St. Bernard Abbey Vocations

Br. Linus Klucsarits, O.S.B. Professes Simple Vows

2012-01-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, January 8, Br. Linus Klucsarits, O.S.B. professed Simple Monastic Vows as a monk of Saint Bernard Abbey. Br. Linus is a native of Pennsylvania and came to St. Bernard with experience in professional fields, most notably sign-language. He has long been connected with Benedictines, first with our monther-house, Saint Vincent Archabbey in Pennsylvania, and now as member of the community of Saint Bernard Abbey. Over the last semester, Br. Linus has been teaching Freshmen Theology in our prep school, and will continue to do so. He will also begin taking classes at UAB for English as a Second Language (ESL) certification, in order to serve our school's many international students. Joining the monastic community for his profession were his sister and two nieces, along with many friends of the abbey.

Fall Vocation Retreats

2011-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

This fall, St. Bernard Abbey hosted two vocation retreats for men who are interested in learning more about our way of life and may be discerning becoming a monk. The "Come and See" Retreat was for adult men, while the "Men in Black" Retreat was for young men in high school. Both had a good number of participants and were successful weekends. On these retreats, the retreatants stay on the third floor of the monastery--in rooms almost identical to the monks' rooms just a floor below. They also join the monks for prayers in the monastic choir and meals in the refectory. There are also a few discussions on different topics concerning monastic life, lead by various monks.

If you are interested in monastic life and possibly making either a private or organized vocation retreat at St. Bernard Abbey, please contact our Vocation Director, Fr. Jacob Amos, at 256-255-5801 or brjacobosb@yahoo.com.

Big Changes in Leadership Announced for Our School

2011-12-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., and the St. Bernard Preparatory School Board of Directors announced key leadership changes during their quarterly meeting held on Friday, December 9, 2011. These changes are part of the ongoing plan for St. Bernard Abbey and School to implement the strategic plan for the overall growth and expansion of its educational and other various ministries.

Fr. Marcus Voss, O.S.B., who for the past 20 years has served as President of the Prep School as well as the Head of Development, will now be dedicated full time to the work of development. As the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, Fr. Marcus will be responsible for the annual appeal programs, the planned giving program and the upcoming new capital campaign. In addition, Fr. Marcus will continue his work with the alumni affairs office and oversee the alumni reunion held each year in June. The Office of Marketing and Public Relations as well as the sponsorship of the annual Bloomin’ Festival will operate as part of the development office.

Fr. Joel Martin, O.S.B., who has served as Headmaster for the past 17 years, has accepted the appointment as President of St. Bernard Prep School. In his new role, Fr. Joel will be responsible for the overall operation of the school. His administrative team will include the Headmasters of the Middle School and High School, the Director of Admissions, the Athletic Director, the Directors of Residential Life, and the Business Manager. He will also have oversight for Camp St. Bernard, the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, the School’s Physical Plant and the President’s Administrative Staff.

Mr. John Tekulve, a noted Cullman educator, has accepted the position of Headmaster of the high school division of St. Bernard Preparatory School. Mr. Tekulve had previously served as the founding Headmaster of the St. Bernard Middle School and Assistant-Headmaster of St. Bernard High School. Prior to his work at St. Bernard, Mr. Tekulve had been a highly regarded principal, assistant principal, teacher and coach in both the Cullman City and County School Systems. As Headmaster, Mr. Tekulve will be in charge of the academic, extracurricular and associated programs of the overall operation of the high school.

In announcing these new appointments, Abbot Cletus expressed his gratitude to Fr. Marcus, Fr. Joel and Mr. Tekulve for their dedicated service to St. Bernard and offered his congratulations on their new appointments. “These appointments are an effort to continue the rich legacy of past generations who devoted their lives to a love for the truth and a desire to pass on that wisdom to another generation,” said Abbot Cletus. “I am confident that Fr. Marcus, Fr. Joel and Mr. Tekulve will make a difference in the lives of the young men and women who come to St. Bernard and their efforts in their new roles will be successful.”

Fr. Jacob Visits Josephinum

2011-10-06T14:09:00.001-07:00

Fr. Jacob Amos, Vocation Director at St. Bernard Abbey, recently visited the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, on his trip to the Universities of Akron and Dayton. He is pictured here with the college-seminarians from the Diocese of Birmingham, who are studying at the Josephinum.

Benefactors' Day Celebrated as Saint Bernard Abbey Marks 120 Years

2011-09-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

Benefactors and guests of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School packed the Abbey Church Sept. 26 to celebrate the 120th anniversary of St. Bernard Abbey. Archbishop Wilton Gregory, of Atlanta delivered the homily titled “What’s in it for me.”

In his homily, Archbishop Gregory stated, “Benefactors' Day brings together many of the generous supporters of this Benedictine community who have made a substantial and valued investment in this community. “

“Benefactors of St. Bernard are obviously not looking for any return on their investment beyond the satisfaction of seeing the religious institution flourish as it has in the past 120 years,” he continued. “What began as a pastoral outreach to German-speaking Catholics in North Alabama has become not only a monastic institution but the repository of many friends, alumni, clerical and religious associates.”

“The benefactors of St. Bernard are confident that their gifts, their contributions, and their prayers for this monastic community will benefit the work of Christ, and allow them to continue to influence and shape the lives of those who live, visit, and study at St. Bernard and the countless thousands of those who have paused here to pray,” the Archbishop said.

Music for the occasion was provided by organist, Dr. Rebecca Whited, and the St. Bernard Chorus under the direction of Rodney Fike.

St. Bernard Prep School Knights of the Altar served at Mass with Michael Schartung serving as Grand Supreme Knight.

Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, thanked Bishop Foley and Bishop Baker for being present at the celebration and Archbishop Wilton Gregory for his making his first visit to St. Bernard and delivering the homily.

“On behalf of all the monks, we offer thanks to our St. Bernard community — all the administrators, educators and staff members here at St. Bernard; our benefactors, those of you who are our students and represent the promise of tomorrow. Thank you for entrusting your gifts, confidence and prayers to us who form this Benedictine institution,” Abbot Cletus said.

Abbot Cletus and Fr. Marcus Reflect on Their 40 Years of Priesthood

2011-09-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

This year, Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. and Fr. Marcus Voss, O.S.B. are celebrating their fortieth anniversary of priestly ordination. Recently the two shared their thoughts on this joyful occasion. Check out the videos.

St. Bernard Monks on EWTN

2011-09-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Last night, four monks of St. Bernard Abbey appeared on EWTN's "Life on the Rock." You can watch the entire show here.

Br. Benedict Dyar, O.S.B. Makes Profession of Solemn Vows

2011-09-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

August 22 is celebrated as a solemnity at St. Bernard Abbey because it is the titular feast of our abbey--the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. This year, the day was marked with even greater joy and festivity as Br. Benedict David Dyar, O.S.B. professed solemn vows as a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. Joining the monastic community for this occasion were Br. Benedict's family and friends, along with various priests of the Diocese of Birmingham and religious. Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. was the celebrant and preached the homily. Concelebrants included Abbot-Emeritus Victor Clark, O.S.B.; Fr. Anthony Mary Stelten, M.F.V.A., the superior of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word; and Monsignor Michael Sexton, who represented Bishop Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham.

The ceremony was filled with stark symbolism: Br. Benedict sang the ancient "Suscipe" before the altar with arms extended in the form of a cross; lay prostrate on the floor as the Litany of Saints was sung; was covered in the funeral pall; and finally received the cuculla (pleated cowl worn by solemnly professed monks). In all these actions, the finality of the vows which were being made was vividly clear. Also evident was Br. Benedict's happiness and he embraced the monastic life forever. This fall, Br. Benedict will begin seminary studies at St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN.

Four Monks Head to School

2011-08-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Over the next few days, four monks from St. Bernard Abbey will be leaving for further studies. Br. Anselm Kuehler, OSB, and Br. Benedict Dyar, OSB, plan to matriculate at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN while Br. Bernard Denson, OSB, and Br. Josemaria Balderas, OSB, will enroll at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS.

Br. Anselm Kuehler has been a member of St. Bernard Abbey for the past three years. After graduating from high school in Dallas, TX, Br. Anselm spent four years in the seminary. “I left seminary school and started working on my Master’s degree,” he said. “After teaching for 20 years in Dallas, I came to Alabama and taught for two years at St. Ann’s in Decatur before accepting Fr. Joel’s invitation to teach at St. Bernard.” While teaching was nothing new to Br. Anselm, he was so impressed with the monastic life at St. Bernard that he decided to look into the monastic life to see if it might be a good fit for him. He entered the monastery shortly thereafter. Br. Anselm plans to earn his Masters of Divinity which is a four-year program covering the basic classes needed to be ordained a priest.

Br. Benedict Dyar also will enroll at St. John’s University in Minnesota just days after making final vows as a member of St. Bernard Abbey. Br. Benedict came to St. Bernard Abbey from Opelika, Alabama and has been very involved in community life. He has become known as the “bread man,” since he is one of the main bakers of breads in the Abbey Kitchen. He is also very involved with the Abbey vocation program. He works on the Abbey Farm and helps in the upkeep of the grounds around the campus. During the 2010-11 school year, he taught a history course in the high school and was the faculty moderator of the astronomy club at the Prep School.

Br. Josemaria Balderas, OSB came to St. Bernard two years ago from California. Growing up he describes himself as a regular person who excelled in music and athletics, especially soccer and wrestling, while in high school. At the age of 18 he felt the call to monastic life. After a few years of discernment while working and playing in bands, he decided it was a fit and entered St. Bernard Abbey. “I still have two more years to complete my first vows and I am extremely happy to be furthering my educational studies at Benedictine College,” Br. Josemaria said.

Br. Bernard Denson, OSB will also enroll this fall at Benedictine College in Kansas. A 2009 alumnus of St. Bernard Prep School, Br. Bernard entered the monastic formation program of St. Bernard Abbey just three weeks after graduation. “Coming to St. Bernard in 2006 as a sophomore in high school was the best decision I ever made. The monks had such an impact on me that I knew I wanted to be a part of the monastic life.” Br. Bernard plans to study philosophy and possibly complete a double major in English so he can return to St. Bernard and teach at St. Bernard Prep School.

Br. Bernard Reflects on St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School

2011-08-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Joyce Nix, who is in charge of public relations at St. Bernard Preparatory School, recently interviewed Br. Bernard about his experience as a student at St. Bernard and now as a monk. Check out the video!

Br. Thomas Jones, O.S.B. Makes Profession of Simple Vows

2011-08-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was a day of great joy at St. Bernard Abbey. As Abbot Cletus remarked in his homily, our celebration was threefold: First, we celebrated the great feast of the Assumption; second, we celebrated the opening of a new school year at St. Bernard Preparatory School; and finally we rejoiced in the profession of simple monastic vows of our Br. Thomas.

Br. Thomas (Wesley) Jones, O.S.B. is a native of Jasper, Alabama. He entered the novitiate last year on August 14. During this year of formation, Br. Thomas has been "learning the ropes" of monastic life. He has been taking several classes on topics such as Liturgy, Scripture, Monastic Spirituality, etc, and has participated in various work around the abbey. Today he was joined by many family and friends, his monastic community, the sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, priests and deacons of the Diocese of Birmingham, and the entire faculty and student body of St. Bernard Prep, as he professed his first vows as a Benedictine monk. It was a day of great rejoicing.

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Monk Camp 2011

2011-08-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Saint Bernard Abbey has long offered “Come and See” Retreats for men interested in the monastic life. A few years ago, the “Men in Black” Retreat was formed for young men in high school who want to explore monastic life. Since then, the question has been asked, “What about guys in junior-high?” In response to this, the monks of Saint Bernard Abbey recently hosted their first “Monk Camp” for junior high boys in grades 6 – 8. During the four-day camp, the boys we able to get a glimpse of monastic life by meeting several of the monks, participating in the monks’ prayers, and getting a tour of the monastery. Some of the monks gave talks on monastic subjects such as listening, community, and vocations. The camp was also full of fun summer camp activities like archery, kayaking, dodge ball, hiking and more! “The basic idea was to cross a vocation retreat with a summer camp, and it seems like it worked very well,” said Br. Bernard Denson, O.S.B., one of the directors of the camp. The eight young men who attended all had a great time; many of them commented on how much they learned about monks, and also said they wanted to come back next year. For more information about Monk Camp, contact the Vocation Office at 256-255-5801.

Archdiocese of Atlanta's Eucharistic Congress

2011-06-26T08:05:00.001-07:00

This weekend, Br. Bernard traveled to Atlanta to represent St. Bernard Abbey at the Archdiocese's annual Eucharistic Congress on June 24-25. The archbishop wanted to emphasize vocations this year and invited the monks to have a vocation booth in the main concourse of the convention center. Br. Bernard got to meet many people and tell them about the monastic life. It was a wonderful event and we look forward to next year.

Jordan Davis Received into Postulancy

2011-06-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight, during Second Vespers of Pentecost, Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. received Jordan Paul Davis as a postulant at Saint Bernard Abbey and clothed him with the tunic--the first part of the monastic habit. Jordan, a native of Birmingham, will now begin the six-week period of orientation and discernment known as the postulancy. He lives in the formation wing of the monastery and will take classes in various subjects such as Monastic History, Scripture, House Customs, etc. During the next few weeks Jordan will also participate in manual labor and "learn the ropes" of the monastery. After Vespers, the monastic community welcomed him with applause in the sacristy. His father joined the monks for the ceremony.

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Come and See Retreat

2011-03-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, St. Bernard Abbey hosted a "Come and See" Retreat for me who are interested in learning more about the monastic way of life. Those on retreat were able to live in the monastery's guest rooms, participate in the monks' prayers, take meals in the monastic refectory, and hear several talks on various aspects of the monastic life. They also received a tour of our campus. Hopefully, the weekend provided a glimpse into the Benedictine way of life and was helpful to these men as they continue to discern God's will for them.

If you are interested in learning more about the monastic life or would like to visit us as a vocation guest, please contact the Vocation Office at 256-255-5801 or brbenedictosb@yahoo.com.

Tu es Sacerdos in Aeternum: Br. Jacob Ordained to the Priesthood

2011-03-09T06:26:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 5, 2011, Brother Jacob DiMaio Amos, O.S.B. was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ by The Most Reverend Robert Baker, S.T.D., Bishop of Birmingham, in the Saint Bernard Abbey Church. Concelebrating prelates were The Most Reverend David Foley, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of Birmingham; The Right Reverend Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Bernard; and The Right Reverend Victor Clark, O.S.B, Retired Abbot of St. Bernard. Many priests from near and far also concelebrated. Fr. Jacob's mother, Ms. Barbara Amos, was present for her son's long awaited ordination. Many friends were also on hand for the occasion.

Originally from San Francisco, California, Fr. Jacob came to St. Bernard Abbey in 2004. He entered the novitiate in 2005, receiving the religious name "Jacob." On March 21, 2006, he made his simple profession of vows as a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. On March 21, 2009, he made his solemn profession of vows, and was ordained to the diaconate on May 31, 2010. For the last four years, Fr. Jacob has been pursuing Theological studies at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA. Fr. Jacob also serves as the Vocation Director at St. Bernard.

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Mass Celebrated in the Ave Maria Grotto

2011-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

Many people who visit the campus of St. Bernard come to see the Ave Maria Grotto. The Grotto is the work of Br. Joseph Zoetl, O.S.B. (1878-1961), a monk of our abbey. Besides the main grotto dedicated to Our Lady, Br. Joseph built hundreds of miniature versions of famous places, including important sites in Jerusalem and Rome. All of these can be seen in the same park as the main grotto.

This Wednesday, Fr. Bede and Fr. Joel celebrated the school Mass in the Ave Maria Grotto. To our knowledge, it was the first Mass celebrated there since Br. Joseph's funeral in 1961, fifty years ago. The students enjoyed the unique experience of seeing the grotto used for its original purpose for the first time in their lives.

For more pictures, click here.

For more information on the Grotto, please visit avemariagrotto.com.

Visit to the University of Alabama

2011-02-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Last night, Br. Benedict visited St. Francis University Parish on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. He attended the student Mass and had dinner with the students. He then gave a talk on monastic life and promoted our upcoming "Come and See" Retreat. Br. Benedict concluded the presentation with our vocation video and a Q&A session. The evening ended with a game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Trip to Mobile

2011-02-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Br. Bernard took a trip to Mobile, Alabama to represent St. Bernard Abbey in a vocation fair at Our Savior Catholic Church. There were several religious groups represented, including the Jesuits, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, the Dominican Sisters, the Daughters of Charity, and Archdiocesan Priests and Deacons. The fair began with several talks, including one on Celibacy, which Br. Bernard thought was exceptionally good. Afterwards, participants were able to visit each community's booth and chat with the various priests, brothers, and sisters. The day was concluded with Benediction, celebrated by Fr. Alejandro Valladares, the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Mobile. It was a great occasion.

While in town, Br. Bernard received a tour of Spring Hill College (which is the fifth oldest Catholic college in the United States) from some of St. Bernard's alumni who are currently studying there. He was also able to meet with some students who are considering a religious vocation.

Visit to St. John the Baptist, Madison

2011-02-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 11, Fr. Joel and Br. Bernard travelled to St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Madison, Alabama (the largest elementary school in the diocese). It was the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Fr. Joel celebrated the school Mass and preached about how St. Bernadette--who was the same age as some of the students--changed the world. He encouraged them to do the same. After Mass, Br. Bernard gave a presentation on the monastic life to the junior high students. The students were all very interested and had many questions.

Memphis Schools Celebrate National Vocations Week

2011-01-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

This week was National Vocations Week, and the Diocese of Memphis invited Br. Bernard to participate in their activities. He spoke to the middle school students at Our Lady of Sorrows School. Then Br. Bernard took part in a vocations panel at Incarnation School, along with one of the Christian Brothers and a Poor Clare sister. Interestingly, the pastor of Incarnation--Fr. William Parham--was educated by both the Christian Brothers at their high school in Memphis, and the Benedictine monks of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, when we had a college.

Deep Snow in the Deep South

2011-01-14T05:35:00.000-08:00

In Alabama, it typically snows a couple of times each year. But it's usually only a dusting, and the white stuff melts in a matter of hours. However, this Monday a winter storm hit the Southeast. Because of the infrequency of heavy snow in this part of the country, there is a serious lack of equipment and experience. Most cities literally close for a few days, and transportation was impossible in many places.

At St. Bernard, the campus was transformed into a winter wonderland. Classes were cancelled for the entire week. Our students have spent the week enjoying the snow; they built snowmen, fought a few snowball fights, and turned anything they could get their hands on--from dining hall trays to kayaks--into sleds. The monks (especially the teachers) have enjoyed the snow too. Many of them captured some pictures of the "blizzard." Here are a few:

Br. Benedict speaks to Serra Clubs about Monastic Vocations

2011-01-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Recently, Br. Benedict traveled to Birmingham and Montgomery to speak with the Serra Clubs in those cities about monastic vocations and our life at St. Bernard Abbey. The Serra Club is very important in promoting and supporting vocations, both with their prayers and other means. The talks went very well, and Br. Benedict presented the members with some of our "Monk's Bread."

Br. Benedict Earns Bachelor of Arts Degree

2010-12-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Br. Benedict Dyar, O.S.B., monk of St. Bernard Abbey and Assistant Vocation Director, earned his Bachelor's degree. Br. Benedict majored in History. On hand for the event were his parents, George and Peggy Dyar, and several of the monks: Abbot Cletus, Br. Augustine, Fr. Marcus, Fr. Bede, Br. Joshua, Br. Anselm, and Br. Bernard. Next semester, Br. Benedict is hoping to become involved in the classroom at our school, St. Bernard Preparatory School. Further studies are also likely for Br. Benedict.

Visit to Our Lady of Sorrows, Birmingham

2010-12-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

This Thursday, Br. Bernard talked to each grade at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Birmingham, Alabama about the monastic life and vocations. The students were extremely engaged and had more questions than time would allow. After each presentation, many students stayed behind to talk more with Br. Bernard. Their teachers finally had to force them to go back to class. It was a great day, and we are very grateful to OLS for having us.

Visit to St. Rose, Birmingham

2010-11-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

Today, Br. Bernard and Fr. Joel visited St. Rose Academy in Birmingham, a school run by the Dominican sisters. Br. Bernard spoke with each grade about being a Benedictine monk, and answered their many questions about the monastic life. He shared his own vocation story with the older students. After the visits to the classrooms, Fr. Joel celebrated Mass for the school and preached a homily about being thankful to God--for the good as well as the bad. After Mass, the school dismissed for Thanksgiving break. St. Rose is the largest mission of the Nashville Dominicans, and has an excellent reputation in the Diocese of Birmingham. Fr. Joel and Br. Bernard are grateful to Sr. Mary Seton, and all of the sisters, for hosting them today.

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MIB Retreat

2010-11-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, ten young men attended our fall "Men in Black" Retreat, our retreat for young men in high school. They spent the weekend getting just a slice of what life in a monastery is like. They stayed in monastic cells on the third floor, ate in the Refectory, and prayed the Divine Office in Choir with the monks. Several monks spoke to them on various aspects of the life and about vocations. Br. Bernard and Br. Josemaria took the guys to see our farm and on a hike to "St. Benedict's Cave" and an old dam on the creek. They also received a tour of the Candle Shop by Br. David. On Friday night, we did Stations of the Cross at the Abbey Cemetery. Abbot Victor celebrated Benediction on Saturday evening. It was a wonderful weekend, and we are looking forward to the next one, on February 25-27, 2011.

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Visit to St. Ann Catholic School, Decatur

2010-10-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, Br. Bernard and Br. Josemaria traveled to Decatur, Alabama to talk to the students at St. Ann Catholic School about monasticism and vocations. The 6th, 7th, and 8th graders met in a conference room, where Brs. Bernard and Josemaria gave a presentation on the monastic life, followed by many questions from the students and teachers. They were also curious about our school, St. Bernard Prep, as many are considering it for high school. The principal, Mrs. Wright, then escorted the monks around the school, visiting every class. When asked, "Have you ever met a monk before?" most students responded, "No." Now every child at St. Ann has met two, and knows a little about their way of life.

Visit to St. James, Gadsden

2010-10-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, Br. Bernard visited St. James Catholic School in Gadsden, AL. He attended the school Mass and then visited with students in their classrooms. They had many of questions about the monastic life. A few students expressed an interest in the religious life or priesthood. One fourth-grader said his biggest problem was deciding whether to become a monk or a diocesan priest. That evening, Br. Bernard spoke to the middle and high school students at the church about vocations. They had a great time, especially since many of them know Br. Bernard; St. James is his home parish.

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Come and See Retreat

2010-10-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, the monks welcomed several men to the abbey for our Come and See Retreat. The purpose of this retreat is to help men discern if God is calling them to the religious life, particularly at St. Bernard. The attendants took part in the daily rhythm of the monastery; living in the monastery's guest rooms, praying the Divine Office with the monks, and taking their meals in the monastic refectory. They also were given a few conference on various aspects of the monastic life and opportunities to interact with the monks. The next Come and See Retreat will be January 7-9, 2011. View the Vocation Retreats page or contact Br. Benedict Dyar for more information.

Remembering 9/11

2010-10-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

On their recent trip to Pennsylvania and Ohio, Br. Jacob, Br. Benedict, Br. Bernard, and Br. Josemaria stopped by a field outside of Shanksville, PA. Just over nine years ago, on September 11, 2001, this field was the sight where Flight 93 crashed. The passengers on board were able to overpower the terrorist and force the plane down, avoiding the destruction of either the White House or the Capitol Building. It was a very moving experience. Br. Jacob commented that he was particularly struck by seeing the phone-logs from the passengers' cell phones; revealing who they called in their last moments alive. Currently, a monument is being constructed at the sight, which will be completed next year--the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

Vocation Fair at Franciscan University of Seubenville

2010-10-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

On October 8, Br. Benedict, Br. Bernard, and Br. Josemaria traveled north for Franciscan University's annual Vocation Fair in Steubenville, Ohio. This is St. Bernard Abbey's fifth year at the fair. The monks got a chance to talk to several young men who are discerning vocations. Brs. Benedict, Bernard, and Josemaria stayed with our Br. Jacob, who is finishing his last year of seminary at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA (about an hour and a half from Steubenville). Monks from St. Vincent founded St. Bernard in 1891. This provided a great opportunity to see our mother-house and visit the monks of St. Vincent. Br. Jacob also took the three sight-seeing, to a local fort from the French-Indian War. It was a great trip.

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Visits to Area High Schools

2010-10-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

This week Br. Bernard visited two Catholic high schools in our area. On Monday, He met with students at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Alabama. The students there asked a lot of good questions about monasticism and Br. Bernard invited all of the men to attend the upcoming MIB Retreat.

On Wednesday, Br. Bernard was accompanied by Fr. Bede, who offered the school Mass, at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School in Huntsville, Alabama. The two visited several classrooms and ate lunch with the students. There were many good conversations, and much interest in the November MIB Retreat.

If you are a young man in high school, would like to learn more about the monastic life by spending a weekend in the monastery, the MIB Retreat may be for you. Click on the "Vocation Retreats" tab at the top of the page and contact Br. Bernard for more information.

Benefactors' Day

2010-09-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Today, September 27, 2010, Saint Bernard Abbey celebrated "Benefactors' Day." Every year, on the last Monday in September, the monks invite all of our benefactors, alumni, and friends to come and celebrate with us. Benefactors' Day coincides with the foundation date of our abbey, which is September 29, 1891. Therefore, we marked our 119th anniversary today.

Abbot Cletus and (retired) Abbot Victor welcomed Bishop Robert Baker, the bishop of Birmingham and principle celebrant; Bishop David Foley, bishop-emeritus of Birmingham; and St. Bernard alumnus, Monsignor John McArthur, of the Diocese of Memphis and today's homilist; as well as concelebrating priests from our diocese and beyond.

After the Mass in honor of St. Benedict, the entire St. Bernard campus family--monks, students, and employees--joined our benefactors for a meal in the main dining hall. It was a joyous occasion.

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Br. Bernard, Br. Martin, and Br. Josemaria Profess Vows

2010-08-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning, August 15, people began to fill the Abbey Church as the organ hummed its prelude and the monastery bells pealed in excitement. This was a day that had been waited for. On this day, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Br. Bernard Denson, Br. Martin Weidner, and Br. Josemaria Balderas made their simple profession of monastic vows. In the beautiful liturgy, Brs. Bernard, Martin, and Josemaria knelt before the Abbot and read their hand-written vows document, promising Stability, Conversion to a Monastic Way of Life, and Obedience. The document was then signed on the Altar. They were clothed with the capuche (hood) for the first time, and received the Rule of St. Benedict from the Abbot. The newly professed also sang the ancient "Suscipe" with arms extended in the form of a cross; "Uphold me O Lord according to your promise and I shall live. Do not confound me in my expectation." Then the three received the kiss of peace from each member of the community. Brs. Bernard, Martin, and Josemaria will be "juniors" for the three years of their simple (temporary) profession, after which comes solemn (life-long) profession.

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Three New Novices

2010-08-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

On August 14, at First Vespers of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Abbot Cletus received our three postulants into the Novitiate. During the ceremony, the new novices were given the monastic tonture (clipping of hair), another piece of the habit--the scapular, and their religious names; Postulant Wesley Jones is now Br. Thomas, Postulant Phillip Pattarozzi was given the name Br. Gabriel, and Postulant David Poindexter will now be known as Br. Giles. Family and friends joined the monastic community for the occasion. These three men will now begin a year of intense formation in the Benedictine life, consisting of much prayer, several classes, and a good bit of work.

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