Chicago hospitals and religious communities. Lay brothers took on jobs
such as bagging groceries. Eventually the brothers found their way
into computer work, first converting
library card catalogues to computer
databases, then editing digital versions of academic books. Because this
work was subject to ups and downs,
the community developed its present work of welcoming travelers in
its bed and breakfast and retreatants
in its guesthouse, as well as selling
caskets made by fellow monks.
Becoming Benedictines
In the mid-1990s the community
sought to affiliate itself with the
Subiaco Congregation of the Order
of Saint Benedict. The Abbey of
Christ in the Desert in New Mexico
agreed to be their adopted motherhouse. May of 2000 saw the founding members make their solemn
professions as Benedictine monks.
On the same day the first new member made his first vows.
Over the next few years the
monastery was able to purchase
several adjacent properties, allowing them to welcome more guests
and accommodate more monks. The
community also began chanting a
more traditional version of the liturgy. In August of 2004 Father Peter
Funk became the third superior in
the history of the community.
The monks’ day
The day begins about 4: 30 a.m.
when most brothers wake up. They
begin chanting Vigils at 5:00. At 5: 45
they go back their rooms and spend
an hour in lectio divina, the monastic
way of praying with scripture. They
return to the chapel at 6: 30 to chant
Lauds together, and when that fin-ishes, Mass begins. The community
sings traditional Gregorian chant at
Mass. When the eucharistic celebration ends, it’s time for breakfast.
Because they also run a bed & breakfast, some brothers begin cooking for
guests at this hour.
At 8: 30 they meet to discuss
community issues and decide on the
work to be done for the day. They
chant three psalms, then hear a reading from the Rule of St. Benedict.
The brothers also tell the community
PRIOR PETER FUNK washes Brother Brendan
Creeden’s feet as part of the ritual on Holy
Thursday commemorating the Last Supper.
VISION 2009
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