Author: Richard

Benedictine monk of Saint John's Abbey. M.A., Iowa City, 1974. University librarian emeritus. President Emeritus of the American Benedictine Academy. Weaving websites since 1995. Golden Jubilee of monastic vows, 11 July 2020.

Coordinator Position

Follow the link to download an application for the position of Bridgefolk Coordinator.

Bridgefolk (committed to ecumenical dialogue and sharing between Mennonites and Roman Catholics) seeks a part-time Coordinator to assist the Board of Directors in guiding the mission and vision of its ecumenical work. 

The Coordinator will assist the board co-chairs in planning and preparing for board meetings; attend to requirements for maintaining non-profit status in Minnesota; oversee the finances of the organization with the support of the treasurer; assist the board with fundraising initiatives; assist in the planning of the annual conference; and coordinate with planners of the Mennonite Catholic Theological Colloquium regarding the timing and themes of the colloquia.

The ideal candidate will be conversant with the work of Bridgefolk, energized by issues related to a sacramental life and a commitment to social justice, and able to balance both collaborative and independent effort.  The Board welcomes applicants who can volunteer their time as well as those in need of a stipend.  Bridgefolk is willing to cover conference fees and travel expenses associated with board functions, plus a negotiable annual stipend of up to $2,000.

+S. Theresa Schumacher OSB Died, 29 May 2019

Portrait: S. Theresa
S. Theresa Schumacher OSB

Sister Theresa (Mario) Schumacher OSB died, May 29, 2019, Saint Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud, Minn. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent, Sunday, June 2, from 1–4:30 p.m. or for a Vigil Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Monday, June 3. Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, is managing the arrangements. A long-time member of the American Benedictine Academy, S. Theresa Schumacher OSB served as president from 2006–08, was a member of the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research Board and an active member of Bridgefolk, a Catholic-Mennonite group who celebrate one another’s traditions. May she rest in peace eternal.

Education for Peace in a Multi-Religious World: A Christian Perspective

Joint Ecumenical Document

Education for Peace in a Multi-Religious World: A Christian Perspective
Document issued 21 May 2019 by Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and the World Council of Churches.

The purpose of this 13-page document is to encourage churches and Christian organizations to reflect on the structural roots of what has led to the disruption of peace in the world, and on their own current practices and priorities in relation to education and peacemaking. At the same time, it is hoped that the document, issued 21 May 2019, may assist a wider conversation on education for peace involving followers of other religions, as well as social and political actors in our multi-religious world, taking into consideration specific historical and cultural contexts.

Download full document: Education for Peace in a Multi-Religious World: A Christian Perspective (pdf)

+ Paul J. Nelson, 1951-2018

Paul Joseph Nelson and his wife, Dawn Ruth Nelson (d. 2017), participated actively in Bridgefolk.  Paul died,  13 September 2018, at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Home.

Visitation was at Plains Mennonite Church, 50 W. Orvilla Rd, Hatfield, PA, on Sunday, September 23rd. A memorial service followed at 3 p.m. with a meal afterwards with family and friends.