Benedictine Friends
What is the Benedictine Friends Program?
The question, “How can we get to know more sisters?” was the catalyst that began a way for students of the College of Saint Benedict and sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery to form friendships over the past 40+ years. Although the program’s name changed from Sisters Across Campus to Prayer Partners to Benedictine Friends, the purpose has stayed the same: to come to know one another by listening to each other with the ear of our hearts as St. Benedict so wisely suggested 15 centuries ago.
Coming to know one another may happen during one-on-one contacts through phone calls, letters, technology, and in non-COVID times, meals and prayers together, as well being present at various events on campus. At other times, planned Benedictine Friends Programs provide both information as well as opportunities for students to get to know one another and other sisters. Frequently, these relationships continue to grow long after graduation through various forms of communication and/or being present at weddings, baptisms and funerals. One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is that the leadership of the Benedictine Friends Program has always been shared by both students and sisters.
Message From the Director, Sister Lois Wedl
Welcome to the Benedictine Friends Program! GREAT news! There is no deadline for signing up to become a member of Benedictine Friends. In fact, several sisters would be happy to welcome you today! When students ask the question: “What is the Benedictine Friends Program?” I tell them I see it more as a wonderful relationship with a Benedictine sister than a program.
This year, because of COVID-19, several face-to-face activities have had to change; however, students from the College of Saint Benedict and the sisters of the monastery have found great delight in getting to know each other through letters, Zoom, phone calls, photos, emails and other ways instead of personal face-to-face contact.
For more information about this wonderful program/relationship, please contact me at lwedl@csbsju.edu or (320) 241-6526. I’ll be happy to tell you how you can become a friend with one of the wonderful sisters.
All photos were taken pre-COVID.