Bro. Tobias - Spring 2024 Message

Greetings!

There is never a dull moment in the life of a monastic with the daily routine of prayer and work. Following the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we aim be a welcoming community where people are treated with respect.

The Cycle of Life Continues!

Tree Planting

Spring has arrived! We hope and pray with farmers for favorable weather during the planting and growing season and for protection from damaging storms.

Last year, many needle trees on our property had to be removed due to a fungus. Just in time for Earth Day 2024, planting of new trees and shrubs resumed.   

During Easter Week, the annual board meetings of our two Corporations, Benedictine Mission House and St. Benedict Center, took place. The financial review showed no discrepancies. The board members attested that funds are used as designated.

Celebrations and News!

Prior, Fr. Anastasius, OSB

On April 24, Prior Anastasius gave thanks to God for 25 years of priestly ministry. Before coming to Schuyler, he was active in youth ministry at the abbey in Germany. From 2006 to 2017 he served the community of Peramiho as their abbot. Last year in October, he assumed the job as mission procurator of Christ the King Priory in addition to his responsibilities as monastic superior.

 

Bro. Andrew

Br. Andrew, for many years manager of the bookstore at the retreat house, observed his 70th birthday. There is no retirement! He can be found in the mission office assisting with opening mail, taking care of the sacristy, helping our substitute cooks, comforting fellow cancer patients at the oncology clinic, checking in on friends and especially his family back home in the greater Boston area.

Bro. Samuel

With the arrival of Br. Samuel before Easter, we have now an expert who loves creating flower arrangements for house and chapel, but also a brother monk who loves running the bookstore and implementing new ideas.

I hope that you enjoy reading the potpourri of information from the mission office and monastery. Let us celebrate the cycle of life as joyous Easter people!

Thank you for your friendship and prayerful support! Greetings and best wishes!

Br. Tobias, OSB
Director of Development

April 2024

Fr. Germar Neubert, OSB

On 5 February 2024 our dear confrere Father Germar Neubert OSB, died in our infirmary at 4:30 in the afternoon. He died rather suddenly and quickly but now he has arrived in the light, he is at peace with God.

Fr Germar was born on 26 May 1939 in Arnstein. He entered Münsterschwarzach Abbey in 1959 and joined himself to our community by his profession in 1960. He was ordained a priest on 29 June 1965. Fr. Germar served in various positions of leadership in his monastic life. From 1966 to 1975 he was prefect in our boarding schools in Würzburg, Münsterschwarzach and Damme. From 1975 to 1982 he was the rector of the school in Damme. He served as the prior of the abbey from 1982 to 1993 and then became the prior of our monastery in Schuyler, Nebraska, USA from 1994 until 2011.

May the Lord reward him for his service to our abbey in various positions.

We will celebrate the Eucharist in thanksgiving for our Fr. Germar on Friday, 9 February 2024 at 2 p.m. in the abbey church and afterwards bury him in the monastery cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed.

Abbot Michael and the Community of Münsterschwarzach

From Bro. Tobias

A Season of Change 

For weeks, farmers around the country focused on bringing in the crops. Even though the weather has been challenging throughout the planting and growing season, we give thanks for the results of the harvest. 

As the days get shorter and the fall climate slowly changes to cooler temperatures we prepare for winter. This is part of the cycle of nature. Change in family settings brings hope, joy, and the challenge of letting go. Death knocks at the door at unexpected times. This month of November, we especially remember our departed loved ones and trust that our loving and merciful God grant them eternal rest and peace. We have in them powerful intercessors in heaven!  

The Liturgical Year ends with the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 26.    Thanksgiving Day, November 23, brings family and friends together, giving thanks for the many blessings we received throughout the year, and as a harvest festival. Let us not forget those who have less than we do! Our country and world yearn for lasting peace, and yet there is strife and unrest in many parts of the world, and even in the Church. Let us not fall into despair but be people of gratitude and hope! 

A season of change:  

As I reached my 75th birthday in October, Abbot Michael suggested that I share responsibilities with Fr. Anastasius who assumed the appointment as prior for our community in January of this year. As of late October, Fr. Anastasius also took on the job as mission procurator of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House. The main task will be correspondence with our mission partners around the globe and overseeing projects our office supports financially through the generosity of our benefactors. Before coming to Schuyler, Fr. Anastasius served as the Congregation Procurator and thus knows all the places in Africa and Asia where we are involved. My tasks remain in fundraising and donor relations.     

April 2024 – visit to Tanzania 

On November 15, we welcomed Br. Moses, O.S.B. to our community. He professed vows in 2004 at St. Benedict Priory in Digos, Philippines. He was assigned to our motherhouse in Germany, and we are grateful to Abbot Michael for sending Br. Moses to us. – If you are following us on social media platforms, especially Facebook, you have noticed reports from various missions and pictures of joyous events, but also notifications of confreres whom God called to eternity.  

No doubt, I could go on reporting. However, let me thank you for your faithful support of our work and your commitment to be the messengers of God’s love and compassion to the people in our lives. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, may our “hearts burn with fire and our feet keep moving” as followers of Jesus. (Pope Francis – message for World Mission Sunday 2023)   

Sr. Dolores Dufner, OSB, of St. Benedict Monastery in St. Joseph, MN, wrote a beautiful hymn that inspired me in my ministry over the years: 

“Then let us go to serve in peace the gospel to proclaim. 

God’s Spirit has empowered us; we go in Jesus’ name.” 

Thank you for your faithful support and friendship, 

Br. Tobias Dammert, O.S.B. 

Visit to Tanzania - 2023

Greetings!

There is a saying that has come to my mind frequently that the path to hell is paved with good intentions. I will not expand on that thought but ask your pardon for not posting updates about the projects our office is supporting or on events at the monastery.

Much has happened since the beginning of 2023. However, let me jump forward to April and report on my trip to Tanzania, accompanied by Prior Anastasius. I enjoyed his company and expertise in arranging all travel details. An added benefit is his fluency with the Swahili language.

First on the travel itinerary was one week of vacation with my siblings. I left for Germany on Easter Monday, April 10. It was a happy reunion of all seven siblings. Next stop was our motherhouse, Muensterschwarzach Abbey, for the Conference of Mission Procurators from April 17 to 20. Each time the group meets, project applications sent for consideration of support are discussed. Thanks to the generosity of donors in Europe, Asia, and the United States we can assist most times. Occasionally requests are denied or returned to the applicant with suggestions for alternative options. The Conference of Procurators requires progress reports and independent financial audits. Individual procurators assist in monitoring a project. We aim at full transparency so that we can also report to our benefactors.

Visit to Tanzania – April 21 to May 9. 2023

It has been 35 years since I visited Tanzania. The landscape of this vast and beautiful country presented itself in all shades of green since it was the end of the rainy season. Road conditions are a different story, as is the traffic. Tanzania has a young population; finding employment is a challenge. I observed farmers using primitive methods to work the land. In some regions of Africa, lack of sufficient moisture suggests that another famine could be on the rise. 

We started our visit to the four abbeys in Tanzania at Ndanda. During our stay, the emergency ward of the hospital was inaugurated and blessed, in addition to the dining/meeting hall and dormitory wing of the School of Nursing. The community has started a mission in neighboring Mozambique and plans are made for a school in Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania. One evening we spent with the Missionary Benedictine Sisters with whom the monks collaborate in many ministries.

Peramiho Abbey will mark the 125 years of Benedictine presence with the dedication of the Bishop Cassian Spiess Memorial on the site where the first Holy Mass was celebrated in 1886. Meditation stations along the route leading to the memorial use the concept of the “Bible on the Ground.” Stories from Scripture and Benedictine history will be depicted in various art forms inviting pilgrims to deepen their faith and appreciate the sacrifice of those who gave their life for the Gospel during difficult times in the country.

From Peramiho we took a day trip to the African Benedictine Sisters of the Congregation of St. Agnes at Chipole where a new convent addition is waiting for its completion. The Sisters work in many parishes, are involved in healthcare and education, in addition to caring for orphans.

We had planned a relaxing weekend at Litembo, visiting Hildegard Witt, the sister of our deceased confreres Joachim and Manuel. As a lay woman, Hildegard works for many years already at institutions of the Missionary Benedictines or the dioceses where we are represented. Litembo is known for the Diocesan Hospital and our office assisted the Diocese of Mbinga with the expansion of the hospital, addition of a new convent, and with a vocational training center.  On our way to Litembo we paid Bishop John Ndimbo a courtesy visit and stopped briefly at the Convent of the Franciscan Sisters who are headquartered in Mbinga. The diocese has its own radio studio as a tool of evangelization. Bishop John was our tour guide of Mbinga and mentioned that he will see us in the evening in Litembo. We had no idea that the next morning the dedication of the parish administration building, and the blessing of the new convent was scheduled. The Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Easter – the Good Shepherd Sunday – started at 9 AM and by the time the blessing of the new facilities was over it was 1 PM. Only 9 choirs from all the outstations of the parish participated. It was a joyous and colorful celebration. I had the privilege of addressing the faithful, bringing greetings of the benefactors in the United States. Fr. Anastasius and I humbly accepted all the praise from the officials, knowing that it was not the two of us who made funds available but the generosity of the many friends here at home.

During our visit to Hanga Abbey we were privileged to participate in the blessing of the new residence for the monks working at Coland Secondary School. Students and teachers joined us for the occasion. At each school, students assist in tending gardens and fields. Preparing for the national examinations is taken seriously. At Hanga Seminary we observed students sitting at their desk outdoors under an awning, studying or writing papers. Each school is ranked by the government, and the results are made public. Hanga Abbey is the first indigenous monastery in our Congregation, founded in 1957. The communities of Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa and St. Theresa Priory in Katibunga, Zambia, call Hanga Abbey their mother, as do several small dependent houses. Hanga Abbey is known for its reforestation efforts. Currently, a proper abbey church is under construction and monks assist with many construction tasks.

The most remote abbey of our Congregation is in Mvimwa in the Diocese of Sumbawanga where monks take care of a large city parish and a Secondary School, while a Primary School is located closer to the abbey. Two monks oversee the health center at Mvimwa, holding degrees as midwife and lab technician. It is the policy that wherever the abbey has a house, brothers assigned to work there lead a life in community. Agriculture is an important task at Mvimwa, especially raising ducks, chicken, pigs, and cattle. Benefactors of the Mission House in Schuyler provided funds for an irrigation system for the banana plantation and garden. We enjoyed a demonstration! The community is blessed with many vocations to the monastic way of life. Unfortunately, the refectory of the community is very small and overcrowded, especially when the confreres on assignment and guests are present. During the rainy season it happens often that the monks must stay in church until they can walk up the hill on slippery and uneven paths to the refectory without being soaked. There is no direct access from the monastery to the dining room! High above the monastery in the mountain cliffs, the community is developing a shrine dedicated to the Blessed Mother that already draws pilgrims from near and far.

Let me summarize: all monasteries that we visited not only have hospitals, schools, and a variety of workshops, but also farmland that produces corn, beans, vegetables, etc. Monastics work together with employees, looking after livestock, pigs, and chicken, and thus following the admonition of St. Benedict who tells us that we should make a living by the work of our hands (and certainly by using the gifts of teaching, etc.) and in serving God’s people.

In discussions with the leadership of the monasteries, convents or dioceses, social and economic issues were addressed. The monks and sisters see the problems of society and are not afraid to act in finding solutions.  Foremost, finding ways that assure self-sustainability for monasteries and institutions is noticeable wherever we visited. Our monasteries are vibrant communities, not sheltered from the rest of the world. However, at this point, help from the outside is still needed. This is not taken for granted. Our brothers and sisters in Tanzania, especially at the places we visited, assured us of their prayers for the benefactors and friends of the Missionary Benedictines.  Missionaries not only evangelized among the people, but they taught them life skills that better their lives. Together we make a difference!

U.I.O.G.D.

Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus
That in all things God be glorified!
The spirit of St. Benedict is alive!

June 2023
Br. Tobias Dammert, O.S.B.

Mission and Project Updates

NEWS FROM MECÚA FOUNDATION, MOZAMBIQUE

The confreres of Ndanda Abbey in Tanzania are back in Mozambique. Following times of unrest in the country, they started anew at a new location.  We rejoice with the community and pledge to be of assistance, as we have done in the past. The following is a message from Ndanda:

We are grateful to the Almighty God. With the support of our Congregation and especially because of the huge support of Missio-Austria and so many benefactors from Europe and America - at last, today, the construction work for the first building of ST. BENEDICT MONASTERY MECÚA in Mozambique has started. The blessing, which was the sign that the work has started off, was given by His Grace Ignacio Saure, the Archbishop of Nampula. God willing, in 8 months the work will be finished and the long-awaited community life in Mecúa will commence. Two words: JOY! GRATEFULNESS!

Development of Marian Shrine at Mvimwa, Tanzania

Fr. Francis, OSB of Holy Spirit Abbey, responsible for the Marian Shrine, works with young confreres. They have already prepared the ground and grotto. Pilgrims come regularly for Holy Mass and devotions. Friends of the Mission House provided funding to bring a water line to the site. Fr. Francis writes:

Fruits of our labor...Harvesting a good quality native coffee...Praise God for His wondrous deeds...

Pilgrim Group at Mvimwa Marian Shrine

Work in Progress – Convent Addition in Chipole – funded by friends of the Benedictine Mission House 

Monastic Vows at Mvimwa – Holy Spirit Abbey – May 31, 2023

It was a joyous day when 6 novices of Holy Spirit Abbey made their first monastic vows before Abbot Pambo, the community and faithful who gathered for the occasion. During the same liturgy, two monks made their Solemn Profession as Missionary Benedictines.  

2022 - Year in Review

The Year 2022 in Review 

“The Lord bless you and keep you!

The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you!

The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”

The blessing from the Book of Numbers is well known and used in liturgical prayer by all Christian denominations. This blessing is very dear to me. I am writing the first blog message for the mission office during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18 through 25).  At the Last Supper, Jesus prayed that his followers be one! History and events of long ago have brought division. It took decades before religious leaders could overcome obstacles and sit face to face to address issues that unite us, but also what still divides us. Thank God, the dialogue is ongoing! As followers of Jesus let us embrace the call of The Joy of the Gospel to which Pope Francis invites us all.  Let us live our faith joyfully and be a light in the darkness of our world and a beacon of hope!

Let me share with you about our monastic community in Schuyler, our ministries and give you a report of fundraising activities in 2022. Without the prayerful and financial support of many friends we would not be able to help with projects of the Missionary Benedictines around the world and out outreach to those in need. This outreach happens also here in the United States.

Christ the King Priory is a dependent house of the Abbey of Muensterschwarzach, Germany. In 1935, our pioneers settled in the heartland of America, taking up residence in an empty standing convent in Schuyler, Nebraska, that formerly served as school for home economics, etc. operated by the Notre Dame Sisters of Omaha. From here our “good will ambassadors” travelled to almost ever state to find new friends and supporters. Today we must use technology and direct mail in finding new friends.

 

We remain committed to the personal approach that our pioneer monks handed down to us!

 

Monks of Christ the King Priory:

            Fr. Anastasius Reiser, OSB                            Prior

            Fr. Adam Patras, OSB                                    Subprior and Cellerar

            Br. Sebastian Goldade, OSB                        Vestment Department

            Fr. Tom Hillenbrand, OSB                             Pastoral Ministry

            Fr. Volker Futter, OSB                                   Oblate Director, Librarian

            Br. Tobias Dammert, OSB                             Director of Development

            Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB                               Administrator of St. Benedict Center

            Br. Andrew Fuller, OSB                                 Bookstore Manager

 

Confreres on assignment:        Fr. Paul Kasun, OSB  St. Benedict Priory, El Rosal, Colombia

                                                Fr. Jacques Missihoun, OSB, Abbey of the Incarnation, Agbang, Togo

 

For the past 6 years, Fr. Joel Macul, OSB, served our community as its prior. On January 15, 2023, he handed over the responsibilities to Fr. Anastasius. We thank Fr. Joel for his energy and leadership and wish him God’s blessings as he returns to his monastery of profession, St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, NJ.

Despite the challenges of the corona virus and its variances, you responded generously to our appeals. Your financial support in 2022 helped with these projects:

  • St. Michael’s Priory, Kumily, Kerala: renovation of monks’ residence and formation house in Malom and expansion of rubber tree plant - $119,708.00

  • Our Lady Help of Christians Abbey, Ndanda, Tanzania: ongoing formation and education for hospital staff - $125,961.00

  • African Benedictine Sisters of Our Lady Help of Christians, Mwanza, Tanzania: student hostel for their schools - $121,849.00

  • Congregation of St. Ottilien: operating cost of our study houses in Kenya and Zambia & student fees - $80,048.00

  • Christmas Appeal 2022 – general mission support  (as of 1-20-23) - $241,792,00

  • Website Christmas Appeal 2022 – photovoltaic systems for African monasteries - $13,210.00

  • Mass offerings  (Masses have been celebrated with the help of missionaries) - $148,173.00

In 2022, the total income from appeals, regular mail, and bequests came to $3,386,068.28 with the average donation of almost $200.00.

In our appeal letters we always stress that you, the donor, have your own needs and obligations and that these must come first. A big thank you to all our friends who supported our work again financially and with their payers.

We try to find new supporters through personal contact, referrals, and mailings. In 2022 we received help from over 2,000 new donors, acquired through mailings or who found us on the internet. The average donation from these new friends came to $42.03. Many remained faithful supporters beyond their initial gift. The promotional mailing seeks support for our hospitals, farming and environment, clean water, and support of education in Africa and Asia.

In 2022, we mailed #1,014.057 pieces of appeal letters to friends and potential donors. Our expenses are covered from investment income, a fund that was established many years ago. We do not hire consultants. However, printing and bulk mailings are outsourced to a company in Omaha.

All incoming mail receives personal attention and, if possible, is acknowledged the very same day. Postage increases do not stop us: all gifts are acknowledged, even a $1.00 gift because we believe that the proverbial “widows mite” adds to the funds that make outreach possible and successful. It is also our policy that 100% of the donations are used for the purpose indicated by the donor.

The total income of 2022 includes funds from bequests that have been used towards projects if the Last Will and Testament did not state a specific purpose. My predecessor once wrote a brochure “The Law has no Soul.” Hopefully this helpful information can be reprinted and shared. Contact us if you have any questions concerning how to make a charitable bequest in your Last Will and Testament.

Our investment portfolio makes it possible that we can reach out to Schuyler community through the Ministerial Association in addition to support education for underprivileged youths, with outreach to the Native American communities, our retreat ministry, natural disaster relief, assistance to our motherhouse in Germany and its ministries and requests from communities working with the Missionary Benedictines.  

Finally, the work as Development Director/Mission Procurator is teamwork. I am grateful to my coworkers in the data entry and correspondence office, Wendy and Mara; to my brother monks Andrew, Adam and Anastasius who keep an eye on me while I count money for the bank deposit; to the coworkers in the IT, finance and administration departments: Mary, Paul, and Pam.  

Our common mission is, as St. Benedict says:
THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD BE GLORIFIED!

Be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions! Thank you and may our God shower many graces and blessings upon you as we journey through 2023.

Br. Tobias Dammert, OSB
and the team of the Mission Office

Monastic Life - Africa (Hanga Abbey)

We are pleased to share with you video #4 that the Conference of Mission Procurators commissioned. It features monastic life at St. Maurus Abbey, Hanga, Tanzania.

Other videos on the Benedictine Mission House Blog:

October 2021     Education – Ndanda Abbey
March 2022         Healthcare – Ndanda Hospital
May 2022             Environment – Holy Spirit Abbey, Mvimwa

We Missionary Benedictines are grateful for the prayerful and financial support of so many friends. God bless you and reward you.

During the upcoming Nine Day Novena of Prayer and Holy Mass from August 6 through 15, your needs and intentions will be included in our prayers.

On behalf of the monks of Christ the King Priory/Benedictine Mission House

  ~ Br. Tobias, OSB

The Environment – God’s Gift to Humankind! (Mvimwa, Tanzania)

Natural disasters challenge us to treasure the environment and care for it. As Missionary Benedictines, we try to make an effort wherever we serve to care for the earth and its many gifts, especially the crops we harvest for our daily sustenance.

The Conference of Mission Procurators’ dispatched the videographer team to Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa, Tanzania, to capture not only the beauty of the land, but also to highlight what with proper use of modern technology can be achieved.

The friends and supporters of the Benedictine Mission House have generously reached out to our monks of Mvimwa over the years, with farming projects towards self-sustainability, support of their schools and the building of a beautiful abbey church.

Thank you for all that you do for us so that we can help others!

Br. Tobias, OSB

Mission Procurator – Benedictine Mission House

Healthcare Project in Tanzania

With the newly released video on healthcare, commissioned by the Procurators’ Conference of our Congregation, we highlight the work you, dear friends, made possible thanks to your prayerful and financial support.

Ndanda Abbey in Tanzania is not only a spiritual center for clergy, religious, and laity, but also a “monastic village” that has grown around the monastery with retreat house, workshops, schools, and especially its hospital.

Enjoy this video and at the same time accept our THANK YOU for being faithful supporters of the Mission House in Schuyler, NE, whenever we present a project. Healthcare is certainly the #1 priority, followed by education. Ndanda Hospital still depends on support from people of goodwill. The manifestation of the healing power of Jesus is evident in our outreach to the sick, thanks to your help.

Br. Tobias, OSB

Mission Procurator – Benedictine Mission House

A Message from Bro. Tobias in the Mission Office

Greetings during this First Week of Lent!

Please know that we monks remember you in our prayers, especially at the celebration of daily Eucharist.
We certainly live in challenging times with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine going on and the many suffering people and refugees. Let us pray fervently that the Holy Spirit will guide world leaders as they seek a peaceful solution. There has been too much bloodshed already and destruction.
People of good will have responded to relief efforts. God bless all who care for their neighbors without even knowing them.

On a more positive site:
Fr. Urbanus, OSB of Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa, Tanzania, reported of his pastoral ministry among the people of Kate parish. In the picture, you see Father visiting the sick and elderly on Ash Wednesday for the distribution of Ashes.

Catechists from the parish participated in a workshop given at Mvimwa and concluded the day with the visit to the Marian Shrine. Friends of the Mission House have reached out to Mvimwa Abbey many times and supported especially the pastoral ministries of the monks.

God bless our Lenten journey!
Br. Tobias, OSB

PS: Check out the current appeal on our website and if the Holy Spirit moves you, and your financial resources permit, help our brothers of St. Michael’s Priory in Kumily, Kerala. Thank you!

Thank You from Benedictine Mission House

Through the generosity of our friends from near and far, we could again respond to individual requests of missionaries and help not only our monasteries in Africa , Asia, Europe and South America, but with specific projects.

Lent Appeal
Christ the King Priory, Tororo, Uganda
Housing and assistance towards self-sustainability

Sacred Heart Appeal
St. Therese Priory, Katibunga, Zambia
Farming and poultry project

Novena Appeal
Hanga Abbey – Coland Secondary School
Dormitory and monks residence

All Souls Appeal
Blessed Gerard Care Center, Mandeni, South Africa
Outreach ministry of Fr. Gerard Lagleder to orphans, sick, Aids victims, etc.

Christmas Appeal
General help to all our monasteries and convents we assist on a regular basis.

Without your help, all this would not have been possible. We Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory are grateful and promise to keep you and your intentions always in our prayers.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022!

Bro. Tobias Dammert, OSB

An Update from Katibunga

I am happy to share with our friends information provided by Fr. Javier, the Mission Procurator of our Congregation. The friends of the Mission House have generously supported projects for St. Theresa Monastery of Katibunga. Just this year, our friends helped the community with the poultry and farming project, one initiative the community took towards self-sustainability.
Thank you for your help.
Prayerful good wishes for a blessed Advent!

Br. Tobias, OSB

Mission Sunday

Each year during October, the Church observes World Mission Sunday. This day is set apart to invite us for reflection that Jesus asked his disciples to bring the Gospel message to the end of the world. As followers of Jesus, let us reflect what our mission is. There are many opportunities locally and globally.
Pope Francis invites us to be joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

The Conference of Mission Procurators of our Congregation released a new video just in time for World Mission Sunday. Learn about our efforts of sharing knowledge and skills by watching the video covering education in the Ndanda area of Tanzania.

We Missionary Benedictines thank all our friends and supporters for their prayerful and financial support of our ministries whenever your financial resources permit.

Join us for the celebration of Holy Mass on Mission Sunday, October 24, at 9 AM at St. Benedict Center.

Br. Tobias, OSB

Tis the Season!

Year-End-Giving.png

YEAR END GIVING

During this last quarter of 2021, individuals and couples examine their financial resources, deciding how to make an impact on ministries of a charitable organization they like to support.
Thank you for considering the Benedictine Mission House – Christ the King Priory and Saint Benedict Center as beneficiaries.

Congress has incentives in place how your IRA can be of help. Please consult with your financial advisor. Make a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) work for you! Special legislation passed that there would be no RMDs in 2020. This year, the RMD is back for everyone age 72 years and older. Most people do not like to take money from their IRA. The preference is to let it grow and have funds available as needed. However, if you take the RMD, you pay income tax on that distribution.

The IRA Charitable Rollover is an Annual Break for your IRA
While you still must distribute money from your IRA if you are 72 or older, you can do it in a tax-advantage way. Talk with your IRA administrator to determine the best way. Instruct the financial institution to send your IRA donation to the Benedictine Mission House. Your full name and address should be provided so that a proper acknowledgement can be directed to you personally.
• You do not pay income tax on the distribution
• You receive gift acknowledgement for the full amount of the distribution
• You satisfy your RMD up to $100,000
• If you and your spouse have your own IRA, both of you can use the IRA charitable rollover

Do not consider this block post as legal advice since I am no lawyer nor do I claim to be an expert in tax issues. Always consult with the experts.

We Missionary Benedictines truly appreciate your friendship, prayer, and financial support whenever possible.

God’s choicest blessings!

Br. Tobias, OSB
Mission Procurator and Director of Development

Disclaimer: above information is based on legislative information provided by The NonProfit Alliance and the Office of Stewardship of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Summer Message from Bro. Tobias

Summer 2021

It has been some time since I gave an update on fundraising appeals to which our friends so generously responded in spite of the uncertainty what needs might come up due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

The healing touch of Jesus is at work and we thank God that vaccination and other precautionary measures have kept our community safe. Sure, we too deal with occasional health issues and pray that by the grace of God we can continue our ministries. Work at the retreat house is going well with more groups attending programs and individuals seeking assistance for the spiritual journey through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or a session in spiritual direction.

In late June, I facilitated a program with the title “Jesus the Divine Healer.” It was a powerful experience as we shared in Lectio Divina and Visio Divina – the prayerful reading of a Gospel passage and using the images of “The Two Cures” from The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition that is on permanent display at St. Benedict Center.

On the Solemnity of St. Benedict, July 11, we welcomed back the faithful from the surrounding area and retreatants to celebrate Eucharist with us. After 18 months of no congregation for liturgy, it sure was a blessing to be together with others, yet observing social distancing and voluntary mask recommendation.

A word of thanks!

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Our friends from near and far reach out to us so that we can help others. This is so evident in the appeals that we mailed earlier this year and posted on our website. As a fundraiser for the various ministries of the Missionary Benedictines around the world, and as directed by the Conference of Mission Procurators, our office raised during Lent $140,000 to help our monks in Tororo, Uganda. The Sacred Heart appeal mailed in May gives us the opportunity to help the monks of St. Theresa Priory in Katibunga, Zambia, with $140,000 for the poultry project and the needed financial support towards self-sustainability. In an email, dated August 25, I was happy to bring greetings to our friends from the monks of Hanga Abbey stationed at Coland Secondary School and their students for the support of their renovation and expansion project.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO DO SO THAT WE CAN HELP OTHERS

As of August 25, we raised $84,000 for Coland Secondary School in Tanzania. The budget for the project presented to the Conference of Mission Procurators estimated the total cost at $94,000. I am confident that we can reach the goal eventually. I encouraged our confreres not to give up hope!

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On the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, August 15, we concluded the Nine Day Novena of Prayer and Holy Mass for the intentions of the benefactors. Our heavenly Mother Mary, I am sure, will intercede with her Divine Son for you and your loved ones.

Outlook

In early September, the pre-chapter conference series will take place as a virtual event at which I will represent our office. This video conference series brings members of our international Congregation of Missionary Benedictines together. The promoter for the General Chapter 2022 is aware of the various time zones involved so that representatives from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas can meet together. Technology makes such meetings possible. I hope that international travel without too many restrictions is possible by the time the General Chapter 2022 will take place at St. Ottilien, Germany.

Occasionally professional experts reach out to us offering their services. I decline such services since it is our policy that all funds raised go 100% to the project or as directed by our friends and supporters. Unfortunately, ways of finding new friends is an expense we have to absorb. For this, we rely on the help of a reliable vendor and friend. We cover our expenses with the income of an endowment fund established many years ago.

Even with the new postage rates going into effect on August 29, we will continue communicating with you, our friends by sending our acknowledgements as soon as possible and as personal using first class postage. You deserve this and this is our promise to you!

Our world is in great need of God’s healing touch so that nations can live in peace. We are witnesses of the ongoing acts of terrorism and ethnic divisions. Let us pray for peace and for the Church as it experiences many trials.  In one of my favorite hymns, written by Sr. Delores Dufner O.S.B. of St. Benedict Monastery in St. Joseph, MN, we sing:

Then let us go to serve in peace, the gospel to proclaim,

God’s Spirit has empowered us; we go in Jesus name.

Soon you will receive the invitation to send us the names of your departed loved ones for the daily remembrance at Mass during November. The departed loved ones are our intercessors with God.

In the meantime, stay healthy and know that we think of you and pray for you!

Gratefully,

                        Bro. Tobias, OSB

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