Last
fall I read articles in the local newspaper talking about PSTD and
veterans. I have always had an interest in working with veterans, knowing that
Saint Benedict’s Monastery could offer them a place of healing,
self-reflection, safety, support and a sense of order through our schedule of
prayer.
Through the wonder of technology and Linked-In I was able
to connect with Trista Mastascillo, program manager and chair of the St. Paul
based nonprofit Women’s Initiative. Trista and I became fast friends
and after she came to visit the monastery both us knew that this is a place where we wanted
to create for the women’s veterans a spiritual space to call home. It was a
sacred synchronistic moment. With our entrepreneurial minds we went to
work creating a retreat for the Women’s Veterans.
I am excited to
announce that Aug 14-16, 2015 the Women’s Veteran’s Initiative and the Sisters
of Saint Benedict will host the first annual veteran’s retreat. We will
focus on ministering to these women in traditional and alternative mental
health ministries. Following the Rule of St. Benedict's core
principal that everybody shall be welcomed as Christ, we will be extending our
hospitality to the Women’s Veterans and meeting some needs of women that have
not been tended to.
Please pray for our retreat and that it will be
blessed with grace, love, and peace for these veterans.
Trish Dick, OSB
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