New books in the library—December 2022

Holy Wisdom MonasteryLibrary Leave a Comment

Enrich your mind and spirit—visit the monastery library! December 2022 Celebrate the birth of Jesus and say a prayer that we may achieve world peace someday. The monastery library added the following books to its collection: Benders, Alison.  Recollecting America’s original sin.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2022 Bracken, Joseph.  Reciprocal causality in an event-filled world.  Lanham, MD; Fortress Academic, 2022 Chittister, Joan.  Awakenings.  Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2022 De Waal, Esther.  The White stone.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2021 Kohlhaas, Jacob.  Human families.  Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2021 Lohfink, Gerhard.  The Our Father.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2019 McCruden, Kevin.  …

Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service

Holy Wisdom MonasteryJustice, Prayer & Worship Leave a Comment

A diverse group of affirming religious communities spanning the faith spectrum are joining together for Madison’s second annual recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, held this year at Temple Beth El. The planners of this event feel the need to recognize the ongoing harm faced by the transgender community, especially by Black transgender women. Rabbi Jonathan Biatch of Temple Beth El says, “our goal is to elevate, to raise up” toward “the intention and the action of the Creator.” He adds, “acts of memory evoke love, acts of memory evoke action.” Cantor Jacob Niemi adds that “it’s important to …

Julie Melton Receives 2022 Facilitator of the Year Award

Holy Wisdom MonasteryCare for the Earth, Friends of Wisdom Prairie, Sunday Assembly Leave a Comment

Julie Melton, of Madison, has received the Facilitator of the Year Award from the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW). Melton was recognized for her work at Holy Wisdom Monastery with prairie restoration as well as her environmental education programs.  “I love leading people to a better understanding of how birds are connected to the prairie plants and the whole environment,” she added. President Steve Sample noted that “through her efforts Melton has helped to maintain and increase the Eastern Bluebird population, key goals of our statewide organization.” A fifth grade teacher who got Melton excited about birds is why …

Seeking pastors for the next ECCSR cohort

Nancy EnderleCCR Leave a Comment

Applications are being received for the fourth ecumenical cohort of ECCSR pastors to experience Contemplative Renewal at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Each year, 18 pastors are invited to participate in an experience of deep listening to God, themselves and each other. Pastors report life-changing experiences of connection and deep renewal, such as the comment below: “Spending time in safe and vulnerable community with others who have had similar experiences in the unique vocation of pastoral ministry has been such a fruitful experience – the hours of prayer together with the sisters, the time being held in sacred conversation and listening, the …

New books in the library—November 2022

Holy Wisdom MonasteryLibrary Leave a Comment

Enrich your mind and spirit—visit the monastery library! November 2022 On the 24th of this month we officially give thanks for the food on our tables, but more importantly, for those sitting around the table with us. Perhaps we should spend more than one day giving thanks.  Why not the whole month?  And while you’re being thankful for what you have and who you share it with, be giving towards those who are not as fortunate. The monastery library added the following books to its collection: Benders, Alison.  Recollecting America’s original sin.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2022 Bracken, Joseph.  Reciprocal …

5 Tips & Tricks for Year-End Planning

Car McGinleySupport, Weekly Wisdom Leave a Comment

By Amy Ryan, director of mission advancement As the end of 2022 approaches, we hope this note finds you well and preparing for a fulfilling finish to another challenging year. While this is often a time of great activity, it can also be a time of important reflection.  Here are some tips to help you make the most of your year-end giving:  Determine your tax liability for the year.  Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays takes over, consider pausing to calculate your income and determine your tax liability for the year. Did your income increase? Did you sell …

Seeking Balance

Denise West, OSBUncategorized 7 Comments

By Pam Shellberg and Sister Denise West, OSB Sister Denise West and Pam Shellberg, director of spiritual nourishment at Holy Wisdom Monastery, enjoy regular conversations together about all things spiritual and Benedictine. In this blog post, they share a recent conversation and invite you to join them by leaving comments below. Sister Denise began the conversation: “If God does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor.” (Psalm 127) These lines grabbed my attention during midday prayer not long ago. It struck me that it had something to do not only with work but also with balance. Our …

New books in the library—October 2022

Holy Wisdom MonasteryLibrary Leave a Comment

Enrich your mind and spirit—visit the monastery library! October 2022 The trees are as colorful as a box of crayons.  Jackets are a necessity.  Football, Halloween costumes and church festivals are the main topics of conversation.  It’s October.  Enjoy the season and the month. The monastery library added the following books to its collection: Benders, Alison.  Recollecting America’s original sin.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2022 Bracken, Joseph.  Reciprocal causality in an event-filled world.  Lanham, MD; Fortress Academic, 2022 De Waal, Esther.  The White stone.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2021 Kohlhaas, Jacob.  Human families.  Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2021 Lohfink, Gerhard.  …

New books in the library—September 2022

Holy Wisdom MonasteryLibrary Leave a Comment

Enrich your mind and spirit—visit the monastery library! September 2022 School is back in session.  The trees are changing color.  And, usually, the morning air is a bit brisker.  Must be September.  Enjoy the, hopefully, cooler days. The monastery library added the following books to its collection: Benders, Alison.  Recollecting America’s original sin.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2022 Bracken, Joseph.  Reciprocal causality in an event-filled world.  Lanham, MD; Fortress Academic, 2022 De Waal, Esther.  The White stone.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2021 Kohlhaas, Jacob.  Human families.  Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2021 Lohfink, Gerhard.  The Our Father.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, …

A Partnership Worth Noting

Holy Wisdom MonasterySupport Leave a Comment

By Bob Dinndorf, Board of Directors Parties of Note | Aug. 7, 2022 (see more photos below) Organizations engage in partnerships to increase the likelihood of each achieving their mission and increasing their reach. The Madison Symphony Orchestra League* (MSOL) is a longtime fund- and friend raising partner of the Madison Symphony. Holy Wisdom Monastery is increasingly extending its hospitality by inviting community groups and individuals to enjoy use of its facilities and expertise. Holy Wisdom and the MSOL collaborated on a party worth noting, August 7, 2022, when Prairie Vistas and Musical Visions, took place at the monastery. The …