Canticle of St. Gertrude 1www.StGertrudes.org

Witnessing HopeFifty-three prioresses assembled in BeechGrove, Indiana for our annual meeting of theConference of American Benedictine Prioresses fromJanuary 27 – February 3. The highlight for me washelping prepare for the sixth international BenedictineWomen’s Symposium in Rome, September 8 – 15,when Abbesses and Prioresses from around the worldwill gather for a week of prayer, presentations, anddialogue on “Benedictine Women: Witnesses ofHope.”

Our discussions were focused on “What does it meanto be a witness of hope today?” These reflectionswere powerful and I envy those going to Rome forthe international conversations. The question of hopestays with me. Hope is about putting our hearts andhands to a task that is meaningful and then havingconfidence in the future, whatever that might be. Howis St. Gertrude’s a witness to such hope?

Our 2008-2020 Strategic Plan has become a pathwayof hope to a preferred future through our Vision which

draws us together in service of others and reaffirmshealing hospitality, grateful simplicity and creativepeacemaking as the hallmarks of whatever ministrieswe do. It calls for increasing membership of themonastic community, the oblates and volunteers. Weinvite women to consider becoming Sisters here if theyfind this a life-giving context for living out God’s callto them. For example, Novice Wendy Olin’s firstMonastic Profession on July 24 expresses her desireto be a witness of hope to all she will serve.

When JulieAnn Horras and Dawn Howell becameoblates on April 11th, they joined 70 others in livingBenedictine spirituality and bringing our vision andvalues far beyond the monastery. From serving at theRaspberry Festival to chairing the Social JusticeCommittee, Oblates witness hope to us and extendChrist’s light to the world.

Our volunteer program brings another partnership ofhope. Fred and Jeannette Kelley moved here fromWashington three years ago to partner with us longterm. Hundreds have come for shorter times. Thevolunteers’ assistance allows our members to continueministering in schools, hospitals, and parishes. We aredeeply grateful for such dedication.

The generosity of our families, friends and benefactorsstrengthens our efforts to be witnesses of hope in manyways. A significant example is providing resources forthe renewal and support that thousands of retreatantsexperience at Spirit Center.

Hope exists within people now. Hope is about joiningwith others, putting our hearts and hands to a taskthat is meaningful and then trusting that effort to theGod of newness, hope and surprises. Thanks to somany of you, we come closer to doing just that! �

Canticle of St. Gertrude, a Journal of Our Life

Spring 2010

How could we tire of hope? So much is in bud. Denise Levertov

Photo JulieAnn Horras and Dawn Howell became Oblates of theMonastery of St. Gertrude during the Oblate Retreat on April 11.Pictured left to right are Oblates Martha Eckhoff, JulieAnn Horras,Jeannette Kelley, Prioress Clarissa Goeckner, Sister TeresaJackson, Oblates Kate Muldoon and Dawn Howell.

Prayer awakens. Justice impels. Compassion acts. Thy Kingdom Come.2 Spring 2010

When Sister Louise Olberding requested herbaptismal certificate, the parish secretarydiscovered that the priest had recorded the baptismunder the name Mary Gertrude instead of GladysMarie.

“Gertrude was watching over me allthose years and I didn’t know it,” saidSister Louise, who marked 60 yearsas a Benedictine from St. Gertrude’sin 2009.

Although she always wanted to be anun, Sr. Louise felt more deeply calledto be a missionary. “From earlychildhood, I wanted to lead people to Jesus,” shesaid. Inspired by the Medical Missionaries sheadmired and the Holy Cross Sisters who were herteachers, she was ready.

Growing up, she was surrounded by religious sisters.Her aunt, Franciscan Sr. Richard, visited her familyoften in Nebraska and later in Emmett, Idaho. Sr.Richard was a dedicated teacher who inspired GladysMarie to religious life.

Sisters from St. Gertrude’s taught summer catechismin Emmett and sometimes boarded at the Olberdinghome. One of these Sisters asked Gladys Marie, “Doyou think you’d like to be a Sister?”

“I AM going to be a Sister,” Gladys Marie answeredmatter-of-factly and she accepted the sisters’ invitationto visit St. Gertrude’s.

Her parents sent her to boardingschool for two years, hoping she’dchange her mind about enteringreligious life. However, on her 17thbirthday, she walked up the steep frontsteps of the Monastery of St.Gertrude.

Sr. Louise began teaching soon afterher first monastic profession in 1949.She attended Gonzaga University and

St. Louis University, earning degrees in medicaltechnology and hospital administration. She ministeredat nursing homes in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Later, at St.

Vincent Hospital inPortland, shediscovered her giftfor pastoral carewhich she sharedfor 30 years withpatients and staff.

In 2000, shemoved back to themonastery forhealth reasons.“I’m happy to behere,” she said.“Belonging to agroup with thesame life goals is

the most wonderful part of being a Sister at St.Gertrude’s.”

Sr. Louise spends her days in prayer and reflection.She offers a basic formula for deepening one’srelationship with God: “Strike up a conversation withGod regarding your concerns. Ask for his help. Learnto say, ‘I love you, God, and thanks for the goodthings you have done for me!’” �

Sister Louise Olberding a Vocation Story

“Belonging to a groupwith the same lifegoals is the mostwonderful part ofbeing a Sister at St.

Gertrude’s.”Sister Louise Olberding

Photos Sister Louise Olberding today; and on the shoreof Idaho’s Salmon River in the 1960’s.

Canticle of St. Gertrude 3www.StGertrudes.org

Membership Developments

The development office cherishes strengtheningconnections with as many of you as possible.Assisted by our development advisory council andother sisters, we are meeting with Friends of theMonastery throughout the Northwest to say ThankYou, hear your insights and perceptions of theMonastery and how we can serve you better, andshare upcoming initiatives and events at the Monastery.Thanks to the 100-plus participants in the Boise areain March. Congratulations to Mary Durham ofCaldwell who won the drawing for a night for two atthe Inn at St. Gertrude. Next gatherings will be inLewiston/Clarkston, Moscow/Pullman, and on theCamas Prairie.

Priority initiatives to reach our vision and mission are:• Growing the endowments for the HistoricalMuseum at St. Gertrude and Spirit Center.• Replacing five miles of water pipeline toprovide sufficient water to irrigate the Monastery’sgardens and grounds; and to provide adequate fireprevention/protection.• Establishing a Fund for Alternative EnergyResources to research and use more efficient,environmentally friendly fuel resources.

Many thanks for your contributions totaling over$400,000 toward our Annual Fund for FY 2010.Thanks to those trying our new Donate Online option,at www.StGertrudes.org. Please consider includingthe Idaho Corporation of Benedictine Sisters in yourwill or other form of Planned Giving. Thank you. �Info: 208-962-5062 or develop@stgertrudes.org

Knowing one’s vocation or life call often startswith a small, nagging thought: “Is this all there is?”People usually come to a point in their life when theybegin to wonder about the deeper purpose of theirlife. Attending to these thoughts about meaning maybe the beginning of a profound invitation to followGod in a more intentional way.

At the Monastery of St. Gertrude we are a communityof women who have experienced those thoughts andcontinually strive to respond to God’s call inBenedictine monastic life. Through a life of dailyprayer, community and ministry we walk together,seeking to know God in ever deeper ways.

We offer many ways to help people explore theinvitations of God in their life. For single, Catholicwomen 18-60 we offer support in discerning a call toprofessed life in our monastery. For people of allbackgrounds we offer opportunities for retreats,spiritual direction and volunteer positions.

Where are the whispers of God in your life? Do youhave a heart awakened by prayer, impelled by justice,and acting with compassion? Would your heart bestrengthened within a Benedictine community? Whatis God inviting you to?

To explore these invitations further please contact Sr.Teresa or Sr. Janet at: vocation@stgertrudes.org or208-962-3224. �

Left Monastery volunteer Brother Bob Wallace assists with dishes after lunch. Right Development Council Co-Chair JohnBieter speaks with Russ Thurow and Mary Bieter at a Friends of the Monastery gathering at St. Mary’s Church in Boise, Idaho.

Prayer awakens. Justice impels. Compassion acts. Thy Kingdom Come.4 Spring 2010

NEW RETREAT!The Artist’s Prayer: Exploring Spiritualitythrough Creative ExpressionKarla Neumann Smiley, Ministry Director for theUniversity of Idaho Campus Christian Center will leadthis retreat July 12–16 focusing on developingspirituality through art. With an MA in Theology andArt from the Lutheran School of Theology, Karlaserved on the Grunewald Guild, an ecumenical centerfor faith and art in Leavenworth, WA. This retreatrequires no previous art experience and all materialswill be provided. Visit www.Spirit-Center.org formore information. �

ASSISTING OTHERS IN THIS ECONOMICDOWNTURNIn these economically challenging times more andmore people request assistance to participate in SpiritCenter retreats. In response to this need, we arebuilding a Spirit Center Scholarship Fund. A donationto this fund will enable us to help underwrite the costsof individuals with limited incomes who come to SpiritCenter. Please send your donation to Spirit Center,465 Keuterville, Rd., Cottonwood, Idaho 83522. �

Spirit Center News

by Jo-Anne Zimmer, Boise, Idaho“My private retreats at Spirit Center are special timesto go to the quiet and leave my stresses at the door.A special nurturing and safe place, Spirit Center allows

me the personal freedomto totally unwind and re-charge. Relaxing, praying,meditating, or writing in myjournal, I spend much ofmy time in the comfort ofmy private room with

spectacular views of the Camas Prairie. I come toSpirit Center two to three times a year and myexperience differswith each visit, yet Ialways leave totallyrefreshed and readyto experience lifewith renewed joy.”

If you are interestedin scheduling aprivate retreat torelax and renew,please contact Sr.Lillian Englert at208-962-2071,retreat@spirit-center.org. �

Celebrating Wildflowers, June 4 – 6, 2010Carol Ann Wassmuth, OSB

Come to the Quiet, June 18 – 25, 2010Lillian Englert, OSB & Spirituality Ministry Team(Weekend only option – June 18 – 20)

The Artist’s Prayer, July 12 – 16, 2010Karla Neumann Smiley

Introduction to Holistic Living, July 16 – 18, 2010Agnes Reichlin, OSB and Carlotta Maria Fontes, OSB

Upcoming RetreatsYou Won’t Want to Miss!

Retreat Info: www.SpiritCenter.org

208-962-2000

Photo Artist Karla Neumann Smiley will be leading the Artist’sPrayer retreat.

“The more timesI come the moreI want to return!”Jo-Anne Zimmer

Photo Jo-Anne Zimmer

WHY I MAKE RETREATS AT SPIRIT CENTER

Canticle of St. Gertrude 5www.StGertrudes.org

Peace & Justice Museum News

“You Make It Happen!”A Call for Raspberry Festival VolunteersJoin nearly 3,000 people for the 18th AnnualRaspberry Festival on Sunday, August 1. Over 100volunteers are essential to the success of this fundraiserfor the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude. RaspberryFestival 2010 attendees enjoy a pancake breakfast,raspberry shortcake, jam and wine, barbeque beefsandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, live entertainment,Arts & Crafts Fair, Fun Run/Walk, Kids’ Carnival,Car Show, Quilt Show, Monastery chapel andMuseum tours, muzzleloaders, long boat and more.We deeply appreciate all who VOLUNTEER withset-up and takedown, food service, booths:information, raspberry products, refreshments;museum door, quilt show, kids’ carnival, run/walk.Reserve your VOLUNTEER spot today bycalling Sister Bernice Wessels, 208-962-2053!Find more ways to support the festival atwww.StGertrudes.org. (Click on Make a Donation)

Historical Museum Nominated for AwardIdaho Representative Walt Minnick has nominatedthe Historical Museum at St. Gertrude for the 2010National Medal for Museum and Library Service. TheInstitute of Museum and Library Services inWashington, D.C. will present several $10,000awards at the end of the year.

Upcoming Event: Chinese ConferenceJune 24-25, the Historical Museum at St. Gertrudeand Lewis-Clark State College are co-sponsoringChinese Remembering 2010, the third conferencepertaining to the history of the Chinese in Idaho. Goto www.HistoricalMuseumAtStGertrude.org or call208-962-2050 for information. �

Our community is committed to understandingand practicing peacemaking and works of justiceawakened by prayer, impelled by justice and donewith compassion. In 2001 the Monastic Councilestablished the Social Justice Committee to provideopportunities for education and action on social justiceissues. Membership includes monastic oblates andmembers. The committee meets annually to reviewthe past year, determine a focus for the coming year,and develop plans for effective action to help alleviateproblems and change the societal systems at their root.

Our present focus is the extent and impact of localand global hunger. Specific actions have included beinga sponsor of the Hunger Summit in 2008, an endorsingorganization for the Idaho Interfaith RoundtableAgainst Hunger, and participants in the annual BreadFor the World offering of letters. Individual sistersand oblates are also involved in hunger relatedprograms such as food banks.

The Gospel challenge is clear. We will find Christ inthe forgotten ones of our world. St. Benedict promotesa spirituality expressed in service to others. Ourcommunity’s strategic plan sets a specific goal todeepen our practice and promotion of social justicegrounded in the prayer of Jesus: THY KINGDOMCOME. �

Left The Social Justice committee gathers for its yearly,goal-setting meeting: (from left) Sr. Maria Elena Schaefers,Jane Somerton-Frith, Alyse Cadez, Sr. Bernadette Stang,Rick Fairbanks, Sr. Carol Ann Wassmuth. Right 2009Raspberry Festival volunteers Mary Jane Minnette andPat Goldade assist Sr. Wilma Schlangen with thepreparation of our famous raspberry shortcake.

Prayer awakens. Justice impels. Compassion acts. Thy Kingdom Come.6 Spring 2010

In Memoria

Sister Winifred (Rosanna) Lorentz, 94, diedpeacefully on March 19, 2010 at the Monastery ofSt. Gertrude. Born in Cottonwood, Idaho to Jacoband Susan (Lies) Lorentz on July 3, 1915, Sr. Winifredentered the Monastery of St. Gertrude in 1931 whereshe made Monastic Profession in 1933 and celebratedher 70th Jubilee in 2003.

She learned to play the piano very early. For fiftyyears she taught piano and accordion lessons, duringwhich time she also directed choirs in parishes andcontinued to play the organ for local parishes until sheretired in the 1990’s. She also did domestic work,chauffeured the Sisters and provided in-home care toelderly friends of the Monastery. From 1985-1999she delighted the residents at the Grangeville CareCenter with her piano music. In 1997 they honoredher for distinguished service. Her family, friends andmonastic community remember Sister Winifred asdeeply dedicated to her life’s calling and her works ofservice; also for her profound faith and trust in God’spresence and protection, her quick wit and love forbeauty. She was grateful for the health care providedin her later years. Family and friends were preciousto her and she enjoyed keeping in touch with them viaemail.

Sister Winifred is survived by her brother Ray(Bernice) Lorentz of Lewiston and brother-in-lawClifton Smith (Loretta) of Grangeville. She waspreceded in death by her parents and her brothersMax (Marie) and William (Bud) (Martha), and hersisters Helen (Bill) Gentry, and Loretta Smith. �

Sister Wilma (Hildegard) Schlangen, 94, diedpeacefully on February 1, 2010 at the Monastery ofSt. Gertrude. She entered St. Gertrude’s in 1937,made Monastic Profession there in 1939 andcelebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2009.

Her intelligence, industriousness and leadership abilitiesprepared Sister Wilma well for service as laundrymanager at St. Valentine’s Hospital in Wendell, ID,kitchen manager at St. Martin’s Abbey and Collegein Lacey, WA, dietician at St. Benedict’s Hospital inJerome, ID, director of the Kitchen at St. Gertrude’sfor 30 years and director of the gardens and orchardfor twenty-four years. Until the last year; she continuedto assist in food preservation and the production ofraspberry jam. The Museum is dedicating this year’sRaspberry Festival, August 1, to Sister Wilma to honorher commitment to tending the raspberries andoverseeing the shortcake at most of the Festivals. Herlarge family, monastic community and countless friendsremember Sr. Wilma’s zest for life, and acceptanceof others as they were even while encouraging growthand change. She inspired others by her groundedness,joyfulness, simple delight in everyday miracles, andher unfailing commitment to the community’s way oflife and its broad spectrum of outreach to others.Above all she grew into a woman of prayer with aprofound awareness of God’s goodness and mercy.

On her 70th Jubilee she said, “As I get older, I amfalling in love with Jesus who is my all. I am slowlylearning how to sit still and pray and just “be” withGod.” �

Farewell to Two St. Gertrude’s Sisters

For more about Sr. Wilma,go to www.StGertrudes.com

and click on In Memoria.

In MemoriaSr. Wilma

Schlangen

1915 - 2010

For more about Sr. Winifred,go to www.StGertrudes.com

and click on In Memoria.

In MemoriaSr. Winifred

Lorentz

1915 - 2010

Canticle of St. Gertrude 7www.StGertrudes.org

Canticle of St. Gertrude - A Journal of Our Life is published three times yearly by the Development Office at the Monastery of St. Gertrude.Sr. Mary Kay Henry, OSB, Director of Development. Contact the office at 208-962-5063 • E-mail develop@stgertrudes.org

Befriend the Earth!Printed on recycled

paper with soy ink.

Young and old, men and women—volunteers areessential to life at St. Gertrude’s. Their zest forthe ordinary, the mundane, is nothing short of inspiring.Volunteers give freely of themselves because theyknow life’s secret: The happiest people are givers.

Volunteers understand that washing dishes can changethe world. Answering phones and preparing theCanticle for mailing are good for the soul. Weedingthe garden does make the heart grow stronger. Tasksof any size can build up the Reign of God.

They come for a day, a week, sometimes stay a month.They help with a special project or an everyday task.They have time for prayer, study and recreation. Alongwith accommodations they receive abundant gratitudefrom the Sisters, and know their dedication helpsstrengthen St. Gertrude’s ability to be a light of God’spresence in a hurting world.

Perhaps for some, volunteering at the Monasterybecomes part of the YES to which DagHammarskjold refers: “I don’t know who—or what—put the question. I don’t even remember answering.But at some moment I did answer YES to someone—or something—and from that hour I was certain thatexistence is meaningful and that, therefore, my life, insurrender, had a goal.”

For information about volunteering at the Monasteryof St. Gertrude, please contact Sr. Teresa Jackson,Volunteer Coordinator, at 208-962-3224 orvolunteer@stgertrudes.org. �

Our Daily Life Monastery of St. Gertrude Volunteers

April 26-29 Sr. Clarissa Goeckner, Prioress,attended the Northwest Leadership Conferenceof Women Religious in Beaverton, Oregon.The education session was on “CourageousConversations” - ways to face conflict respect-fully, with strength and creativity.

May 6-20 St. Gertrude’s is hosting the nationalNovice and Director Institute (NADI). 11 novicesand 11 novice directors from across the U.S. willparticipate. Sr. Agnes Reichlin of St. Gertrude’sand Sr. Rose Wildeman of Ferdinand, Indiana willbe directing the workshops and retreat.

June 13 The Grand Opening of the Inn at St.Gertrude Bed & Breakfast begins with “coffee” at11:30 am, the Blessing of the Inn at 12:00 pmfollowed by visiting. Come and enjoy this newventure at the Monastery.

July 24 Novice Wendy Olin will make her firstMonastic Profession in the Monastery chapel at1:30 pm. The public is invited.

July 30-August 1 The last SGA class (1970) isholding its 40th reunion including noon meal withthe Sisters and tour of the former Academy onJuly 30, Mass with the Sisters at 6:30 pm on July31 and enjoying Raspberry Festival on August 1.

September 10 50th reunion of SGA class of 1960,including noon meal with the Sisters and a simpletour of the Monastery.

IN THE NEWS

Full stories at www.StGertrudes.org

Photo Volunteer Toni Kraut serves guests at the HistoricalMuseum at St. Gertrude’s Raspberry Festival.

innat St. Gertrude

Bed & BreakfastGift Certificates Now Available!

208-451-4321 • inn@stgertrudes.org

Care of the Land Book & GiftMONASTERY BOOK & GIFT SHOPDELIGHTS THE SENSES!Books, cards, handmade soaps, crosses,crucifixes and First Communion sets can be foundin a unique collection at the Monastery Book & GiftShop. Each item is perfect to share as a gift—or tokeep as an inspiration for prayer. Customers have alot fun as they search for the ideal items. But theShop’s volunteers may have even more fun and intrigueas they interact with different people and take onunique roles.

As a volunteer, you might serve as a:

Connector – helping customers find the rightspirituality resource or other gift

Learner – exploring signage andshop-keeping tasks

Contributor – offering marketing ideas

Merchandiser – suggesting new products

Creator – designing eye-catching displays

If you’d like to share your expertise, learn a new skillor find out about other opportunities as a MonasteryBook & Gift Shop volunteer, please contactSister Miriam Mendez, Manager, 208-962-5022,gsinformation@stgertrudes.org. �

RECYCLINGOur corporate ministry to care for the land isfocused on the 1,400 acres of forest and farmlandwe steward. Reducing waste by recycling is anotherbroad based community effort to care for the planet.

Community membersand employees at themonastery can generatea small mountain ofwaste. Each month wedrive recyclables tenmiles to the recyclingcenter in Fenn, ID. Onroutine trips 60 milesto Lewiston or 90 milesto Moscow, ID wetransport recyclablesthat Fenn does notprocess.

Inconvenient? Labor intensive? Yes. A recent guestobserved, “You take recycling seriously.” Why do wedo it? Because the earth is our home. Throwingrecyclable things away is stashing our trash in the nextroom. Every recycled box, bottle and can increasesrespect for our home. Recycling generates financialgain indirectly by cutting waste disposal costs 60%.Living in harmony with the earth means choosingto minimizes the impact we have on our planet’sresources. �

“In order to livein harmony withthe earth and to

promote responsiblestewardship we

commit ourselves tochoosing a life-stylethat will give witness

to our love ofthe earth.”

Monastery of St. Gertrude

Philosophy of Land Use, 1993

Photo Sisters work with volunteers at the newly establishedrecycling center in Fenn, Idaho to transfer the recyclablematerial accrued at the Monastery over the last month.

Our Mission Eager to welcome God’s transforming power in ourselves and our world, we, the Benedictine Sisters of the Monastery of St. Gertrude,seek God together through monastic profession and respond in Healing Hospitality, Grateful Simplicity and Creative Peacemaking.

Photo Our Nature’s Gifts boxed sets (featuring handmadeherbal soaps, healing salve and peppermint lip balm) areamong the products Book & Gift Shop volunteers help sell.

Shop Online Now atwww.StGertrudesGifts.org