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Archived
Monastery Happenings
May 2008
Eucharistic Liturgy for Prioress
Sister Nancy Miller
May 17, 2008
Prioress Sister Nancy Miller addresses guests at
the Eucharistic Liturgy.
The Most Reverend Paul Zipfel, DD, Bishop of
Bismarck, takes the offertory gifts
from Sister Nancy's parents, Joyce and Paul
Miller.
Bishop Zipfel presided over the Eucharistic
liturgy, bestowing the blessing of the universal Church upon Sister Nancy
Miller. Father Daniel Maloney served as concelebrant.
Sister Thomas Welder led the choir and
congregation in songs of celebration and praise.
(Front, lt. to rt.) Sister Michaela Hedican,
president of the Federation of St. Benedict and Sister Nancy Miller.
(Back, lt. to rt.) Bishop Paul Zipfel and Father Daniel Maloney.
Rite of Installation~May 16, 2008
Sister Nancy Miller, osb
Eighth Prioress of Annunciation
Monastery
(lt. to rt.) Sister Michaela Hedican, president of
the Federation of St. Benedict, and Sister Susan Berger, who is presenting
Sister Nancy Miller a copy of the Rule of St. Benedict.
Sister Susan Berger places the cross necklace, a
symbol of the office of a monastic leader, on new prioress, Sister Nancy Miller.
Each sister comes forward to express the covenant
of their bond to one another as members of a Benedictine community by placing
her folded hands into the hands of Sister Nancy Miller as they bow to each
other.
(lt. to rt.) Sister Rebecca Mayer, Sister Joanne
Graham and Sister Nancy Miller.
Sister Nancy Miller's family members joined her at
the Rite of Installation.
Prioress Sister Nancy Miller takes her place among
former prioresses (lt. to rt.): Sisters Joanne Graham, Kathryn Zimmer, Susan
Lardy, Miriam Schmitt, Susan Berger. (Not pictured: Sister Edane Volk)
*More photos to come from the
Eucharistic Liturgy celebrating the Installation of Sister Nancy Miller, osb, as
Prioress on May 17, 2008! Please check back!
* * * * *
Sister Rachel Mayer Honored at "Surprise"
Retirement Party
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit ~ May 9, 2008
After coordinating and presenting a "living
rosary" of Cathedral students holding candles, Sister Rachel was surprised with
a lovely tribute for her faithful dedication to planning children's liturgies.
It was said that Sister Rachel has planned an estimated 760 school liturgies!
Sister Rachel is retiring as children's liturgist, however, she will continue in
her position as the director of RCIA at Cathedral Parish and in the archives at
Annunciation Monastery.
Sister Rachel received gifts, cards, good wishes
and lots of hugs!
Several Sisters of Annunciation Monastery
attended. They joined
parishioners, staff and students in a hearty
standing ovation of appreciation!
* * * * *
The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery
joyfully announce the election of
Sister Nancy Miller as Prioress
Following a weekend of prayer and discernment, the Benedictine Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, have elected a new prioress, Sister Nancy
Miller, OSB. Sister Nancy succeeds Sister Susan Berger, who has served her
limit of 12 years as prioress. Sister Nancy Miller will be installed as
prioress on May 16, 2008.
“I
am truly humbled and overwhelmed at the faith my community of sisters has
placed in me,” admits Sister Nancy. “In the days and weeks to come, I will
learn more about what this really means in terms of my responsibilities as
prioress. At this point, I cherish and appreciate the love and support
surrounding me.”
Born
and raised in Harvey, ND, to Joyce and Paul Miller, Sister Nancy is the
fifth of eight children. She became acquainted with the Sisters of
Annunciation Monastery while she attended the University of Mary where she
received her undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s
degree in management.
As
prioress, Sister Nancy will provide leadership in the Sisters’ sponsored
institutions: St. Alexius Medical Center, the University of Mary and
Garrison Memorial Hospital. She will serve as president of the board at St.
Alexius Medical Center and the University of Mary.
As
the spiritual and administrative leader of the religious community, Sister
Nancy will guide the sisters in the implementation of their new long-range
plan. “I am excited about the directions our community has chosen in the
next four years,” says Sister Nancy. “We will work with our colleagues in
our sponsored institutions to ensure that Catholic, Christian and
Benedictine values are strengthened and integrated into the lives of the
people we minister to. We continue to invite women to explore their vocation
to monastic life with our community. Another direction for us is to continue
efforts in becoming better stewards of the Earth. We also want to respond
to the contemporary hunger for God by offering spirituality programs,
spiritual direction and a peaceful, prayerful place for people to come and
be refreshed through our Hospitality Center.”
Following the leadership of Prioress Sister Susan Berger feels a bit
intimidating, admits Sister Nancy. “Today I feel like it’s impossible to
follow in her footsteps. She is dearly loved and we are where we are today,
largely because of her leadership. I hope to be as compassionate and
obedient as she and our past prioresses have been. They have provided a
wonderful example for me and for all of us in community.”
A
member of Annunciation Monastery since 1991, Miller has served in numerous
capacities. Her past ministries include working in the Monastery business
office, serving as director of the University of Mary bookstore,
administrative assistant at the Monastery and director of Campus Ministry at
the University of Mary. Most recently she has served in an administrative
role at the Monastery where she supervised dietary, maintenance, and the
day-to-day operations.
Sister Nancy loves to be outdoors, enjoying the beauty surrounding the
Monastery. She can often be found with her nose in a book, or out walking
or riding bike. She wishes she had more opportunities to play racquetball.
She also cherishes time spent with her community of sisters, family and
friends.
The
journey looks exciting for the sisters as they vision for the future. “We
Sisters of Annunciation Monastery are going to be here for the people of the
Bismarck Diocese and beyond. Our stability and commitment gives us the
energy and vibrancy that will be long-lasting and far-reaching,” says Sister
Nancy with conviction.
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