Still covered in grace

And so another WTBG ends.

Worship.

Early morning coffee.

Stories shared.

Many desserts eaten.

Songs sung.  And danced.

Prayers prayed.

Laughter.

Tears.

Hopes.

Disappointments.

Tips and more tips.

Spring beginning to emerge.

Thank you, Sister Mary Luke.  Our pastor and friend.

A Walk of Grace

To celebrate their fiftieth anniversary, the sisters of Our Lady of Grace converted their tennis court into a labyrinth. Walking it each day has been as much a part of my daily prayers as Morning, Noonday, and Evening Praise with the sisters in their chapel.

It's spring in Indiana, so every day's walk is different. The first day's began in drizzle that turned to sunshine by the end of the walk.

On Thursday, it was cold and windy, and I walked all bundled up. I was joined by another prayer walker, and we bowed at one another as we made room for the other to walk by as our path's crossed.

On Friday it was so warm that I walked without any wrap at all. I walked the labyrinth rather quickly in preparation for a session of healing touch with one of the sisters.

Today is cool and gray, and I'll need to walk soon to avoid possible rain.

Each step is a prayer; each step is full of grace.

Touched by Grace

In 2003, I became part of a group of 30 women clergy chosen by the Lilly Foundation for a Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Grant. For the next three years, we pastors gathered at Our Lady of Grace Monastery, a Benedictine monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana twice yearly for ten day retreats. Our seventh retreat was in Italy, walking in the steps of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica ( brother and sister). It was life-changing.

We got a follow-up grant for two more retreats at the monastery, and several of us became oblates of Our Lady of Grace, committing to follow a Benedictine rule of life back home. Another 40 women have been part of Women Touched by Grace sequels, and so the joy continues.

Today starts WTBG I's first reunion. About two-thirds of us will be returning to live in community once again for the next six days.

Prayers with the sisters at 5.45 in their chapel-- it's so very good to be home.

St. Catherine of Siena

March 25, 1347 +++ April 25, 1380

Deliver us, we pray, from an inordinate love of this world, that, following the example of your servant Catherine, we may serve you with singleness of heart. Amen.