou Ella Freese M. Ann Freitas Lois Frericks Peter and Nancy Fribley Diane D. Friebe Rev. Cecil H. Friedmann Michael J. Friedrich Bill and Betty Frieler Rev. Gilbert R. and Gretchen Friend-Jones Delores A. Fries Edward R. Friesen Gregory M. Friesen Kurt P. and Amy Fritsch Deacon Bob and Gretchen Froehle Peter H. and Caroline Froehle Richard J. and Eileen Froehle E. Michael and Joan Frohrip Thomas and Maureen Fuechtmann Bruce E. and Roberta Fujan Gerard and Martha Gach Theresa J. Gacher Salvacion Catherine P. Garcia Kevin G. and Mary Gaffney Norbert J. Gaier Dennis and Karen Gajeski George M. Gales Dr. Michele T. Gallagher Robert D. and Maureen Gallaher James and Mary Grace Galvin Thomas and Janet Gambrino Louise Gangelhoff James and Cynthia Gans Rudolph A. Gapko Edward J. and Anna Garaczkowski David A. Garcia Lawrence Garcia Corinne M. Gariepy Edward and Joan Gartner Thomas J. Garvey Joseph Gasnick and Jody Grewe-Gasnick Keith and Debra Gatzow

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Supranee Gavinlertvatan Clifford and Peg Gawne-Mark Marita M. and Luann Geers James Gefre Jerome and Beth Geis Charles R. Geisen Elizabeth B. Gemmill Donald L. Genereux Craig and Shirley George Dr. Dale and Mary Gerding Philip J. Gerlach Robert A. Germany Julius and Katherine Gernes James A. and Kathleen Geske Tom and Mary Gessner Judy Giacabazi Nancy Gianoli Frank C. Giardina Jr. Christopher and Joni Gibbs Robert and Frances Gibbs Dorothy J. Gillen Dr. Shawn P. Gillen and Dr. Barbara Higgins Mary Ann Gillespie James and Jennie Mae Gilmartin Rev. Edward M. Girres Alan Gise Dirk Giseburt and Marilyn Stahl Sharon and James Givens Gerald and Mary Glomb Donald J. Glover Vernon and Maxine Goebel Maureen P. Golden Sebastian N. Gomes Msgr. Leo L. Gomez Penny Gonzales Perry and Patti Good Roger and Jeanne Goode James S. and Carol Ann Goodhart Andrea Goodrich Rev. Kevin M. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Gorman Jr. Timothy M. and Susan Gossman Louis M. and Eileen Gottwalt Thomas and Maria Gottwalt Mark and Karen Gould Dr. Daniel V. and Kathleen Goulet Thomas and Mary Grady Carol Graff Kathryn Grafsgaard John C. Graham Leon and Patricia Grahn Dorothy Gram Marjorie Gram+ Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation Veronica Grandpre Jeremy P. Graney Jerome and Kathleen Graney Gary J. and Mary Graper John A. Gratzek Kathleen A. Gravens Patricia Gray Pamela A. Grayson Carl A. and Maria Vivian M. Greci

Dennis Green James and Kathleen Green Gregory and Jane Greene Thomas and Mary Greenstein Benjamin M. and Janet Gregorio John E. Grek Edwin and Judy Grelson Robert A. Gresbrink Sandra S. Griffin Rev. Daniel Griffith Drs. John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker Grant R. Grissom John F. and Joan Grobe Gerald W. and Corrine Grochowski Alvina Groebner Gene Grossman Thomas and Nancy Gruber Edmund and Catherine Grundmayer Linus L. Guggenberger Daniel K. Gullo and Elizabeth M. Nordmeyer Kevin P. Gunn S. Sally Gunn Kevin H. and Elizabeth Schmitz Gust Kenneth and Jeanette Gutzwiller Marlene Haberer Royce L. Hackl Thomas and Mary Hager Rose Hahn Paul Haik Mary Ann Haines Matthew J. Haines and Jennifer Marshall Valdemar Halgas David Hall Donald M. and Marion Hall Jon Hall Thomas R. Hall and Julie Kunkel Erik D. and Danielle Halstrom Joshua M. and Mara Halverson John and Jill Hamburger Beth Hamel Patricia M. Hampl Christine M. and Jason Hance Mona M. and William Hanford Mary Hanlon Marguerite and James Hannigan Ginny Hansen Mary E. Hansen Nicholas A. Hansen Marcia and Harlan Hanson Peter Hanson Bill and Kitty Hanz Bob and Karen Harbeck Richard C. Hardes David L. and Kathy Hardwick Linda Harloe Peter F. and Kristan Harrington Alan and Margaret Harris James and Margaret Harris Joan Harris Louise Harris-Cole

David Hart Betty M. Harthman Terrance J. and Renee Hartman Thomas P. and Jeanne Hartmann Julianne Hartung and Timothy Buttweiler Marvin A. and Pamola E. Hartung Marylou Hasecuster Walter Haselhuhn Paul M. and Lorri Hattenhauer Carol Hawkins Eric Hawkins Joan Hawks Susan and John Hawn Teresa A. Hayden Jacqueline Hayes and David Wade Robert and Maureen Healy Dr. Michael D. and LaRae Heaney Stephen and MaryEllen Hecimovich Mary Corita Heid, R.S.M. Rev. Gregory J. Heille, O.P. Jon Heimerman and Karen McKeon John and Lorna Heinen Marladene M. Heinen Thomas Heinen and Tamra Phillippi Ryan A. and Michelle Heining Margaret Heinz Marjorie Heinz Thomas and Barbara Heitzmann Patrick L. Held Michael Helgeson Wesley D. and Dolores Helgeson Michael and Janice Helkenn Ann Heller Jacob L. Helmer Michael Hemesath and Elizabeth Galbraith Fredrick Hemke Mildred Hemmelgarn Michael T. and Michelle Hemmesch Rev. Lawrence A. Hemp Kathleen M. Henderson David M. Hendricks John Heng Charles J. Henkel William R. and Amy Hennessey Joseph E. and Martha Henry Patrick Henry Darryl L. Hensel Dr. Lawrence and Diane Hergott Daniel J. Hermes Richard Herring Franklin L. and Cheryl Herrington Frank and Mary Beth Hess Dr. Philip and Elizabeth Hessburg Marguerite Hessian-Gatz and Bob Gatz Robert and Karen Heying

Daphne Heywood James P. and Lynne Hicks Bryant and Margery High Horse Sharon Hill Sandra Hillesheim George W. and Audrey Hinger Richard and Rose Hinkemeyer James P. and Patricia Hinton Richard J. Hoare Dr. Kathleen Hobday Simone Hobson Edward P. and Sandy Hodapp Phil and Shirley Hodapp William Hodgson and Jundy Debruyne-Hodgson John J. and Debra L. Hoefs Dennis and Rita Hoemberg Arnold and Regina Hoeschen Linda and Jack Hoeschler Autumn Hoffman Mark D. and Jean Hoffman Mike and Kathy Hogan Michael S. Hohensee Elizabeth S. Holcombe Kent Holder Patricia and Thomas Holloran Drs. Aaron and Leah Holmgren John J. and Sara Holter Rev. Jerome J. Holtzman Steven and Susan Holupchinski Martha Otto Honer Nicholas J. Honetschlager Carolyn Honl Debbie Honore James G. Hoofnagle Terrel A. and Kathleen Hoopman Joan Hopke Wayne Hornicek Edward F. Horski Kristofer and Jean Horton Terri M. Horvath John and Geri Hotz Alvin L. and Mary Lou Houle Douglas Hourin Richard and Beth House Richard and Barbara Houston Patricia L. Houston Thomas and Antoinette Hovel Christine and Richard Howard Jerald L. and Juliann Howard Richard J. and Christine Howard Robert E. Howard and Thomas Henry Daniel Howe Kent P. and Marylyn Howe James and Lisa Hoyt Lisa Hsieh Rev. Larry Hubbard Paul J. and Dolores Huber Mary Jane E. Huberty Robert J. and Patricia Huberty James J. Hubner Gerald and Shirlee Huch Rev. Charles Huck Marilyn M. Hudak Walter and Virginia Hudoba

Marlys Huebsch Chuck Huff Bonnie M. and Gary Hugeback Kevin J. and Joanne Hughes Margy and Tom+ Hughes Robert S. Hughes Dr. Terrence and Toni Hughes Theresa and Thomas Hughes Sun Huh Joseph B. Hunn Nancy Hunsley Rose M. Hunstiger Dr. Kai K. and Myrna Hunt Dr. Vincent R. and Mary Kay Hunt Marian Huntley-Lickteig Ann and Terrance Huntrods Chris J. and Leah Hupp Marykaye A. Husnik Jeffrey P. Hutson Thomas and Frances Hutson Thomas P. and Jane Huvane Roger C. and Thelma Huyink Phyllis Hying Janet Hyk John J. and Sandra A. Hyland III Robert and Ann Hyler Lynn and Martin Hynes Thomas and Diane Iacarella Thomas and Christine Igielski James W. Ihrig Jody J. Illies and Marcy Young Illies John D. and Patricia Illies Susanne E. Ingerson Kenneth and Lucy Irvine Eric W. and Katie Jaax Steve M. and Ellen Jackelen Boniface Jacobs Gregory T. Jacobs Joseph and Cindy Jacobs Molly Jacobs Elise T. Jacobson Daniel S. Jaeger David and Karen Jaeger John T. Jaeger Michael D. Jaeger Col. James and Judith Jagielski Janet and Kim Jahnke Phylis Janey Bernard and Kathryn Jansen James H. and Margaret Jansen Warren D. and Dianne Janzen Allen and Diane Jarnot Rev. Paul Jaroszeski Jay K. and Dolores S. Jarrell Joseph Jastrzembski Linda R. and Glenn Jeffrey David Jenkins Marge Jenniges Michael R. and Patricia Jennings Ryan J. Jense and Helena Baldasty Deborah J. and Thomas Jerome Richard T. and Patricia M. Jessen Anna Jieneman

JLL Community Connections Marge Johannes Gregory C. and Delanie Johnsen Arlyss A. Johnson Ben and Suzanna Johnson Bryce and Jody Johnson Charles J. and Margaret Johnson Clifford and Patricia Johnson Dr. Dennis A. Johnson Edward and Nancy Johnson Ellen Johnson Henry and Marlene Johnson Janice M. B. Johnson Joan C. and Gerald+ Johnson Lawrence A. and Gwen Johnson Lowell B. Johnson Lucie Johnson Lynn M. Johnson Steven Johnson and Susan Iverson Tim and Susan Johnson William G. and Sue Johnson David J. and Lori Johnston Timothy A. Johnston Sandra M. Joiner Ronald E. Joki Gerry Jones Lucy R. Jones and Jim Johnson Patricia Herbison Jones Heidi Joos Carol Jordan Walter R. Jost and Ellie Brenny Janet Joy Daniel and Janet Joyce Steve and Sharon Judge Frederick and Mary Lou Juettner Cleopatra Julio Brian Jungels Ted and Karen Kaden Rev. Bernard W. Kahlhamer Eugene and Mary Kahnke Ted Kain Kurt Kaiser and Mary Clark-Kaiser Patrick G. and Mary Jo Kaiser Donald A. and Rosemary Kalkman Jon R. Kallman Richard and Susan Kallok David C. and Anne Kaluza Jason Kanazawa Kathryn Kaproth Dr. Adrian L. and Jacqueline Kapsner Mary Fran and William Karanikolas Patrick W. and Karen Karn Thomas and Joan Kasbohm Harriet S. Kasprick Lloyd and Adelaide Kasprick DeAnn Kautzmann Thomas E. and Susan Kavanaugh Michael and Maureen Kayser Patrick and Lori Keane Kathy Kearney Timothy J. and Mary Keaveny Margaret and Richard Keddy

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Dennis R. and Carole Keefe James and Patricia Keegan Dennis and Elizabeth King Keenan Dwight and Renee Keene Randall P. and Janice Keiffer Emmie and Richard Keith Robert F. Kelleher Richard D. and Janice Kellogg Jerome W. and Sharon Kelly Hon. Richard and Mary Kelly William E. and Patricia Kelly Clarence Kelzer Harriet O. Kennaby Daniel and Betsy Kennedy Frank A. Kennedy Richard W. Kent LeRoy P. Keppers Donald L. and Patricia Kercher John and Laura Kessler Lloyd H. Ketchum Jerome C. and Bonnie Kettleson Jim and Sue Keul Dr. Thomas J. and Pamela Keul Catherine M. Key Patricia A. Kidd Rev. Robert J. Kieffer Micah D. and Eleanor Kiel Christine Kielb Bernice and Ernest Kiene Patricia M. Kilbane Jinhee Kim James G. Kimmitz Thomas J. and Regina Kinasz Lyndel I. and Blaine King Drs. Bernard C. and Virginia Kinnick John J. Kipp Beatrice Kirchner Joyce Kirchner Pat Kirchoffner John D. Kirwin Stephen J. Kisor Christopher Kitrick Richard and Janice Klaverkamp Susanna Klavora Jean Klee William and Susan Kleespie Janice Klein John H. and Alexandra Klein Dale C. and Karen Kleinschmidt Anne M. Klejment Anna Carol Klemme Colleen Klessig William and Marlene Klett Robert J. and Carolyn Kluk Donna and Francis Knapek John A. and Maureen Knapp Perry J. and Elizabeth Knapp Sylvester and Louise Knapp Robert L. and Marie Knevitt Theresa and Clifford+ Knier Knipe Enterprises, LLC Kevin and Cindy Knippen Michael Knippen and Jackie Rose

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Hon. Franklin J. and Margot Knoll Thoralf Knoll Renee and Cyril Knowles Jane E. Koalska Gladys Kobishop Duane and Barbara Kocik Mellissa Kokales Shirley E. Kokotovich Christine and William Kolanko John C. and Susan Kolb Tony and Marie Koll Michael Koller and Jeanne Neuenfeldt Mary Schnettler Kolofsky Br. James J. Konchalski, O.S.B. Dr. Steven E. and Debbie Koop Sherwin R. Koopmans Andrew R. Kopacek Chad and Christina Koppes Walter J. Kosel Thomas and Dorothy Koshiol Mary Jo Koszarek KPMG Foundation Deacon Eugene and Linda Kramer Mathilda Kramer Michael J. Kraus Paula Koshiol Kraus and Tom Kraus Michael P. and Joan Krause John and Lisa Krbechek Br. Anthony Kreinus, S.V.D. William E. Kretschmar Rev. Thomas Krieg Anne Kroeger Vivian Kroeker Irene Kroening Darren E. Kroenke Rev. Philip J. Krogman Clement C. and Winnie Kroll Frances Kron Candace M. and Dan Kropp Ryan R. and Kathleen Kroschel Harvey M. and Helen+ Kruchten Harold Krueger Daniel Krumenaker Paul J. Krump and Anne M. Schmidt-Krump Benjamin and Nichole Kruse Joseph J. and Barbara Kruse Philip J. and Phyllis Kubes Daniel R. Kubinski Jim and Polly Kuelbs Glenn Kuhnel Thomas and Nancy Kujawa Patricia and Emmett+ Kuklock Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kukowski Allan J. Kula Dr. Roger and Norma Kulas Stephen M. and Susan Kulikowski Geraldine M. Kullick Diane M. Kulseth Dr. John J. Kulus Sandra Kunert

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Bernie and Karen Kunkel Erin Kunkel Katherine Kunkel Jerome J. Kunzer Ed Kurhajetz Ronald R. Kurpiers Roseanne M. Kury Marie J. and David Kushner John T. Kustermann Susie and David Kuszmar Louise Kuziomko Lee Yong Kyu Jennifer Laboy Rev. Steve LaCanne Rollin L. and Sharon Lacy Adam LaFave Daniel W. Laginya Marlene S. Lahr Dr. Joy and Dr. James Laine Alexandra B. and William K. Laird Sr. Steve and Maureen Laird-Hayes Noel and Mary Lais Mary T. Lake Ralph and Louise L’Allier Dr. John B. LaLonde Huong T. Lam Mary Rose Lamb Rev. Peter Lambert Dennis and Karen Lamecker Mary and Donald Lammers Rita A. Lamoureux Rev. Robert Lampert Carol H. Landgraf Roger G. and Doris Landwehr

Douglas and Nancy Lane John and Rita Lange Mark J. and Maria Lange Doris Langston Margaret Lanphear Hayes, O.C.D.S.

Steve and Peggy Laraway S. G. LaRosa Marsha Larsen Dean and Anita Larson Dean R. and Kathleen Larson Diane Larson L. Wayne and Sharon Larson Michael F. Larthey Vincent and Kathy Laubach John and Jan Laudenbach Dale Lauer John G. Lauer James and Mary Jane Lauerman Jim and Elaine Laumeyer Deacon Vincent I. and Carol Laurato Marguerite Lawler Dwight and Deborah Lawrence Thomas A. Lawrenz John E. and Evelyn Lawyer Peter and Diane Lax William D. and Dawn Leach Kyle C. Lechtenberg Joyce Lechuga Nancy D. and Everett Lecourt John Leddy Philip J. and Juliana Ledermann Ronald Ledesma Marilyn J. Lee

Michael Crouser

Generous donors support the healthcare of our elderly and infirm confreres. Thank you!

Robert Lee and Mary E. Schaffner Michael D. and Denise Leemputte Gerald P. LeGarde Edward W. Lehmann Jr. and Susan Lehmann S. Anne E. Lehner Kalista Lehrer Katherine M. Leighton Thomas R. Leimer James and Darlene Leinen Rev. Richard J. Leisen Bill and Deb LeMay Edward J. LeMay Russell Lemker and Gena Bossert Susan M. Lemm Lorrayne S. Lenarz Yvonne M. Lencioni John P. and Susan Lenczewski Mary and Tim Lenker Carm Lennon Dennis and Joyce Lenz Dion L. Lerman Ryan E. Lesh Stuart and Susan Leslie Joseph and Rosemary LeTendre Thomas P. and Jean Levandowski Brenda and Len Levinski Francis R. Lewis Mark T. Ley Jerry and Barb Liddell Robert A. and Jeanette Lieser Rev. Vincent P. Lieser LeRoy and Colleen Lilly Dr. and Mrs. George Lindbeck Rev. Thomas Lindner Thomas and Kathryn Lindquist Paul Lippert Dorothy Liszka-Vowles Miranda Liu Michael J. Lockwood William and Kathleen Lockwood James and Rose Ann Loechler Kathleen and Mark Lomauro Stephen and Barbara London Erin Lonergan Dr. Bernard and Peggy Long Mark and Anita Longtin Merle Longwood Patricia Loonan John Lopez Patricia S. Lord Judith Lorrig Cecil Lotief Daniel and Sandra Lotzer John Lovejoy Danny Lovestrand Jeanne M. Lowe Gregory A. Ludick Joan R. Ludick Mark J. and Karen Ludick Deacon Matt and Denise Ludick Larry and Jo Ann Luetmer David D. Luiken George W. Lund Lisa Lundell

Rev. James Lupton E. C. and G. L. Lustgraaf Anthony and Gail Lusvardi Edmund Luzine Jr., KM Michael Lyden Julie and Patrick Lynch Joyce M. and Robert Lynn Mr. and Mrs. Jun Macalma Robert H. Mace Jr., Th.M. Bryan Maciewski Sally MacNichol Helene Madigan Richard E. Madigan Rev. John W. Madsen Brian and Catherine Magee Michael J. and Jeanine J. Mahoney Thomas J. Mahoney Patrick+ and Judy Maiers Margaret Todd Maitland Valerian and Janice Makovicka Carla Maldonado Catherine Mamer Martin and Laurie Manahan Nicholas and Kelly Manahan Bruce Mancini and Betty Nystrom Kateri Mancini and Michael Gallagher Francis M. Mancl Gregory L. and Elizabeth Mangold Charlie and Kelly Mans Rev. Neil J. Manternach Sharon A. and Chris Manternach Dr. Michael and Laurie Marchetti John G. and Geraldine D. Marek LaVerne J. Markowski+ Frank J. and Rosemary Marre Marguerita Marschall Mary Ann Marschall and James Hibbs Richard J. and Patricia Marshik Pete and Patty Marsnik Richard Marsolek Laura Martell Kelly David and Mary Grace Martin J. Brian and Evelyn Martin Col. James and Rhona Martin Matthew and Deborah Martin Theresa J. Martin Antonio and Edith Martinez Weanelle H. and Edward E. Martinez V Cynthia J. Martinson Robert Marzik and Alice Caldwell Louis F. and Rosemary Masonick Jolenta and Gene Masterson Lucy Mastri Thomas F. and Michelle Matchie Bill Mate Jennifer A. Mateer Harriett Mathews Robert A. Mattes Phyllis Mattill

Tom and Mary Maus Werner and Mary Ann Maus Dr. William R. and Sharon Maus Paul and Susan Maxbauer Brian L. Maxwell Harvey C. and Elaine May Ruth G. Mayer Bruce McBeath Dr. Bill and Jane McBride Patrick McCaffrey Kevin and Laureen McCalib Mark and Katie McCartan Richard A. and Regina McCarthy Stephen and Sheila McCarthy Therese McCloughan James G. McCullagh Joanne B. McDermott Lila McDermott Richard and Doris McDermott Myles T. McDonald Damian McElrath Patrick McGartland Vivian McGervey Rosemarie McGiffin Francis and Virginia McGoldrick Margaret McGonigle Dennis and Elena McGrann William S. McGrath Shane E. and Sarah McJames Mary McKenna David C. McKenzie Edward McKeown Fergus and Ann McKiernan Marian McKone Kevin McLane John T. McMahon Alexander and Kathleen McMillan Mary B. McMillan Ryan A. McMillan Sharon McMillan, S.N.D. Christian and Mary McNamara Marian F. McNamara William and Stephanie McNamara Dr. Janet M. McNew Bernadette McQuaig Paula K. McRee Robert G. McTaggart James and Catherine McTiernan Steven W. and Teri Meads Antonio and Mary Beth Mediavilla Medtronic Foundation Dr. Todd A. Meeker and Connie J. Meyers-Meeker Gerald L. and Evelyn Mehrkens Irene M. and James Meier Peter B. Meier E. Meierdiercks Hazel Meoska Thomas Meoska Carol A. Mercil Christopher L. and Yvette Metzger Daniel A. Metzler

Alice T. Meyer Cyril N. and Darlene Meyer Les and Joan Meyer Madeline E. and Jeffrey D. Meyer Martha M. Meyer Deacon Steven J. Meyer Eric E. Meyers Rev. Nathaniel Meyers Barbara J. Micetich Michael Rinaldi & Co. LLP Stephanie Michael Leona F. Michaud Gordy Midas Marcella J. Miesen Dr. Jeffrey M. and Mary Milbert Drs. Tim G. and Mary Zitur Miley Ervin M. and Evelyn Miller James L. Miller Rev. John P. Miller Mark and Anne Miller Salisha R. Miller Steven Miller and Lizette Larson Sylvia Miller Brian J. and Aleta Millette David and Janice Millford Jon L. and Lisa Mills Julie and Daniel Mincks Patrick H. and Gertrude Mingo Richard R. Minichiello The Minneapolis Foundation Vincent W. Miranda Sr. Herbert F. and Betty Mischke Dennis L. Mishuk Mark Mitchell Carol Mlodzik Linda and Bill Mock Timothy and Marianne Moe Gary and Barbara Moeller Robert J. and Sharon Moeller Bruce M. Mogren Armando C. Mojica Fred Moleck Bart and Barbara Mollet Donald and M. Jeanne Molloy Michael Molloy and Thomas Hilgers Margaret Molus Rev. Raymond G. Monsour Mary Moore Mary Mooy Mary and Mark Moraczewski Mario and Mayolanda Morales David E. and Jeanne Moran Ana Moreno Kathleen Morgan Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Foundation Michael and Patricia Moriarity Donald L. Morovits David J. Morreim Darlene M. Hinds Morris Kalene M. Morris Mark Mortrude Trent and Henrietta Moseley

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Calvin Mosley and Claudia Ryan-Mosley Dr. Greg Motl and Dr. Laurel Brooks Peter and Anne Moynihan Len and Kay Mrachek Susan C. and Thomas Mrachek Jon L. Muggli Paula E. Muggli Dr. William and Imelda Muggli Darra D. Mulderry Patrick and Syma Mulich Marilyn Muller Matthew P. and Melissa Mulligan Robert D. Mulligan Fra’ Thomas Mulligan Edwin and Jane Mullin Kenneth R. and Paula Mullins Thomas Mullooly Phil Mulvaney William E. Mumma Paul and Roberta Murphy Richard and Marilyn Murphy Diane M. Murray Joseph H. Murray Maureen Murray Rita J. Murray Roy and Gillian Myers Leon and Diane Nadeau Thomas A. Nash Katie J. Nath William and Nancy Naughton Duane and Dalila Nawrocki Brad Neary and Suzette Sutherland Mary E. Neary Richard and Shirley Nelson Scott M. and Barbara Nelson Steven C. Nelson Joseph M. and Susan Ness John B. and Kathleen Nett Network for Good Mary Lee Neu David Neufeld Douglas A. Neugold New Mexico Community Foundation Newbern Mercantile John S. and Margrette Newhouse Roger V. Newinski Dan Newton and Ron Bates Mary Newton and Charles Dunham Grace N. Ngunu William and Susan Nichols Thomas and Elizabeth Nicol Richard and Mildred Nienaber Dolores Nierengarten Jean Nierengarten John and Lori Nies Raymond A. Nighan Jr. Richard J. and Mary Nigon Patricia A. Nilius Msgr. Allan F. Nilles Harold F. Nilles Rev. Weldon and Margaret Nisly

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Susan Noakes Joseph P. Noelke Jr. Br. Bernard X. Nolan, F.M.S. Bruce R. Nolan Br. Francis Nolan, F.M.S. Lt. Col. Dr. John and Vicky Nolan Tony Nordick Judith M. Norman Kathleen Norris Kenneth and Susan Norris Dr. Maurice and Eileen Northup Patricia P. and Gyles Norwood William J. Noth Nova Consulting Group Inc. Denis A. and Mary Novak S. Irene Novak, O.S.F. Kevin Novak Edward J. Nowak Kathy Nuckolls Angela Nugent Richard E. Oberg Thomas Obiadazie Louis Obowa Elaine M. O’Brien James P. and Margaret O’Brien Rev. John F. O’Brien Lorre A. Ochs Jerome D. O’Connell Joan O’Connell John O’Connell Thomas and Becky O’Connell Beth O’Connor Kevin J. and Ann O’Connor Michael and Anita O’Connor Robert and Donna O’Donnell Charles A. Oehler Mary Ann Ogden Mary and Pat O’Hara Mary Ann and Thomas L. Okner Peggy O’Leary, C.S.J. Dr. John and Lois Olinger Joseph and Carol Olivieri Patricia Olsen David and Shelly Olson Dr. Neal and Marianne Olson Mr. and Mrs. Ray R. Olson Rev. Thomas Olson Kevin T. O’Malley Daniel C. O’Meara Richard O’Meara David W. and Sharon Onions Jennifer and Jeff Ornburg Thomas and Carole Orth Linda and David Orzechowski Philip C. Orzechowski Phil and Gail Osendorf Mary Osterhus Richard R. Ostman Steven and Karen Ostovich Michael P. and Eileen Ostrem Malcolm and Mary O’Sullivan Bev and Daniel Oswald John and Mary O’Toole John N. Pach

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Ronald Paczkowski and Judith Talbott Henry and Mary Ann Padgett John R. Page Karen Pagel Joseph and Stephanie Palen David and Jean Palkert Rev. M. Charles Palluck Mary Pluth Palmquist Marion E. Parker June Parnell Most Rev. Richard E. Pates Pam and Dan Patnode Jane L. Patterson Valerie Strand Patterson Dennis and Beverly Paul Robert and Donna Paul Cecilia Paulus Ed and Dolores Pavek Rita Payne Anne Peagler Robert C. and Renee Pearson Thomas Peden Mary Jo and David Pedersen Bruce and Mary Kay Pederson Dolores Pederson Robert L. Peffer Michael J. Peiffer Bernard and Judith Pekarek R. Ted and Lorraine Peller Marino Pelosi Susan A. Pemberton Alice Pena Stacy and Derek Penk Sharon Pennock Maria A. Peres M. Cristina Perez Ramos Susan K. Perrault Jean R. and Virginia Perrette Kevin W. and June Perrizo Mark J. Perrone Geraldine and Ed Perry Thomas R. and Susan Perry Jennie Peternell Rick Peters Donald and Charleen Peterson Laurel Peterson Michael W. Peterson Robert and Carmella Peterson Bela and Kathleen Petheo Roger Petrich Joseph J. Petroski Joyce and Thomas Pettinger Chet and Janice Pettite Ronald D. and Marie Pfannenstein Rev. Bernard A. Pfau David Pfeffer Margaret R. Pfeil Shawn and Vicky Phillips Thomas L. Piazza Emy E. and Marie Picard Ernest and Joanne Piche Robert and Mary Sue+ Pierce David R. and Marjorie Pierzina Douglas Pierzina

James and Nancy Piggush Joseph L. and Lynn Pilon Edwin J. Pinheiro Dr. Rolland D. Pistulka Virginia M. Pitra Caroline Plantenberg Stephen and Laura Plantenberg James C. and Barbara Platten Kenneth J. Plein Michelle A. Plombon Josiah J. Plopper Michael and Jessica Pocrnich Pohlad Family Foundation Charles and Janice Pohlman Paul B. Pohlman Gavin J. and Becca Poindexter Beverly A. Poirier Norman Polasek James and Verle Polglase Edward F. Poniewaz Kathryn J. Porten Carol Johnson Porter Meg Portwood Marie D. Potter John and Frances Povolny John Powell Len and Mary Powell George L. Powers Kathy and John Powers Michael and Margery Powers Charles W. and Jana Preble Benjamin R. Precourt Margaret Preiss David C. Prem Virginia R. Prior James F. and Mary Prosser Joan A. Prout Lynn Prouty Arthur and Anne Przybilla Rev. Donne E. Puckle, S.S.C. Donna M. Pukay Leo H. Pundsack+ Dennis and Diane Putnam Ronald E. and Catherine Putz Ralph and Kay Quaas David and Marian Quale Mary and Daniel Quinlin Cindie and Steve Quintana Fernando Quintela Hon. Frank L. and Margaret Racek Brian J. Racette Dean A. and Ellen Rademacher Lee Radermacher Lance T. Radziej Rev. Raymond M. Rafferty Mary T. Rahrick Carroll L. and Margaret Ramos Mary Frances Randall Magdaline A. Randolph Michael and Carol Rangitsch Donald A. and Mary Lee

Ranheim Rose M. Rarick David Rask

Arnold R. and Deanna Rasmussen Mary Rasmusson Donald H. and Martha Rasure Jeanne S. Rathsack Joe A. Rausch Thomas Rawlinson Razoo Foundation Terry and Michael Reasoner Patrick Michael Redmond, M.A., Obl.S.B.

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David Rocchio and Michele Houston Barbara Roche Jeri Rockett Lin Rockwell Cargo Mary A. Rode Drs. Richard and Jane Rodeheffer Geraldine Roebuck Joan V. Roeder Michael Roeder Dolores Roehl Frank and Rosemary Roehl Kathleen Roehl Charles E. Roemer Kevin Rogers and Bao Phan Mary Rogers Annie Rogosheske Thomas and Mary Rohr Rev. Robert J. Rokusek Patrick and Kelle Rolfes Frits and Jean Roozendaal Daniel L. and Kay Rorabeck Philip and Sheryl Rose Peggy Roske Charles L. Ross Kristine Rossman Gregory W. and Audrey Roth Paul I. and Bernice Roth Thomas C. and Rosalie Roth Jerry and Lois Rothstein Therese M. Rothweiler David J. and Beth-Anne M. Rowe Dr. David and Betsy Rowekamp T. Mathew Rowgh Jeffery and Anne Rowthorn Barbara B. Roy Ford Royer Jean A. Royer Delores Rubald Dean and Cynthia Rubbelke Michael and Nancy Rubino Deacon Joe Rubio Maureen Rubischko Christian Ruch Laurel Rudolph-Kniech and James Kniech Evelyn Ruhland Constance A. Ruhr Cheryl Running Fred and Elaine Ruppel Jackie Ruppert Rev. Donald P. Rusch Gerrie Rutledge Theodore W. and Rachel Ruzanic Daryl and Mildred Ruzicka Barry and Regina Ryan Bridget A. Ryan John P. and Susan Ryan Judith A. Ryan Dorothy and Michael J. Ryan Jr. Michael J. and Janice Ryan Jeanette Saddler Taylor Paul L. and Angela Saffert Ronald J. and Barbara Saffert Barbara Sain

Saint Edward Catholic Church, Henning, Minnesota Saint Paul’s Mission, Saint Paul Barbara Sajna Christine Salem Rosaria Salerno, Obl.S.B. Don Saliers Robert and Patricia Salvagio John V. Salvati and Dale E. Morse Thomas Salzwedel Mary N. Sample Arlene C. Sanborn Gerald and Lorraine Sande Virgil and Joan Sandkamp David J. and Joyce Sauer Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Sauerer Robert P. Saumur Tom Savage Kathy A. Sayer Dr. Ilaria Scaglia James and Marilyn Schaefer Nichole and Jeffrey Schaefer John Schaffner Mary E. Schaffner and Robert Lee James and Patricia Schafter Robert Schanhaar Leonard and Mary Scharmach Lori Scheel Karen Schellinger Michael P. and Laura K. Schenk Alice A. Scherer Mary Schertz Byron and Dorothy Schieck Jim and Karen Schiffman Yvonne Schilplin Walter and Chris Schirber Dr. Gerald and Joetta Schlabach Richard Schleper Merle and Kay Schleusener Dolores Schloesser David M. Schlosser Mrs. Evelyn Schlosser Michael A. Schlosser William C. and Evelyn Schmalz Bill Schmelzer and Jeanne Gleason Schmelzer R. Conrad and Georgia Schmid David H. and Ruth Schmidt Philip G. Schmidt James W. Schmitt Kenneth and Sharon Schmitt Robert and Mary Schmitt Fritz and Carol Schmitz Barbara G. Schneider Claude and Mary Schneider James and Carol Schneider Lauretta Schneider Dana and Ellen Schnobrich Marianne Schock Christine R. Scholl Louis and Dorothy Schon Daniel J. and Shirley L. Schoonover Ronald and Marcia Schorn Jackie and Wendell Schott

Donald B. Schreifels Robert and Alice Schreifels Angela M. Schrimpl and John Oldershaw Helen Schroeder Laurence and Helen D. Schroepfer John W. and Lynn Schubert S. Dolores Schuh, C.H.M. William J. and Victoria Schull Gary L. Schulte Edward J. Schultingkemper Jamie L. Schultz Lawrence M. Schultz Jean Schulzetenburg Michael J. and Gina Schupanitz Thomas and Julie Schuster Margie Schutz Geri Schwab Terry and Kay Schwab Henry and Alma Schwalbenberg Denise M. Schwartz Leonard J. Schwartz Jr. and Kathleen Schwartz Beverly Schwarz Donald F. and Catherine Schwarz Lorraine Schwarzrock Bernice Schwegel Olivia Schwendinger Lawrence E. and Carole Schwietz Eileen Schwingle Mike and Christine Scillo Jean Scoon and Peter Losacano Darlene K. Scott Jeanette S. Scott Thomas and Maryellen Scott Joshua S. Seaburg Dolores and Charles Seashore Terrence and Colleen Sebora James P. Secord and Teresa Roberts Kelly C. Seelbach Karen and John Seibel Patricia Seitz Jonathan G. Seldat James and Leslie Senden Rev. Joseph J. Senger Kenneth P. and Rita Senseman Margit Serenyi Stacey L. Sever Caroline Severin Judy and Terry Severson Lori and Eric Severson Rev. Michael F. Sexton Richard P. Sexton and Joan Carroll William and Joyce Sexton David G. and Julie Seykora Ambassador Robert and Ellen Shafer Clarence J. Shallbetter Jacqueline L. Shanda Michael and Carol Troyer-Shank Margaret L. Shannon Dr. Richard J. Shannon Dr. Robert and Verna Shannon

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Ray Shaw Carol M. Sheehan Donna L. Sheets Andrew and Eileen Shelde Maximillian T. and K. Dawn Shemesh Stephen C. Sheridan Jared R. Sherlock Rev. Edward J. Sherman Rev. William C. Sherman Ted and Corrine Shide Donald G. and Bernice Shipley Mike and Pat Shivers Rose M. Shober Dr. Charles R. Shrader Rev. Anthony J. Shuerger Bill and Betsy Shultz James and Deborah Sieben Mary Sieben Rev. Martin J. Siebenaler Anthony and Sarali Siegrist Thomas and Lisa Silbernagel William and Diane Simmons J. Fred and Domenica Simms Joseph Simms Sheila K. Simon Thomas and Barbara Simon Philip and Janet Simonet Cheryl Simpkiss and Tom Beun Karen Sinner Lois Sinner John D. Sipe Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet Dr. Joseph and Lisa Skemp Rev. Dennis A. Skonseng Paul R. Skrbec Michael S. Skwira Benjamin J. Slabaugh Barbara Slade and Erik J. Stolhanske John P. Slauson Shirley Smieja Agnes Smirnoff Brian J. Smith Craig T. Smith George and Katie Smith Dr. J. Weston and Marilyn Smith Joanne M. Smith John M. Smith Dr. Mark and Mrs. Bonnie Smith Mary L. Smith Mary Lu and Lyle Smith Paul and Nancy Smith Timothy Owen Smith Julia P. Smucker Patricia Snyder Randy J. Snyder S. Regina Snyder, O.S.F. Morgan Soderberg Dr. Joseph and Sharon Soderlund Diane M. Solarz and Michael Reget Anna and Richard Solheid Bruce and Gloria Soma Richard and Christina Soper

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Darrell C. and Evelyn Sorenson Robert J. Soukup Flip and Pat Spanier Michael and Kathy Spanier John and Julianne Spanjers Joseph and Betty Spano Jacqueline and James Sparks Liam D. Sperl Simon M. Sperl Robert and Patti Spinner Gerry Spinosa and Lia Pinchini-Spinosa Diane Splittstoesser Daniel and Susan Spoden Steve and Patty Sprague Rosamond K. Spring Anne T. St. George Douglas J. and Theresa St. Onge Martin J. Stachnik Leon G. and Beverly Stadtherr John and Alice Stalboerger Gary and Barbara Stallcup Dennis and Barbara Stallman Emily K. Stamp Josie and Ronald Stang Rev. Alfred H. Stangl Eleanor A. Stanton Daniel and Roslyn Stark Helen Stassen Mary Stattelman+ Louise Stavish Therese A. Stawowy Donald Stebbins John and Laura Stedman Gregg Stedronsky Donald and Beatrice Steely Roger W. Stegura Carl Stein Mark and Carolyn Steingraeber Dr. Paul and Jane Steingraeber Family Barbara Stender Aurelia M. Sterbenz Angela Stevens Virginia and Thomas Stillwell Ann Marie Stock and David Campagna Thomas and Lorraine Stock Frances and Michael+ Stoffel Marcie Stokman Peggy Stokman Philip Stokman Brett T. Stolzenberg and Christina Anderson Colette Stone Philip and Cynthia Stotesbery Glenn and Gail Stout Susan Stovern William L. Straub Jeannette Streefland Janice A. Strobach Mark and Joan Strobel Mark and Nancy Studer James and Margaret Sturm Stanley and Connie Suchta Gertrude A. Suel

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Robert H. Sueper Sung W. and Sun Suh Thanongsak Sukwiwat and Suteera Sermsakul Anna Sullivan J. Greg and Rita Sullivan John and Patty Sullivan Mary Sullivan Mary Kay Sullivan Miriam H. Sullivan, Obl.S.B.+ William Sullivan Robert and Mary Super Thomas and Lisa Sura Jeffrey and Barbara Surine Marilyn Sutton Judy Swanberg Joan Swanson Joseph and Loretta Swanson Juliann Swanson Stephen and Karen Swartz Dawn D. Sweiven Elizabeth H. Swenson Dr. Gregory and Jeanette Swenson Kenneth Swenson Dr. Richard N. Sykes Darrell W. Syler Fayne Szabo Nancy Szankowski Diana Marie Tacelosky Charles Taffe Anneke Taglia Mike and Julie Tangredi Ronald J. and Mary Ann Tarro Julia T. Taube+ Carol Tauer Dr. Kenneth and Alice Tauer Doris T. Tauscher Ronald J. Tavis Anna M. Taylor Rev. David K. Taylor Gail A. Taylor Joe and Phyllis Tegels Char Teigland James L. Tembrock Joseph R. and Judith Tembrock Paul and Susan Tembrock William J. and Kathleen Tembrock Dr. Jerome and Sandra Tempel Burnham and Joan Terrell Rick and Brenda Terres Robert and Jane Terres Timothy J. and Kimberly Teske Robert and Barbara Thamert Ethelyn Theisen James L. Theisen Gary and Sharon Thelen Thomas and Eleanor Thelen Bev and Joe Then Curt and Susan Thering Linda Theut George J. Thibault Steven L. and Amanda T. Thielen Colleen and Howard Thielman Rev. Kenneth E. Thielman

Ronald V. and Susan Thimmesh Ramon E. and Barbara Thomes Corey C. Thompson Douglas E. Thompson Margaret M. Thompson Mary Thompson Tom and Lori Thompson Deborah A. Thompson-Wise and Kenneth Wise Clarence and Patricia Thomson Christopher J. and Andrea Thone David and Dorothy Thorman Joseph and Mary Ann Thorp Donald A. Thull Janine M. Thull TimesSquare Capital

Management, LLC Mark F. Tinguely Dr. Stephen J. and Mae Tinguely Joseph Toatley Marilyn R. and Victor Toepfer Audrey and Yuki Toguchi Terese M. Tomanek and Steven Davis Patrick and Dee Tomczik Ronald and Sandra Tomczik C. Joseph and Cindy Tonsing Joanne Torborg Alec A. Torigian Dave and Mary Torigian Richard and Lynn Torney Martha L. Tracy George and Ruth Traeger Leo and Patricia Traurig Herb and Linda Trenz Dr. Felix E. and Bibiana Tristani Susan and James Trogdon Tom Trykowski Thomas and Melanie Tse Kwong Leung Patrick and Susan Tucker Sylvester Tuohy Mark and Judy Twomey John F. Tyler Rusty Tym and Sharon Novak-Tym Timothy and Linda Tyrrell Michael L. Ufnowski Jack E. and and Susan Uhas Lorrie and William+ Ulfers Robert and Renee Ullo Gertrude Ulrich+ Rev. Steve Ulrick Stephen Umhoefer John and Patricia Urbanski USBank Foundation Ernest Utecht Clara Valentin Joan and Cyril+ Valerius Rev. Robert L. Valit Valley Medical Services Rudy Van Puymbroeck Deacon Michael Vander Bloomen Beverly and Gregory Vander Vorste Daniel P. Vandersteen

Patrick J. and Susan Vandrovec Travis and Kristin VanNurden Bernardo Vargas Steven Vatch Marty Vebelun Lidvina Vener Frank and Dolores Vento Theresa J. Ventura Mary Ellen Verschuren Michael J. Veverka Nadine Villella Richard A. and Linda Virden Geraldine M. Voelkel Elaine Vogel Linda E. Voigts Bonnie Vondra Norbert T. Vos+ Louise and Robert Wagner Maggie Wagner Rose M. Wagner Teri Wagner Christine A. Walker Bruce E. Walkley Eileen and Norman Wallace Jay Walljasper Steven P. Walter Harold and Deborah Walters Paul D. Walters Leo J. Walz Rev. Frank J. Wampach Patricia A. Waner James and Joanne Ward Johanna Warloski Andrew J. Warmuth Beverly E. Warren Phabe and Rita Wartman Alvin and Kathleen Warzecha Benjamin Waurms Joann Weber Paul and Julie Weber Mary K. Weck Jerome and Loretta Wedge Lt. Col. Thomas C. and Maria Wegleitner Frank and Eileen Weglicki Stephen and Amy Wehr Marian R. Weidow Leslie D. and Mary S. Weigelt Brenda Weiler Mary E. Weingart Andrew Weis Earl Weisel Rev. Dr. Kathleen Weller, Obl.S.B. Eric Wellmann Robert Wells Timothy Welshons and Ann Laue-Welshons Douglass and Malinda Welton Paul Welvang Al and Marge Wenker Paul J. and Lorraine Wenner Bernard Wenninger James Wenninger Janell Wenzel O’Barski Rev. Timothy W. Wenzel Kenneth and Kathleen Wernimont

Jack and Felisha Westbrock Julia Westendorf Clifford and Gloria Wexler Greg and Ellen Weyandt Hans G. and Jennifer Weyandt Daniel A. and Katharine Whalen Rachel J. and Winston Wheeler Diane M. Whiteley Michele D. Whitty Robert L. Wicker William S. and Mary Widman Ron G. and Katia Wieber Mark and Beverly Wiechman Al Wiechmann Larry D. Wiener Deacon Joseph G. and Louise Wierschem Irene Wierzbinski Joyce Wiest Jerome and Martha Wilczyk Dr. Gene and Joanne Wilhelm Douglas A. and Eugenia Wilhelmi Raymond R. Will Anthony A. Willaert Kenneth and Winifred Willcox Bede D. and Vonnie Willenbring Tomas M. and Nancy Willette Cynthia Williams Marcus and Nancy Williams Natalie Williams Joanne Wilson Joyce Windsperger-Rubio and Luis Rubio-Losada Sylvia Winkelman Judy and Art Winter Maria Witonski Dr. Thomas J. and Elizabeth Witt Patricia A. and Otto+ Witzmann Ronald and Jane Woellhof Kenneth Wojack and Valerie Snider-Wojack Sandra J. Wolcott Christopher Wold Leo H. and Betty Sue Wolf Richard J. and Diane Wolf Aaron J. and Marian Wolff James and Judith Wollmering Albert A. and Kathleen Woodward David and Mary Woodward Eileen Woolard Jason T. Woolwine Tod J. and Cari Worner Paul Woychick Maureen Wright Scott and Betty Wright Steve and Mary Wright John S. Wtulich Katherine Wyers Joel V. Xavier John Yager Stephen Y. Yeung Thomas Yogan Eric and Martha Yonke Alan and Marilyn Youel

Roger C. Young and Joy Beaulieu Young Thomas W. and Patricia

Younghans Kathleen Yung Rosemary Yurczyk Edward M. and Mary Zabinski Mary Zabinski Dave and Karen Zabor Jacqueline A. Zbaracki Frank and Dian Zeck Rosalind Zengerle and Harold Udseth Robert and Dolores Zeni Margaret Zenk Paul Zenner and Lorri Steffen Grant and Linda Zeug Jian and Songlei Zhou Frank R. and Kathleen Ziegler Jason L. Ziegler Rita Zilka Rev. Nicholas M. Zimmer Fred and Joanell Zimmerman Betty Zollner Pauline Zorza Michael Zumwinkle and Lori Bodensteiner Zumwinkle

Burdette Miller-Lehn Nancy Moran Bill Muldoon Anne Przybilla Art Przybilla Dorothy Roske Kay Sheils Sharon Schmitt Bob Simon Jane Simon SOT – Theology of Ecology Students Martin Stachnik Emily Stamp United Way Day of Caring Volunteers Hieu Van Rosemary Walsberg Bailey Walter Eileen Warzecha Benedictine Volunteer Corps Circle The following BVC members served during the fiscal year beginning 1 July 2014 and ending 30 June 2015.

Abbey Volunteer Circle The following volunteered their services for the monastery during the fiscal year beginning 1 July 2014 and ending 30 June 2015: gardening, sewing, filing, assisting at the Abbey Gift Shop, Abbey Guesthouse, and Abbey Cemetery, and helping in the monastery’s retirement center. In the past twelve months, volunteers have donated 3,830 hours to the abbey.

Joyce Abeln Brooks Armitage Bridgefolk Conference Attendees John Brinkman Emily Chaphalkar Mary Davis Denny Douma Bernadette Dunn Ed Dunn Bill Elfering Paul Elwell Peg Gawne-Mark Chuck Griffith John Grobe John Hacker Sam Hager Anne Hanson House of Prayer Retreatants Patricia Jones Linda Kachelmeier Michael Keable Rungthip Langseth Barb Lyndgaard

Adam Bachmeier Joseph Dick Brandon Dorsey John Dube Charles Dudek Alexander Forster Mark Greci Cody Groen Jacob Lee Helmer John Jaeger Joseph Kinnan Patrick Kunkel Drake Lawrence Cody Lynch Matthew Palmquist Benjamin Precourt John David Quinby Conall Quinn Lukas Ramsey Richard Rohlik Mark Steingraeber Jr. Addison Tackmann Connor Triggs Brian Vander Heiden

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ule of Benedict Stability in Community Eric Hollas, O.S.B.

P

eople seem genuinely surprised to discover that Benedictines do not take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. If not these, then what do we promise?

Centuries before Franciscans adopted these vows as their own, religious in the Benedictine tradition professed conversio morum, obedience, and stability.

Together these created a unique spiritual environment, and these are the vows that we monks of Saint John’s Abbey profess today.

Abbey Chronicle

God Almighty. He does not exercise unquestioned authority, and Benedict cautions that an abbot can sometimes command impossible things (Rule 68).

It is the vow of stability that distinguishes Benedictines.

Others may organize themselves into provinces, and superiors can shift personnel to suit the need.

But that’s not the case with Benedictines. Why do we profess this vow? We do so because it is the bedrock of Benedict’s spiritual program. Through stability we

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commit ourselves to a particular community in a particular place, and we do so for life. Benedict prescribes this because the family is the paradigm for monastic life.

Here the abbot is father, and the monks are brothers to each other. In one another we strive to see the face of Christ, and we support one another in the lifelong search for God. Experience also taught Benedict that we all must face our demons; if monks flee, the demons are sure to follow. Far better is it to confront them head-on, with the help of many brothers. In that struggle monks are accountable to one another.

In a stable community there is the potential for measured growth as well as the chance for backsliding. But as a family, we help one another confront the challenges of life.

Conversio (or conversatio) morum roughly translates into “conversion to a monastic manner of life.” This presupposes both life in community and celibacy, and these speak for themselves. It also entails a detachment from the material world, but is not the same as Franciscan poverty. Saint Benedict asks his monks to embrace simplicity of life; it’s not absolute poverty.

For Benedict, obedience more closely aligns with that practiced by later religious orders, but here, too, there are differences.

In the monastery, obedience is due to the abbot, not because he is the chief executive officer, but because he holds the place of Christ. Nor does Benedict ask obedience for the sake of efficiency, as Jesuits might practice it.

The abbot may hold the place of Christ, but he is not the Lord

In one another we strive to see the face of Christ, and we support one another in the lifelong search for God.

W

inter’s grip was ended on the feast of All Fools (1 April) by a temperature of 75 degrees.

Strong winds the following day hastened the opening of Lake Sagatagan on Good Friday, 3 April. April showers arrived a month late, accompanied by brisk temps in the 40s for the university’s commencement and Mother’s Day. Abundant rain throughout June and July kept the campus lush and green. The flowering of an American Yellowwood (below) in the cloister garden led to disputes as to when it had last blossomed. Five years ago? Thirty years ago? Never?

On 27 July a dew point of 76 and air temp of 90 interrupted the otherwise moderate summer.

Four days later a brilliant but not so blue moon illuminated the early morning sky.

Flecks of yellow, orange, and red, a chorus of crickets, late rising sun, nighttime honking Canada geese . . . the sights and songs of summer passing. Ahh, but it was marvelous.

Conversio morum, obedience, and stability define a way of life that has led countless men and women along the paths to God. We are part of the rich tradition of the Church, and one in which the face of God shows often along the way.

Father Eric Hollas, O.S.B., is deputy to the president for advancement at Saint John’s University.

Elizabeth Rojas

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

L’Osservatore Romano

The final volume (Letters and Revelation) of the full-sized fine art edition of The Saint John’s Bible was presented to Pope Francis on 17 April by a delegation from Saint John’s and by the Papal Foundation, a philanthropic group of U.S. lay Catholics who support papal projects. “I would describe the emotional energy of the room as excited, solemn, and yet playful,” commented Abbot John.

“Pope Francis lifted his hands with a smile on his face in a gesture of joy and appreciation. It was wonderful!” Earlier volumes had been presented to both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

March 2015 • Five oblates of Saint John’s Abbey made their final oblation on 15 March. Mr. Bryn Jon Maciewski (Cloquet), a teacher at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College, hopes to deepen his relationship with Christ. Mr. John Koenig (Saint Cloud), a third generation Johnnie, looks to the oblate program to deepen his appreciation of Scripture and daily prayer. Mr. George Bristol (Woodridge, Virginia) has been in the military for forty years and seeks to integrate Benedictine spirituality and discipline into his

own life and that of his troops.

Mr. Michael Cummings (Eden Prairie), a medical doctor, finds the oblate community a place of support for his daily walk with God. Mr. Paul Elwell (Sartell), a volunteer in our abbey woodworking shop, seeks to improve his prayer life and become a stronger disciple of Christ.

April 2015 • To conclude the Holy Week liturgies, Abbot John Klassen and the monastic community welcomed dozens of Saint John’s employees on Easter Monday, 6 April, during a noon Eucharist in

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the abbey and university church, followed by lunch and fellowship in the Great Hall.

• On 8 April university President Michael Hemesath, joined by several administrators, alumni, and friends, dedicated a classroom in Simons Hall to Father Martin Schirber (1907–1993), beloved teacher and mentor for generations of students of economics. Many stories were shared, but in the interest of not impeding Martin’s prospect of canonization (remote as it is), they won’t be repeated here.

• Mr. KC Marrin, master organ builder, donated many weeks of labor to renovate the organ in the Saint Benedict Chapel of the abbey and university church. In addition to some general repairs, cleaning, and tuning, KC replaced a noisy blower and the original bellows leather of the instrument that had deteriorated beyond repair since installation in the early 1960s.

• On 24 April Father Don Talafous, who has served variously as theology teacher, university chaplain, faculty resident, and alumni chaplain was honored with the President’s Medal and Citation for his years (millennia?) of distinguished contributions to Saint John’s University.

• From the thrill of victory, to the agony of defeat. For the fourth consecutive year, the geriatric team beat the college students during the twentieth annual “Fruit at the Finish Triathlon” on 29 April. The 2015

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TriAppleOn first-place trophy was shared by Mr. Dan McAvey, director of university residential life, who swam .75K in 10:50 minutes; Brother Lewis Grobe, who biked 22K in 39:59 minutes; and Brother Nickolas Kleespie, who ran 5K in 19:30 minutes.

The euphoria of the champions was tempered days later, however, when the Suffolk Times (Mattituck, New York) reported that Brother Peter Sullivan’s Long Island high school record (800 meters in 2:01 minutes) had fallen to a youngster who had not yet been born when Peter set the mark in 1992.

• Larry and Carole Schwietz, Abbot John, Mr. Tom Kroll, and Brother Robin Pierzina were present at St. Cloud Hospital on 29 April for the dedication of “Honoring the Gift of Life,” a tribute to organ, tissue, and eye donors from the past twenty years, one of whom was Father Paul Schwietz (died 4 May 2000). The Gift of Life wall (below) can be viewed online at: stcloudhospitalgiftoflife.com.

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B

May 2015 • Numerous monks and Collegeville neighbors said farewell to Lois and Ivan Kauffman (above), founders and proprietors of Michael Sattler House, during an open house on 2 May. “Our years here have been rich ones, and we’d like to thank everyone who made them possible,” said Lois.

Those warm feelings were shared by all at Saint John’s who had come to know the Kauffmans during their residency at the Collegeville Institute and then as our neighbors. Sadly, the farewell became permanent all too soon. After moving back to Philadelphia, Ivan suffered a stroke on 4 July and died eleven days later. May he rest in peace!

June 2015

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B

• Along with some thirty Catholic and Buddhist monks, nuns, and oblates, Fathers Michael Peterson and William Skudlarek attended the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue Gethsemani IV at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky in early June. Through lectures, discussion, meditation, ritual, and fellowship, participants learned more about each other’s religious

tradition. Several weeks later, Father William (right) joined forty participants from across the U.S. for a dialogue between Catholic and Buddhist religious and social action leaders at Castel Gandolfo. Hosted by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the event included a visit by Pope Francis. “These small gestures are seeds of peace and fraternity,” said the pope as he greeted and blessed the assembly.

L’Osservatore Romano

• During the annual community retreat in June, several confreres were honored for their ordination anniversaries: Fathers Fintan Bromenshenkel and Magnus Wenninger, seventy years; J. P. Earls and Donald Tauscher, fifty years; and Columba Stewart, Michael Patella, and Tony Cyril Gorman, twenty-five years.

• The Getty Foundation in Los Angeles announced that the abbey is one of fourteen recipients of planning grants “awarded for important modern buildings around the globe.” The $150,000 grant will support a conservation management plan to guide a long-term preservation strategy for the abbey and university church and other campus buildings designed by Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in the 1950s and 60s. Researching how to protect exposed poured concrete surfaces, how to re-lamp the original light fixtures, and studying the stained-glass windows of the church to determine how energyefficiency can be introduced are among the planning goals.

• During the annual convention of the Catholic Press Association (CPA) Liturgical Press received fifteen book awards and five periodical awards. The honors included first-place awards in liturgy, pastoral ministry, and professional book categories.

Give Us This Day received five awards, including first place for general excellence (prayer and spirituality magazines), and best cover (small format magazines).

Father Michael Kwatera was also recognized by the CPA, receiving honorable mention (best regular column: spiritual life) for his series “Ask Father Michael,” published by The Visitor, newspaper of the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

July 2015 • Brother David Paul Lange was appointed director of the Benedictine Institute at Saint John’s by university president Michael Hemesath, effective 8 July.

edge of the campus, was honored with the 2015 AIA Minnesota 25 Year Award. The American Institute of Architects Minnesota called the space an “exemplary architectural project that has withstood the test of time.” Jurors noted: “The building has been well maintained and has remained intact to its original design intent.

A testament to its original strength of purpose.” Built in 1990 by the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota on land leased from the abbey, the complex was designed by Cunningham Group Architecture, Inc. • The monastic community and campus employees offered congratulations and best wishes to Ms. Janet Merdan during a retirement party and ice-cream social on 22 July. Janet has worked at Saint John’s for twentyseven years, most recently as a seamstress in the abbey tailor shop.

• The Episcopal House of Prayer, located on the northwest

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Fifty Years Ago

Monks in the Kitchen

Excerpted from Volume III of Confrere, newsletter of Saint John’s Abbey:

When the Second Vatican Council reconvenes on 14 September, the schema on “Religious” will be presented once more for approval. Some of the important propositions are: (1) “All members of the institute must cooperate in the work of renewal.”

(2) “Renewal and change depend greatly on the formation given new religious.” (3) “Those leading a life in common should be of one heart and soul.”

April/May 1965 • Abbot Baldwin Dworschak’s Message: As we continue our discussions [of The Formation of the Monk], we must be convinced more and more that our vocation is a very important one in the Church. Whenever we fulfill toward each other the law of charity and bear together the burden of building up the community, spiritually or materially, we reveal our true vocation, and we encounter God in others by serving them. Our efforts to assist in the renewing of our community are not just an affair of this world; we are engaged in building the City of God and even now determining the place of others and ourselves in the Kingdom of God. July 1965 • Abbot Baldwin Dworschak’s Message: At the 35th General Chapter of our American Cassinese Congregation, I was elected president of the congregation. Because the office of the president of the congregation entitles me to attend the fourth session of the Vatican Council, I will be leaving Saint John’s August 30th and will be absent until what some bishops think will be “late December.”

August/September 1965 • Abbot Baldwin Dworschak’s Message: One of the surest

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Abbey Banner Fall 2015

Abbey archives

Abbot Baldwin Dworschak (center) in Saint Peter’s Square

proofs that this community has experienced growth and development is the fact that we are now in a period of creative restlessness and suffering. That there has not been more of this is an indication of the place of honor given to charity by so many of you who know that this is the only foundation for education and reform.

Because of our unique and autonomous character as a Benedictine community, we cannot wait for direction from above or outside the community to guide or prod us. As a congregation the abbeys are about to do for each other whatever they can in a joint effort at renewal. Nevertheless, the responsibility for the reform and updating needed at Saint John’s must result principally from the channels existing within our abbey.

• Frater Roman Paur and others began painting the east, south, and west corridors of the main quadrangle, with their guiding purpose to recapture the original architectural feeling of the building. The off-white enamel walls, charcoal doors, light gray doorframes, and new gold-brown carpeting open and lighten the hallways, accenting their inherent spacious quality. Although effecting the original purpose, the new décor is the object of much discussion.

• An ecumenical institute on spiritualty is being held here [31 August–6 September] with ten Protestant and ten Catholic participants. Dr. Douglas Steere, a Quaker observer at the Council, initiated the project two years ago when he outlined his hopes for such a Protestant–Catholic meeting. He noted that members of both faiths have dialogued on many levels but have never met to discuss in depth the spiritual life, which so essentially and intimately concerns us all. Participants included Barnabas Ahern, C.P., Bernard Häring, C.Ss.R., and Jean Leclercq, O.S.B.

A Little Something Sweet Ælred Senna, O.S.B.

I

confess I am a dessert lover.

At Saint John’s, desserts are typically reserved for Sundays, feasts, or other special occasions.

Sometimes the monks prepare the desserts. One of Father Mark Thamert’s specialties is chocolate lava cake, while Brother Paul Richards loves to make crème brûlée. A new-found favorite of mine is Eton mess, a traditional English dessert from Eton College —tasty bits of meringue, strawberries, and whipped cream.

The secret to making lava cakes is that they are underdone in the middle. Perhaps it was just a mistake that created this delicious dessert! Father Mark recalls: “The first time I tried molten chocolate lava cake was in a small family café near Saint Peter’s Abbey in Salzburg. It was one of the best desserts one could imagine. Years later I enjoyed serving it to participants in the Benedictine Volunteer Corps before they traveled around the world. In the dining room, usually filled with chatter and laughter, there was a sudden silence. Good chocolate and prayer have a way of doing that.”

A good crème brûlée is a creamy, luscious treat. Brother Paul’s experience proves the adage no pain, no gain. “I have discovered,” he explains, “the best method for browning the sugar is putting the ramekins under the broiler. I elevate the tray of ramekins using another tray. I then

move the tray around to expose all the ramekins uniformly. I have never been able to do this without burning my fingers or the back of my hand. My wounds and scars have become so predictable that students on my dorm floor say to me, ‘Oh, I see you’ve been making crème brûlée again!’” All for love of good food!

I hope you will make some meringue cookies and try Eton mess. Just break them up, add strawberries and whipped cream —what could be easier? Even folks who don’t like sweets might like this one!

Brother Ælred Senna, O.S.B., is associate editor of Give Us This Day and a faculty resident at Saint John’s University.

Ælred Senna, O.S.B.

Brother Ælred’s crostata di ricotta is a tasty fall or winter treat. Be sure to look for a feature on this tempting dessert in a future issue of Abbey Banner!

Meringue Cookies for Eton Mess • • • • •

4 egg whites, room temperature ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon vanilla Pinch of salt ⅔ cup sugar

Preheat oven to 225°F. Whip the first four ingredients until frothy.

Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until medium to firm peaks form.

Pipe or spoon meringue onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake at 225°F for 60 – 90 minutes.

Turn off oven and allow the meringue to cool in the oven (with the door closed) until completely cool.

To store, place in an airtight container.

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In Memoriam

Creating Heaven on Earth

Please join the monastic community in prayerful remembrance of our deceased family members and friends:

Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

Thaddaeus Arledge, O.S.B. Clifford G. Backous Tobias Paul “Toby” Behnen Richard John Breda Rev. Kenneth Charles Brenny Daniel J. “Dan” Brutger Joseph “Joe” Bzdok Roger B. Carlson Jesus Casanova Estelle Charron, O.S.B. James Thomas Coleman Abbot Roger Corpus, O.S.B. Cheryl Dobberstein Daniel J. “Danny” Dougherty Virgil J. Douvier Joseph Francis “Frank” Doyle Viola O. Dullinger Richard Eckroth, O.S.B. Judith Ervin Leo Fecht Gertrude Fedie Aaron D. Gottschalk

John Douglas Gould Edward Vincent Greiwe, O.S.C. Rev. Bernard Anton Gruenes Kristi Lynn Hoffman Susan M. “Sue” Huff Margaret Sophie Huls, Obl.S.B. Cuthbert Jack, O.S.B. Loretta C. Javra Gerald W. “Jerry” Johnson Gervase Jungels Ivan J. Kauffman Bonnie Mueller Klein Danile Knight, O.S.B. Mary Berns Koopmann Jeffrey Kowitz, M.D. Barnabas Laubach, O.S.B. Patrick W. “Pat” Maiers Margaret Marincel, O.S.B. Joseph “Joe” Murphy Rev. Mark G. Ostendorf John Pierce William “Bill” Pierson

Rita Pongratz, Obl.S.B. Donna Mae Pukay Almira Randall, O.S.B. Luverne E. “Mickey” Randall Donald E. “Don” Raverty Blane L. Resko, O.S.B. Ronald “William” Roloff Gerald Ruelle, O.S.B. Richard Langley Schall Roselyn “Rosina” Schmitt Marcella E. “Sally” Senart William “Bill” Smith Miriam H. Sullivan, Obl.S.B. John F. Theisen Nicholas Thelen, O.S.B. Pirmin A. Trautner William E. “Benedict” Ulfers Marcella “Sally” Uphoff Karen A. Velline James Weis Mary Joanne Wurtz Margaret Mary Zajac, O.S.B.

Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones.

Psalm 116:15

A Monk’s Chronicle Father Eric Hollas, O.S.B., offers spiritual insights and glimpses into the life of the Benedictine community at Saint John’s Abbey in a weekly blog, A Monk’s Chronicle. Visit his blog at: monkschronicle.wordpress.com.

Father Don’s Daily Reflection Father Don Talafous, O.S.B., prepares daily reflections on Scripture and living the life of a Christian that are available on the abbey’s website at: saintjohnsabbey.org/reflection/.

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I

N his book Strangers to the City, Father Michael Casey, O.C.S.O., states: “It is the quality of those who live in monasteries that creates a cloistral paradise, a reflection of heaven on earth. The cloistral paradise is still in the stage of becoming. But it is conformity to the image of heaven that is the goal of the community’s corporate journey.”

If you were to ask any monk, in any monastery, to think of a word that defines community, my guess is that few—perhaps none—would use the word “paradise.” And there is a good reason for that: every human family or organization is fraught with weakness, strife, and challenges. And that is the definition of human growth: it is always in process, right up to the moment we take our last breath. As Father Michael says, the cloistral paradise is “in the stage of becoming.”

What makes “paradise” an unlikely descriptor when assessing our monastic families has more to do with the everyday foibles of our brothers and sisters: the ones who use their fingers to grab food from a buffet line; the ones who talk when they should be silent; the ones who borrow something and don’t return it. When we try to think of our house as “paradise,” these realities get in the way!

This way of life is transformative.

Humans in any social configuration, monastic or otherwise, find living together a challenge because of our unique perspectives, attitudes, and practices. What makes me comfortable can drive my neighbor up the wall. What I do naturally might seem entirely unnatural to others.

What I hold dear, others may find abhorrent. Such is the nature of society and the essence of community.

Accordingly one might conclude that a Rule would solve these problems; a proscribed way of acting and doing could be the great equalizer and measuring stick. But Saint Benedict knew better than that.

As Jesus reminded his followers, it is not what lies outside that defiles but rather what is inside us (Matthew 15:10-20; Mark 7:14-23). He warned them that they could not simply follow the Law and expect to gain holiness. The disciples of Jesus were exhorted to transform their hearts and embody the spirit of the Law. They were asked to become the kingdom of God and not simply act like they were a part of it.

The same is true for a Benedictine way of life. Monks cannot observe the letter of the law without a deeply felt conviction that this way of life is transformative, and that how we act is helping realize this corporate goal of creating heaven on earth. True, this is a work in progress, but if all disciples of Benedict would take this to heart, the realization of that goal would come sooner rather than later.

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Abbey Banner

Fall 2015 Volume 15, Number 2

4 This Issue Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

18 The Nature of Saint John’s Larry Haeg

30 Donor Honor Roll Geoffrey Fecht, O.S.B.

5 Land Stewardship Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

20 Meet a Monk: David Klingeman Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

44 Rule of Benedict: Stability in Community Eric Hollas, O.S.B.

22 Living in the Moment Bailey Walter

45 Abbey Chronicle Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

23 Obituary: Richard Eckroth

48 Fifty Years Ago

24 Obituary: Barnabas Laubach

6 Monastic Profession 9 Monastic Jubilees 12 Benedictine Volunteer Corps Eric Hollas, O.S.B. 14 Pruning for Life Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B.

25 Obituary: Nicholas Thelen

49 Monks in the Kitchen: A Little Something Sweet Ælred Senna, O.S.B.

15 Ordinations

26 Caution: Beehives

50 In Memoriam

16 Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home Derek Larson

28 Abbey Apiary Aaron Raverty, O.S.B.

51 Creating Heaven on Earth Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

Benedictine Days of Prayer Friday, 18 September 2015: How can I pray when I’m too busy?

Friday, 16 October 2015: Public worship is not for me.

Friday, 20 November 2015: The Church likes the Psalms. I don’t. What should I do?

The day begins at 7:00 A.M. with Morning Prayer and concludes about 3:30 P.M. Rooms are available in the abbey guesthouse for the preceding overnight.

Advent Retreat 11–13 December 2015: Living into the mystery of the incarnation Presenter: Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B. The retreat begins with supper at 5:30 P.M. on Friday and concludes after lunch on Sunday.

Cost: Single room, $195; double room, $330 ($165 per person); meals included.

Register online at abbeyguesthouse.org; or call 320.363.3929.