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Monastery Happenings

 

Happenings Archives

 

We Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery,

and sponsors of the University of Mary,

 offer our heartfelt congratulations to the University of Mary

as the recipient of The Chamber Bismarck-Mandan

"Granite Award" on June 11, 2009. 

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Believing in Belize

Sister Nancy Gunderson, and theology students from the University of Mary, just returned from a unique missionary experience in Belize.

Located in the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America and bordering Mexico and Guatemala, Belize boasts dense jungles, markets and the second longest barrier reef, the Cays.

In an effort to spread the word of Jesus, Sister Nancy and the students ministered in the village of San Estevan, visited door-to-door, taught children in Vacation Bible School in the classroom and provided supplies to the orphanage. They stocked a library of children’s books and painted the school.

  Sister Nancy painting the school.

Much pre-trip preparation was required, mentally, spiritually and physically. Each missionary was allowed to take 50 lbs. of supplies to Belize. "The mission group we were hosted by is Praying Pelican Missions," said Sister Nancy. "They briefed us about what to expect during our time in Belize." The missionaries’ schedule was enough to make your head swim. Each day began at 7 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m. After their eight-day ministry in Belize, missionaries were provided time for debriefing because, as Sister Nancy explained, "There is no doubt we have been forever changed by this experience." She enjoyed connecting with the women of Belize and learning about their culture. "I felt humbled to experience their complete trust and openness to us."

This woman is showing Sister Nancy a "custard apple," - common to Belize.

Why are we sharing this with you? We want you to know of our gratitude and that, through your support, you are truly making a difference. Missionary experiences are part of our initial formation program. Our sisters are required to participate in a mission experience to serve the broader world and respond to the needs of its people. We see these opportunities as a powerful way to spread the mission of Jesus.

Sister Nancy shares a group hug.

We thank you so much for your friendship. Please pray for all of the missionaries who participated in this work and for the beautiful people of Belize - that they continue to benefit from the message and service offered by the missionaries.

 

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Sister Hannah Runs Half Marathon

With her trademark infectious enthusiasm, Sister Hannah was all smiles after completing the Fargo Marathon on May 9.  Finishing her first half marathon (10k=13mi), in an impressive time of 1:50:58 and placing number 65 out of 544 race participants in her division, she is eager to run another race. "Running is refreshing and exhilarating in every sense - physically, mentally and spiritually," says Sister Hannah. Congratulations, Sister Hannah!

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Sister Thomas Welder Tribute

A Legacy of Leadership

April 24, 2009 ~ Bismarck Civic Center
 

  Prioress Sister Nancy Miller and incoming University of Mary President, Father James Patrick Shea,  read Pope Benedict's special Papal Blessing to Sister Thomas Welder. (Photo courtesy of Jerald Anderson, University of Mary)

Over 1,300 people attended the "Friends of Sister Thomas Welder" Tribute

Governor John Hoeven remarked on the tremendous leadership Sister Thomas has provided to the University of Mary as well as to the state of North Dakota and beyond.

Sister Thomas acknowledges the standing ovation by 1,300 people. (Photo courtesy of Jerald Anderson, University of Mary)

The crowd of 1,300 people and presenters sing along in a blessing to Sister Thomas sung by Job Christianson.  Pictured on stage, (from left to right) are:  Bishop Robert Lynne, Harry Pearce, Sheila Schafer, Greg Nelson, Sister Thomas Welder (with Star Blanket presented by the United Tribes), Martin White, and Kevin Cramer.  (Photo courtesy of Jerald Anderson, University of Mary)

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Ecumenical Prayer Service

Celebrating the Legacy and Leadership

of Sister Thomas Welder

Sister Thomas Welder, president of the University of Mary, was honored in a prayer service on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel.  Among many friends gathered, a touching "Litany of Gratitude" was offered by University of Mary Vice Presidents, division chairs & teaching faculty, Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, administrative & support staff and students.

Sister Thomas Welder, OSB

Sister Nancy Miller offered the following greeting at the prayer service:

"It is indeed an honor to welcome you this morning to a prayer service that celebrates the life and leadership of Sister Thomas.  Sister Thomas has been an integral part of this university for many years and it is truly fitting that we gather as a faith community to mark this moment in time and to give thanks to God for the gift of her life among us.

'Robert Greenleaf says that "good leaders must first become good servants." To be a good servant means to live out all those Benedictine values that we emphasize.  We have all seen the many ways that Sister Thomas has been servant here at the university.  But her living out the values began long before she became involved with the University of Mary.  Her family life was steeped in values and prayer was always important.  These values deepened as a Benedictine Sister.  Her faithfulness to her Benedictine community life and prayer has sustained her in all that she has done.

'What better way to honor Sister Thomas and show our gratitude than to gather in prayer.  Sister Thomas, we thank you for your faithful leadership and for all you have done for us.  Our prayer for you is this:  May God continue to sustain you in all you do and may the blessing you have been to others return to you a hundredfold."

~On behalf of all of the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Sister Nancy Miller offered:  "We are the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery.  We are the founders and sponsors of the University of Mary, and represent the many Benedictine women, who have courageously dedicated their lives to seeking God in prayer, lectio, and service and who have had the privilege of collaborating with many others to further the mission of Jesus.  Sister Thomas, you have mirrored us well, shepherding our beloved university these past 31 years.  Together we have worked to serve the religious, academic, and cultural needs of the people in this area.  Our community has nurtured connections with others in a spirit of hospitality, respect, moderation, service and prayer.  We are most grateful for your leadership, always shored up by our community's prayers and support.  For this vision and direction, we offer - from your home - our heartfelt thanks to you, Sister Thomas.  You have touched our lives in many ways and made a difference in the world."

 

 

Holy Week Blessings

Sister Gemma makes Hot Cross Buns (for recipe, click "From Our Kitchen")

We have many beautiful Holy Week traditions, including the baking and blessing of Hot Cross Buns before the Agape meal.  We enjoy wonderful community and private prayer, the washing of the feet, and silence from the evening of Holy Thursday through the Easter Vigil.  Easter Sunday is truly a glorious day of praise and celebration.  We wish you all the blessings of Easter!

 

Sister Ralphine and Sister Edith dye Easter eggs

Sister Michael, Sister Hildegarde and Colleen

Sister Grace and Sister Michael

Sister Miriam

The finished product - "all of our eggs in one basket!"

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Sisters, Songs and "Shake, Rattle and Dough"

As part of Benedictine Awareness Days at the University of Mary, our Sisters held a special Mass for students and staff this morning.  (See reflection by Prioress Sister Nancy Miller, below photos).  The sisters also served up an afternoon treat of 50s music and donut holes (dropped into baggies and topping - cinnamon, powdered sugar, cocoa).  A refreshment bar of hot chocolate and special coffees were also offered in the University's "Marauder's Cove." 

Here are some of our sisters - ready to serve up some donut holes!

Sister Hannah demonstrates proper form for eating donut holes.

Just add your favorite toppings and "shake, shake, shake"

Sisters Gemma, Nancy and Kathleen taste the treats before the event - they called it "quality control"....

 

 

 

 

 


       
         

 

       

 

 

Annunciation Monastery Gift Shop

 

 

Come visit us and browse through our shop. We have handmade cards for various occasions, pottery, gift bags, and embroidered dish towels among other gift items. Most items are created by the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. Check out the new DVD of our history.

 

 
 

Annunciation Monastery

7520 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504. 701-255-1520