MINISTRY

All guests who present themselves are to
be welcomed as Christ
(Rule of Benedict 53:1)

Great care and concern are to be shown in
receiving poor people and pilgrims,
because in them more particularly Christ is
received.
(Rule of Benedict 53:15)

The Mission Statement of the Benedictine Sisters of Baltimore reads in part:

Empowered by the Word of God,
We claim our gifts as women in the Church,
With an intentional commitment to justice and peace,
Offering hospitable space in a culture that fosters hostility.

Hospitality and community are at the center of all ministry. Emmanuel Monastery is both our home and a place of ministry, and we strive to welcome those who come into our hearts as well as our home. There are many opportunities for spiritual enrichment offered by the sisters: spiritual direction, days of prayer, a weekly prayer group, private and directed retreats on a space available basis, a monthly Prayer for Peace, and a variety of annual series programs. Our Oblate and PACEM programs (see Benedictine Connections) offer opportunities to formally connect with the community. Our daily Liturgy of the Hours, morning and evening is open to the public. (See Monastic Horarium below.)

Each sister contributes to the community within the monastery, assuming responsibility for the internal running of our home. Such ministries include leadership, formation, finances, maintenance, communications, library, gardening, and the everyday duties of cleaning, doing dishes, answering the phone and door, etc. In addition, the sisters work outside the monastery, some full time and some part time, sharing their gifts with the larger community. It is through these ministries that we support ourselves and the maintaining of the monastery and grounds.

Meet the sisters, and read about the many ways they reach out and minister to God’s people.

Meet the Sisters of Emmanuel Monastery

Esther Bataille, OSB – “retired” from teaching after forty-eight years in secondary schools. Esther volunteers a day a week at Harbor Hospital with the auxiliary, where she has served for twenty-five years. At home, she assists with any typing/computer tasks, in the kitchen and any other area in need. Esther celebrated 75 years in monastic life in 2006.

Rosalie Desmond, OSB – taught elementary school for 25 years. She presently works at Immaculate Conception Church in the parish office as Office Assistant. “Desi” has served the community as assistant treasurer for many years. She also shares her skills as beautician in cutting the sisters’ hair.

Jacinta Fernandes, OSB – is director of St. Joseph Social Service Center in Elizabeth, NJ where she ministers as advocate for the homeless and those in need. The Center works closely with its partner organization, the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, serving the most vulnerable members of society. Jacinta is also a leader in working for justice and dignity for immigrants and undocumented persons. She also serves as the recording secretary for the community.

Theresa Kessler, OSB – has spent many years in the field of education as teacher, principal and business manager. She served the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Consultation Center for Clergy and Religious for fourteen years and has worked as administrative assistant for several religious and service organizations. Presently, she is serving on the Leadership Team of Emmanuel Monastery and is part-time Administrative Assistant to the Rector of the Jesuit Community of Loyola College.

Patricia Kirk, OSB – Served as Prioress of the community from 1993-2005. Prior to this she was both a teacher and a pastoral associate for over fifteen years in Baltimore City. She currently serves as Vocation Director and Director of Oblates in the community. She is a Spiritual Director, a retreat director and is very active in Justice and Peace ministry.

Joanne Mastrogiacomo, OSB – Retired as a reading specialist from Baltimore Public Schools in 2000 At home, she continues to do needlework and is currently working on a project of making knitted hats for the homeless, the poor, and new-born babies at St. Joseph Medical Center. Joanne also assists in a variety of daily activities in the running of the monastery.

Kathleen McNany, OSB – serves the community as Liturgist and Director of Communications. She served on the Leadership Team of the community for twelve years, and was involved in Benedictine Formation ministry. Kathy is a Spiritual Director, Retreat Director, leader of programs in prayer and spirituality, and works with other Benedictine communities in discernment facilitation. She presently serves on the Council of the Federation of St. Scholastica and on the Board of Well for the Journey.

Eleanor Noll, OSB – is the coordinator of the Meals Program at Beans and Bread Soup Kitchen. Ellie’s other “outside” ministry is gardening at the monastery. In community she serves as the building and household manager and serves on the Justice and Peace committee. She is the director of PACEM, People Associated with the Community of Emmanuel Monastery.

Patricia Phillips, OSB – serves as community treasurer assisting the community in responsibly stewarding our resources, a position she has held for over 25 years. She served on the Leadership Team of the community from 1993-2005. Pat taught in Archdiocesan schools for over twenty years, and worked for Baltimore County school tutoring children with skeletal displaysia. She presently works at St. Joseph Medical Center part time in the Out-Patient division as Greeter/Concierge.

Eileen Simms, OSB – worked in Catholic education for over forty years. She presently works at Cedermere School in Owings Mills, MD, as personal assistant to developmentally challenged children. In the community Eileen served as our former Oblate Director for twenty-six years, and is presently corresponding secretary for the community.

Joan Marie Stief, OSB – works for Catholic Charities as the Director of Parish Social Ministry. She serves on the Leadership Team of Emmanuel Monastery, and is the community librarian. Joan Marie is involved in outreach to the broader community through the Justice & Peace Committee, Days of Prayer, and the Oblate and PACEM programs. In the field of Archdiocesan education, she taught, served as a school librarian and as director of library media services.

Kathleen White, OSB – is Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters. She also serves as of member of the Justice and Peace Committee, the Oblate Committee and is a PACEM mentor. Kathy has worked in parish ministry for over 20 years and continues this ministry part time at St. Ursula’s Parish in Parkville where she coordinates the Pastoral Outreach Program.

Virginia (Jeri) Willson, OSB – is the community archivist, and is one of the community gardeners. Her earlier ministries include teaching, educational administration, and office management. Jeri recently retired from St. Joseph Medical Center where she worked in the Out-Patient facility as Greeter/Concierge, extending our Benedictine hospitality to patients arriving for surgery and other medical procedures. She now continues that ministry of hospitality at the monastery.