January 2025

Issue #46

Reflections from the Hill
Occasional Outreach from the Benedictine Sisters

Peace in this New Year

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the Lord—plans for your welfare and not for woe,

so as to give you a future of hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Please pray for Sister Lissy Sebastian, OSB


Sr. Lissy Sebastian from the Benedictine Sisters of Christu Jyothi in India was transported to University Hospital with life-threatening injuries on December 17 after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy intersection on San Pedro Ave. The Archdiocese shared that Sr. Lissy resides near Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and has been a participant of the Mother Cabrini Center at Mount Sacred Heart School since October 2023. Two members of Sr. Lissy’s religious community traveled from Delaware to be with her during this time.


Sister Bernadine went to University Hospital to be with the Sisters in support of Sr. Lissy. (Pictured above L-R) Sr. Joicy, Sr. Bernadine, and Sr. Jancey.

The Sisters and Co-Ministers enjoyed a tasty Christmas gathering filled with good cheer at the Monastery


On December 10th the Sisters hosted our annual Christmas party luncheon for the Co-ministers (staff) from all of the ministries. We enjoyed a delicious turkey lunch by local caterer, Karen Brickey, of Angel Food Catering.


After lunch, the group played a few rounds of Bingo and there were lots of laughs. Then we all gathered in the lobby for our Christmas gift exchange. Everyone was grateful for the special time together.

December proved to be filled with challenges for us with the Health and Wholeness Center's heater in the pool area - but we are having it replaced on Friday, January 3, and are on track to have the pool re-opened by January.


Even though the pool was closed, the Center remained open during the week of December 16th, and Health & Wholeness Center members gathered for a Soup & Chili potluck on the 19th.

Thank you, Lauren!


Our employee, Lauren Reeh, is quite and artist!


She brightens things up at the Health & Wholeness Center by decorating the windows for us.

She brightens the day with her smile, too.

Bonnie Caruso

Our December Oblate Advent Retreat Day was a Blessing!


The Sisters, Oblates and Initial Formation candidates participated in an Advent Retreat Day of Reflection in December.


Bonnie Caruso gave a wonderful, engaging, and heartfelt presentation to the group. And she also allowed time for the participants to wander out from the conference room and find a peaceful place around the Monastery to reflect.


The Sisters provided lunch and it was a truly enriching day - a perfect way to enter deeply into Advent season together.

MISSION STATEMENT
We are called to seek God in community and to respond in ministry through sharing our spirituality and addressing the needs of the people we serve, especially the poor.

Learn ways you can support our mission
Click here to visit our website
Facebook  Instagram