Souljourners Graduation 2025

Twelve students began the 3-year program in September 2022 as the pandemic was waning. Sr. Mary Elizabeth was the director. When she became prioress, she and the council chose a Leadership team of Mary Kay Whitacre, Sr. Marcia Ziska, and Sr. Patricia Seipel to coordinate the program. The graduates arrived on Friday, July 11^th for a mini-retreat, practice, praying evening prayer and a special meal prepared by Martha Agnew. The evening concluded with some gift-giving from the Sisters. On Saturday photos were taken and families arrived.

The graduates processed into St. Scholastica chapel and Sister Rose Marie welcomed them and their families. After a commitment by the graduates to receive all directees as Christ and listen with the ear of their heart, they received an anointing for the ministry in which they were embarking upon. They were each awarded a certificate of completion of the Souljourners program. The ceremony concluded with the Benedictine Sisters giving the graduates a blessing. This was followed by a blessing from the assembly. A reception with delicious food was held at Sophia Center prepared by Martha Agnew.