The last several days the story of Job has been in my prayer and reflection.  We meet Job in the Old Testament as he rebounds from losing everything meaningful in his life - his family and possessions.  We encounter him in a very vulnerable state.  When all is lost he turns to God and, after a struggle, is blessed abundantly.  The last we know of Job he is praising the wonder of God who brought him from nothing to life.  At he heart of this story is Job’s struggle to let go of many meaningful parts of his life in order to receive from God a new life.  You might find in Job inspiration to address those changes in your life and to learn Trust in a gracious God who is with you. Continue Reading »

Tags: Job's lessons

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

“O God you are eternal life and everlasting peace by your essence,” prayed the seventy-some women and men who participated in the 3rd annual Muslim/Christian Women’s Dialogue, sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Rock Island. The doors opened with flowing crowds coming from their study clubs, their Scripture groups, coming with their spouses, their daughters, their mothers and by themselves. They came until all chairs were filled and the room was electrified with greetings of, “It is so good to see you again!” “I don’t recall your name but you were at my table last year!” Continue Reading »

Tags: Christian and Muslim dialogue

Jesus often used images in His teaching to create profound messages. A recent Gospel, for example, used the image of a small mustard seed growing into a sturdy tree. How amazing that from a small kernel grows a large tree! Metaphorically, most of us would have our doubts that something meaningful could come from something so small.  Continue Reading »

Tags: discernment, mustard seed

Getting up the courage to tell friends and family that you want to become a Sister can be nerve-wracking. How will they react? Our latest newsletter, Steps, explores that question with the parents of one of our newest members. Check it out!

Tags: parents reactions to joining a convent

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to attend the Quad City Symphony concert. It was a bold concert, featuring the work of Peter Tchaikovsky. Listening to the many instruments blending together to create the whole work, I thought of God’s work creating each of us.

Like a creative composer, God entwines many movements to bring our lives to this very moment. It is a softness of the strings, the brazen brass, the deep tuba, the breeze of the woodwinds that bring a symphony to life. It is the soft, bold and deep experiences of our lives that lead to God. Continue Reading »

Tags: discernment

Every year we have a Halloween party. Here are some shots from years past!

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Tags: Halloween