Sister Monica Raway, OSB, jokes and laughs easily as she talks about her life and what her roles have been in Community. “I am a jack of all trades,” she says with a laugh. When asked what this means she mentions that she has worked in housekeeping as head laundress, as a cook, and even spent some time as the official chauffeur for the Monastery. When asked if she was a good driver, she just says “of course” as if she does everything well.
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In Memoriam: Sister Mary Joanne Lusk, OSB
March 2021
Sister Mary Joanne Lusk was born on August 15, 1933, to Joseph and Ann (Bilek) in New Prague, Minnesota, the eldest daughter in a family of two children. Her younger brother, John, died shortly after birth. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Redeemer parish in Montgomery, MN. In 1951, she entered the scholasticate at St. Paul’s Priory. She entered the novitiate on June 16, 1952, and made her First Profession of Vows on December 19, 1953. She was given the name Gertrude and later returned to the name of Mary Joanne (in honor of her father Joseph and her mother Ann). She attended the College of St. Catherine, earning a BA degree in Elementary Education and Sociology in 1961.
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February 2021 E-Newsletter
February 2021
As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of St. Scholastica on Feb 10, I recall how St. Scholastica prayed with tears when she offered her prayer to God – asking God to do something, ANYTHING to allow her to spend more time with her brother Benedict, knowing that it might be the last time she would see him.
The need for prayer at this time in history is so great: for relief from the pandemic, for peace in our country and the world, and for all who are hungry and homeless. At the Monastery, we hold you, our friends in our daily prayers. We also appreciate your prayers for us!
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Sisters’ Words of Wisdom: Sister Lois Hauwiller, OSB
February 2021
Born on March 25, 1936, Sister Lois remembered that “Mother said I came early and I am glad, as I arrived on the Feast of the Annunciation, and Mary is very precious to me.” Sister Lois, christened Lois Louise Ann Hauwiller in the St. Bonifacius Parish in Minnesota, was welcomed to the family of Francis and Catherine Hauwiller, as their second oldest child.
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The History of the West Suburban Benedictines Study Group
February 2021
There was once a group of Benedictine Oblates of St. Paul’s Monastery who asked a basic question when starting a study group on the Rule of St. Benedict. What should we use as our study guide? After discussing the many great books that have been written about the Rule, we made our selection. If we were going to study the Rule of St. Benedict, we would use the Rule of St. Benedict as our study guide.
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In Remembrance of Sister Joan Utecht, OSB
February 2021
Karin Barrett delivered the eulogy at Sister Joan's service. The following is the eulogy as written and spoken.
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