Abbey Banner - Fall 2019 by Saint John's Abbey

Abbey Banner Fall 2019

The Lord lifts up spirits, brings a sparkle to the eyes, gives health and life and blessing. Sirach 34:20

Alan Reed, O.S.B.

This Issue Abbey Banner Magazine of Saint John’s Abbey Fall 2019

Volume 19, number 2

Published three times annually (spring, fall, winter) by the monks of Saint John’s Abbey. Editor: Robin Pierzina, O.S.B. Design: Alan Reed, 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 Circulation: Ruth Athmann, Tanya Boettcher, Ashley Koshiol, Beth Lensing, Cathy Wieme Printed by Palmer Printing Copyright © 2019 by Order of Saint Benedict Saint John’s Abbey 2900 Abbey Plaza Box 2015 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

Centering Prayer Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

And now, bless the God of all, who has done wonders on earth; who fosters growth from the womb, fashioning it according to God’s will!

Sirach 50:22

n June our community was blessed by having Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, a renowned teacher and practitioner of centering prayer, as our retreat presenter. Rev. Bourgeault had worked closely with Trappist monk Thomas Keating. Father Thomas and another Trappist, Father Basil Pennington, founded the movement in the mid-1970s in response to an emerging desire for a sound contemplative practice within the Christian tradition.

This issue of Abbey Banner acknowledges—and celebrates—the abundance of God’s blessings in our lives and our constant need to offer humble and heartfelt thanks. On the feast of Saint Benedict, our community celebrated the grace and blessings that God showers on our community through our newest and our seasoned members. Novice Jeremy Welters professed his first vows as a Benedictine monk on 11 July. Six others renewed their vows made twentyfive, fifty, or sixty years ago. Collectively they represent two-hundred-eighty years of listening to the divine voice in the school of the Lord’s service. For God’s call and for their faithful response, we give thanks.

Through the course of eight prayer sessions over five days, woven into the monastic schedule of prayer and community life, Rev. Bourgeault presented good counsel about developing a practice of twenty-minute periods of sitting in utter silence, emptying one’s mind of thoughts and emotions by not retaining or dwelling on them. The purpose of such repose is to be open to God, to let go of the agenda, the constant state of thinking and acting that are such a part of contemporary life.

Since our community’s founding in the mid-nineteenth century, we have been blessed with the support and friendship of generous neighbors who helped build this place and who assist us daily in our various ministries and outreach programs. On behalf of all the monks of Saint John’s Abbey, Father Geoffrey Fecht names and thanks the thousands of donors and volunteers who make “Saint John’s what it is today.” Thanksgiving, for many, conjures up happy memories—or eager expectations —of time with family and loved ones, a hardy meal—and, alas, a frenzy of holiday shopping. For Christians, thanksgiving is a way of life, an attitude of gratitude. Christian memories of thanksgiving date to Jesus and the institution of the Eucharist. The Greek word eucharisteō means “to give thanks.” Father Douglas Mullin offers a brief history of the national holiday and outlines the value of giving thanks each day of our lives. Gratitude is good for you!

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Rev. Bourgeault’s gift to the Christian community is her deep understanding and clear teaching about the uniqueness of centering prayer as a transformative practice. Centering prayer abandons the agenda of paying attention. Indeed, consent to God and God’s will is an equally legitimate and perhaps more effective starting point. This insight is at the heart of this Christian contemplative path and is borne out in practice. Christian seekers who have failed repeatedly to develop any consistency in an attention-based practice take to centering prayer like a duck to water!

A call to prayer is a common feature of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities. Throughout monastic history, that call has typically been expressed by ringing a bell. As our neighbors (and sleepy students) can confirm, bells have announced the prayer services, Eucharist, or the passing of a confrere since Saint John’s first church was built in the 1880s. Brother Aaron Raverty offers tidbits of tintinnabulations and how our community rings out our joy to the LORD (Psalm 95:1).

The real benefit of a practice based on consent is its powerful congruence with the basic Christian attitude of ever deepening surrender to God: “Yet not what I will, Father, but what you will” (Matthew 26:39). Consent to God’s will, consent to the Divine Presence, is solidly rooted in the scriptural tradition. One thinks of Mary at the scene of the annunciation and her words of consent: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Land manager Mr. John Geissler reflects on the beauty and value of the Avon Hills. Mr. Michael Reilly presents the prayerful preparations that he and his fellow Benedictine Volunteers shared as they begin their year of service. We also learn about centering prayer, meet a leap day monk, and more.

Cover: Installing the “new” bells in December 1989 (upper photo); and the lineup of Saint John’s original five bells Photos: Public Information Office, Saint John’s University

The staff of Abbey Banner joins Abbot John Klassen and the monastic community in offering best wishes to all our readers as we pray for God’s blessings in your lives. Peace! Brother Robin Pierzina, O.S.B. Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

Centering prayer originated in the practice of the desert monks in Egypt in the third century—first articulated as “wordless prayer” by Abba Isaac, who was the teacher of Saint John Cassian. Cassian brings the teaching to the West in the writings of the Conferences and Institutes. Saint Benedict stands on Cassian’s shoulders as he writes his Rule.

Alan Reed, O.S.B.

Throughout our retreat, we practiced and then we listened. It was a good week for us. If you are interested in learning more, Rev. Bourgeault’s book, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, is an excellent guide.

Marcel Proust

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Fall 2019

Monastic Profession and Jubilees of life. The first realization was that God was calling me to remain a single individual in the Catholic Church and that single men and women are an important part of parish and Church communities. Shortly thereafter I felt called to live in a community of like-minded men who can support and encourage me on the journey to becoming closer in relationship to God.”

Sign of peace. The monastic community offers congratulations to the newly professed and jubilarians.

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 rejoiced in God’s blessings as they welcomed Novice Jeremy Welters into our community and honored six confreres on the occasion of their twenty-fifth, fiftieth, or sixtieth anniversary of monastic profession. “We celebrate the grace that has been present to us in our jubilarians,” reflected Abbot John. “By the mercy of God, they have given generously of themselves, and we have all been blessed abundantly. We also celebrate the grace of God at work in our brother, Jeremy, who desires to make first profession.” First Profession Novice Jeremy Welters, 26, was born in Long Prairie, Minnesota, and grew up on a hobby farm. He began his education at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic School and continued there

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through the sixth grade before moving to the public school system. After high school he attended Saint John’s University, completing a bachelor’s degree in communication in 2015. Jeremy then spent a year teaching and coaching in Newark, New Jersey, as part of the Saint John’s Abbey Benedictine Volunteer Corps. He returned to Collegeville, serving at Saint John’s Preparatory School as a resident assistant in the boy’s dormitory as well as assisting with the cross-country and track teams.

Simon-Hòa Phan, O.S.B. ,

acting should be different from the world’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else.” “For me,” reflects Brother Jeremy, “it was not until I was able to tune out the expectations that the world, society, my family, and friends had for how my life should progress that I was able to be more attentive to the voice of God calling me to a different way

Following monastic profession, Brother Jeremy is working for Saint John’s University Campus Ministry as well as with Mr. John Geissler, abbey land manager. He is also taking a class at Saint John’s School of Theology. Jeremy’s hobbies include, running, biking, swimming, skiing, and playing tennis and volleyball. In chapter four of his Rule, Saint Benedict says that, “Your way of

Brother Jeremy Welters

Simon-Hòa Phan, O.S.B. ,

Silver (25) Jubilarians Twenty-five years after the conclusion of their novitiate, Father Joseph Feders, O.S.B., and Brother John Brudney, O.S.B., renewed their profession of vows as Benedictine monks. Father Joseph Feders came to Collegeville from Saint Paul where he had been pursuing a career in banking. Following his ordination to the priesthood in 1999, he was able to exercise his banking skills while serving at three of the largest parishes staffed by Saint John’s in Minnesota: Saint Augustine in Saint Cloud, Holy Name of Jesus in Medina, and Saint Joseph in Saint Joseph. “To each of these you brought the discipline and leadership skills that you had developed in your previous work,” noted Abbot John. “This experience provided a solid foundation of pastoral insight for a transition to the leadership of our Spiritual Life Program.” After being awarded a graduate certificate in spiritual direction and directed retreats by Creighton University in 2014, Father Joseph has guided our community’s Spiritual

Brother John Brudney (left) and Father Joseph Feders

Life Program, organizing days of reflection; private, group, and directed retreats; and offering spiritual direction. Joseph has also served as abbey vocation director. During the past quarter century, concluded Abbot John, “you have been enormously productive in a disciplined, creative, and pastoral presence to those you serve.” Brother John Brudney, an alumnus of Saint John’s University, hails from Omaha. Since his novitiate year, John has been associated with the Saint John’s Fire Department, building on a natural interest and aptitude. His service is not based solely on good will, however. John has completed three advanced training programs in firefighting and safety inspection, easily qualify-

Simon-Hòa Phan, O.S.B. ,

ing him for his assistant fire chief position. “Because of your incredible ability to bring order out of chaos,” observed Abbot John, “as a junior monk you were assigned for a summer to bring order to the library at Saint Anselm’s Priory in Tokyo.” Brother John continues to bring order out of chaos as he organizes the abbot’s annual Christmas card mailing and our novitiate library, as well as serving as master of ceremonies for abbey liturgies. John has assisted as the office coordinator of the abbey’s development office, where he was always prepared, if the need ever arose, to explain humbly to potential donors: “I come to do your will!” His quick wit and generosity have endeared John to our community.

Fall 2019

Golden (50) Jubilarian Father Eric Hollas, O.S.B., renewed his vows as a Benedictine fifty years after his monastic life began at Saint Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Eric’s academic and teaching skills have been a good match for Saint John’s and its apostolates. His success, both as a teacher and an administrator in Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary and in the undergraduate department of theology, preceded his appointment to head the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML), 1993– 2002. Father Eric, the first and foremost promoter of commissioning calligrapher Donald Jackson to create The Saint John’s Bible, continues to lecture on an adventure so dear to his heart. He is a member of the Medieval Academy of America as well as the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and serves as chaplain in the Western Association of the Order of Malta. Though trained in medieval studies at Yale, Eric has adjusted well to twenty-firstcentury technology, maintaining a weekly blog, A Monk’s Chronicle [monkschronicle.wordpress .com], in which he shares his spiritual insights as well as observations on life at the abbey. Abbot John expressed his and the community’s gratitude to

Father Eric Hollas

Simon-Hòa Phan, O.S.B.

Father Eric for “the vision and energy you have brought to the life of Saint John’s.” Diamond (60) Jubilarians For sixty years Fathers Donald Tauscher, O.S.B., Bernardine Ness, O.S.B., and William Skudlarek, O.S.B., have served the Church as Benedictine monks. In the presence of their families, friends, and confreres, each renewed his vows and accepted the blessing of the community and congregation for their decades of faithful ministry. As a teenager Donald Tauscher left family and friends in Milladore, the heartland of Wisconsin, to discern a religious vocation in Collegeville. (He did not leave behind his lifelong support of the

As a community we are constantly trying to open ourselves to the mystery of God’s love. We are confident that Christ is with us to support and sustain us on this journey of faith. Surely Christ’s promise is being fulfilled in our midst. Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

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Green Bay Packers, however!) His Benedictine and priestly ministry would take him even farther from Wisconsin. For four years he served as a teacher or principal at Colegio San Antonio Abad, in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Responding to a request from Abbot Jerome Theisen, Don developed the Spiritual Life Program at Saint John’s. For some twenty-three years he conducted retreats and parish missions, organized Benedictine Days of Prayer, and logged many miles throughout the dioceses of Crookston and Fargo while serving as a spiritual director. For the past eight years he has served our community’s oblates, currently as assistant director and as editor of their news magazine, The Oblate. Don’s other pastoral assignments included parishes in his native Wisconsin as well as parishes or hospital chaplaincies in Minnesota. He has also worked at Liturgical Press as an editor. Whatever the venue, Father Don’s monastic life has been marked by generous service. Father Bernardine Ness, who grew up in Wayzata, Minnesota, first became associated with our community while a student at Saint John’s Preparatory School. However, most of his Benedictine life—fifty-three years!—was spent in service as a monk of Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota. Following the closure of that monastery in 2012, Bernardine joined Saint John’s Abbey. In addition to

his early ministry to the Native American communities in the Dakotas, he labored for some forty years at Resurrection Priory in Cobán, Guatemala (founded by Blue Cloud), devoting his energy to electronic evangelization. Bernardine built a shortwave radio station that broadcast news and music in the native Q’eqchi’ tongue, preparing people for the celebration of the Word in their own language in villages that had no Sunday Eucharist. Decades later he would modify his efforts at evangelization by adapting a video on the life of Christ for those who had never seen television. Since returning to Saint John’s, Father Bernardine has served Latinx congregations locally and in Minneapolis, sharing his wisdom and good humor. He is now retired from active ministry. Father William Skudlarek ventured far and wide from Holdingford, Minnesota, sharing

L to r: Fathers Don Tauscher, William Skudlarek, and Bernardine Ness

Simon-Hòa Phan, O.S.B. ,

his abundant gifts in service to Saint John’s and the Church. William directed the Saint John’s University international study program in Chartres, France; served for five years in the Maryknoll missionary program in Brazil; and seven years at Saint Anselm’s Priory and Trinity Benedictine Monastery, Saint John’s Japanese foundations. As General Secretary of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue for the past twelve years, he continues his global ministry with a special interest in Zen Buddhism. Father William’s time in Collegeville has been equally productive. He has served as chair Simon-Hòa Phan, of the university’s ,

undergraduate department of theology and as administrative assistant to the abbot. A fine homilist, he taught theology and homiletics for sixteen years in Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, where he also was dean and rector. As a boy, William learned to play the cello and brought his passion for music to Saint John’s. He has served as abbey director of music and liturgy, and today continues to share his musical talents as a cellist with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra.

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Fall 2019

Benedictine Volunteer Corps which the Benedictine author discusses Benedictine values and our modern lifestyle. From class, it’s off to daily Mass, and after Mass, a short break (normally filled with pool, chess, or another nap) before supper, Evening Prayer, and finally a meet-amonk session. After these informal introductions to a different monk each evening, the Benedictine Volunteers retire for the day, ready (if not eager) to wake up and do it all over again. (This may sound a bit overwhelming, but at least there’s no homework!)

Collegeville Retreat Michael Reilly

lang! Clang! Clang! The handheld bells shatter the peaceful quiet of a Collegeville morning.

It is 6:30 A.M., the Tuesday after college graduation, and while most graduates are recovering from their commencement exercises (and all the festivities that come with them), twenty-six of Saint John’s finest are being roused from their beauty sleep by the incessant and annoying ringing of Brother Paul’s bells. (Occasionally an early riser will be pressed into service to ring these alarm bells. This does not gain him any favor with the rest of the Benedictine Volunteer Corps [BVC], however.) Walking —dragging—themselves up the Frank House stairs, the volunteers shuffle across the monastic gardens, buzz through the back door of the monastery, and file into the oak choir stalls where the members of the Saint John’s monastic community have prayed for the past fifty-eight years. The first words spoken by each sleepy Benedictine Volunteer are, “and my mouth will proclaim your praise”—responding to the prayer leader’s opening line for Morning Prayer: “Lord, open my lips.” What follows is a half hour of prayer, consisting of recitation of psalms, prayer petitions, the Our Father; and then it’s off to a cold breakfast in the monastic

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Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

Members of the Benedictine Volunteer Corps join the monastic community for prayer, prior to their afternoon nap.

refectory. Later the BVC participants assemble in Saint Francis Chapel for their daily chapter meeting. Like all things monastic, chapter meetings start with prayer. Following a reflection on a passage from the Rule of Saint Benedict and a paragraph or two from the Benedictine Volunteer Corps Handbook, they receive work assignments for the day. The Benedictine Volunteers, sometimes reluctantly, make their way to their various work assignments across campus. Janitorial duty in one of the college dorms, baking bread in the kitchen of Emmaus Hall, sending thank-you letters to donors, or sweeping up the sawdust in the abbey woodworking

One might think it would be difficult to entice a couple dozen college-aged males to immerse themselves into a monastic routine—and it probably would

be if the program were sold only with words. But experiencing the daily routine of monastic life is a pivotal piece in the development of the BVC program and of each volunteer. The routine grabs us slowly—we become less and less lethargic during our trudge to prayer as the morning bell signals the opportunity to speak for the first time each day, praising God with our first words. We become less resistant to shuffling into the choir stalls, and begin to relish the opportunity to take a pause during our day—to reflect and pray about more important things. We begin to focus on the conversations we have with other volunteers and monks. Slowly, our buzzing phones become less important, and our minds are

shop—all are possible work assignments, though tree planting in the abbey arboretum may be the most adventurous task. After work, it’s back to prayer at noon—a quick one compared to Morning and Evening Prayer— lasting only fifteen minutes. Exiting the choir stalls, all head to lunch where they are engaged in conversations with monks who range in age from a youthful twenty-six, to a well lived, yet quite youthful, ninety-five. Following lunch, the volunteers have the next three hours to swim, boat, read, write, or of course, sleep! Recreation is followed by a classroom session led by a different monk each day, dissecting Michael Casey’s Strangers to the City, a book in

redirected toward the relationships around us—rather than to insignificant social media sites. Indeed, our retreat directs us toward something truly special: an opportunity to live in community for two weeks, where we are asked to pay less attention to the outside world and more attention to the world within us, to our relationship with God, our relationship with others, and our relationship with ourselves. The retreat offers something not found often in our modern, always busy world. It offers a chance to breathe—a chance for peace. It is only in becoming firmly grounded in peace that we Benedictine Volunteers will be able to exemplify the Benedictine values through our service, positively impacting the communities in which we serve. By retreating from our fast-paced society, we are able to live more intentionally with those around us. Allowing peace to fill our hearts during these two weeks prepares us, like the monks of Saint John’s Abbey, to “Listen carefully to the master’s instructions” (RB Prol.1). As we immerse ourselves into the Benedictine lifestyle this coming year, may we attend to the needs of our respective communities by listening attentively with the ear of our hearts! Mr. Michael Reilly is now serving as a Benedictine Volunteer at Christ the King Priory, Tororo, Uganda.

Mike Reilly (left) tries his hand at a communal game of solitaire.

Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

Fall 2019

Avon Hills Initiative protected. Conservation of the distinctive Avon Hills natural landscape has many ecological benefits, such as improving water and air quality, promoting healthy soils, and maintaining biodiversity. These benefits positively impact those who live in and visit the area now; they will become increasingly significant in generations to come.

A controlled burn in the oak savanna of Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum

John Geissler

ince 2003 Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum and Saint John’s Outdoor University have been a part of the Avon Hills Initiative, a communitybased organization located in central Minnesota that is committed to preserving the rural and natural character of roughly fifty square miles of land in Avon, Saint Joseph, Collegeville, and Saint Wendel townships. The Avon Hills Initiative has worked through education, community organization, and local government to increase awareness of land-development pressures facing the Avon Hills. The group acts to initiate meaningful dialogue between stakeholders relative to these pressures in order to preserve the rich cultural history, natural

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beauty, and biological diversity of the Avon Hills for generations to come. The 65,000-acre Avon Hills landscape, including and surrounding the abbey arboretum, awes even the casual observer in the fall. Layers of color from diverse woodlands atop glacial moraine hills rise out of the surrounding lakes and farmland. The Avon Hills contain the highest concentration of native plant communities in the county, including oak and maple/basswood forests, tamarack and mixed-hardwood swamps, and wet meadows. It harbors rare species, including American ginseng, cerulean warbler, redshouldered hawk, Blanding’s turtle, and least darter. The area has been identified as ecologically significant by The Nature

Roger Sorenson

Conservancy’s Eco-Regional Plan and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) County Biological Survey. The Avon Hills Initiative’s ambitious landscape goal is to permanently protect seventy percent of the remaining undeveloped portions of the Avon Hills, or about 25,000 acres over the next twenty years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Minnesota DNR, and others have also invested in protection efforts, signaling the importance of these still functioning ecosystems. With the assistance of grant funds such as the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund (ENRTF) and conservation-minded landowners, about twenty-five percent of the remaining undeveloped landscape is now

Building on prior success, project partners Saint John’s Outdoor University/Abbey Arboretum, Minnesota Land Trust, and Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District recently submitted a proposal to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources to move us closer to our native habitat protection goals. We are excited to announce that through this highly competitive process, $1.6 million was recently appropriated from the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The funds will be used for three purposes: to pay Avon Hills landowners owning ecologically significant lands to give up their development rights through permanent conservation easements on approximately 390 acres; restore or enhance 220 acres of priority Avon Hills private lands with existing easements; and provide landstewardship education and outreach opportunities for area landowners. In 1988 Minnesota voters overwhelmingly approved a constitu-

Roger Sorenson

Abbey Conservation Corps Earlier this spring, members of the Abbey Conservation Corps (ACC) assisted with a prescribed burn on twelve acres of oak savanna, helping to set back nonnative species. The ACC also planted, matted, and caged 1100 oak seedlings to regenerate another five acres of oak— part of our forest resilience initiative. In the last two years the ACC worked intensely on sixteen acres of oak, including matting and annual hand-clearing around at least 7,000 individual oak trees. Oak seedlings are responding wonderfully, and in some cases are putting on over a foot of growth per year! The Abbey Conservation Corps also planted over one thousand native wildflower plants, grown from our own seed in the greenhouse, in the new section of oak savanna near Cichy Pond. tional amendment (Article XI, Sec. 14) establishing the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. This constitutionally dedicated fund originates from a combination of Minnesota state lottery proceeds and investment income. According to the website of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, the “purpose of the ENRTF is to provide a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish,

wildlife, and other natural resources for the benefit of current citizens and future generations. Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $630 million to approximately 1,600 projects around the state.” We are grateful that this fund exists to continue critical conservation projects in the Avon Hills and throughout Minnesota. Mr. John Geissler is the Saint John’s Abbey land manager and director of Saint John’s Outdoor University.

Fall 2019

Growth in God’s Garden early monks’ obedience, humility, and prayer. But much of the Rule of Saint Benedict addresses difficulties within the community —what to do about stubborn and disobedient monks, about grumblers and even despisers of the Rule (RB 23–25), and how to handle those who refuse to obey even after repeated corrections (RB 28). Yes, there is peace, love, and understanding in the monastery. But it is the result of patiently listening to God in prayer and discernment.

Alan Reed, O.S.B.

Martin F. Connell

rom the distance of many centuries, some believers today romanticize the lives of early Christians and early Benedictine monks. But the sources from those communities and even a campus inscription remind us that our ancestors in the faith had their feet on the ground and faced difficulties, and that God supplied what they needed to grow.

Saint Paul’s Corinth. The opening sentences of Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians reveal divisions and competition in the community not long after the death of Jesus. The Apostle indicts that church: “There is quarreling among you” (1 Cor 1:11). The strife at Corinth

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came from its leaders gaining followers and then competing with one another. “I belong to Paul!” said one. Oh yeah, well, “I belong to Apollos!” Well, I’m better than both of you, because “I belong to Cephas!” Saint Paul silenced their quarrels by asking, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor 1:12-13). Paul reminded the community of their earlier life. They were not wise, not powerful, not wellborn, for “God chose what is low and despised in this world” (1:28) and made Jesus Christ “our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1:30). He noted as well: “We are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our

hands” (4:11-12). But by God’s grace through baptism, they, and we, who had been the “rubbish of the world,” became and become children of God. The rest of the letter addresses many problems facing the community in Corinth, problems inside and outside, both resulting in difficulty and division. Like life today, the life of Corinthian Christians was hard, but with God’s help, Paul guided them to a better place with his inspiring direction and consolation. Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Depictions of early monks may also lead us to think that life in the monastery was all peace, love, and understanding. Abbreviations of Benedictine values highlight qualities like the

Though the Rule seems strict in some of its disciplines, Saint Benedict was patient, compassionate, and wise. When monks caused trouble in the community, he instructed that they “be warned twice privately” (RB 23.2). Only if the one-on-one warnings do not work should the monk “be given a public rebuke in front of the whole community” (RB 23.3). Benedict’s insight and wisdom come from his experience as abbot. His instruction on how to correct problems—like Paul’s advice to the Corinthians—was the result of difficult days. He relied on God’s providence for direction and inspiration, and the growth followed. Saint John’s Inscription. One of the most inspiring Latin inscriptions at Saint John’s is just off the beaten path. An artful rendering of a phrase from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians can be found above a doorway on the west side of the Auditor-

ium (Music Building) facing Simons Hall. The inscription— DEVS INCREMENTVM DAT— runs along the bottom of the pediment. Above it are two monks, kneeling on the ground and facing each other as they plant a tree together. The one on the right has a shovel; the one on the left, a copy of the Rule; and God’s sunshine is overhead. In the inscription’s context in First Corinthians, Paul had just challenged those earliest believers about the divisions in their community. To direct them toward patience and kindness (1 Cor 13:4), toward faith, hope, and love (1 Cor 13:13), Paul used a phrase that Benedict would later render in the Rule as Deus incrementum dat: God (Deus) gives (dat) the growth (incrementum); or “God makes things grow” (1 Cor 3:7). Incrementum aptly reflects the conversion of many Christians today. Change within monastic life and Catholic life is typically more incremental in nature— what Benedict calls conversatio morum, “change of life,” “tweaking of habits,” the dayby-day growth in faith and in communal living required for monks as well as for those outside the monastery who adhere to a Benedictine lifestyle. Such change, such growth calls for patience and prayer through these difficult days in the Church. God, after all, didn’t send the divisions among the Corinthian followers of Apollos,

Cephas, and Paul. God didn’t plant the grumbling and disobedient monks in Benedict’s monastery. Rather, God strengthens people—Corinthians, Benedictines, and all of us—with what is needed for growth in our marriages, families, communities, and friendships. For apostles, monks, and many Christians today—born into Christian families and baptized before we chose the faith—“conversion of life” is not sudden, not dramatic, like Paul’s blinding conversion experience (Acts 9:1-22), nor like sinner-to-saint conversions we might hear in some of the lives of the saints. Instead, for most of us, conversions are drip, drip, drip . . . slow growth. Saint Paul’s αὐξάνων (auxanōn), Saint Benedict’s INCREMENTVM, and our “increment”—with help from saints today—are expressions of God’s grace to help us grow a little at a time. Nor is the path to growth—in Corinth’s community, in Benedict’s monastery, and in these difficult days of the Church today—always smooth. The growth is not by Paul, nor Apollos, nor Cephas. It is not by Benedict nor his monks. And it is not by us. Only God plants, waters, and grows: Deus incrementum dat. Dr. Martin F. Connell is professor of theology at Saint John’s University.

Fall 2019

The Spanish Flu Pandemic Lucián López, O.S.B. century ago the Western world was celebrating the first months of peace following the carnage of World War I, one of the deadliest conflicts in human history during which an estimated twenty million military personnel and civilians lost their lives and a like number were wounded (Centre européen Robert Schuman). The celebration was quickly tempered, however, by the advent of another catastrophe: the Spanish flu pandemic.

The Spanish flu was a strain of the H1N1 virus, widely considered the deadliest pandemic of the modern era. Before proper vaccination or antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, when our understanding of infectious pathogens was still in its infancy, quarantine was often the only means of treatment and prevention. An unusual aspect of this H1N1 virus was that the death rate was highest among young, healthy people— especially between the ages of 15 and 35. Over fifty million people worldwide died from this virus, including 675,000 people in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate). Our monastic community was not exempt from the horrors of this disease. It has been just over one-hundred years since the deaths of our own monks due to the H1N1 virus. In honor of this

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anniversary, it is fitting to remember our confreres who succumbed to the Spanish flu. On the Eve of All Saints, 31 October 1918, twenty-eightyear-old monk and teacher of shorthand and typewriting, Brother Fabian Ethen, O.S.B., was summoned to the deathbed of his two blood brothers in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. It wasn’t long after he returned to the abbey that he needed to be admitted to the infirmary with pneumonia. On two consecutive days, his brothers died of influenza. Fabian’s struggle with the illness would be drawn out for almost a week, until 7 November. A photograph of Fabian shows a tall and confident young man with a slight wave in his light hair and a subtle smirk. His necrology speculates that “Frater Fabian picked up the germ at one of the funerals he had attended the previous week.” At this same time, another monk would be admitted to our infirmary—twenty-nine-year-old Brother Godfrey Gans, O.S.B. There was no snow on the ground when Godfrey, from West Union, Minnesota, became the first monastic victim of the influenza plague. Godfrey had made solemn vows the previous year and was on track to be ordained a priest in two years. Within a few days of exhibiting the first symptoms, he died on 4 November 1918 at 4:15 in the morning. Godfrey taught German at Saint John’s, and his

sporting a brother’s collar. He had been ordained a subdeacon for two years, and the short, three-sentence necrology notes his “ardent desire to become a priest.”

Brother Fabian Ethen

Brother Godfrey Gans

Godfrey and Fabian were the only two monks of our community to die of the Spanish flu. But, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, some 12,000 Minnesotans died during the pandemic, over 2,000 of whom were soldiers. These would

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younger brother John was a seminarian. They also had a brother Hubert who was in Europe with the American Expeditionary Forces. Godfrey’s necrology includes a picture of a roundfaced young man with round glasses, serious expression, and

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had been borne to the cemetery, however, the bell of passing would toll the death of Fabian Ethen. Shortly after the second anniversary of Fabian’s death, on 12 November 1920, Romuald died. These three young monks, Godfrey Gans, Fabian Ethen, and Romuald Schmitz, are buried next to each other in the abbey cemetery.

include family members, parishioners, faculty members, and neighbors of our community. While World War I was still on everyone’s mind, as well as October wildfires that killed over 400 people near Moose Lake and Cloquet, this was an era in which people seemed to vanish into thin air, and the future looked grim. Fortunately, one hundred years later, from what we have learned about the effects of the greatest pandemic in modern history, human communities are better prepared for subsequent global-scale viral outbreaks. Brother Lucián López, O.S.B., assists at the abbey guesthouse.

Spanish Flu: H1N1 Father Romuald Schmitz

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Father Romuald Schmitz, O.S.B., is the third monk of this sad saga —though not bodily affected by the Spanish flu, he was terribly distraught at what was happening to his confreres. His is the longest entry in the necrology as he died as a result of a terrible accident, falling through the ice of Lake Watab. He was a close friend of Fabian, and his story illustrates the pain this pandemic caused our community, and the devastating blow to our collective morale. Romuald’s private papers reveal that when he heard Fabian was dying, he prayed that God would take him in his stead, if only Fabian could live. Only three days after Godfrey’s body

Although the exact origins of this virus remain unknown, the Spanish flu was first identified in the spring of 1918 among the military during World War I. Spreading rapidly from France, this particularly virulent strain of the flu received increased press attention as it grew to pandemic proportions in Spain—which is why World War I allies referred to it as the “Spanish flu.” Scientists estimate that the ancestor of this particular H1N1 virus first infected humans as early as 1900, when it began its mutation process, obtaining its pandemic characteristics by 1918. The first reported case in Minnesota originated in Wells from a soldier who had returned home on leave. In 2005 scientists were able to reconstruct the virus from samples taken from the lungs of Inuit victims preserved under permafrost in Alaska. These efforts revealed that this strain was, in fact, avian in nature. Close quarters and limited medical attention only exacerbated its spread—because of the war, there were fewer doctors in the country. More than thirty percent of U.S. medical personal were deployed for military service during World War I. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the average life expectancy of Americans was reduced by twelve years as a result of this pandemic!

Fall 2019

Benedictine Lessons Learned

ule of Benedict It Takes All Kinds

Katie Bergstrom

y education, my professional career, and my spiritual life are grounded in the Benedictine experiences I had at Saint John’s Preparatory School—as a student, as an administrator, as a board member. Without ever studying Benedictine values, I acquired them, I think, by osmosis!

Eric Hollas, O.S.B.

here is a certain irony about our community’s celebration of the feast of Saint Benedict. On 11 July we honor the monks who made their first profession of vows twenty-five, fifty, or sixty years ago. In the presence of the abbot and community these jubiliarians renew their profession in a wonderful, even touching ceremony; and we can’t help but notice the variety of characters standing before us. I find this ironic because throughout his Rule Saint Benedict cautions against any special recognition for monks! He points out, for instance, that the creative abilities of some make them natural standouts, which in turn can lead to pride. I assume that is the reason he rotates the kitchen duties, even though common sense suggests that a monk with culinary talent should be head chef until he retires. Benedict was equally cautious about the artisans in the monastery. Their skills might lead them to conclude that they are indispensable. In a different vein, officials such as the prior or procurator might vie with the abbot for power that ought not be theirs, while priests might reach for spiritual authority within the community. All this is the result of the uneven distribution of talents that nature bestows on us, and Benedict does not want to create a community in which some are more equal than others.

Benedict’s antidote to this sort of competition is to exercise caution in the admission process. He legislates, for example, that a priest “expect the rank due him according to the date of his entrance into the monastery” (RB 60.7). Date of entry, not personal talents or status, determines rank. As seniors in the community, our jubiliarians collectively bring a wide variety of professional and personal experiences. They remind us that we all benefit from the breadth of their talents. They also remind us how dependent we are on the willingness of monks to make personal sacrifices for the sake of others. Looking on are candidates, novices, and junior monks who someday might stand where the jubiliarians are standing today. To the newlyarrived, the jubilarians offer a lesson: it takes all kinds of people to make a community. They also make clear that over the years every monk should expect to grow and change, as they have. Like them each new monk will discover potential in himself that he had scarcely imagined. Best of all, perhaps, they are living proof that no matter the hour when we arrived, we are all brothers together in the vineyard of the Lord.

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Michael Crouser

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

This past year, while serving as the interim principal for Saint John’s Prep, I recognized that osmosis was not sufficient. I decided to deepen my understanding of Saint Benedict and the Rule. So I went all out! I attended lectio divina, visio divina, and audio divina sessions. I joined the Benedictine Institute’s book club, exploring Sister Joan Chittister’s Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. I attended Midday Prayer whenever possible—and was escorted up to the choir stalls when I tried to stay in the back of the church. I volunteered the prep school to host the second annual Benedictine Leadership Institute for Benedictine high schools—listening to insightful reflections on the Catholic wisdom tradition, Benedictine happiness, and community inclusion; and how to incorporate Benedictine values into daily life. I conscientiously invited Saint Benedict and his wisdom into my life. I have many treasures from this past year’s studies. Three stand

Aidan Putnam

out. First, I learned that observance of the Rule starts with me. Regardless of the pace of the day or the behavior of others, I must center my heart on the Rule. This is not an easy task, especially when a teenager passes out in math class, or a concerned parent calls, or the snake gets out of the biology classroom! Yet, if I let go of the Rule, I lose its grace and wisdom. So, focus! Second, I have learned that every problem, big or small, can be solved with Benedictine wisdom. I urge everyone to join me in turning to the Rule for guidance. Read it. Listen with the ear of your heart (RB. Prol.) Explore that little book with 73 chapters; peruse it for answers. Use com-

mentaries on the Rule to guide your daily actions. Finally, it is not enough to pick a favorite three, five, or eight Benedictine values. We must practice all the values, all the time—with actions, big and small. Listening to and living the Rule all the time are essential. Saint Benedict does not expect perfection, but he does expect progress. Remember: Our way is meant to be different from the world’s way (RB 4.20), because we are Benedictine. Ms. Katie Bergstrom, J.D., a prep alumna, is a past chair of the Saint John’s Preparatory School Board of Regents.

Fall 2019

Lives of the Benedictine Saints John Gualbert Richard Oliver, O.S.B.

aint John Gualbert, also known as Giovanni Gualberto or John Gualberto (c. 985–1073) founded the Vallombrosan Order, a congregation of the Benedictine Confederation since 1966. John was a member of the Visdomini family of Florentine nobility. He had no more thought of following a life of austerity and humility than did his noble Florentine companions. Bred to be a soldier, he spent his time in worldly amusements. Enflamed with revenge at the killing of his older and only brother, Hugh, John’s fervent desire—much heightened by the invectives and persuasion of his father—was to find the murderer and kill him. John was falsely persuaded that his honor in the world required that he should not allow so flagrant an outrage to pass unpunished. He met his enemy on Good Friday in so narrow a passage in Florence that it was impossible for either of them to avoid the other. John drew his sword and was going to dispatch him. The felon fell upon his knees with arms outstretched in the form of a cross and begged for mercy in the name of Christ, who had been crucified on that day many years earlier. John forgave him with these words, “I can refuse nothing that is asked of me for the sake of Jesus Christ. I not only give you your life but also my friendship forever. Pray

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for me that God may pardon me my sin” (Butler’s Lives of the Saints). John later entered the Benedictine church at San Miniato to pray, and the figure on the crucifix bowed its head to John in recognition of his generosity. This story forms the subject of Edward BurneJones’ important early gouache, The Merciful Knight, and has been adapted by novelist Joseph Henry Shorthouse in John Inglesant: A Romance (London: Macmillan, 1881). After this encounter, John Gualbert sought to become a Benedictine monk Wikimedia Commons The Merciful Knight at San Miniato al of all virtues, especially meekness Monte. As a sign of his earnest and humility. Assiduous and desire, he shaved off all his hair. humble prayer and meditation The abbot had been reluctant to were the principal means by admit John because he feared which this wonderful change the displeasure of his influential was effected in all the affections father, about to lose his only of his soul, so that he became remaining male heir. After the entirely a new man” (Butler’s abbot finally agreed, John lived Lives, 12 July). in the monastery for a few years. “He endeavored by corporal Unwilling to compromise with austerities to facilitate the subthe new abbot who had bribed jection of his passions, which his way into office, John left the victory he completed by a abbey to lead a more perfect watchfulness over the motions monastic life. He wanted to find of his own heart, and heroic acts

a life untouched by the current abuses in the Church: clerical concubinage, nepotism, and simony. His attraction was for life in common, not for life as a hermit, so after staying for some time with the hermit monks at Camaldoli, he settled at Vallombrosa (shaded valley) in the Diocese of Fiesole, probably before 1038, on a plot of land given by Mother Itta, abbess of Sant’Ellero. Here he founded a monastery that he built of timber with men who were equally committed to a more austere and stricter following of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Other monasteries were established, but in all cases Abbot John insisted that the buildings should be constructed as modestly and cheaply as possible, and that the money saved should be given to the poor. The monasteries he founded were devoted to austerity, contemplation, prayer, and care of the poor and sick. His charity for the poor led him to rule that no penniless person should be sent away without alms. Vallombrosa inspired other communities with its hospices for the indigent and infirm. These monasteries became part of his new order under John’s rule, in spite of rival claims to jurisdiction. In this and other ways John became involved in the eleventh-century reform movement in the Church, for which he was commended by popes. The monastery of San Salvi had been burned, c. 1065, and the monks ill-treated by the

anti-reform party. These events further increased the reputation of Vallombrosa. The original monks wore ashcolored habits. Besides monks, he received lay brothers who were exempt from choir and silence, and they were employed in external offices. This is said to be the first example of such a distinction, but it was soon imitated by other orders. Pope Alexander II in 1070 approved this new order, together with the rule in which the saint added certain constitutions to the original Rule of Saint Benedict, including the abandonment of manual labor by the choir monks. The humility of the saint was such that he would never be promoted, even to minor orders. Renowned for his holiness and wisdom, John received Pope Saint Leo IX, who travelled specially to Passignano to speak with him, as did Pope Stephen X. John founded houses at San Salvi, Moscetta, Rozzuolo, Monte Salario, and Passignano, and he reformed others. He died

at Passignano, 12 July 1073, about eighty years of age. The eminent degree of penance and sanctity to which divine grace raised Saint John Gualbert was the fruit of his mildness in forgiving an injury. Miracles were reported at his tomb after his death. Pope Celestine III canonized him on 24 October 1193. He is the patron saint of forest workers, foresters, park services, and parks because the land on which the original Vallombrosa monastery was located had been barren and wild until John and his monks turned it into a veritable parkland by planting numerous fir trees and shrubs. The Vallombrosan Benedictines today are found mainly in the region of Tuscany and Lombardy, numbering about six monasteries in the congregation, including a dependent monastery in Kottayam, Kerala, India. Brother Richard Oliver, O.S.B., president emeritus of the American Benedictine Academy, is the coordinator of abbey church tours.

Prayer for the Celebration of Saint John Gualbert, O.S.B. Vall. 12 July Almighty and ever-living God, source of true peace and lover of concord, to know you is true life, to serve you is perfect freedom. Establish us in our love for you that by the example of blessed John, your abbot, we may render good for evil and blessings instead of curses and so find in you pardon and peace. Through Jesus Christ . . . .

Fall 2019

Meet a Monk: Stephen Beauclair

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Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

very monastic community has those members who are so steady, so reliable, so good at what they do, that they seem almost to blend into the woodwork of the choir stalls or the bricks of the monastery. Father Stephen George Beauclair, O.S.B., is such a confrere—a good, quiet, determined pastoral minister who sets the standard for those serving the Church. Father Stephen might attribute his demeanor and personal qualities to his roots in North Dakota. He was born on 29 February 1940 in New Rockford to Edward and Florence Beauclair. (Yes, that makes him a leap year baby, so his exact age might take a calculator to figure out!) He was the fourth child born to a family of ten—five

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girls and five boys. Two of his brothers died at a young age from cancer and a third died in a farm accident. His parents were as hard working as they come. Mr. Beauclair was a rural letter carrier for the post office and a beer truck driver who managed the books for the beer company for whom he delivered. As Stephen notes, his mother had an equally challenging career: “full time provider of tender loving care.” Until Stephen was a freshman in high school, he attended his local Catholic school and then transferred during his sophomore year to Saint John’s Preparatory School. He recalls doing work for building contractors and driving a dray truck during summers back home. He graduated from the prep school in 1958 and continued his education at Saint John’s University, spending two years in Anselm Hall (reserved for those pursuing seminary studies) before he entered the novitiate in 1960. After he took his first vows as a Benedictine in 1961, Stephen began preparing for ordination that came in 1967. That’s when his eclectic pastoral career began to take shape. His first assignment following ordination was to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Richmond, Minnesota. A very short year later, he went from living and serving only a few miles from Saint John’s Abbey to one of our furthest missions in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Here

he served the community of San Antonio Abad. However, in that very same year, a visit from a confrere prompted him to return to the Midwest and become part of a pastoral team in Moorhead, Minnesota. After serving in Moorhead, Father Stephen’s willingness to serve his community while living away from the monastery took him to places like the Church of St. Benedict in the Bronx, to Minnesota parishes including St. Boniface and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hastings, Saint Bernard’s in Saint Paul, St. Martin in Saint Martin, St. Francis Xavier in Lake Park, and St. Andrew’s in Hawley; and to Saint Augustine’s Monastery in Nassau, The Bahamas. In 2004 Stephen found himself back in Richmond. More recently he has taken up residence at Saint Benedict’s Senior Community in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where he serves as chaplain. Stephen’s pastoral gifts and his close relationship with the faithful at each assignment have resulted in a disappointed community whenever he was called to move on. At the same time, he left behind a legacy of hard work and attentive ministry to the people he served. One example was during his second time in Richmond, where he helped that parish add a gathering space to their church, accommodate accessibility for the disabled, and create new office space. The parish community

was able to get that project completed without harming the integrity of the original structure—one of the oldest in Minnesota. Despite his significant pastoral responsibilities, Father Stephen somehow was able to attend summer school at Seattle University, 1972–1975, and was awarded a master’s degree in religious education—an amazing feat considering that he was working probably more than

full time throughout those years! Besides being a hard worker, Stephen has always been serious about his health. He cites three accomplishments in that regard: in 1978 he ran a half marathon in San Diego with his youngest sister, Therese. In 1980 he and Therese climbed Mount Whitney in northern California. And finally, once more with Therese, he ran the Big Sur Marathon in 2001. Today, even though he loves to get out and walk, he admits that running and biking

are not as frequent as they once were. Saint Benedict assumed that his monks would occasionally, but only briefly, be away from the cloister as part of their service to the community. Over the centuries of monastic history, that tradition developed into “external assignments” that acknowledged that confreres are called to serve the community and the Church in ways that might keep them away from the monastery for extended periods. Today pastoral assignments connect monasteries to the people of God and remain a vital part of the mission and vision of the Order of Saint Benedict in general and Saint John’s Abbey in particular. However, it takes a special skill to live that life— serving effectively outside the monastery while still being a valued member of the community. By the grace of God, we have men like Father Stephen Beauclair who has taken on those challenges with strength and skill— and quiet success.

Deacon Stephen and mother, 1966 Beauclair archives

Fall 2019

Monk Name Jerome Coller

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hirteen years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Father Jerome Thomas Coller, O.S.B., died on 22 June 2019 in the abbey retirement center. Born in Saint Paul on 6 February 1929, he was the second of three children of Walter and Helen (Kretz) Coller. He attended Saint Luke’s Elementary School and Saint Thomas Academy in Saint Paul before enrolling at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he was awarded a bachelor’s degree (1949) and a master’s degree (1954) in music. After completing the yearlong novitiate at Saint John’s Abbey, Jerome professed his first vows as a Benedictine monk on 11 July 1955 and continued with seminary studies leading to ordination to the priesthood on 6 June 1959. Music was the heart and soul of Father Jerome’s life. Following ordination, he was appointed

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Meinrad Dindorf Monk Name

abbey organist and choir director; he also taught Gregorian chant at Saint John’s University. He made his debut as a pianist at Saint John’s by performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 3 in March 1963, the first of many recitals he would offer in the following decades. During that long career, this consummate concert pianist and composer also appeared as a soloist with the University of Minnesota Symphony and gave recitals over the KUOM Minnesota radio station. While at the University of Minnesota, he was awarded first place in the Schubert Club Scholarship competition (1949) and the Alpha Phi Omega Composition Award (1950). Before continuing graduate studies in 1968 at Cornell University that would lead to a doctor of musical arts degree in composition and the Otto R. Stahl Memorial Award, 1971, Father Jerome served the Benedictine community of San Antonio Abad in Humacao, Puerto Rico. He taught religion and music in both their grade and high schools, 1963–1965. He then returned to Minnesota and was assigned as the Newman Center chaplain for Moorhead State University and

Jerome was my advisor and instrumental in approving my tutorial pushing-the-envelope proposal . . . . My life would not be the same were it not for Jerome’s crazy courage. John McCutcheon

assistant pastor at St. Joseph’s Church. From 1971 until 1998 Jerome taught music theory, music composition, and piano at Saint John’s University and served as the chair of the music department, 1973–1977. He continued to bless the local community with solo piano recitals; performed in the faculty chamber ensemble, Pastiche; and composed works for solo piano, clarinet and piano, and saxophone and piano. Jerome expressed his creative genius through the composition of liturgical music for our community’s Liturgy of the Hours. His settings for the Vigil of Palm Sunday and responsories for Christmas retain their freshness and power decades after their debut in the 1970s. His playful, bold, and beautiful psalm tones for the abbey’s Sunday Evening Prayer await resurrection. Fiercely independent and brash, Father Jerome readily shared his opinion about any matter whatsoever. His homilies, like his musical scores, were meticulously prepared and delivered with a theatrical flair. Shortly before the monastic community would vote on a proposal to fund a long-overdue renovation of the Auditorium/Music Building, Jerome lamented in a homily: “I work in a dump!” Following the Mass of Christian Burial on 28 June, Father Jerome was interred in the abbey cemetery.

Meinrad served his community and the Church as a scholar and as a pastor. He taught Russian at Saint John’s University, 1961–1965, in addition to serving as the assistant managing editor for Worship magazine for three years. He studied Eastern Orthodoxy at Union Theological Seminary and Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York, receiving an S.T.M. degree in 1967. Upon his return to Collegeville, he was an instructor in the undergraduate theology department and theological bibliographer.

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he older of two children of Edward Charles and Evelyn Ann (Sullivan) Dindorf, Father Meinrad Dindorf, O.S.B., born in Rochester, Minnesota, on 1 January 1932, was baptized James Edward. He attended Christ the King Parochial School in Minneapolis and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1949. Following his yearlong novitiate, Meinrad professed simple vows on 11 July 1952. Two years later he graduated from Saint John’s University with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy; enrolled in Saint John’s Seminary; and upon completing priesthood studies, was ordained in 1958. He then attended the Georgetown University Institute of Languages and Linguistics, Washington, D.C., and received a master’s degree in Russian and linguistics in 1963. A voracious reader with a remarkable memory, Father

In addition to assisting at Saint Anselm and Corpus Christi in New York City, Meinrad’s pastoral service took him to several Minnesota parishes, including St. Augustine, Saint Cloud; Saint Joseph, Saint Joseph; Saint James, Jacobs Prairie; and Saint Mark, Shakopee. From 1978 until 1986 he ministered at Saint Mary’s Mission on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. His respect for the Ojibwe people led him to incorporate some of their customs into the liturgy and to study the native language. One year he preached the Gospel of the Nativity in Ojibwe. Father Meinrad earned a certificate in clinical pastoral education and in geriatric pastoral care; he served for some twentyfour years as chaplain at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis; University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis; and St. Benedict’s Senior Community, Saint Cloud. In 1994 his pas-

toral sensitivity and skill at being present to people in times of crisis was honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. Following retirement in 2013, Meinrad was actively engaged in the life of the monastery, faithfully attending prayer services, meals, and community meetings. He took his turn as celebrant for the daily Eucharist, not shy about singing portions of his homily to the congregation. He was a fixture of the monastery recreation room, where he did not so much read the daily newspaper as study it. Only grudgingly did he attempt to learn to operate a personal computer. A manual typewriter was his technology of choice. A mere five weeks before his peaceful death on 28 June 2019, he asked his confreres for their prayerful support as he dealt with small lymphocytic lymphoma, determined to let nature take its course and “resist the siren call of Big Pharma.” The community celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for Father Meinrad on 6 July before his interment in the abbey cemetery. Just my luck! The Twins finally have a decent team and could go all the way, and I won’t be there to see it!

Fall 2019

MonkAnderson Name Knute

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ather Knute Anderson, O.S.B., the first of three children of Alfred Edward and Maria Agatha (Honl) Anderson, was born on 28 May 1929 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work and living frugally during the Great Depression. After two years at Saint John’s University, he entered the novitiate of Sant John’s Abbey, professing simple vows on 11 July 1950. Following completion of his undergraduate degree and priesthood studies, Father Knute was ordained in 1956. In 1957 he enrolled at the University of Nijmegen, the Netherlands, for studies in classical philology and antiquities. By the time he returned to Saint John’s in 1962, he had mastered Latin, Greek, German, French, Dutch, Hebrew, and Italian. Knute’s remarkable

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Monk Name Corwin Collins

language skills and encyclopedic recall would aid him as a translator, cataloguer, and research associate for the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library.

criminating in his choice of what could be recycled or repurposed. Cereal-box liners became book covers. Paper towels could always be used one more time.

Father Knute provided weekend assistance at numerous Minnesota parishes. He also served as chaplain at Saint Benedict’s Monastery, Saint Joseph; and Saint Raphael’s Convent, Saint Cloud. His homilies, heavily annotated and cross referenced, were longer on process than conclusion.

Lectors at prayer services knew that Knute was listening to their every word while following the text in the original Greek or Hebrew, expressing his disagreement when he judged the English version to be a poor translation. He had no inhibitions about encouraging readers to raise the volume of their speaking voice. He famously corrected a confrere he couldn’t hear, yelling, “Louder!”

In 1987 he was designated the official mail carrier for the monastery. No rainfall was hard enough, no snowbank tall enough to keep Knute Anderson from his appointed rounds. With the force of a shot-put champion, he hurled each piece of mail into its proper box, and then began his own morning routine. Armed with an oversized world atlas and pocketprotector full of pens, he proceeded to explicate the daily newspaper. For the benefit of confreres who had time to read only the headlines, Knute would draw boxes around what he considered the most significant details of the articles. He identified comments with which he particularly agreed (or not!) with tiny arrows or exclamation points, usually in red ink. A collector of many things, Father Knute never met a dumpster he didn’t like. He was a firm believer in recycling but less dis-

A voracious reader, Knute loved to share poetry. His public recitation could be alarming, however, when he proclaimed lines from his favorite “Charge of the Light Brigade,” shouting key words that seemed consistent with his own notion of monastic obedience: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.

Knute was a model of fidelity to communal prayer. Despite years of declining health, he steadfastly refused to give in to his body’s weakness. He walked, then lumbered, stumbled, and finally rode or was pushed to choir each evening until only days before his death. Father Knute’s physical being finally gave out on 20 July 2019. Following the Mass of Christian burial on 24 July, he was laid to rest in the abbey cemetery.

was common for aspiring Benedictines at that time, he interrupted his undergraduate studies following his sophomore year and entered the abbey’s novitiate. He professed his first vows on 11 July 1951, then completed his undergraduate studies with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1953. In the same year, he began priesthood studies at Saint John’s Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood on 1 June 1957.

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orn in Port Chester, New York, on 3 October 1930, Father Corwin Collins, O.S.B., was the first of seven children of John Peter and Mary Ann (Tarpey) Collins, who were born in Ireland. His association with Benedictines came early in life. Corwin began his grade school education at Saint Anselm Parochial School in the Bronx, New York, a parish staffed by monks of Saint John’s Abbey. With abbatial financial support, he enrolled in Saint John’s Preparatory School, graduating in 1948. Corwin’s high school years were good ones. He thrived in the prep school environment, participating in almost all the intramural sports, playing center on the football team for two years, and taking on acting roles in theatrical productions. Corwin continued his education at Saint John’s University. As

During the summers between 1958 and 1964, Father Corwin attended the University of Notre Dame and was awarded a master’s degree in sociology in 1964. He later continued his education in summer sessions at Fordham University, where he pursued coursework in counseling and film studies. Corwin was able to give back to his high school alma mater. He taught religion, Spanish, and social studies; and served as Prep’s hockey coach from 1957 until 1964—with some winning seasons and some “building” years. He was also prefect and dean of students, 1957–1972, known affectionately to his students as “the Rock.” Father Corwin continued his work in the educational apostolate as headmaster, 1972–1974, at Benilde High School, Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, and then as coprincipal of the merged Benilde-St. Margaret’s from 1974 through 1977.

Beginning in 1977, Corwin served for decades as associate pastor or pastor of a number of Minnesota parishes: Holy Rosary, Detroit Lakes; Saint Joseph, Saint Joseph; Seven Dolors, Albany; St. Martin, Saint Martin; and St. Catherine, Farming. He also served as the dean of the Benedictine parishes in the Saint Cloud Diocese and as a member of the presbyteral council. Prior to his retirement in 2011, he ministered as a chaplain at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home, Albany. Reflecting on his long ministry, Father Corwin noted: “My most enjoyable assignment was being in parishes. I enjoyed the variety of work and also the variety of people.” In declining health with cancer, Father Corwin died on 25 July 2019 at the abbey’s retirement center. Following the Mass of Christian Burial on 31 July he was buried in the abbey cemetery.

He whose middle name was Peter became known as “the Rock” among the students. If you were called in to see him, you encountered his “Mona Lisa” smile and soon realized he held some cards that he wasn’t going to show right away. He would let you talk and respond with an“ahuh” until you realized that you weren’t going to move the rock by creative storytelling. Prior Bradley Jenniges, O.S.B.

Fall 2019

The Bells of Saint John’s Aaron Raverty, O.S.B

bell,” called students to study. Relegated to the Saint John’s museum in 1932, the bell was later transported to Monasterio San Antonio Abad, Humacao, Puerto Rico, where it was ensconced in a belfry atop the monastery.

Saint John’s, its chime accompanied liturgies in the newly constructed abbey church (today’s Great Hall), consecrated by Bishop Rupert Seidenbusch on 24 October 1882. The Saint Alexius bell was consecrated on the community’s patronal feast of John the Baptist, 24 June 1883, in a solemn liturgy presided over by Abbot Alexius. This bell, from Stuckstede and Bro., Saint Louis, with a price tag of $942.36, was hung in the south tower the next day.

When a 3,600-pound, C-pitched bell, ordered by Abbot Alexius Edelbrock, O.S.B., arrived at

Some years later, the abbey decided to purchase four new bells from the same Stuckstede

Hear the tolling of the bells— Iron bells! What a world of solemn thought their monody compels!

dgar Allan Poe penned these lines in his celebrated poem “The Bells,” first published after his death in 1849. Such bells might be considered a complement of the monks chanting the Divine Office. Or, as Father Hilary Foehrenbacher, O.S.B., declared in his 1946 Scriptorium article, “a brazen tongue to accompany their own voices in praising the Creator, a signal to the surrounding countryside that God was present.” One day in 1857, after the first wave of missionary monks established a log-cabin foothold along the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, a bell arrived by horse and wagon, a gift to Brother Benno Muckenthaler, O.S.B., from relatives in Munich, Bavaria. Cast by Hubinger in Munich, the 150-pound, C-pitched bell was housed in a small belfry onsite, the only bell the Saint John’s monastic community possessed until 1883. When the monks reestablished themselves on the shores of Lake Sagatagan in the 1860s, Brother Benno’s bell found a new home atop the Old Stone House where its chime marked the monastic horarium. This original bell, subsequently relocated to the quadrangle where it became the “quarter

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In earlier days it was the responsibility of the novices to ring the bells by hand.

Bell Foundry. Upon their arrival on 9 January 1893, these four new bells were tested by then music director Father Stanislaus Preiser, O.S.B. Unlike the iron bells in Poe’s poem, these bells were bronze. To everyone’s surprise, their simultaneous chime was noticeably discordant. The bells had been properly tuned in Saint Louis, but apparently the different atmospheric conditions in central Minnesota occasioned the acoustic disharmony. Whatever the cause, payment was refused, and the bells were promptly returned to Saint Louis. In early spring 1897, the abbey contracted with Gardiner Campbell & Sons, Milwaukee, to install five new bells for the abbey church. This time the abbey hired Mr. John Singenberger, a well-respected professor from Saint Francis, Wisconsin, to oversee the casting of the bells and insure a harmonious chime. Upon their arrival from the Collegeville rail station, benediction was celebrated on the lawn near the church’s entrance. Mr. Campbell, from the Milwaukee foundry, was present for the blessing ceremony and, following benediction, he began raising the bells into the twin towers. After a mere three days, five new bells were set in place and the old one removed to be recast in his foundry. On 12 May 1897 these five bells were consecrated by Abbot Peter Engel, O.S.B. Three of the bells now hung in the south tower and would serve as

a chime for the clock, with the other two in the north tower. The largest bell, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was cast to A and weighed 6,150 lbs. The second bell, dedicated to our Blessed Mother, sounded a pitch of B and weighed 4,650 lbs. The third bell was set at D and weighed 3,125 lbs. Its clarion voice was directed to our Guardian Angels (patrons of our Benedictine congregation). The fourth bell, which weighed 2,525 lbs. and was pitched at E, celebrated John the Baptist. The fifth bell arouses in us the spirit of Saint Benedict. Its F-sharp pitch carried a weight of 1,915 lbs. Of these five originals, this Saint Benedict bell is the only remnant. Saint John’s Abbey donated it to its erstwhile priory, Trinity Benedictine Monastery in Fujimi, Japan, founded in 1999. The clock inserted into the south tower a few weeks after the installation of the bells was made by the A. E. Pollhaus Clock Mfg. Co. of Saint Louis and measured twelve feet in diameter. A larger bell struck the hours, while a smaller bell marked the quarter hours. In February 1960, a crane removed the twin spires on the first abbey church so that the five bells, first installed in 1897, could be removed. Transported to Cincinnati, they were remounted for subsequent installation on the bell banner of the new Marcel Breuer church, ded-

icated in 1961. Here they continued to announce liturgical services and the time of day for another two decades. Two of the bells went silent in 1987 following the discovery of hairline cracks. Shortly thereafter the community decided to replace all five bells. The new bells, cast by Petit & Fritzen bell foundry in AarleRixtel, Holland, and pitched like their predecessors, were purchased through I. T. Verdin Company of Cincinnati. The flatbed truck delivering the bells on 21 November 1989 was accompanied by honking motorists and waving pedestrians. First rung publicly on Christmas Eve 1989, the five new arrivals were dedicated to the Holy Trinity, Blessed Virgin Mary, Guardian Angels, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Benedict. The largest bell weighs 8,030 lbs. and the smallest 1,683 lbs. In recent years, chiming distortions led to the discovery of cracks in the bells that may have been due to casting irregularities and/or clapper system disfunctions, exacerbated by the extreme cold of Minnesota winters. All but one were replaced, some of them twice. Lo, the trials and triumphs of tintinnabulation! 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).

Fall 2019

As the mellow waves of song surge through and sanctify the infinite spaces, may they summon the faithful to prayer, excite their devotion, drive away storms, and terrify evil spirits. May their glorious “song without words” be an echo of that higher and perfect harmony which will be ours to enjoy with Christ. “The Bells of St. John’s” Hilary Foehrenbacher, O.S.B.

From 1897 until 1960, Saint John’s first set of bells sounded from the Twin Towers of the original church (today’s Great Hall). After being remounted for the bell banner of the Marcel Breuer church, they rang out from 1961 until 1987. Five new bells arrived in November 1989 and were first rung for Midnight Mass of Christmas.

Left: Arrival of Saint John’s first set of bells, May 1897. Arrival of Saint John’s second set of bells, gift-wrapped for Christmas 1989. Abbot Jerome Theisen blesses the new bells. Right: Installing the new bells, December 1989.

31 Photos: Abbey archives and Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

Thanksgiving he states, “is figuring out where that goodness comes from. We recognize the sources of this goodness as being outside of ourselves. It didn’t stem from anything we necessarily did ourselves in which we might take pride. . . . We acknowledge that other people—or even higher powers, if you’re of a spiritual mindset—gave us many gifts, big and small, to help us achieve the goodness in our lives.”

Student Thanksgiving celebration in the Great Hall, Saint John’s University

Douglas Mullin, O.S.B.

hanksgiving is America’s national day of gratitude. While the origins of this holiday are debated, George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide celebration of thanksgiving in America by marking 26 November 1789 as “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.” After that, American celebrations of Thanksgiving varied from state to state until 1863, when the Civil

This article is a revised version of a homily delivered on Thanksgiving Day, 23 November 2017.

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War was at its bloodiest and Abraham Lincoln, seeking to foster a sense of unity between the North and South, proclaimed the last Thursday of November to be “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” In 1939 Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving would be celebrated a week earlier that year and the following year so as to embolden the economy by adding an extra week to the holiday shopping season as the country was coming out of the Great Depression. Two years later President Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress that legally established the fourth Thursday in November

Abbey archives

as the federal Thanksgiving Day holiday, America’s national day of gratitude. What is gratitude? In his essay “Why Gratitude Is Good,” Dr. Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology and researcher on gratitude and thanksgiving, says that gratitude has two components. “First,” he says, “it’s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received. This doesn’t mean that life is perfect; it doesn’t ignore complaints, burdens, and hassles. But when we look at life as a whole, gratitude encourages us to identify some amount of goodness in our life.” The second part of gratitude,

Professor Emmons’ studies found that those who practice gratitude consistently report a host of physical, psychological, and social benefits, including stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, better sleep, higher levels of positive emotions; being more alert, alive, and awake; experiencing more joy and pleasure; being more helpful, generous, compassionate, and forgiving; and feeling less lonely and isolated. It turns out that having an attitude of gratitude is often good for the soul, makes us better people, and enriches our life as well as the lives of others. All this suggests that a healthy community is a community imbued with gratitude. While this scientific understanding of the significance of gratitude is relatively new, gratitude has long been a staple of the ancient Judeo–Christian and monastic Wisdom traditions. The Wisdom traditions hold that gratitude is important at all times and in all places. Saint

The Most Richly Blessed: Prayer of a Confederate Soldier I asked for strength, that I might achieve. I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy. I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all people, the most richly blessed. This poem was said to have been found on the body of a fallen Confederate soldier from the United States Civil War.

John Chrysostom says this so well: “The mark of a soul that loves wisdom always gives thanks to God. If you have suffered evil, give thanks, and it is changed to good. They have not sinned who suffered the evil, but they who have done the evil. Give thanks even in disease, lack of possessions, or false accusations. It is not we who are injured but those who are the authors of them.” Christians are called to be grateful, not merely on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times and in all places. That’s what the Eucharist

is. That’s what Eucharist calls us to be. Thanks be to God! Father Douglas Mullin, O.S.B., is a chaplain at the Saint Cloud VA Medical Center and a faculty resident at Saint John’s University.

A healthy community is a community imbued with gratitude.

Fall 2019

Donor Honor Roll The following are those who have given directly to Saint John’s Abbey. Saint John’s University and Saint John’s Preparatory School each has its own fundraising offices and programs.

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10 Abbey Legacy Circle

s in years past, at this time Saint John’s Abbey recognizes and gives thanks to those who so generously assist the abbey through their contributions, planned giving, and volunteering. We express our gratitude publicly in Abbey Banner by listing the names of our donors and volunteers. These donors make possible multiple programs that the abbey sponsors. We read in Scripture, “Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and passed 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 his cup means for each of us. Often it means our own sacrifice—giving up some of what we have in order to do the Lord’s work—recognizing that we are responsible not only for our own lives but also for the lives of those around us. Looking out for our brothers and sisters is an important Benedictine value.

The monks at Saint John’s Abbey thank all our donors and volunteers for making their own special sacrifice to assist the abbey in its work. 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 essential ministries, our focus on education and teaching, and offering the unique abbey programs that bring the presence of Christ to our students, parishioners, guests, oblates, friends, and benefactors. Your generosity also makes possible service through our Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps, through prison ministry, and social justice work. In addition, we have been offering services to the Latino community of the area, providing them pastoral ministry and other necessary services. Your help is essential in sustaining and strengthening all the work of Saint John’s Abbey—where your gift makes a vital difference. Thank you for the role you have played in making Saint John’s what it is today. May God Bless You! Father Geoffrey Fecht, O.S.B. Abbey Development Director

Michael Becker

Abbey Banner

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 are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +) 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+ L. Darleen Baumberger+ Rev. Eugene G. Belair+ Paul J. and Edna Berres Margaretha Bierbaum+ Leigh F. Birkeland+ Joseph J. Bischof+ Edward F. Bitzan+ Anna B. Blissenbach+ Beatrice M. Bloms+ George F. and Geri Bodmer Keith J. Boelter John Book+ 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 Dr. Brendan Collins and Gail Sher Margaret Collins+ Rev. Louis G. Cook+ Claire Crandall+ Francis G.+ and Norma+ Culhane Rev. Martin T. Cullen Edward Cunningham+ William G. and Colleen Dalrymple 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+ Elizabeth Everitt Mary Eynck+ Hazel Fecht+ Margers Feders+ John Finken+ Mary Fischer+ Rita G. Fisher+ Lucille A. Fitzsimmons+ Edward P.+ and Loretta H.+ Flynn Maxine Z. Flynn+ Harriet R. Fraser+ Angeline Freund+ Rev. Joseph J. Fridgen+ Rev. Cecil H. Friedmann+ 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+ Robert A. Gresbrink Charles and Mary Griffith Gary K. Grooters+ Elizabeth Grote+ Rudolph J. Guerra+ Joan M. Gurian George H. Haack+ Msgr. James D. Habiger+ Lawrence P. and Mary Haeg Lois J. Hall Marybelle+ and Willard+ Hanna Dr. Harris D.+ and Mary+ Hanson John E. and Geraldine Happe Eugene R.+ and Celia+ Hawkins Rev. Lawrence A. Hemp+ Florentina Herding+ Abraham and Sharon Hernandez Dr. Noreen L. Herzfeld Arthur G. Hessburg+ Elmer Hoeschen+ Msgr. Michael J. Hogan+

Lenora Hollas and Jane 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 Emery Johnson+ Francis+ and Helen S.+ Jordan Marjorie Kalinowski+ Rose J. Kaluza+ Rev. Neal E. Kapaun+ Rev. Lawrence E. Keller+ Ann+ and Herbert L.+ Kelly Jack Kelly+ Dorothy B. Kennedy+ Marie P. Kiess+ Severyn+ and Margaret+ Kipka Beatrice Kirchner+ Martin+ and Gertrude+ Kirschner Catherine Klassen+ Rev. Kenneth F. Knoke+ Gladys Kobishop+ Robert J. Kohorst+ Bernice Kowalik+ Theodore Kraker+ Mathilda Kramer+ Hedwig L. Kratz+ Anna C. Kremer+ Lucille E. Kreutzian+ Vivian E. Krogh+ Rev. Philip J. Krogman+ Kenneth P. Kroska+ Catherine Kruchten+ Dr. John J. Kulus Josie Kwatera+ Alvina Laubach+ Helen C. Lauer+ Susan and Edward W. Lehmann Jr. Bernadine A. Leicht+ Lester F. LeMay+ Eugene+ and Ursula+ Lenard Iver M. Linnemann+ Bernice Locci+ Robert H. Mace Jr., Th.M. Dr. Michael W. Maeder+ Robert A.+ and Norie T.+ Mahowald 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. Moritz+ Helen Moritz+ Henry A. Morof+ David J. Morreim Mary M. Muckley+ Louise Muggli+ Martinella+ and Stephen J.+ Muggli Sr. William Paul Muldoon Michael and Laura Mullin Doris H. Murphy+ Dennis and Ruthanne Neeser 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+ Margaret Schissel+ John J.+ and Marie+ Schmitt Rev. Bernard P. Schreiner+ Roland J. Schreiner+

Fall 2019

Ottilia Schubert+ Rev. Raymond A. Schulzetenberg+ Rev. Paul A. Schumacher+ Mark Schwietz and Marti Elliott Lidwina 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+ J. T. Starzecki Gen Stein+ Julia Stein+ Rev. Louis C. Stovik+ Virgil M. Stovik+ 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 Joseph and Judy Tembrock Alfred A.+ and Elisabeth+ Terhaar Ethelyn Theisen+ Louise Theisen+ Robert J. Thielman+ Frances+ and Ted+ Thimmesh Henri V. Tran Sharon H. Tupa Sherri L. Vallee Helen C. VanAcker+ Rev. Arthur A. Vogel Nestor and Evelyn Vorderbruggen Alfred C.+ and Dorothy+ Wagman Arthur L.+ and Romana+ Wahl Florenz Walz+ Jerome Weber+ Dr. Stephen and Mary Ellen Weber John C.+ and Eileen+ Weihs Patricia A. Weishaar Thomas S.+ and Margaret+ Welch David A. Wendt and Renee Harberts Theresa Marie Wendt+

Dr. Waldemar H. Wenner Edward L. “Chuck” Wenzel+ Harriet Wicklace+ George W. Widman+ 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 are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +) Anonymous (14) Harriet Acheson+ Dr. M. George and Gloria Allen Ayco Charitable Foundation Jeffrey P. Barnett Richard+ and Irene+ Barry Florian L+ and Kathleen+ Baumgartner Rev. Eugene G. Belair+ Paul J. and Edna Berres Leigh F. Birkeland+ Beatrice M. Bloms+ Keith J. Boelter Jackie Breher+ Joseph T. Brudney+ Margaret A. Bucher+ Marion+ and Charlotte+ Butcher Phyllis “Kelly” Carmien Central Indiana Community Foundation Cherbec Advancement Foundation Dr. Robert and Nancy Christensen Margaret Collins+ Claire Crandall+ Brian P. and Joy L. Crevoiserat Francis G.+ and Norma+ 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

The most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward. Carol Ryrie Brink

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Wilfred F. Engel+ Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Rita G. Fisher+ Edward P.+ and Loretta H.+ Flynn William and Patricia+ Friedman Paul and Mavis Gannon Dr. Theodore and Bernadine+ Gimenez Dorothy J. Gorecki Rev. Peter W. Grady+ Gary K. Grooters+ Judith Grooters Joan M. Gurian Msgr. James D. Habiger+ Lawrence P. and Mary Haeg Donald M. and Marion Hall Marybelle+ and Willard+ Hanna Dr. Harris D.+ and Mary+ Hanson Rev. Robert Hazel James A. and Maxine Hecimovich Abraham and Sharon Hernandez Elmer Hoeschen+ Mark W. Holian Mark Emery Johnson+ Marjorie Kalinowski+ Ann+ and Herbert L.+ Kelly Severyn+ and Margaret+ Kipka Beatrice Kirchner+ Martin+ and Gertrude+ Kirschner F. Alexandra and Robert+ Klas Rev. Kenneth F. Knoke+ Hedwig L. Kratz+ Rev. Philip J. Krogman+ Julia and Frank+ Ladner Mary and Bud+ Lambert Rev. Peter Lambert Susan and Edward W. Lehmann Jr. Diane Liemandt-Reimann and Ronald Reimann Bernice Locci+ Joseph R. and Sylvia Luetmer Michael R. and Nancy McCarthy McDowall Company McGough Construction Company, Inc. McGough Foundation Lawrence and Andrea+ McGough Tom and Linda McGraw William M.+ and Leona R.+ Meinz Theodore E. and M. Irene Micke The Minneapolis Foundation Minnesota Community Foundation Michael Molloy and Thomas Hilgers Morgan Stanley GIFT Florence G. Moritz+ Henry A. Morof+ Mary M. Muckley+ William Paul Muldoon National Philanthropic Trust Dennis and Ruthanne Neeser Steven T. and Dr. Kristen Nelson Walter+ and Caroline+ Niebauer

Milton J. Nietfeld+ 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+ Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc. Rita and Robert+ Rengel Rev. Donald W. Rieder+ John E. and Lois Rogers Marcella Rotty+ Mary Ellen Rudden Steven and Cynthia Saboe Saint Paul Foundation Ralph Schad+ Scherer Bros. Lumber Co. Michael and Susanne Scherer John J.+ and Marie+ Schmitt Ottilia Schubert+ Carole Schwietz Lawrence+ and Marilyn+ Schwietz Mark Schwietz and Marti Elliott William and Joyce Sexton Amb. Robert and Ellen Shafer Russell and Tina Sherlock Slaggie Family Foundation Stephen and Barbara Slaggie J. T. Starzecki Virgil M. Stovik+ Alfred A.+ and Elisabeth+ Terhaar Louise Theisen+ Lyle and Marilyn Theisen Raymond and Mary Turcotte U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Kae+ and Maurice+ Vandeputte Alfred C.+ and Dorothy+ Wagman Arthur L.+ and Romana+ Wahl Jerome Weber+ Dr. Stephen and Mary Ellen Weber John C.+ and Eileen+ Weihs Patricia A. Weishaar Thomas S.+ and Margaret+ Welch Robert+ and Jeanette+ Welle Dr. Waldemar H. Wenner Edward L. “Chuck” Wenzel+ Daniel A. and Katharine Whalen Harriet Wicklace+ William and Joyce Sexton Family Foundation Willis of Minnesota, Inc.

Paul Middlestaedt

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 are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +) Anonymous (2) Dr. Peter J. Albert and Charlotte Mahoney Bernard J.+ and Joan+ Andert Gordon J. and JoAnne Bailey Benedictins de Montserrat John and Bonita Benschoter Rev. Francis A. Britz+ Mary E. Brown+ Central Minnesota Community Foundation Dr. Brendan Collins and Gail Sher RoxAnne and Jack F. Daly, Jr.+ Laurence G.+ and Redelle+ DeZurik John L. and Jeune Dieterle Rev. Charles J. Duerr+ Bernadette S. and Ed Dunn El-Jay Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Hazel Fecht+ Andy and Jodi Fritz Nellie Gaida+ Edward R. Goossens

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Group for Affordable Housing George H. Haack+ Matthew and Jacqueline Haughey Rev. Lloyd G. Haupt+ 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. Catherine Kruchten+ Helen C. Lauer+ Edward J. LeMay Mark and Joyce Ludowese Dr. Michael W. Maeder+ KC and Anne Marrin Joseph S.+ and Sharon+ McGraw Mary F. Meinberg+ Magdalen Michels+ Paul and Nancy+ Moran Louise Muggli+ Garrett E. and Diane+ Mulrooney Gertrude Niehoff+ James S. and Lori A. Rausch Rosemarie Rinn J. Patrick Rooney+ Eunice and John+ Ruff Rev. Thomas J. Ryan+ Rev. Raymond A. Schulzetenberg+

Schwab Charitable Fund Rev. Alex L. Schwinn+ Rev. Louis C. Stovik+ Target Corporation Rudy and Sheryl Tekippe Michael Urbanos and Rosann Fischer Florenz Walz+ David A. Wendt and Renee Harberts Stephen and Regina 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 between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. People who asked that their gifts remain confidential are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +) Anonymous (9) Beatrice H. Ackley John and Catherine Agee Dr. Peter J. Albert and Charlotte Mahoney Dr. M. George and Gloria Allen Randall O. Altmann Amica Mutual Insurance Company John and Elizabeth Anderla

Steven F. Arnold Gordon J. and JoAnne Bailey Jeffrey P. Barnett J. Michael Barone Richard L. and Helga Bauerly Michael B. and Barbara A. Baumann Bob and Mary Becker John M. Becker Albert W. Belfie Benedictins de Montserrat John and Bonita Benschoter Raymond and Joan Benson Berkshire Hathaway Energy Paul J. Bernard Joseph R. and Helen Bettendorf Margaretha Bierbaum+ Sharon Bigot Keith J. Boelter Mary Catherine Bolster John Book+ Tom and Marie-Louise Borak James T. Borgestad Dr. Nicholas S. Briese and Nicole Huebner Briese Stephen W. and Rita Buckley Elizabeth M. Carey Catholic Community Foundation, Saint Paul Catholic Community Foundation, Phoenix Catholic United Financial Dennis and Marilyn Cavanaugh Central Minnesota Community Foundation Dr. Robert and Nancy Christensen Jeanne Christianson Church of Saint Boniface, Cold Spring Church of St. Mary, Willmar Charles Coghlan Lucy L. Cords and Alvin Gerads Richard and Sara Crawford J. Michael Dady and Kim Monahan Dady William G. and Colleen Dalrymple Hermit Angela G. Del Greco, Obl.S.B. Msgr. James E. Dillenburg Rev. Richard J. Dillon James C. Drozanowski James and Lydia Dudley Bernadette S. and Ed Dunn Duval Companies Albert A. Eisele Patrick J. and Kris Ellingsworth Russel and Beverly Engleson John J. and Debra Erhart Patrick D. and Gail Evans Elizabeth Everitt Peter C. Fandel Carrie W. Farmer Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Maxine Z. Flynn+

Fall 2019

Fox River Graphics, LLC Peter J. and Cheryl Franta William Franta Rev. Cecil H. Friedmann+ Rudolph A. Gapko Jerome and Beth Geis John T. Gerlach Dorothy J. Gorecki Edwin and Judy Grelson Gary K. Grooters+ Michael L. and Paula Gross Joan M. Gurian Dr. Benedict R. and Claire Haeg Lawrence P. and Mary Haeg Donald M. and Marion Hall Dr. Harris D.+ and Mary+ Hanson Rev. Robert Hazel Ryan A. and Michelle Heining Carol Marie Hemish, S.S.N.D. Herman and Therese Ratelle Foundation Rev. Brad Herman Abraham and Sharon Hernandez Dr. Noreen L. Herzfeld Mark W. Holian Barbara Houston Dr. Terrence and Toni Hughes Willem T. Ibes Robert J. Ilg InFaith Community Foundation Craig Irvine Richard T. and Patricia M. Jessen Thomas M. and Diane Johnson Diana Juettner K. C. Marrin Co. Osamu and Takako Kamada Lyle C. and Kathleen Kasprick Richard D. and Janice Kellogg Terence J. and Patricia Kennedy

Most Rev. Donald J. Kettler Vincent R. and Jean Kinney Beatrice Kirchner+ Christopher and Tomoko Kitrick Theresa Knier Gary A. and Noreen Kordosky Rev. Steven J. Kortendick Msgr. Donald H. Krebs Dr. Lawrence and Mariann Kukla Dr. Roger and Norma Kulas Peggy Ladner and Clifton Brittain Mary J. Lambert Rev. Peter Lambert John Leddy James Leitner H. Daniel and Wendy Levene Delbert R. and Sharron Lewis Jeanne M. Lowe John E. and Meghan Lyons Rev. John W. Madsen Robert L. and Anne Mahowald Daniel M. and Linda Marrin KC and Anne Marrin Scott and Mary Kay May Ruth G. Mayer McDowall Company Lawrence McGough Brian J. and Kathleen McGrane Thomas and Mary McKeown Daniel W. Meinz Thomas and Rose Mary Meyer Mightycause Foundation Dr. Jeffrey M. and Mary Milbert The Minneapolis Foundation Michael Molloy and Thomas Hilgers Paul Moran Morgan Stanley GIFT William Paul Muldoon Garrett E. Mulrooney

Michael E. and Jane Murphy Cary and Regina Musech National Philanthropic Trust Dennis and Ruthanne Neeser Dr. Brian J. Neil Robert and Joanne Neis Dr. Robert A. and Barbara Nelson Joseph M. and Susan Ness Richard D. and Andrea Niggemann Richard J. Nigon Ronald J. Noecker Augustine and Elizabeth Nolan Peter J. and Cathy Nolan Susan and Stuart Nordquist Terry P. O’Brien Michael and Kathleen O’Keefe Rev. Thomas Olson Eugene and Rita Olsson Gabriel G. Olszewski Kevin T. O’Malley James P. O’Meara John and Gigi Ossanna Gianfranco and Susan Pagnucci Gregory R. and Peg Palen Grace Parker Bruce and Mary Kay Pederson Robert L. Peffer+ R. Ted and Lorraine Peller Jerry C. Peltier Jose A. Peris and Diana L. Gulden David Pfeffer Vincent C. and Marcia Pletcher Richard and Patricia+ Plotkin Stephen and Laura Pluemer George H. L. Porter and Carol Arnold Porter Joseph+ and Caroline+ Portz David and Karen Quinby Jeffrey T. Rabatin Therese Ratelle

John Chrysostom Long, O.S.B.

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James S. and Lori A. Rausch Donald B. Regan Rita Rengel Bruce A. Richard Rosemarie Rinn Drs. Richard and Jane Rodeheffer Francis and Rosemary Roehl Kenneth and Betsy Roering John E. and Lois Rogers Mary Ellen Rudden Steven and Cynthia Saboe Saint Paul Foundation Thomas and Linda Sanders Stephen M. Schaefer Will and Barbara Schafer Michael and Susanne Scherer Jim and Karen Schiffman School Sisters of Notre Dame Schwab Charitable Fund Mark Schwietz and Marti Elliott David and Patricia Serreyn James F. and Paula Sexton William and Joyce Sexton Elizabeth P. Shipton Jana and John Skradski Slaggie Family Foundation Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Dennis and Mary Kay Smid Dr. J. Weston Smith Michael and LeAnn Staiger Robert H. Sueper Dr. Joseph Sullivan Tom P. Tegeder and Dorothy Seitz Levi M. and Claire Teigen Rudy and Sheryl Tekippe Mary Ann Tham Dr. Anthony P. Thein Lyle and Marilyn Theisen Jon and Lea Theobald Rev. Kenneth E. Thielman Christopher J. and Sarah Thompson Wallace and Mary Ann Tintes Raymond and Mary Turcotte Chris and Darla Twomey Patricia Tyson The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Michael Urbanos and Rosann Fischer Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Dr. James E. and Perha Varley Miriam R. Vetter Phyllis L. Volk Leo and Margaret Vos Michael Walsh and Maureen Kucera-Walsh Mary Jo Warnke Paul and Marlene Weber Patricia A. Weishaar Paul N. and Jacqueline Welle Christopher and Jennifer Wenner Lloyd and Elaine Wenning

Raymond Wesnofske and Lynda Moecker Frederick S. and Cynthia West Dr. John S. and Roberta White Scott and Joan Wilcox William and Joyce Sexton Family Foundation Richard and Erin Wojciechowski Stephen and Regina Wolfe Bruce Wolff and Therese Rasmussen Paul Woychick Tom+ and Mary+ Woychick Stephen R. Yurek Steven D. and Susan Zimmerman

Confreres’ Circle

(Annual Giving) Recognizing those benefactors who have made annual gifts of $1 to $999 to the abbey between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. People who asked that their gifts remain confidential are listed as Anonymous. (Deceased +) Anonymous (13) Mark and Maryann Aaron H. Dale Abadie Martha Abbott Deacon Courtney and Bernadine Abel Roberta Adamczyk Brian J. and Cassandra Adamek Dennis M. Adams Mary Adams Patrick F. Adams Allen J. and Harriet Addison Harriet and Allen Addison Frances Adeney and Terry Muck Mary Ager Barry and Amy A’Hearn Donald Ahlbach Rick and Karen Ahles Barbara Ahlstrom James M. Albrecht Rosemary Albrecht Jean M. Allen William and Linda Allen Rev. Rodney Allers David P. Altman Eugene and Marion Altmann Rebecca Altmann Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Alwood Brian and Kari Amacher Jeffrey and Theresa Ambord Leo H. and Dolores Ament American Online Giving Foundation Dr. Anthony and Mary Amon Msgr. Gaspar Ancona Tony Andersen and Ann Pryor Andersen

Ann E. Anderson LTC Craig E. and Judith Anderson Dale W. Anderson and Pamela Sternard Farmer Rev. E. Byron Anderson Evelyn A. Anderson Gene and Caralyn Anderson Joan Anderson John M. Anderson Michael and Lisa Anderson Rolf T. Anderson Russell and Anna Mae Anderson Timothy and Joette Andert Mary Anglin Vaea and Haitenelesia Anitoni Lee and Nancy Annett Michael Antolik Clem and Alice Anton Mary M. Ariens Florine K. Armstrong Judith Aronow Thomas J. Arth Ruth D. and Gary Athmann Richard and Carol Atkins Bernadine Auchstetter Dolores and Joe Auge Ayco Charitable Foundation Julia Babb Dr. William R. and Rhonda Bachand John J. and Beverly Bachman Rev. Ben Bachmeier Will and Bernie Backes Greg E. Bahl Marina E. Bahmer Kathleen Baiocchi Barbara Bakeberg Patricia D. Balassone Sharon Balcom Melisa Balke Obadiah Z. Ballinger Rev. Timothy H. Baltes Carol Bambery Nicholas A. and Jodi Bancks Peter D. and Nicole Banick Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Robert and Lori Barklow Anacleta S. Barlaan Bruce and Rosemary Baron Robert and Theresa Barrett Rosanne M. Barrett James J. and Martha Barry Nancy K. Barry Jennifer Bartch Molly Bartscher Rick and Pamela Bassford Bernard B. and Marilyn Bastian Melanie Batoff Yota Batsaki Frank and Mary Ann Bauer Jeffrey P. Bauer Merle and Claire Bauer Michael T. and Lucille G. Bauer

Michael Roske

Michael W. and Margaret Bauer Thomas J. and Kristin Bauer Paula Baumberger Tim and Pat Baumberger Timothy K. and Linda Baumgartner Msgr. Thomas F. Baxter Mary Louise Baylon Richard J. and Sharon Beach Paul and Sharon Beaudry Muriel M. Bechtel Rev. Mitchell Bechtold Guy W. and Ruth Ellen Beck Robert and Susan Beck Allan J. and Jean Beckel Vern and Sue Beckermann Fred and Patricia Beckman LTCs James and Lisa Beckmann Mary K. Beckmann Aimee Beckmann-Collier and David Collier John H. Beckner Thomas J. Beer Luke and Kim Beggin K. Ruppert and Danise Beirne Ruth Beiswenger Robert E. and Karen Bellmont Christian M. and Milagros V. Bencio Geno Beniek Michael P. Bennett Stephen R. and Sarah Bennett

Virginia C. Bennett Annette M. Benoit Jeffrey T. and Gina Benson Gabriel T. and Ann Berendes John A. and Nancy Berg M. Joseph and Theresa Berg Francis J. and Jean Berres Paul J. and Edna Berres Joan Bertz Alois and Margie Beste Tom and Julie Beste Jennifer L. Beutz Mary G. Beverage Anthony and Rosemary Biesiot Thomas Bik and Laurel Toussaint Paul J. Birch James L. and Virginia Bisek Paul A. and Johanna Bisek Carol Bishop Edward F. Bitzan+ LeRoy Bitzan Paul and Marlene Bitzan Jennifer Black Gerald F. and Beverly Blaschko Daniel and Sharon Block Margaret Blohm Theresa J. Blommer Bill and Marjorie Blubaugh John and Mary Bluemle Rodney and Bonnie Bluml

Fall 2019

Dr. Aaron R. Boatz Todd A. and Jane Bock Terry and Mary Kay Bodeen Patricia J. Bodelson George F. and Geri Bodmer Faye and Robert Boehler Robert A. and Jean Boehler Thom Boerigter Eileen and Larry Bolstad Aaron and Nicole Bolton Edward J. and Peggy Bonach Dimitry and Klara Bondarev Jeffrey Bonneville Gregory and Linda Bookey Patrick D. Borden Viola Borgerding Melissa Borgmann-Kiende Ann Borman DiAnn Bormes James W. and Margaret Botz Thomas and Connie Botz Joseph and Mary Bouska Richard L . Bower Rev. Rachel Twigg Boyce John P. and Kathleen Boyle Anita Bradshaw Conal and Mary Brady John and Susan Brady Kathleen A. Brady-Murfin Margaret J. Brahm 2LT Tyler A. Brakner and Leah Ranta John Brand Thomas and Marilyn Brandel Rev. Peter B. Brandenhoff Donald L. and Patricia Brandl Dr. Rochelle J. Brandl John E. and Terrie Brandt Gerald H. Brantner Sue Brass Rev. H. Gerard Braun Joanne Braun James S. Bredeson Sheryl D. Breen John and Wanda Breimhorst Robert and Marlen Brennan Terrence F. and Carolyn Brennan Marlene and Steve Bresnahan Eric B. Brever and Heather Hamernick Susan Brewster Robert and Judith Brezinski Robert and Mary Rae Briggle Kenneth Brimmer and Jaye M. Snyder Pat Brink Clark M. Brittain Frances and Ray Broderick Thomas and Mary Novak Brodersen Dr. Matthew and Laurie Anne Broghammer Roland and Cyrilene Brouillard Sarah and Jacob Brouillard

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Curtis and Rachel Brown David G. and Charlene Brown David T. Brown Edward G. Brown Ken and Carol Brown Nadine Brown Robert L. Brown Sheryl A. Brown Thomas and Patricia Brown Timothy J. and Carrie Brown Ann Browning Zerby Rev. Walter B. Brownridge S. Lorraine Brueggemann Mark J. and Lisa Brueske Gwen and Paul Brutlag Glenn C. Buchanan Jenny Buckland Jerry and Jean Bucksa Robert Buckvold Ruth Bueckers Edward and Mary Buksa Richard Buller Richard C. Burbach Eric and Elizabeth Burgeson Cecelia Burgwald Melvin and LaTonya Burke Steven and Pamela Burke Joe and Kayreen Burns Jane Burr Jacquelyn Bush Ghazwan Butrous Mary Butrum Timothy J. and Julianne Buttweiler Karen Buytaert Debra and Larry Byers Rebecca M. Caballero Kathleen Cahalan and Don Ottenhoff Nila Cahill+ Charles G. Calhoun Rev. Michael J. Callaghan, C.M. John E. Callahan Bill Callas and Nancy Holm Callas Siri C. Caltvedt Mary K. and James Camber Cynthia Campbell Russell and Mary Ann Campbell Marlene T. Cannon Leah J. Shepherd Carey Lin Rockwell Cargo Benjamin T. Carlson Donald D. Carlson Kevin D. Carlson Tom and Shelly Carlson Mary Lou and James Carney Julie M. and Craig Carter Stephen J. Casey Marcia Casper Robert L. and Teresa Catlin Charles and Mary Jo Caturia Jane Cavanaugh Rev. Lawrence A. Cavell

Susan M. Cencer The Center for Healthy Relationships Kathleen A. Cepelka Gary E. and Kim Cerkvenik Nancy Chalfant-Walker Mary Chamberlain Joan M. Chandler Paul Chase and Mary M. Angerman Helen Chathas Ashok K. Chattopadhyay Mario Chavez Dr. Brent D. and Laurie Chesley Matthew Chiapete Henry R. Chirhart Dr. Donald E. and Sandra Chisholm Shannon M. Chisholm Dorothy Chizek Mary Ann Chladek Daniel and Karen Christ Margaret Christensen Judith A. Christenson Brent A. and Angela Christian Nicholas M. and Melanie Christianson John W. and Nora Chromy Gerald and Mary Claeys Delores A. Clair Thomas and Linda Clancy Peter and Mary Jo Clasen Nancy Clements Patrick and Lisa Cline Rev. Kevin I. Clinton Christian M. Clough William and Emily Cocke Cecelia Coenen Lorraine H. Cofell Steve Cohen Vicki Coifman Mary Lou Colbert Albert J. and Susan Colianni Eric Colleary Joseph E. and Mary Joan Collison Rev. Richard F. Collman Sharon Colston Tony and Lynne Comazzi Clement J. and Molly Commers John W. and Nancy Conlin James and Anita Conn Anthony and Susan Connelly Mark D. and Adina Connelly Sara A. Connerty Carol J. Connor John J. and Joan Connors Robert and Francis Connors James E. and Sandra Conway Kevin J. and Kathleen Conway John J. and Lisa A. Conzemius Thomas Cook Brett and Jane Cooksey Gregory and Donna Cooley

John A. Corbo Paul E. Cormier Frank Corradi Jaime Cortez and Kari Ann Magwire-Cortez Nathaniel G. Costa Eileen Costello Musser and Bret Musser Dr. Thomas A. and Lynne Coudron Thomas Coughlan Sandra Cremer Council Frank and Marie Couture Rev. Robert P. Coval Rev. John Cowan Elizabeth Cox Kathryn Lilla Cox and Patrick Cox Ruth Cox Michael and Renee Coyle Charles S. Crawford Joseph Creech Jr. Valeria Cristiani Michael and Ellen Cronin William J. Cronon Paul Crosby Robert V. and Florence Crow Daniel and Sandra Crowley Anne Crowningshield John J. Cruden Randy and Judie Crumb Rev. Martin T. Cullen Karina Culloton Kim A. and Carol Culp Dr. Michael and Virginia Cummings Margaret Cunningham Thomas S. Cunningham William and Judy Cunningham Ann Marie Curran Martha P. Cushman Leonard Czech Adele W. Dahlberg Steven J. Dahlke Jack and Marge Dallas Rev. Gerald E. Dalseth Kevin C. and Susan Daly Thomas M. and Patricia Daly Mary P. Danaher Timothy A. Daniels Colleen M. Darland Charles Darwent Andrew and Emily Davis Henry R. Davis Nancy Davis James K. Day Jeanna Dean Jennifer and Bradley Deane Allen L. Debes Jeffrey M. DeBevec Richard DeFeyter Daniel and Zaira Defino Richard and Elizabeth Deibert Martin J. Deignan

Gerard De La Cruz Stephen Delamarter Ross C. Delebo Ginger and Roger Delles Jean del Santo Warp Thomas and Annmarie DeMarais Paul J. and Pam DeMorett Conor Denison John H. Derksen Brent Derowitsch and William C. McDonough Kevin C. and Gia Des Lauriers Mari Detrixhe James A. Deutmeyer Alfred S. Deutsch Benedict and Sharon Deutsch Kevin J. and Diane Devereaux John Devney Gregory J. DeWitt

Barbara A. Dispanet Lorenzo DiTommaso John M. and Julie Ditzler Divine Word College, Iowa Robert F. and Elodia Dixon Matthew J. and Kara Dodds Janice E. Doebber William and Leah Doherty Ann L. Dohrmann Clara Dolan Margaret Dolan Ervin and Marcy Dold James M. Donley Gregg and Cathy Donner Catherine A. Donovan and David Chapman David J. and Catherine Dooley Erin Dorelan Stephen J. and Nancy Dornbach

William DeWitt and Katie Conlin Dale and Constance DeZeller Rev. John V. DiBacco Jr. Walter and Joanne Dick Alex D.+ and Ann+ Didier Patrick J. Diederichs Margaret and Lawrence Diemer Kathleen Diffley Barbara W. Dilley Margaret Dimoplon Elizabeth Dingmann Robert M. Dingmann Robert J. and Paula Dinndorf Dennis and Georgia Dinneen Cynthia M. and David Dirkes Joseph C. and Mary Dirksen Stephen A. and Jeanne Dirksen

Karen M. Dosemagen Dorrine M. Douglass Steven and Brenda Douvier JoAnne K. Dowdell Charles E. and Carmelle Dowdle Deana Downs Gregory D. and Mary Jo Downs Marilyn J. and Robert Doyle Paul F. and Beverly Barten Doyle Arlene Drabek Michael and Colleen Drees Neil and Peggy Drees John B. and Laura Antolak Drew S. Monica Drogon Elizabeth M. Drucker Edward A. Duane Victor Lee Dubrowski

Paul Middlestaedt

Kris and Gina Dudziak Harold J. and Mary Duffy John P. Dullea Robert and Evelyn Dumonceaux Dr. Laura Dunham Suzanne M. and Richard Dunn Mark and Barbara Durenberger Luanne Durst Janice A. Dworschak Janet Dysthe Catherine D. Earp Anne M. Eastman Dr. Timothy and Nancy Ebel Frederick M. and Colleen Ebinger Robert H. Ebner Dr. Jerome and Helen Eckrich Dr. Stephen G. J. and Lynn Eckrich Anthony and Joanne Eckroth Rev. Leonard A. Eckroth ECMC Group Tom and LaVonne Eddy Charles and Patricia Edstrom Anne and Terrence Edwards Jason Edwards Kevin and Betsy Egan Thomas P. Egan Jr. Ronald and Wendy Eggerichs Russell Ehman Marlin G. and Betty+ Eich Alan and Lollie Eidsness Eugene and Dottie Eisenschenk Gregory and Jeanne Eisinger Sandy and Jeff Eiynck Marilou and Donald Eldred Dale Elhardt Mary Jean Elioff James Ellison Martin and Elizabeth Ellman Marie K. Elsen Nicholas J. and Nancy Eltgroth Sharon Emde Robert J. and Beth Enck J. David Enestvedt Jason and Jennifer Engel Howard and Avelina Engen Treacy Woods Engle Ramon T. and Mary English Clarence and Jean Enneking Alan J. and Mary Erickson William P. and Bernadette Erickson Marie R. Esplan Bernadette and Robert Ethen Terry and Karlyn Etheridge Joseph and Kathleen Etten Dr. Mary Jean Etten Leo and Terry Euteneuer Mel and Julie Euteneuer Richard M. and Patricia Evans Rita Evans Robley D. and Joan M. Evans Rev. Dennis D. Evenson John W. and Margaret Faber

Dr. Scott and Ann Fairbairn Martin S. and Margaret Fallon Drs. Terese Fandel and John Pennings David Fannon Mary V. Farley Michial and Victoria Farmer David and Mary Farnesi James and Joanne Farver James F. and Brittany Farver Joseph V. and Ellen Faryniarz Mary Faust Ellen M. Fay Daniel C. and Lynn Fazendin Larry and LuAnn Fecht Joseph H. Feitelberg Jeffrey and Caren Fenske Johanna Fenton Jack and Debbie Ferguson Robert P. Ferrari Rev. Michael M. Ferraro Jeanne L. Ferrian and Robert H. Byers George and Lynette Finger Joseph S. Fink Matthew J. Fink Tony Fink Dan and Karen Finn Donna and John J. Finnegan Jr. Richard and Lori Fiocchi Dr. Henry and Kathleen Fischer John and Donna Fischer Richard and Patricia Fischer Patrick M. Fitzgerald Seamus Fitzsimmons Peg Flahive Michelle Flamer John D. Flanagan Paula Flanagan Rev. Robert B. Flannery Sean T. and Michelle Flannery Dennis H. and Diane Flicker Charles A. Flinn Jr. and Elizabeth Hayden Denis and Mary Flint Deborah A. and Joseph Floeder Jeanne Flood Connor and Pamela Flynn John E. and Linda Fodstad Daniel and Carol Forby John and Ginny Ford Daniel and Rebecca Forschler David Forster and Sandy Pfefferle Forster Lucille Foss Nancy Foster Yvonne Foster Judy Fournier Maria-Teresa Fowell Blaine and Colleen Fowler Clarence and Leone Fowler Claire Fox Patrick and Michelle Fox Bonnie and Steve Francisco

Fall 2019

Title of Article

Paul Middlestaedt

Samuel J. and Kristin Francois Joanne and Tom Frankenfield Amy Frankfurt Kimberly J. and Donald H. Franklin Aaron Franta and Jennifer Lahmann James and Cathy Franta John and Jeanne Fraune Paul and Julia Frawley Amy Fredregill Kenneth C. and Denise Freed M. Ann Freitas Lois Frericks Peter and Nancy Fribley Richard and Marilyn Frie Rev. Thomas A. Friedl William Friedman Joseph and Kathleen Friedrich Rev. Gilbert R. and Gretchen Friend-Jones Layton Friesen Deacon Bob and Gretchen Froehle E. Michael and Joan Frohrip Dr. Ann I. Fromell-Theis Ursula Fuchs Francis and Judith Fullenkamp Mary C. Fuller Theodore Furshong Dr. John R. and Patricia Gaertner Mary Jane Gaffney Peggy and John+ Gagliardi Norbert J. Gaier Anne C. Gall

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Mary Gallagher Timothy and Susan Gallagher Robert D. and Maureen Gallaher James S. and Mary Gallahue James and Mary Grace Galvin Rev. William Gamber Thomas and Janet Gambrino Dennis J. and Linda Gann Frank and Christa Gapp Edward J. and Anna Garaczkowski Lawrence Garcia Steve A. Garibsingh John and Sheila Garot Daniel and Mary Garry Edward and Joan Gartner Bernadette Gasslein Rollin A. and Marilyn Gates Scott and Denise Gathje Margaret A. and Clifford Gawne-Mark Ruth and Andrew Gaylord Margaret K. Gaynor Michael A. Gee John D. and Christina Geissler Raymond and Janice Gellerman Elizabeth B. Gemmill Rev. Donald Genereux Craig and Shirley George Dr. Dale and Mary Gerding John and Barb Gerend Robert A. Germany Sue Gherty Nancy Gianoli Frank C. Giardina Jr.

Rev. Donald P. Gibbons Joseph Gibbons and Kathryn Riedel Monica Gibson David J. Gilderman Michael J. Gillen Drs. Shawn P. Gillen and Barbara Higgins Nancy Gilliland Catherine Gillis Mary Alice Ginther Rev. Edward M. Girres Dirk Giseburt and Marilyn Stahl S. Betty Gits Mark J. and Kelly Giura John and JoAnn Glady Gregory A. Glenn Jim and Rainy Glowack Leila Goblirsch Joseph and Maureen Gockowski Beverly Goines Rev. Eugene Golas and Carol Ertl George Golden John and Marleen Gomes Andrea Goodrich Dr. David D. and Monica Goodwin Ed and Donna Goossens Charles Gordon Richard D. Gorman John and Mary Anne Gorres Louis M. and Eileen Gottwalt Thomas and Maria Gottwalt Mark and Karen Gould John and Margaret Graham Leon and Patricia Grahn

Jerome and Kathleen Graney Steven J. and Ann R. Gravelle Velma Gray Carl A. and Maria Vivian M. Greci James and Kathleen Green Marianna Greenlee Thomas and Mary Greenstein Jonathan M. Gregoire Wayne and Mary Gregoire Benjamin M. and Janet Gregorio John and Barb Grek Wesley and Stacey Griggs Grant R. Grissom John F. and Joan Grobe Gerald W. and Corrine Grochowski Dr. Timothy and Susan Grode Alvina Groebner Elizabeth T. Groppe Thomas and Nancy Gruber Elvira Grundmayer+ Jeanne Guilfoyle Scott and Marie Guillemette Thomas Guinan Gil and Lisa Gullickson Rev. John G. Guthrie Kenneth Gutzwiller Andre Guy Eugene and Terese Haak Charles and Janet Haas Arthur and Marian Haase Barbara Haase Marlene Haberer Raymond L. Hackert Arthur G. Haessig Rosemary Hagerott Michael Hagstrom Lawrence Haider Jr. Paul Haik Matthew J. Haines and Jennifer Marshall Valdemar Halgas John and Delores Hall Jon Hall Lois Hall Patrick M. and Suzan Hall Thomas R. Hall and Julie Kunkel Thomas Haller and Patricia Moses Michael F. and Danette Halloran Darnell and Mary Halverson Joshua M. and Mara Halverson Dr. Paul R. and Mary Hamann Margaret M. Hamburger and John Kupris Clay and Mary Hamlin James and Carol Hamlin John and Helena Hammell Mary J. Hammond Marcia Hampton Eugene A. and Joyce Hanauska Sherlin and Detrice Hanna Floyd and Sally Hansen Ginny Hansen

Mary Ann Hansen Nicholas A. and Kelley Hansen Richard and Kathryn Hansen Charlotte L. Hanson Marcia and Harlan Hanson Dr. William and Patricia Hanson Bob and Shirley Happke Richard C. Hardes David L. and Kathy Hardwick Bill and Nancy Hardy Pat Hardy Katharine Harmon Christina Harrer Peter F. and Kristan Harrington Laura J. Harris Robert and Lisa Harris Louise Harris-Cole Betty M. Harthman Terrance J. and Renee Hartman Marvin A. and Pamola E. Hartung Dr. Quentin and Kathleen Hartwig Marylou Hasecuster Mary Beth Hasselquist Patricia Hassler Christopher J. and Jessaca Hastings Norton J. and Kathy J. Hatlie Michael and Mary Ellen Haupert Mark J. Hawkins Patrick J. and Mary Ann Haws Paul F. and Renee Hayden Karen Hayes Elizabeth and Wes Healy Dr. Kevin and Rosanne Healy Robert and Maureen Healy Suzanne G. and Terence Healy Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda James A. and Maxine Hecimovich Kathleen E. Heck Richard and Miriam Heggerston Cary L. and Amber Heidesch David Heike John and Joyce Heilard Kenneth and Bonnie Heim Dale L. and Kay Heimermann John and Lorna Heinen Margaret Heinz Marjorie Heinz J. Richard Heinzkill Duane A. Heit

Dale and Joan Heitz Christopher J. Heitzig Patrick L. Held Michael Hemesath and Elizabeth Galbraith Dr. Norbert and Suzanne Hemesath Mildred Hemmelgarn Michael T. and Michelle Hemmesch Kathleen M. Henderson Charles and Marcia Hendrickson John Heng Steven B. and Cheryl Henkels Phillip A. Henneman Richard P. and Nancy Hennig Patrick Henry Darryl L. Hensel Vonda Herding S. Yliana Hernandez Dr. Roger and Marlene Herold Nora Herrera Herrig Family Charitable Foundation Larry T. and Laura Herrig Frank and Mary Beth Hess Dr. Philip and Elizabeth Hessburg Sherman Hesselgrave Andy Heuer and Pairin Hongsoongnern André L. Heywood Daphne Heywood James P. and Lynne Hicks Jeffrey J. Higgins Bryant and Margery High Horse Julia M. Hill Sandra Hillesheim Richard and Rose Hinkemeyer James P. and Patricia Hinton Thomas J. Hoben Mary E. Hochkins Michael J. and Mary A. Hodapp John J. and Debra L. Hoefs LaVern J. and Helen Hoelscher Jim and Sandee Hoesley Thomas A. Hoff Mark D. and Jenn Hoffman Kathy A. Hogan Kevin P. and Lucy Hogan Tom and Jane Hogan Thomas R. and Mary Hokr Donald G. and Louise Holden

Andy and Gary Whitford Holey Patricia and Thomas Holloran TuAnh and Lewis Holm S. Ansgar Holmberg, C.S.J. S. Kathleen A. Holmberg, C.S.J. Barb and Tom Holmgren Daniel J. Holmgren and Erik Haaland John J. and Sara Holter Steven and Susan Holupchinski Jerome J. Holzbauer Anne Holzman Mark Homer and Joanne Loritz Honeywell International Charity Matching Carolyn Honl James G. Hoofnagle Eugenia C. Hopfer J. Gregory and Patricia Horgan Edward F. Horski John and Geri Hotz Mary Lou Houle Patricia L. Houston Jerald L. and Juliann Howard Richard J. and Christine Howard Kent P. and Marylyn Howe Xinyue Huang Mary Jane E. Huberty Michael and Mary Huberty James J. Hubner Marilyn M. Hudak Mary Durocher Hudson Chuck and Almut Huff Bonnie M. Hugeback Kathleen Hughes Kevin J. and Joanne Hughes Margy Hughes Timothy and Rosemary Hughes Timothy and Marie B. Humbert Dr. Kai K. and Myrna Hunt Dr. Vincent R. and Mary Kay Hunt Carolyn Hunter Jane M. Hunter Leo and Lucia Huntington Marian Huntley-Lickteig Dave Hutcheson and Elizabeth Stoltz Thomas F. and Rebecca Hutchinson Jeffrey P. Hutson Roger C. Huyink Gary and Diane Ignowski

Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. We can give time, we can give our expertise, we can give our love or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give. Steve Goodier

Diane Imdieke Keith Imm and Susan Imm-Ttees Nina and John Incampo Joseph T. and Mary Helen Ippoliti Patrick J. Irlbeck Ellen Jackelen Jeffrey P. and Kaylen Jackson Gerard Jacobitz Boniface Jacobs Jennifer Jacobs John P. and Josephine Jacobs Sean M. Jacobson Finnian Jacobson-Schulte Franklin L. and Kaitlin Jadwin Douglas W. and Laura Jaeger John T. Jaeger Jan and Kim Jahnke James H. and Margaret Jansen Warren D. and Dianne Janzen James Jarocki and Kris Blakeslee Rev. Paul Jaroszeski David P. Jasper Jeffrey and Mary Jenniges Randal and Judith Jenniges Michael D. and Kathleen Jensen Deborah J. and Thomas Jerome Marcella Jerome Yi Jin Ann Job Marge Johannes Rev. Paul S. Johansson Gregory C. and Delanie Johnsen Arthur A. and Kathleen Johnson Connie Johnson Daniel R. Johnson David Johnson and Megan Hughes Joan C. Johnson Leo Johnson and RaeAnne Mitsch-Johnson Lowell B. Johnson Lucie Johnson Margaret A. Johnson Rev. Maxwell E. and Nancy Johnson Michael and Patrice Johnson Rita Johnson Steven Johnson and Susan Iverson Tadd Johnson Thomas and Diane Johnson Ronald E. Joki Douglas and Kathleen Jones Gerry Jones and Berhane Tadesse Patricia Herbison Jones Heidi Joos Lawrence and Renee Jordan Thomas G. and Maureen Jovanovich Janet Joy Daniel and Janet Joyce Thomas Joyce and Annette Atkins Tina Joyce James R. Judd

Fall 2019

Title of Article William J. Jude Steve and Sharon Judge Frederick and Mary Lou Juettner Cleopatra Julio Dr. Michael J. and Peggy Jung Emelia A. Junk Roger W. and Kathleen Junker Ted and Karen Kaden Kurt Kaiser and Mary Clark-Kaiser Patrick G. and Mary Jo Kaiser Jerry and Carol Kalinowski Donald A. and Rosemary Kalkman Jon R. Kallman Richard and Susan Kallok Linus M. and Jenny Kalthoff David C. and Anne Kaluza Michael and Judy Kammerer Dr. Adrian L. and Jacqueline Kapsner Matthew A. and Hope Kapsner Mary Fran and William Karanikolas Christina Karnowski Stephen D. Katz William C. and Jeanne Kauffmann DeAnn Kautzmann Tony and Katie Kayser Judy Kearin Dennis R. and Carole Keefe Dennis and Elizabeth King Keenan Julie Keesling Robert F. Kelleher David G. Keller and Emily Wilmer Matthew Keller Don and Connie Kellner James B. Kelly Jr. Jerome W. and Sharon Kelly Joseph T. Kelly Linda L. Kelly Mary M. Kelly Richard J. Kelly Timothy F. and Sharon Kelly Elaine Kelnhofer Dr. Robert+ and Theresa Kelsch John F. and Patricia Kemper Carole Kendzora+ Daniel and Betsy Kennedy Frank A. Kennedy Kensington Bank Richard W. Kent Donald L. and Patricia Kercher John Kessler Jerome C. and Bonnie Kettleson Jeanne M. Kieffer Rev. Robert J. Kieffer Micah D. and Eleanor Kiel James and Cathryn Kiloran Jr. Nathan Kilpatrick

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James G. Kimmitz Thomas J. and Regina Kinasz Corrine Kindschy Peggy A. King Drs. Bernard C. and Virginia Kinnick Kyle V. Kirsch and Kelly Quinn-Kirsch Robert A. Kitchen Richard and Janice Klaverkamp Douglas and Patricia Klein Janice Klein John H. and Alexandra Klein Dale C. and Karen Kleinschmidt Robert and Gloria Kleinschmidt Robert and Phyllis Kleinschmidt Colleen Klessig William and Marlene Klett Patrick and Rita Klosterman Robert J. and Carolyn Kluk Barbara Ann Kluka Jerome and Kristi Klukas Judith A. Kluver Katherine Klykylo Frederic W. Knaak Donna and Francis Knapek James Kniech and Laurel Rudolph-Kniech Pat and Kate Knight Matthew A. Knip Hon. Franklin J. and Margot Knoll Mary Knutson Margaret Koch Duane and Barbara Kocik Jeana and James Koenig Peter M. and Nancy Koenig Rev. David Kohner Elmer and Aurelia Kohorst Kazuko Rosa Kojima John and Linda Kolb Laurence and Susan Koll Daniel and Jolene Koopmann Steve and Kerry Koopmann Chad and Christina Koppes Joyce and Chris Kormelink Jeffrey and Jenny Korsmo Dusan Kosic and Maja Janjic Kathleen Koszarek Mary Jo Koszarek Andrew and Kathleen Kovacs Mary Lou Kozmik Rev. Gary Lee Krahenbuhl Deacon Eugene and Linda Kramer James J. and Janet Krasowski Carol Jean Krause Michael P. and Joan Krause John T. and Paulette Krawczyk Kathleen K. Krehbiel Br. Anthony Kreinus, S.V.D. Rev. Michael Krejci Richard and Karla Kretchmer Rev. Thomas Krieg James F. and Dorothy Krile George and Raimie Kriste

Title of Article Vivian Kroeker Irene Kroening Frances Kron Dr. James and Mary Krook Marilyn Krueger Daniel Krumenaker Shawn R. and Mary Kruse Daniel R. Kubinski Jim and Polly Kuelbs Brian W. and Michelle Kueppers Bob and Rita Kuester Colleen and James Kuhl Glenn and Mary Kuhnel Edward J. Kuklock Allan J. Kula Paul T. and Kathryn Kulas Rev. William Kulas Stephen M. and Susan Kulikowski Thomas H. Kummerer Richard and Debbie Kummet Kilian and Khadim Kuntz Jerome J. Kunzer Dennis W. Kurtz Roseanne M. Kury John T. Kustermann Susie and David Kuszmar Lawrence and Margaret Kwacala Kathleen G. Kyler Roger and Sally Labat Rev. Frederick C. LaBrecque Adam LaFaye Kevin O. and Beth Lafeber Marlene S. Lahr Drs. Joy and James Laine Thomas D. Lais Arthur Laliberte Richard T. Lally Jr. Dr. John B. LaLonde+ Huong T. Lam

Darren M. Lamb Gail Lamberty Frances Lamm Rev. Robert Lampert Marc LaNave John Landkamer and Joan Brand-Landkamer Douglas and Nancy Lane Andrew and Kathryn Lang Rev. Matthew Langager John E. Lange Phyllis Langfield Doris Langston Cynthia Lapole Philip and Debra LaPorte Michael F. and Deborah Larkin S. G. LaRosa Kathleen Larsen Gregory A. and Michelle Larson James and Rose Larson Dr. Julie and Jon Larson L. Wayne and Sharon Larson Thomas W. Lasley Vincent and Kathy Laubach John J. and Kathleen Lauber Deacon Vincent I. and Carol Laurato Ramon L. Lavandero Martin and Coby LaVenture Mary A. LaVoy Dr. Edward and Faye Lawler Marguerite Lawler Patricia Laybourne William D. and Dawn Leach Andrew and Shannon League Donald and Mary Leaon John and Michelle LeBlanc Robert Lee and Mary E. Schaffner Andrew Leet Susan and Edward W. Lehmann Jr.

Paul Middlestaedt

Gary and Diana Lein James+ and Darlene+ Leinen Richard A. and Lynette Leising James N. Leitschuh Bill and Deb LeMay Edward J. LeMay Lorrayne S. Lenarz Brian A. and Betsy Jo Lenzmeier Jose Leon and Esther Garcia Mahri Leonard-Fleckman Joseph and Rosemary LeTendre Patrick P. Leung Suk Chee Rosa Leung and Ephrem Cheung James W. and Susan Levandowski Thomas P. and Jean Levandowski Thomas M. and Janel Lewandowski Dorothy Ley Patricia Libra Jerry and Barb Liddell Robert Lieser and Yvonne Reding+ Robert A. and Jeanette Lieser Robert and Margaret Lietzke Syn C. Lim Michael and Patti Lindberg Kathy Lindbloom Thomas and Loraine Lindner Hon. John and Mary Lindstrom Lois Liners Fritz and Agie Link S. Anna M. Lionetti Paul Lippert Daniel P. and Mary Beth Liska Dorothy Liszka-Vowles Jean Ljungkull Sarah Loetscher Marilyn Lohmann Paul and Joan Lombardi Stephen and Barbara London S. Alice Long Andrew M. Long Dr. Bernard and Peggy Long Richard Long Patricia Lounsbury Margaret Lorenz John and Melanie Lovejoy Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde Danny Lovestrand Marcia Lowe Roger and Rosie Loxtercamp Rev. James Lucas Denise and Deacon Matt Ludick Joan R. Ludick Mark J. and Karen Ludick Augustine and Betty Ludwig Julie and John Ludwig Joseph Luedke Cynthia M. Luedtke Michael and Teresa Lueken Larry and Jo Ann Luetmer Loren and Diane Lukes Anthony and Gail Lusvardi

Donald and Annette Luther Thomas A. and Theresa Lydon Dr. Thomas and Mary Jo Lyke John and Katherine Lynch Robert H. Mace Jr., Th.M. Robert J. and Maria MacFarlane Thomas C. Mack Joyce D. Macnamara Keri and Michael Mader Paul E. and Gail Magnuson William J. Maguire Katherine Mahle Thomas J. and Deirdre Mahoney Joseph J. and Christine Majeski Richard and Jodene Malmsten Annette Malone Wanda Malone Jack Malusky Catherine Mamer Bruce Mancini and Betty Nystrom Kateri Mancini and Michael Gallagher Francis M. Mancl Theresa Mancuso Linda Manders Rev. Neil J. Manternach Thomas R. and Janet Manthey Katherine Maple William J. Marak Dr. Michael and Laurie Marchetti Denise Marcoe Keith and Nancy Markwardt Brian Marrin William D. and Margaret Marrin Marguerita Marschall Mary Ann Marschall and James Hibbs Bradley D. and Jennifer Martin David and Mary Grace Martin COL James and Rhona Martin Dr. Kathryn A. Martin John E. and Kathleen Marxer Robert Marzik and Alice Caldwell Lucy A. Mastri Dr. Angela Mastri-Rizack Nabil Matar Thomas F. and Michelle Matchie Richard F. and Jacqueline Matchinsky Jennifer A. Mateer Victoria L. Mathes Thomas and Mary Mathews Judith A. Mathiowetz Judith M. Mathiowetz Patrick B. Mathwig Brenda B. Matthews Gabrielle E. Matuska Tom and Mary Maus Dr. William R. and Sharon Maus Paul and Susan Maxbauer R. Patrick and Molly Maxwell Dr. David P. Mayer Glenn and Patricia Mayer Joseph and Imogene Mazur

The Benedictine monks of Saint Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Abbey welcome guests of all faiths to experience the abiding presence of God within a praying community.

Dr. Bill and Jane McBride Kevin and Laureen McCalib Siliva McCalip E. Michael McCann William J. McCarron and Ann Thompson Ellen McCarthy and Charles Howell Harold and Julie McCarthy Richard A. and Regina McCarthy James B. and Annette McConnell John and Caroline McCullough Richard and Doris McDermott Lee J. McDonald and Ginger Johnson Myles T. McDonald Leigh E. McDonnell William C. McDonough and Brent Derowitsch John and Susan McElya Annie L. McEntee James. M. McGarry Virginia McGoldrick Margaret McGonigle William S. McGrath Daniel McGuiness Catherine Ann McKenzie David C. McKenzie Dr. John H. McKnight, Obl.S.B. Kevin McLane Margaret M. McLaughlin S. Sharon McMillan, S.N.D. Marian F. McNamara William and Stephanie McNamara Harry G. McNeely Frederick J. McNew Bernadette McQuaig David and Kathleen Mead Dr. Todd A. Meeker and Connie J. Meyers-Meeker Gerald L. and Evelyn Mehrkens Irene M. and James Meier Peter B. Meier Michael Meirick Mary Meis Bruce Melchert and Cathrine Nilles Jean C. Melin

Hazel Meoska Thomas Meoska Michael Merck Annette Merle-Smith Harry and Teshannon Merlo Colin M. Merrigan Horst and Irmgard Metscherling Daniel A. Metzler Beverly Meyer Cyril N. and Darlene Meyer Joan and Lester+ Meyer Joseph M. and Ashley Meyer Kenneth M. and Joanne Meyer Steven J. Meyer George and Diane Meyerratken Dr. James J. Michels and Colleen Thompson Michels Microsoft Foundation Gordy Midas Charles H. Middendorf Richard J. Mikos Drs. Tim G. Miley and Mary Zitur Miley Glenn and Beth Miller James L. Miller Kristin Miller Brian J. and Aleta Millette Jon L. and Lisa Mills William C. and Taisia Mills Dennis L. Mishuk Gary P. and Barbara Mitchell Steven and Rachael Mock Nicholas T. Moe Timothy and Marianne Moe Gary and Barbara Moeller Richard W. Moen Bruce M. Mogren Armando C. Mojica Jerry and Linda Molitor Peter J. Molitor Bart and Barbara Mollet Donald and M. Jeanne Molloy Francis M. and Barbara Molloy Daniel P. and Jamie Moloney Margaret Molus Rev. Raymond G. Monsour Colleen L. Moore Helen Moore Mary Moore

Fall 2019

Title of Article

Kurt Moreland and Bonnie Kalla Douglas and Katie Morem Ana Moreno and James Solem Christopher P. Morgan William and Gail Morgan A. A. Moroun David J. Morreim Pamela Morris Royce W. and Marjorie Morrissette Martin C. and Mary Morud Betty Moscho Drs. Greg Motl and Laurel Brooks Daniel and Laurie Moudry Mary E. Moylan Len and Kay Mrachek Joseph and Kathleen Mucha Craig Mueller Paula E. Muggli and Lon Enerson Dr. William and Imelda Muggli John and Sharon Mullally Robert D. Mulligan Fra’ Thomas Mulligan James A. and Franchelle Mullin Michael T. Mulroe Phil Mulvaney Sandy Murphree Donna Murphy Erin K. Murphy James and Barbara Murphy Michael Murphy Nell M. Murphy Patrick and Carolyn Murphy Patrick W. and Joyce T. Murphy Paul and Roberta Murphy Richard and Marilyn Murphy Timothy and Sheila Murphy Rev. William J. Murphy William J. and Namiko Murphy Maureen Murray Raymond R. Muskat Dr. Michael O. and Joy Musty Robert J. and Margie Mycka Edwin M. and Mary Anne Nakasone Gary J. and Eileen M. Nalevanko Dr. Charles and Margaret Nalezny Brad Nance Marilu Narem Kristi A. Nash William and Nancy Naughton Robert and Joyce Neary David Neff Mary Neidermeier Theo Neilly Mary F. Nelson Michel Nelson Richard and Shirley Nelson Thomas R. and Mary Nelson Terrance and Zanne Ness John B. and Kathleen Nett

John R. Page Craig Pagel Karen Pagel Stan Paine David and Jean Palkert Rev. M. Charles Palluck Gary D. Palm Bruce C. and Mary Palmborg Mary Pluth Palmquist Philip and Debra Palmquist Scott E. and Jacqueline Palmquist Raymond Parise and Debra Miller Most Rev. Richard E. Pates Jane L. Patterson Dennis and Beverly Paul Cecilia Paulus Kenneth L. Pauly and Anne Dominguez Ed and Dolores Pavek Douglas C. and Colleen Pearson Daniel F. Pease Michael and Therese Peck David and Mary Jo Pedersen Gary and Ann Pederson Stephen M. and Patti Peichel Bernard and Judith Pekarek Julie Pelowitz Terry and Theresa Pender Sharon Pennock Dr. William H. Percy Erica P. Pereira Michael L. Peroz Bruce and Patricia Perrizo Kevin W. and June Perrizo Geraldine and Ed Perry Gwen Perun and Lawrence A. Johnson Douglas L. Petersen Danial and Susan Peterson Dennis Peterson Edward Joseph Peterson Rev. James E. Peterson Laurel Peterson Kathleen Petheo Roger Petrich Robert and Ann Petrzelka Joyce and Thomas Pettinger Chet and Janice Pettite Dr. COL James A. and Gay Pfaff Brad Pfahning and Kay Bezdichek Pfahning Ronald D. and Marie Pfannenstein Virginia Pfannenstein Mary K. Pfantz Rev. Bernard A. Pfau Maryann Pflipsen William Phelps and Sayre Weaver-Phelps Brian and Caroline Phillips Thomas L. Piazza

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Paul Middlestaedt

Gary and Germaine Neumann Joseph F. Neussendorfer Roger V. Newinski Elaine M. and Thomas Newton Mary Newton and Charles Dunham Rev. Duong Nguyen Steve and Peggy Nichols Mark and Mary Beth Nicklaus Jane Niebauer Robert Niehaus and Debra Mies-Niehaus Jean Nierengarten Joseph and Melinda Nilan Patricia A. Nilius Ted and Vicki Nilius Toshitaka Nishidate Rev. Weldon and Margaret Nisly Susan Noakes Richard and Colleen Nodland Sr. Joseph P. Noelke Jr. Br. Bernard X. Nolan, F.M.S. Bruce R. Nolan COL John J. and Rose Nolan Lawrence and Mary+ Nolan Matthew and Margaret Nolan Donald Noltimier Tony Nordick Madeline Norgaard David and Beverly Norris Kathleen Norris Kenneth and Susan Norris William J. Noth and Marcia Baumhover S. Irene Novak, O.S.F. John and Lois Novotny Edward J. and Sara Nowak Aileen Nowatzki Kathy Nuckolls

Angela Nugent Darrell and Sharon Nystrom Janell Wenzel O’Barski Richard E. Oberg Robert and Marilyn Obermiller Thomas Obiadazie Ralph and Janie O’Bleness Daniel O’Brien and Catherine Dolan Elaine M. O’Brien James P. and Margaret O’Brien Rev. John F. O’Brien Timothy J.+ and Kimberly+ O’Brien Trevor M. O’Brien Jerome D. O’Connell and Katherine Bloom O’Connell Julianne R. O’Connell Thomas O’Connell and Rebecca Heist Donna O’Connor Michael W. O’Connor Timothy and Dana O’Connor Jeff Odendahl Charles D. Officer Jr. Sharon and Howard Ogomori Hwa Suk Oh Robert D. O’Hara Michael O’Hare Lisa Ohm and Stuart Goldschen Jonpaul Okal Drs. Glenn and Marla Okner John Oldershaw and Angela M. Schrimpl Peggy O’Leary, C.S.J. Catherine O’Link-Meyers Br. Benedict Oliver, F.S.C. Joseph and Carol Olivieri Bill and Becky Olson

Bryan J. C. and Jodi Olson David and Jan Olson Jon Olson and Bridget Doyle-Olson Karen E. Olson Kathy Moraghan Olson Prudence A. Olson Mr. and Mrs. Ray R. Olson Francis V. and Maria O’Malley Patrick and Peg O’Malley Daniel C. O’Meara Richard O’Meara Christine and Tom Ondrla Ralph R. Opatz Dennis and Betty Orbeck Timothy J. O’Reilly and Jackie Notch Thomas and Carole Orth Jack and Dorothy Orts David M. and Laureen Osberg William Osei-Bonsu and Maria Insaidoo Phil and Gail Osendorf Mary Osterhus Steven and Karen Ostovich Malcolm and Mary O’Sullivan Matthew and Ashley Ott Jerry and Mary Otto Deacon Sherman Otto Thomas and Tracie Ouimet Lisa and Don Oyen James M. and Kathleen Pach Donna M. Pacheco Laurie Packard Steven and Donna Packard Ronald Paczkowski and Judith Talbott Henry and Mary Ann Padgett Bob and Ginny Padzieski

Emy E. and Marie Picard Elaine Piccolomini Linda M. Pick Katherine M. Piderman Mary and and Timothy Pieh Thomas Piekarczyk and Carol Graczyk Roger B. Pieper Diane and Mike Pierce Rita M. Pierskalla Douglas Pierzina Josephine Pierzina Edwin J. Pinheiro James and Ellen Pinkowski John and Anna Pirro Dr. John S. Pirsch Barbara Plachecki James and Barbara Platten Kenneth J. Plein Michelle A. Plombon Dr. Kenneth and Beryl Plotnik Patricia E. Podesta James Pohle and Susan Eich Charles and Janice Pohlman Nicholas and Melanie Pohlman Gavin J. and Becca Poindexter Louis Polasky James and Verle Polglase Edward F. and Susan Poniewaz Carol Johnson Porter Betty Porwoll B. Neal Poteet Gregory A. and Alexa Poulin Jack E. Povlock John and Frances Povolny John A. Powell Stephen R. and Susan Powell George L. Powers, M.S.N., M.S.Ed., R.N.

Rev. John M. Powers Robert J. and Sally Praus Charles W. and Jana Preble Dr. Kenneth and Gretchen Preimesberger David C. Prem Scott and Denise Price Frederick and Patricia Prom James F. and Mary Prosser Lynn Prouty Colleen V. Puent Duane M. Pufpaff Genevieve I. Putnam Ralph and Kay Quaas David and Marian Quale Ann Mary Quarandillo Jack and Alice Quesnell Paul R. Quinlivan Fernando Quintela Joanne L. and Leonard Rabatin Carl Rabbe Hon. Frank L. and Margaret Racek Brian J. Racette and Colleen Johnson

Dean A. and Ellen Rademacher Richard C. Rademacher Rev. Raymond M. Rafferty Steven J. and Lara Raich Marvin C. and Phyllis Rakotz Mark A. and Kathleen J. Ramion Hon. Jim and Monica Randall Michael and Carol Rangitsch Eugene J. and Kristine Ranieri Rose M. Rarick David Rask Jeanne S. Rathsack Joe A. Rausch Lynnette A. RauvolaBouta and Craig Rauvola Terry and Wanda Rawson Gary and JoAnn Raymond Terry and Michael Reasoner Jeffrey and Natalie Regan Mary S. Regan Timothy W. and Jennifer Regan Mike Reichenbach Elenora Reichert Henry L. and Kathleen Reichert Joseph and Sharon Reid John P. and Pamela Reilly Robert Reilly and Judith Heinz Bonnie H. Reim Thomas and Denise Reinig S. Mary Frances Reis, V.H.M. Mary and Harry Reischl Jon L. Reissner and Ann Ferreira Reissner Sandy Reiter Rebecca A. Reith Andrew J. Remick Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc. Douglas Renze and Kimberly Ayotte Brian G. Resch Rev. Michael A. Resop Elizabeth Reuter Leanna G. Rexford Gerard F. Delos Reyes John Michale Reyes Richard J. and Diane Reynolds Joane Rhoda Mark and Jane Rhodes Dr. Royal Rhodes Rev. Andrew P. Ricci Michael A. Ricci Sr. Timothy P. and Sandra Rich Dan J. Richards Allen C. and Colleen Richardson Alan E. and June Ricke Howard and Cynthia Riebling John P. Riedel-Alvarez Charles H. and Lucy Rieland Cristina Rieland Daniel F. Riley and Kristi Koelfgen Joseph and Gail Rinderknecht Todd and Agnes Ring

Audrey and John+ Ringdal Lloyd Ringrose Raymond W. Riordan Joe and Sheila Risacher Virginia Riser Juliette Risinger Karen M. Ristau Laura C. Roberts Michael J. and Patty Robichaud Benjamin J. Robinson Jan Robitscher David Rocchio and Michele Houston William A. and Frances Roche Jeri Rockett and John Hershey Mary A. Rode Geraldine Roebuck Joan V. Roeder Michael E. and Ava Roeder Charles E. Roemer Timothy Rogalla J. Barbara Rogan Thomas and Mary Rohr Patrick and Kelle Rolfes James Romer and Katherine Finnegan-Romer Jean Roozendaal Kecia Rorie Dr. Christopher G. Rose Joan E. Rosenberger Rita Rosenthal Michael and Julia Roskos David A. and Jeanne Rosow Kristine Rossman Dr. Roman W. and Irene Rossmeisl Thomas C. and Rosalie Roth Vivian C. and Raymond Rowe Dr. David and Betsy Rowekamp David R. and Julie Roy Ford Royer Jean A. Royer Donald W. and Lorraine Rubertus Michael and Nancy Rubino Christian Ruch Steve Ruda Allan J. and Mary Rudolph Larry and Verdell Rudolph Mary Kay Ruff Constance A. Ruhr William and Marilyn Ruhr Christina T. Runke Cheryl Running Rev. Donald P. Rusch Rev. J. Erich Rutten James and Charlotte Ryan John and Jeanette Ryan John P. and Susan Ryan Judith A. Ryan Kenneth and Kathleen Ryan Steven Ryan Thomas R. Ryan Matthew S. and Amy Saam

Fall 2019

Title of Article Ronald J. and Barbara Saffert Benjamin Safourek Michelle Sahlin Saint Edward Catholic Church, Henning, MN Jerry and Melissa Sais Barbara Sajna Sam and Cecilia Salas Christine Salem Arlene C. Sanborn Gerald and Lorraine Sande Gina M. Sandgren Christopher Santer Sara Coffee, LLC Kathryne Sather David J. and Joyce Sauer John and Margie Sauer Richard and Sharon Savageau Carolyn R. Sawyer Jeffrey and Nichole Schaefer Michael and Patricia Schaefer Dr. Richard Schaefer Michelle K. Schaffer James E. Schaffhausen John and Mary Schaffner James and Patricia Schafter Albert Scharbach Daniel W. and Rachel Schatzlein James Scheibel and Mary Pat Lee Michael P. and Laura K. Schenk Gary M. and Carolyn Scherer Mark and Heather Scherer Mrs. William H. Schermerhorn Emily Schilling Yvonne Schilplin Walter and Christine Schirber Alex and Susan Schleper Leona Schleper Otilla M. Schley Joseph and Mary Jo Schlick Evelyn Schlosser Michael A. Schlosser

Title of Article

Schlosser Properties Co., Inc. Dale Schmidt David H. and Ruth Schmidt John A. and Margaret Schmidt Ed and Judy Schmiesing James and Linda Schmiesing Jerry and Cindy Schmiesing John and Pam Schmiesing Leonard Schmiesing Philip and Debbie Schmiesing Rose Mary Schmiesing Dale and Carol Schmit Joseph L. and Marilyn Schmit Kenneth and Sharon Schmitt Dale and Mary Schmitz Fritz and Carol Schmitz Isidore and Bev Schmitz Roman J. and Dorothy Schmitz Barbara G. Schneider Rev. Bernard R. Schneider Claude C. and Mary+ Schneider James and Carol Schneider Dr. Norbert and Margaret Schneider Dr. Roman and Patty Schneider Stephen J. and Anne Schneider William P. and Donna Schneider Paul and Connie Schnepf Dana and Ellen Schnobrich Amy M. Schoch Christine R. Scholl Mary Jane Scholtes Peter A. Schommer Dorothy Schon Terry and Lynn Schones Daniel J. and Shirley L. Schoonover Ronald and Marcia Schorn Jackie and Wendell Schott Holt T. Schraufnagel Anthony and Cynthia Schreiner Helen Schroeder Dr. James and Karen Schroeder

Marie C. Schroeder Norma T. Schroeder Cletus and Ardis Schroepfer Laurence and Helen D. Schroepfer Thomas and Myra Schrup S. Dolores Schuh, C.H.M. Jamie L. Schultz Lawrence M. Schultz Eugenia Schulzetenberg Richard and Monica Schulzetenberg Don and Kitty Schumacher Michael Schumacher Eugene and Maria Schuster Thomas and Julie Schuster Mary Jane and Robert Schutzius Geraldine Schwab Henry and Alma Schwalbenberg Michael and Malissa Schwamm Donald F. and Catherine Schwarz Todd and Colleen Schweiger Mike and Christine Scillo Dolores Seashore Terrence and Colleen Sebora Ben and Missy Secker Edward J. Seelen Frank and Delores Seidl Pete Seifert James and Leslie Senden John J. and Frances F. Serpe Joseph and Sandra Sery Rev. Michael F. Sexton David G. and Julie Seykora Amb. Robert and Ellen Shafer Clarence J. Shallbetter Margaret L. Shannon Maria Sheremeta William B. Sherlock Ted Shide Donald G. and Bernice Shipley Thomas and Sarah Shles Rose M. Shober Robert C. Shoemake Elizabeth A. Shreves James and Deborah Sieben Duane Siepker Danette Siertle Beverly J. Sievers William and Diane Simmons J. Fred and Domenica Simms Joseph Simms Jane and Robert Simon S. Rene M. Simonelic, O.S.F. Brian and Charleen Simonet David D. Sink Sr. John D. Sipe Rev. Robert J. Sipe Andrea and Arthur Sitterle Dr. Joseph and Lisa Skemp Carol B. Slater Marypaul K. Slettehaugh Thomas J. and Janelle Sloan Agnes Smirnoff

Brian J. Smith Christine M. Smith Germaine R. Smith Joleen and Michael Smith Dr. Mark and Bonnie Smith Michael G. Smith Michael P. and Katie Smith Paul L. Smith Violet Smithwick Bradley K. Snelling Randy J. Snyder Bernadine Sobieck Morgan Soderberg Adam A. Solano, Jr. Diane M. Solarz and Michael Reget Anna and Richard Solheid Lu Vern R. and Claire Solien Bruce and Gloria Soma Ruth Sorensen Delores J. Soroe Rick and Sue Sovada Andrew F. and Danielle Spaanem Jacqueline and James Sparks Loretta J. Spesia Robert and Karen Spies Jason and Stacy Spillum Robert and Patti Spinner Matt Spooner Charles Sprenger Martin J. Stachnik JoAnn F. and Donald J. Stacken Leon G. and Beverly Stadtherr Jack and Margaret Staiger Scott K. and Renotta Stainbrook John and Alice Stalboerger Emily K. Stamp David and Jeanne Stanek Margaret and Richard Stang Mariann K. Stangeland Sharon K. Stanton James M. Stastny Dawn Stegelmann Roger Stegura William and Mary Steinbicker Ann and Thomas Steingraeber Dr. Paul and Jane Steingraeber Family Ramona M. Steinke Joseph and Marsha Stencel Shane Stennes and Stacy Deery Stennes Joy Marsh Stephens Dr. Charles and Louise Stevens Sharon K. Stevens Charles C. Stewart Lisa Stieler-Wells and Steven Wells Virginia and Thomas+ Stillwell Alyssa St. Martin Ann Marie Stock and David Campagna

Glenn and Susan Stoffel Marcie Stokman Peggy Stokman Matthew J. Stolwyk Brett T. Stolzenberg and Christina Anderson Elmer and Jaletta Stommes Colette Stone Dr. Thomas and Ann Stone Douglas J. and Theresa St. Onge Philip and Cynthia Stotesbery Susan Stovern Joel and Diane Strangis Lawrence and Carole Strauss Jeannette Streefland S. Carla Mae Streeter, O.P. John R. Streeter Jesse M. and Sarah Stremcha Janice A. Strobach Jon Stuart Lee Stuart James E. Sturm Stanley and Connie Suchta Walter and Marilyn Suchy Diane Sufka Sung W. and Sun Suh Thanongsak Sukwiwat and Suteera Sermsakul Raed Sulaiman and Christiane Maroun Eugene P. and Irene Sullivan Joan B. Sullivan Mary Sullivan Mary Sullivan Mary Ann Getty Sullivan Mary Kay Sullivan William Sullivan Marilyn Sutton Judy Swanberg David F. Swanson James Swanson Joseph and Loretta Swanson Marie L. Swanson Paul and Marie Swanson Erin Sweeney Kevin J. Sweeney Gregory T. and Jeanette Swenson Dr. Richard N. Sykes Charles Taffe Stanley and Gloria Takahashi David and Kathleen Tammen Richard and Marie Tan Julie and Mike Tangredi Carol Tauer Doris Tauscher Ronald J. Tavis Rev. Youannes F. Tawfik Gary Taylor Jeanette Saddler Taylor John D. Taylor and Leigh W. Dillard Carol Tembreull James L. Tembrock Joseph R. and Judith Tembrock

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

William J. and Kathleen Tembrock Marjean Terrell Mary Ann Terres Texas Instruments Foundation Scott L. and Kristen Thaden Robert and Barbara Thamert Carol Theisen Catherine E. Theisen Douglas J. Theisen Duane R. Theisen John and Anne Theisen Carl J. Thelen Joseph and Renee Thelen Oswald L. Thelen Thomas and Eleanor Thelen Colleen and Howard Thielman Ronald V. and Susan Thimmesh Robert and Shannon Thissen David and Elaine Thoennes Barbara and Keith Thomas Ralph and Kathleen Thomas Corey C. Thompson Robert Thompson and Amy Ducharme Samuel R. Thompson Deborah A. Thompson-Wise and Kenneth Wise Margaret Thomson Joseph and Mary Ann Thorp Donn and Patricia Thurk Ying Tian Edmund H. Tiedman Tony and Joyce Tillemans Michael and Marybeth Timmerman Amy and Derek Timperley

Mark F. Tinguely Dr. Stephen J. and Mae Tinguely Carl and Tatiena Tipton William M. Toenies Bruce and Sharon Tollefson Patrick and Dee Tomczik Ronald A. Tomczik Christine M. Tomlinson Michael L. and Jacqueline Tompkins Mary Alice Tomporowski C. Joseph and Cindy Tonsing Joanne Torborg+ LaVerne Torborg Richard and Lynn Torney Antonio and Elizabeth Torres Samuel Torvend Ralph Tourino Mark A. and Marianne Towne Thomas Tracy John P. Trask Lorrayne Traut Brian J. and Katie Traxler Gabrielle Traxler Herb and Linda Trenz Theodore and Debra Trenzeluk CDR Raymond J. Trettel U.S.N.+ Rose C. Trigg Delaynna Trim James D. Tripp Felix E. Tristani Dr. Garrett and Erin Trobec T. Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving Tom Trykowski Sharon H. Tupa

Edward Turley and Carolyn Finley Patrick W. and Sarah Turley Patrick S. and Elizabeth Twohy Mark and Judy Twomey John F. Tyler Jack E. and and Susan Uhas Lorrie Ulfers Robert and Renee Ullo Gregory A. and Loretta Utecht Jerry L. Utt II Anthony G. and Maggie Valentini Valparaiso University Daniel P. Vandersteen Beverly and Gregory Vander Vorste Patrick J. and Susan Vandrovec Diane Vangsness Daniel D. and Jeanne Van Overbeke Rudy Van Puymbroeck Victoria VanSlyke Linda Varvel Steven Vatch Jr. Marty Vebelun S. Mary Ann Verkamp, O.S.B. Robert A. Verkuilen Dr. Ronald R. and Judith Vessey Yolanda Vickman Casey A. and Mary Ann Vilandre Richard A. and Linda Virden Gloria and Gerry Visel James A. and Kathleen Vivaldelli Steven and Susan McManus Vnoucek

Paul Middlestaedt

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Fall 2019

Title of Article

Use everything you have to point others to God and to advance God’s kingdom.

Geraldine M. Voelkel Mil Voelker John J. Vondrell Michael and Susan Vos Diane L. Voth Brian E. and JoAnn Vucinovich Roger A. and Roxanne Wacek Kurt P. and Cynthia Wachtler Alice Wagner James M. and Elizabeth Wagner John L. Wagner Dr. Richard J. and Mary Wagner Rose M. Wagner Bert Waldorf Lucille A. Waldorf Richard Waldorf Patricia Walker William E. and Barbara Walker Eileen and Norman Wallace Katherine Wallace Jim and JoAnn Walsh Robert P. and Laura Walsh William Walsh and Jo Roebuck-Pearson Steven P. Walter Harold and Deborah Walters Elmer and Barb Walz Leo J. Walz Wilbert M. and Karen Walz Patrick Wangen and Esther Arroyo Robert C. Wanzong Becky Ward Thomas and Patricia Ward Chris and Geralyn Warfield Johanna Warloski Florence Warnert Mary and Walter Warpeha Anne Warwick Phyllis Warzecha Richard J. and Jeré Wasko Bernard and Barbara Weber Fredric M. and Barbara Weber Gene M. and Judy Weber Joann Weber COL Marvin and Marjorie Weber Nancy Weber Pamela A. Weber Paul and Julie Weber Robert M. and Carol Weber Rosetta Weber Dr. Stephen and Mary Ellen Weber Steve W. Weber

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Art Rainer

Mark A. and Lisa Wegleitner LTC Thomas C. and Maria Wegleitner Frank and Eileen Weglicki Joyce Wehlage Dale T. and Patrice Weiler Mary Weiler Dale and Mary Kay Weis Grace Weitz John and Sue Weitz Douglas and Mary Beth Weldon Andy and Nicole Welle Paul G. Welvang Rev. Timothy W. Wenzel Robert J. Werner Kenneth and Kathleen Wernimont Lisa Wersal and Louis Asher Jack and Felisha Westbrock Clifford and Gloria Wexler Greg and Ellen Weyandt Daniel A. and Katharine Whalen Helen Whalen Paulina Whang James and L. Y. Floria Whitcomb Caroline White James W. White

Title of Article Marshall White Ron G. and Katia Wieber Wayne and Carol Wieber Charles and Catherine Wiechmann Irene Wierzbinski Paul and Brenda Wiese Ellen Wiggins Michael Wiktorek Jerome and Martha Wilczyk Dr. Gene and Joanne Wilhelm Douglas A. and Eugenia Wilhelmi Pete Wilkinson Raymond R. Will Bede D. and Vonnie Willenbring James M. Williams Rev. Joseph Williams Thomas B. Williams Judith K. Willis Robert P. and Laurie Wilson Joyce Windsperger-Rubio and Luis Rubio-Losada Timothy and Karla Winkelman Leander Winkels Karl and Lucy Winter Jonathan J. and Linda L. Witt Dr. Thomas J. and Elizabeth Witt Robert Witte Joyce M. Wittenhagen Kenneth Wojack Sandra J. Wolcott Christopher Wold Marilyn Wolf Raymond J. Wolf Aaron J. and Marian Wolff James and Judith Wollmering Jim Wolter Justin K. Woodruff

Kurt and Barbara Woodruff Jason T. Woolwine Barbara M. Worn Heather M. Worthington Nick and Teri Woychick Thomas F. Wright Robert Wrubel Rev. John S. Wtulich Katherine Wyers Susan Wyper Joel V. Xavier John Yager Stephen Yanda Eileen N. Yeates Dale A. Yerger Thomas Yogan Alan and Marilyn Youel Michael Young Roger C. Young and Joy Beaulieu Young Kathleen Yung Rosemary Yurczyk Edward M. and Mary Zabinski Loretta Zabinski+ Mary Zabinski Luba V. Zakharov Jacqueline A. Zbaracki Mary Wagner Zbaracki Don and Mary Ann Zebolsky Robert and Dolores Zeni Frank R. and Kathleen Ziegler Rita Zilka Marie S. Zimitsch Betty Zollner Margaret E. Zopelis Pauline Zorza

Paul Middlestaedt

Geoffrey Fecht, O.S.B.

Abbey Volunteer Circle Between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019 the following abbey volunteers provided some 8,000 hours of service for the monastery. Joe Bauer Kelly Beniek John Brinkman Mitzi Brinkman Raj Chaphalkar Larry Davis Denny Douma Justin Doyle Bernadette Dunn Edward Dunn Rose Dwyer Betsy Egan Kevin Egan Bill Elfering Marie Eli Paul Elwell Earl Felling Anne Gall Chuck Griffith John Grobe Eileen Haeg Anne Hanson Gloria “Chick” Hardy Pat Haws Michael Hemmesch André Heywood Jim Hofmann

Dennis Hynes Jan Jahnke Ron Joki Patsy Jones Mike Keable Peter Langseth Rodney Langseth Rungthip “Nune” Langseth Barb Lyndgaard Matthew Ludick Anne Marrin KC Marrin Janet Merdan Burdette Miller-Lehn Bill Mock Dave Morreim Bill Muldoon Greg Murray Gary Neu

Steve Pederson Karl Petters Karleen Petters Dave Pogatchnik Anne Przybilla Matthew Reichert Dorothy Roske Hal Roske Michael Roske Sharon Schmitt Kay Sheils Jane Simon Robert Simon Martin Stachnik Ben Trnka Mark Twomey Rosemary Paur Walsberg Kay Warner Bailey Walter Ziegler

Benedictine Volunteer Corps Circle

Between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019 the following Benedictine Volunteers served in sites in the U.S. and around the world. Joseph Christenson Keegan Conrad Aidan Culloton Blake Dahl Hudson Echelard Daniel Gillis Jeff Glover Francesco Hanson Tobias Hanson Augustus Kjolhaug Jonathan Kleist Brennan Lafeber Dylan Lehrer Mitchel Lundquist Alexander Melchor Peter Molitor Lincoln Mullings Kyle Munshower Thomas Nilles-Melchert Tanner Thiele Michael Wagner Alex Wendlandt

Fall 2019

Abbey Chronicle

Cloister Light The daily routine within the cloister is enlivened by the antics of the “characters” of the community and sometimes by our neighbors. Here are more stories from the Monastic Mischief file. The chaplain at Saint Benedict’s Monastery missed a couple of steps on his way to answer a 1:00 A.M. phone call, and broke a rib. Sure enough, the call was a wrong number! To whom it concerns: Please return soon my duck quilt lined union suit taken from the hook in the basement shower and locker room. I need and use it. Any help locating it will be appreciated. Father Knute

The meat served in the monastery dining room on Monday evening was moose meat, a gift from GTA in Ontario, who as a lad I “fathered.” Father Jude

Gloss: Chicken was served to the community on Monday—parentage unknown. Father Roger offers the following report of an Alpine skiing course: “All continues to go well with the group of 28 Americans here at Melk [Austria]. Just recently we finished a week ski course in the Austrian Alps. 27 of us learned skiing, and one learned patience and lots of German. The latter was one of the boys who took a bad fall, ending up with a double twist fracture in his right leg and a three-week stay in a special bone hospital. He was on a solid German diet those three weeks, and when he returned to Melk, he could neither walk nor speak English.”

From the Sayings of Amma Agnes Ms. Agnes Ramler (1891–1979), wrote Father Daniel Durken, was “the spunky little German lady” who worked as a housekeeper for several Benedictine pastors and for the staff of the Saint John’s Seminary. In retirement she lived in a tiny white house in Flynntown (where the Seton Apartments stand today). She often entertained Abbey archives the monks in her home, and it was rumored that she served “ordinary wine” to the “ordinary monks,” while the good stuff was reserved for the abbot when he stopped for a visit. Agnes’ interpretation of the seven-foot statue of Saint John the Baptist in the baptistery of the abbey and university church is legendary. When asked about the tall, gaunt figure, she explained: “Dat’s because John was in da desert for forty days, and he ate only da honey and locusts.” And why does John have such a long index finger? “Because he’s pointing to da Lamb of God!” And the thick neck—what does that mean? “Ahh, yah,” she sighed, “dat’s vare da art comes in!” After learning that a confrere had completed his graduate studies and was awarded a doctorate, Agnes mused: “Yah, dat Father Roman is pretty schmart. But it took a lot of money to get it out of him.” Agnes, who was given to hypochondria, was always empathetic when hearing of others’ woes. When a confrere mentioned to her that he had recently undergone prostate surgery, Agnes replied: “Yah, I had dat too.” Agnes attempted to adjust to the liturgical renewal that followed the Second Vatican Council. During the Mass, when the lector concluded the Scripture reading with “This is the Word of the Lord,” Agnes would proclaim, “Thanks to be God.” In her later years, Agnes needed a ride from her house in Flynntown to attend daily Mass. Several confreres took turns serving as her chauffeur. One day, there was a mix-up in scheduling, and no one picked up Agnes. The next day, when a confrere called Agnes to apologize for the oversight, Agnes expressed her frustration (“mental torture!”) but eventually offered a more gracious response: “Yah, mistakes happen. But da next time you forget, call me so I’ll know!”

pril showers (rain, snow, and sleet) and a little thunder announced the arrival of a new month. A loon appeared on Lake Sagatagan on 18 April, one day before the lake went ice-free. Easter Sunday alleluias were accompanied by sunny skies and 65 degrees. Following cold rains and chilly temps in the 30s in mid-May, Memorial Day weekend was warm, sunny, and summery; lilacs added color and fragrance to the landscape. Mid-July temps in the 80s and 90s with dew points in the 70s helped the corn grow but made the monks crabby. It was a good summer! Purple martins, Canada geese, wild turkeys, and even a pair of mute swans had successful hatches. Now showy maples, late rising sun, and migrating flocks confirm that autumn is near.

April 2019 • The Saint John’s Sugar Bush was the scene of another sweet success story! According to Dr. Stephen Saupe, just under 20,000 gallons of sap were

Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.

collected, yielding 523 gallons of maple syrup. The first of 1742 taps were placed on 15 March; the last collection day was 16 April. Brother Walter Kieffer reports that twenty cords of wood were burned to boil down the sap into syrup. Some 2800 guests and volunteers assisted the staff of the Saint John’s Outdoor University and Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum. • On 13 April Saint John’s hosted a retreat for the Latinx community of central Minnesota. Nearly seventy parishioners, ranging in age from 1 to 78, participated in the retreat focused on lectio and visio divina with The Saint John’s Bible as well as on building a healthy spirituality and reflecting on the passion of Jesus.

May 2019 • The Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) announced that vHMML Museum [www. vhmml.org/museum], an online platform showcasing art and photographs from collections curated by HMML, went live on 1 May. Among the art and artifacts open to exploration are items from the Arca Artium collection donated by Brother Frank Kacmarcik, ancient pottery from the Bab edh-Dhra excavations in Jordan in which our own Fathers Alberic Culhane and John Meoska participated, and photographs of monastic sites around the world. • Abbot John Klassen and Headmaster Father Jonathan Licari presided at a blessing ceremony on 30 May for the renovation of Saint Michael Hall, residence of Saint John’s Preparatory School. Designed by Hanson and Michelson, Architects of Saint Paul, the prep dorm opened in the fall of 1962. Six bays were used by boarding students while two bays were used for recreation. Mr. Gregory Friesen of CSNA Architects, Colorado Springs, is the lead designer of the renovation, scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2020, at which time it will accommodate both the boys’ and girls’ residency programs and continue to have dedicated recreation space. Abbey archives

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Fall 2019

June 2019 • The Liturgical Press was honored with thirty book awards, including seven for first place, by the Catholic Press Association (CPA) during the 2019 Catholic Media Conference in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Among the first-place titles were Spirituality: An Art of Living by Benoît Standaert; God’s Good Earth: Praise and Prayer for Creation by Anne and Jeffery Rowthorn; By What Authority? revised and expanded edition by Richard Gaillardetz; and A Pope Francis Lexicon edited by Cindy Wooden and Joshua J. McElwee. The Press was also honored by the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) which named the Proverbs volume in the Wisdom Commentary series by Alice Ogden Bellis as its 2019 book of the year. • Abbot John Klassen and Father Lew Grobe represented Saint John’s at the fifty-third General Chapter of the American Cassinese Congregation, 16–21 June. Brother Jacob Berns spoke on the general chapter’s theme of creating a Benedictine response to the Synod on Youth, Faith, and Vocational Discernment. July 2019 • Effective 1 July, Brother Simon-Hòa Phan is the subprior (major superior) of Saint John’s Abbey. With the responsibility of attending particularly to the needs of confreres during their first twenty-five years of profession, Brother Simon-Hòa

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succeeds Brother David Paul Lange who served in the position for the past six years.

The abbey woodworking shop has been busy building wooden pipes for the expansion of the Holtkamp organ in the abbey and university church. Ranging in length from 17 to 32 feet and weighing up to 850 pounds, these pipes will provide the foundational notes for the expanded organ. In September the pipes will join another 2,600 pipes that are currently being crafted by Pasi Organ Builders in Roy, Washington. Woodworker Mr. Rob Lillard and organ builder Mr. KC Marrin have labored on these pipes, with assistance from other woodworkers, students, and volunteers. On 29 May during a blessing service, about eighty donors and monks heard the first “sounding” of the lowest and largest pipe: the 32-foot low C. As air passed through the pipe, the crowd oohed and aahed: more than hearing the sound, they felt the sound.

• Abbot John shared personal reflections on his encounter with the psalms as he addressed “Being an Oblate: Prayer, Stability, and Change” at the 2019 oblate retreat, attended by ninety-five oblates. During the retreat, oblate director Father Michael Peterson, Abbot John, and the monastic community witnessed the final oblation of four people. Reflecting on the value of being an oblate, Mr. John Grek, from Ashland, Wisconsin, noted: “What was important was that I set aside the time to speak with God. I reached a balance. I learned the

How big will the largest pipes be? At 32 feet, the low C pipe will be even taller than a novice!

• The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) selected Father Columba Stewart to deliver the 2019 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, the highest honor the federal government bestows for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities. Father Columba’s lecture, “Cultural Heritage Present and Future: A Benedictine Monk’s Long View,” will be Michael Roske (top); Tommy O’Laughlin (bottom)

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depth and the breadth and the real meaning of the ‘work of God,’ the Liturgy of the Hours.” Mr. Thomas Guinan, of South Bend, Indiana, explained: “I hope to love God and love neighbor more effectively and committing to the disciplines and virtues of Benedictine life—the aspects of the oblate program are very simple and very compelling.” Mr. Thomas Primmer, from Ankeny, Iowa, reflected: “I expect the oblate program to formalize the journey (in Benedictine spirituality) I have made these past few years connecting me to the monastic community. I would expect to grow deeper in love and grace with God, and others, especially my family.” “The Benedictine value of ‘preferring nothing whatsoever to Christ’ seems to be the heart of the Gospel,” said Mr. Craig Mueller, from Chicago. “My vocation is intertwined with prayer, service, and witness in the name of Christ, drawing me to a deepened connection with being a Benedictine oblate, and with the community of Saint John’s Abbey.”

The Saint John’s University Board of Trustees named Dr. Eugene McAllister interim president, effective 1 August. Dr. McAllister earned his doctorate in economics from The Catholic University of America. At the time of his appointment Dr. McAllister noted: “I think Saint John’s is a gem in American Catholic higher education, and I would love to help more people realize that and see that.” He follows Dr. Michael Hemesath, president emeritus of Saint John’s University, who stepped down after seven years as president. In a personal message to the monastic community, Dr. Hemesath expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve Saint John’s: “It has been the greatest privilege and honor of my academic life to serve my alma mater and this community as Saint John’s first lay president. [First Lady] Elizabeth and I want to extend a special thank you to each of you for making us and our three sons feel so welcomed and loved in this community.” Photos: University archives

delivered on 7 October at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed online at neh.gov. Past Jefferson Lecturers include Ken Burns, John Updike, Toni Morrison, Barbara Tuchman, and Robert Penn Warren. • Six confreres traveled to Winnipeg for the eighteenth annual

Bridgefolk conference, “Toward a Just Peace: Indigenous-Settler Reconciliation through Friendship.” Among the conference’s presenters was Sister Eva Solomon, a Sister of Saint Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie and an Ojibwe elder, who has devoted her ministry to developing ways of incorporating aboriginal rites and customs into Catholic worship.

Alan Reed, O.S.B.

Fall 2019

Fifty Years Ago Excerpted from Confrere, newsletter of Saint John’s Abbey: 21 May 1969 • Fathers Godfrey Diekmann and Kilian McDonnell addressed the first nationwide theological dialogue between Catholics and Southern Baptists at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Father Godfrey spoke on “The Liturgy and Spontaneity in Worship,” and Father Kilian’s topic was “The Monastic and Southern Baptist Religious Ethos.” 24 June 1969

• Saint John’s is in the dough! This time it is a Saint John’s barbeque and hamburger bun which Father Walter Reger is starting to promote. Zinsmaster Baking Company is baking and marketing the picnic-style bun in the Twin Cities, and Father Walter recommends a slice of ham and a cold bottle of beer to go along with the cracked wheat and rye bun. Anyone interested in the original recipe should just add four pounds of sugar and a pound of shortening to every 100 pounds of Saint John’s Flour Mix. Since Saint John’s Bread is “The loaf that became a legend,” the new Saint John’s Bun may very well be an effort to demythologize the legend and make it a short story. • A number of confreres are acting as eyes for the blind as they read the daily newspaper and other items of interest on the special radio channel for the

Monks in the Kitchen blind being operated over the Saint John’s radio station KSJR. 21 July 1969

• Monks and the Moon: Saint John’s made its own small contribution to that “giant leap for mankind” that Neil Armstrong took on the moon’s surface late Sunday night, July 20. Confreres have sung a space hymn at several community prayer celebrations. Text and melody of the hymn were composed by Father Gerard Farrell in 1965 and published by Liturgical Press in Our Parish Prays and Sings. The second verse of the hymn is: And as we float along through outer space, Past galaxies aglow in dark’s embrace, Toward other worlds where brothers may await, Do care for us now in our weightless state. A KSTP-TV cameraman was on hand for the 7 o’clock community Mass on July 19th when the hymn was sung as the entrance song. His film was to add local color to the lunar landing coverage.

weeks the psalms assigned for Morning Prayer were prayed as an introduction to the regular Scripture readings of the Mass. The closing Benedictus was sung as a communion song. It is doubtful that Father John Burns’ suggestion for a Latin guitar Mass will be implemented. 18 August 1969 • The first program in the United States for the training of laymen for the permanent diaconate was held at Saint John’s from August 4 to 14. Ten men, ranging in age from 28 to 66, took part in the workshop which tried to give the candidates a basic orientation to the field of theology as well as an understanding of the role of the permanent deacon in the Church today. Father Kieran Nolan, director of the Permanent Diaconate Program at Saint John’s, prepared an extensive program of lectures, panel discussions, and informal sessions.

• Daniel Durken drives to Decorah in a Dodge Dart.

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Ælred Senna, O.S.B.

ach Tuesday we have “community night” in the monastery, which includes a social gathering with beer and wine along with a bit of food. Monks take turns preparing the appetizers for this social, known to us as “haustus,” a word that comes from the Latin verb meaning “to draw up” (as from a well) or “to drink.” In addition to our weekly haustus, there are plenty of opportunities to share tidbits with people. When I need something quick, easy, and super delicious, I pull out one of my favorite go-to appetizers: roasted grape tomatoes with garlic and olive oil. Pretty much the whole recipe is right there in the name! It’s terrific served with pita bread, crackers, or toasted baguette slices. It can also be used with pasta, served either hot or cold. It’s one of those versatile, amazingly delicious, ridiculously simple dishes that you will want to make again and again. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do, especially if you have some home-grown grape or cherry tomatoes in your garden or on your patio. It’s so good, you may just want to eat it with a spoon—I know I do!

• Horarium changes: The community met twice this summer to discuss adaptations in the schedule. Following a June 26 meeting, it was decided to combine the 7 o’clock Morning Prayer and the community Mass. For three

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

Haustus

Roasted Grape Tomato Appetizer (Serves 4–6) • 1 pint red grape tomatoes, washed and dried • 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced • Olive oil • Kosher salt • Crackers, pita, or toasted bread for serving Preheat oven to 425°F. Scatter tomatoes and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Use your hands to mix them well. Keep the garlic pieces within the grouping of tomatoes, as stray bits of garlic will burn in the oven. Generously drizzle the tomatoes and garlic with olive oil. Massage it all around with your hands so that all the tomatoes are coated with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Place the baking sheet in the oven to roast for about 20–25 minutes, or until tomatoes are bursting and some of them are getting a bit of char. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Using the side of a metal spatula or a potato masher, gently break up the tomatoes and mix well with the garlic. Be careful: the tomatoes will squirt juice all over the place! Transfer to a bowl and serve as a topping for crackers or toasted bread. Photos: Aaron Miller

Fall 2019

Benedictine Compassion

In Memoriam Please join the monastic community in prayerful remembrance of our deceased family members and friends: Knute Anderson, O.S.B. Ronald Baenninger Lawrence “Larry” Barnett, O.S.B. Marguerite Baxter, O.S.B. Albert Becker, O.S.C. Judith “Judy” Bell Melissa Danielle Borash Jerome Coller, O.S.B. Corwin Collins, O.S.B. Peter T. Crudele Aldean Cummings Meinrad Dindorf, O.S.B. Joyce N. Dinndorf Linda J. Dinndorf Grace Donovan, O.S.B. Mary Jane “MJ” Edney Nancy A. Evans Rita JoAnne Fasching Joyce Fournier, O.S.B. Martin “Marty” Gallagher Ordice Gallups Jr., Obl.S.B. Vincent “Vince” Gebes Mary Jean Gust, O.S.B. Albert Hauser, O.S.B. Petronilla Hermann, O.S.B. Philip Jerome Heymans Henry Orin Holstad

James W. “Jim” Hoolihan LaVerne Hudalla, O.S.B. Rosemary Huebsch, O.S.B. Richard P. “Dick” Iten, Obl.S.B. Martha Kieffer, C.S.J. Kenny M. Klassen Rev. Sylvester Kleinschmidt Marie E. Krebsbach Jean M. Leighton Thomas R. Leimer Donald “Donnie” Linz John Greening Lischke Mary B. MacDonald Judith “Judy” Maiers Denis Meade, O.S.B. Audrey Meierhofer Mark M. Meixensperger Robert A. “Bob” Merdan Nancy Meulendyke, Obl.S.B. Lester V. “Les” Meyer John J. Musech Stephen Nazaruk, O.S.B. Timothy Paul Ojile Matthew Joseph “Matt” Oliver Charles H. “Chuck” O’Malley Loren Raymond Pauly Edward L. Pintok

Adrian Piotrowski, O.S.C. Martin A. “Marty” Reker William Dean “Bill” Roering Deacon Jerome Roth Stephen B. Rudzitis Bob Russell Gus W. Schloesser, O.S.C. Josephine Louise Schroeder Theresa Schumacher, O.S.B. George “Kent” Seaman Jr. Rev. Earl C. Simonson Peter O. Sovell John Philip “Phil” Suehr, O.S.C. William Sullivan, O.S.B. Mary Tavis Hilary Thimmesh, O.S.B. Rev. James A. Thoennes Carvell A. “Carv” Trudeau Jean Vanier Donald “Donnie” Ward Teresa A. Watson, Obl.S.B. John L. Werner June Witucki Heinrich Wurdak Dennis W. Yurczyk Mary Louise Ziga, Obl.S.B.

Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of God’s 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/.

Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

he works of the wonderful writer Karen Armstrong are always worth reading—especially when she turns her attention to the Golden Rule. On that subject she draws a close connection between being merciful and being compassionate. She writes: “Compassion asks us to look into our own hearts, discover what gives us pain, and then refuse, under any circumstance whatsoever, to inflict that pain on anybody else.”

This is about as close to a “Benedictine” definition of compassion as can be found. Saint Benedict envisioned a life together that was not just prayerful and productive, but, more than anything else, peaceful. The brothers were to vie with each other in showing respect and concern (RB 72)—which confirms how countercultural his idea of the common life really was and still is. In Benedict’s day—not unlike our own—human society was fragmented, divisive, contentious, and dangerous. The remnants of Roman class warfare made the social fabric weak and unsustainable. What our founder offered was an “antisocial” response, one in which the monastery would be something of a utopia, even if it were just a microcosm. The members of the community were to strive to love and serve one another without attention to class, age, or rank. He insisted that monks consider others’ needs before their own, even if it meant swallowing their pride and going without something they desired.

By showing compassion, we create compassion.

Imagine how that model could transform today’s society! Instead of measuring success in terms of power, money, or influence, we might see the successful as those who serve the most, who care the most, who show compassion the most. If we were to act on Karen Armstrong’s insight, we could transform our world simply (if that is a realistic word!) by refusing to inflict our pain on anyone else—and thereby address the root of all strife. We all have pain in our lives, some of it unimaginable and debilitating. However, if that pain were something we could shoulder in our own lives, refusing to cast it on someone else, then the cycles of hate, disrespect, inequality, and revenge would not have the fuel to burn as brightly. In offering more compassion—from within our deepest selves—we would likely find more compassion directed at us. By showing compassion, we create compassion and entirely new cycles of human interaction begin to grow. Saint Benedict’s idea was big, but over the last 1500 years, small groups of human beings have shown it is doable. Perhaps this is what monasteries today have to offer the world: a vision of what is possible in living together.

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Fall 2019 Volume 19, Number 2

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

19 Benedictine Lessons Learned Katie Bergstrom

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

5 Centering Prayer Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

20 Lives of the Benedictine Saints: John Gualbert Richard Oliver, O.S.B.

52 Cloister Light

22 Meet a Monk: Stephen Beauclair Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

56 Fifty Years Ago

6 Monastic Profession and Jubilees 10 Benedictine Volunteer Corps Michael Reilly

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

12 Avon Hills Initiative John Geissler

24 Obituary: Jerome Coller

57 Monks in the Kitchen: Haustus Ælred Senna, O.S.B.

25 Obituary: Meinrad Dindorf

14 Growth in God’s Garden Martin F. Connell

58 In Memoriam

26 Obituary: Knute Anderson

59 Benedictine Compassion Timothy Backous, O.S.B.

16 The Spanish Flu Pandemic Lucián López, O.S.B. 18 Rule of Benedict: It Takes All Kinds Eric Hollas, O.S.B.

27 Obituary: Corwin Collins 28 The Bells of Saint John’s Aaron Raverty, O.S.B. 32 Thanksgiving Douglas Mullin, O.S.B.

The Spiritual Life Program of Saint John’s Abbey offers private and directed retreats throughout the year. Private retreats provide solitude for rest, reading, reflection, a walk in the woods, and prayer, including the opportunity to join the monks for prayer services. Directed retreats include one-to-one conversation with a spiritual director. Meals are served in the abbey guesthouse dining room. Retreatants choose dates that fit their schedule. Abbey Weekend Retreats 6–8 December 2019: Advent Retreat. Presented by Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B. 27–29 December 2019: Year-End Retreat. Presented by Father Michael Peterson, O.S.B. Retreats begin with supper at 5:30 P.M. on Friday and conclude Sunday after lunch. Cost: Single room, $195; double room, $340 ($170 per person). Register online at abbeyguesthouse.org; call the Spiritual Life Office: 320.363.3929; or email: spirlife@osb.org.