Thank You, Volunteers! 

Lara DulinVolunteers 1 Comment

Dear Volunteers of Holy Wisdom Monastery,  Words cannot express the value that volunteers have at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Over many years, you have supported this small community of sisters in their mission, and helped guide the monastery toward bringing Benedictine spirituality to the greater community. However you serve the monastery – on the prairie, in the kitchen, at Sunday Assembly, on a committee, as a spiritual guide, at the front desk or elsewhere – know that you are always welcomed and needed here. As coworkers, we look to you for the wisdom, energy and talents that you bring to Holy …

Featured volunteer – Phyllis Lobdell

Lara DulinVolunteers 1 Comment

When asked what first attracted her to Holy Wisdom, oblate and volunteer Phyllis Lobdell shares, “It’s the quiet and contemplative nature. What I was really attracted to when I read about it on the website was the Benedictine spirituality and having a certain rhythm to your life. And also kind of being accountable to a community.” Phyllis was living in Illinois at the time and became a regular retreatant at the monastery. Over time, she got to know the sisters and became an oblate candidate and started thinking to herself, “You know someday I’ll just move up there.” And so …

Hospitality requires many hands

LaRae GavicBenedictine Bridge, Volunteers Leave a Comment

A very successful outcome to the annual Holiday Fair and Angel Tea on November 8, 2015, is a testament to our volunteers! An English High Tea was served to 170 people and approximately 400 people mingled through the wares at the Holiday Fair. This event was carried out smoothly thanks to nearly 100 volunteers who contributed in a variety of different roles. January, 2016 will be a very busy month here at the monastery. Over 300 people are scheduled to attend group retreats. In addition, 20 people are scheduled for personal retreats in the guest house and hermitages. This means there will …

Nature Notes Summer 2015

Greg ArmstrongFriends of Wisdom Prairie, Nature Notes, Volunteer Opportunities, Volunteers Leave a Comment

Although I just turned 72, when I think of summer, visions of getting out of school and having months to run around outdoors and also work alongside my parents in field and garden come to mind. How glorious to have such freedom to be outside. At the monastery, many volunteers, Paul Boutwell and I will be enjoying that freedom together—being outside and looking after the sisters’ bounty of land and nature. It’s truly a great adventure implementing this grand plan to restore all of the fire communities of southern Wisconsin at Holy Wisdom Monastery; prairie, savanna and oak woodlands. To …

Friday volunteering at the monastery

Jill CarlsonBenedictine Bridge, Volunteers Leave a Comment

Madison native Susan Pearson says it’s great to be back home after living in Florida and Massachusetts for 20 years. After getting settled from her move last fall, Susan began looking for a job and a volunteer opportunity. Holy Wisdom Monastery immediately came to her mind because of a visit she made here years ago. “An article in the Capital Times on the completion of the new building prompted a friend and me to explore the monastery and hike the trails. The serenity and beauty stayed with me and that’s why I applied for the volunteer monastery receptionist opportunity on …

Prairie Planting at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Holy Wisdom MonasteryCare for the Earth, Homepage, Volunteers Leave a Comment

Paraphrased from a document written by Ron Endres and Greg Armstrong for the Wisdom Prairie Planting Day The Friends of Wisdom Prairie had a very successful prairie planting on nearly 20 acres of what was agricultural land. We planted this prairie at this time of year so that the seed can over-winter in the soil and germinate in the spring. In general, this is the most successful time to plant. Fall plantings take advantage of cold moist conditions to break seed dormancy. We spread the seeds by hand so that the frost works the seeds into the soil, instead of …

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Bate—Caring for the Bluebirds

Jill CarlsonBenedictine Bridge, Care for the Earth, Volunteers Leave a Comment

Karen Bate monitors the bluebird boxes at Holy Wisdom Monastery.  Karen Bate has been caring for the bluebirds for 15 years. A Madison-native, Karen began coming here after the death of her daughter Robin. The bench at the top of the hill by the apple orchard is a memorial to Robin. Paul Boutwell, monastery groundskeeper suggested Karen would enjoy caring for the 19 bluebird boxes located around the property. Karen quickly learned about bluebirds, their habits and predators and is a wealth of knowledge. Before the bluebirds return from the south in March or April, Karen cleans the houses and …

Nature Notes Summer 2014

Greg ArmstrongCare for the Earth, Nature Notes, Volunteers Leave a Comment

Prairie dock growing at Holy Wisdom Monastery We had a spring with lots of moisture. The good news is that all the plants are growing vigorously, providing cover and lots of food for all the critters that live at Holy Wisdom Monastery. The bad news is that the weeds, those non-native invaders of the prairie, savanna and woods, are also growing vigorously. So Paul Boutwell, many volunteers and I have been busy trying to rid the natural lands of these weeds. Garlic mustard in the shady places and reed canary grass in the open areas, are a couple of examples. …

The Prairie Has Much to Teach Us

Ann MoyerBenedictine Bridge, Care for the Earth, Monastic Life, Volunteers Leave a Comment

The prairie teaches us to take time to slow down, develop and nurture deep roots.  The prairie has much to teach us. During the winter months prairie plants experience an important period of dormancy. With spring will come a rush of new growth, but first the prairie rests, gathering strength, while nature lies in a deep freeze. What a privilege to be surrounded by the restored Wisdom Prairie lands here at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Restoration of native species provides spaces with unique beauty, a balm for souls and healing and care for the natural environment, especially our precious lakes. Prairie …