Sister Karen’s quiet demeanor can be deceiving. She does not often speak about her many ministries, talents or interests—all of which are grounded in her early life. Working with her mother in gardening gave her a love for nature which developed into an aptitude for photography. Her beautiful photographs became sought-after greeting cards and framed pictures.

The oldest of three, S. Karen learned responsibility by caring for her younger siblings. This included playing with them as well as helping with homework. She was a gifted teacher at a young age. S. Karen earned an elementary teaching degree with a minor in photography from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in Eau Claire, Wis., and for 30 years, she taught third graders in diocesan schools throughout the Diocese of La Crosse and enjoys recounting humorous stories of her teaching experience.

S. Karen paid for her education working nights at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire on a computer as large as a room. Her parents, Bernard and Pauline, were her first teachers: She learned domestic skills from her mother and practical skills from her father. This prepared her for food service management, one of many roles at Saint Bede Monastery in Eau Claire where she entered after graduating from college. Drawn by her love for God, she pursued a graduate degree in spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., with an emphasis in spiritual direction. This began a significant ministry of journeying with others seeking to grow closer to God.

Together with 28 members of Saint Bede Monastery, S. Karen transferred to Saint Benedict’s Monastery in August 2010. Her life and professional experiences, combined with personal gifts, prepared her for varied ministries and leadership at both monasteries. They include full-time teacher, vocation/formation ministry, community secretary, treasurer, archivist, committee member and photographer. Simultaneously, she supplied craft items for the monastery gift shop.

Presently, S. Karen resides at Saint Scholastica Convent, our retirement community in St. Cloud, Minn., where she joins her sisters in living Benedictine life, a communal life of prayer and work.

Profile written by Michaela Hedican, OSB, and Ruth Feeney, OSB