The Mission of the Saint Bede Development Office

	Raise public awareness about the monastic life and ministries of the Benedictine Sisters of the Saint Bede Monastery
	Develop and maintain personal connections with those who support the sisters' charism of prayer, work, hospitality, and stewardship
	Develop financial support for the Sisters of Saint Bede Monastery

Bendictines' Prayers: Always in Season

Summer, now melding into early autumn, again is serving as a welcoming time of renewal
and anticipation at Saint Bede. Sisters have traveled far and near on learning, spiritual
and personal assignments. The Center has hosted Catholic and other retreats, professional conferences, and extended hospitalityto a wide range of individuals and groups. Our interior spaces have undergone their seasonal scrubbing and waxing. Landscaped areas have been trimmed, tended and groomed. Behind the scenes, various improvements have maintained
and enhanced the physical plant.

Some upgrades have made immediate impacts. Among these are the air-conditioning units
that have served the monastery's prayer, living and gathering places. These cooled spaces brought more than comfort during prolonged heat spells. They reminded us of the loyal and generous friends whose gifts helped fund the AC projects.

Beyond their expressed gratitude for these and other gifts, the Sisters continue to reciprocate with prayers and hospitality for the opportunity to share their resources with others in God's name. For example, their "Donor of the Day" program honors individual donors on a specific
day of the month, a cycle that takes more than four years to complete.

Donors and other friends who pen notes on Tidings or spring/fall solicitation envelopes, or otherwise notify the community of special needs or intentions, also are remembered in the Sister's daily liturgies. Many of these prayer requests are recorded in the Sisters' Book of Prayers at the entry to Saint Bede Chapel.

In keeping with their 1,500 years of Benedictine monastic tradition, the Sisters include friends past and present in their hearts and prayers. It's not a stretch to say that, at Saint Bede, prayer is the coin of the realm.

Briefly…

• Mark your calendar for Saturday, Nov. 19: Community Day again will be hosted by Younkers in Eau Claire. This event -- sales, shopping, entertainment and refreshments -- last year raised nearly $500 for Saint Bede as well as funds for other participating area non-profit organizations in the Chippewa Valley.
• Heritage Companions are helping to ensure Benedictine traditions at Saint Bede Monastery and Center. To join, please alert us to your intention to include the Sisters in your estate by checking the appropriate box on Tidings envelopes. Or contact the Development Office for more information.
• Celebrity Banquet -- Dinner Beyond the Hill , a community-wide event that combines fine dining, entertainment and silent and live auctions, will be held on Saturday, February 11, again at Best Western Trail Lodge Hotel and Suites, Eau Claire. This gala event offers opportunities for sponsors and those wanting to host tables for family and friends for a lively evening that benefits that Sisters' Retirement Fund.

Stewardship is Our Signature

At Saint Bede, all donors have a stake in the ministries of the Sisters and are considered special friends. That's the major reason for stewardship of resource.

Since the establishment of the Development Office in late 1986, the Sisters have maintained a personal touch in acknowledging and thanking donors large and small. Historically, they and their intentions also have been recorded in the Sisters' Book of Prayer and recognized at daily liturgies in Saint Bede Chapel.

Stewardship letters, which are updated to reflect seasons and liturgical calendar, always contain a personal note from the Prioress or Sisters most affected by a gift to a ministry or project. In large respect, the Development process at Saint Bede Monastery is a personal, ongoing, interactive process.

Since 1987, Donor of the Day recognition has been a hallmark of the Sisters' stewardship of the generosity of others. Each donor, on a specific day of the month, is recognized by name and celebrated in the prayers of the Sisters. Sister Monica Mai, who supervises Buildings and Grounds at the monastery, serves on the chaplaincy staff of Sacred Heart Hospital and also maintains this program. She said it takes about four-to-five years to designate a date for each of our several thousand donors.

Prayers of gratitude have always been a part of our Benedictine way of life," Sister Monica said. "We are happy to make special mention of our donors at our Morning Praise. We can never be grateful enough for the generosity of our donors. Our prayers ask God to send our donors special blessings."

In recent years, donors, volunteers, lay advisers and others have been joining us on the March Sunday nearest St. Patrick's Day. This Donor Appreciation Event, which features lively musical entertainment and treats prepared by the Sisters, is the Benedictines' special "thank you" to their many friends and neighbors who in various ways help sustain their ministries and monastery.

James A. Schwartz, Director of Development and Linda C. Dekan, Assistant Director

Messages from Donors

"I'll never forget the great contribution these retired sisters have made
to the hundreds of kids they helped along the road of life."

"The Sisters of St. Bede's gave me many values that I find meaning
more and more to me each day. I hope my wife and I can pass on to
our children the values and faith the sisters showed to me in my youth."
"I feel so lucky to be a part of this."

"We consider your program a vital part of the community and we are
pleased to be able to assist you in your goals."

Learn more about gifts to the Sisters of Saint Bede Monastery:
James A. Schwartz, Director of Development
(715) 834-7130
Saint Bede Development Office - PO Box 66 - Eau Claire, WI 54702