St Benedict S Toolbox

In the sixth century when Roman Empire was breaking apart and politics, cultural life and even the Church were in disarray — tumultuous times not unlike our own — Benedict of Nursia designed what he termed “a little rule” that showed his monks the way to peace as they learned to prefer Christ above all things. The Rule of Benedict offers timeless and practical tools for living this Christ-centered life today. • Revised and expanded 10th anniversary edition • Practical, down-to-earth writing style; explains the content of the Rule of St. Benedict and how to use the practices in daily life • Contains historical background to the Rule and a new chapter on relationships and community • Includes guide for group use

A practical, down-to-earth guide on the Rule of St. Benedict and its use in daily life. In the sixth century when the Roman Empire was breaking apart and politics, cultural life and even the Church were in disarray―tumultuous times not unlike our own―Benedict of Nursia designed what he termed “a little rule” that showed his monks the way to peace as they learned to prefer Christ above all things. Jane Tomaine translates St. Benedict’s ancient rule for a modern audience and offers readers a primer on how to use these tools in their own tumultuous lives. Each chapter examines one aspect of the Rule, from ways of praying to ways of being in relationships and community, and offers tools for reflection, prayer, journaling, and action. This updated edition includes historical background to the Rule, a new chapter on relationships and community, and a guide for group use. “[A] wonderful book, one of the best introductions we have in print today to the spirit of St. Benedict. It speaks clearly to Episcopalians of our day about the great spiritual treasure of the Benedictine tradition.”―The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, Assisting Bishop of Long Island.

Reaching for God is a compendium of Benedictine life and prayer for oblates. It brings together in one volume the essence of Benedictine spirituality-its history, its relevance through the ages and in the present, and a summary of the most fundamental gifts and values it offers for living a meaningful life. Here, the meaning and purpose of the oblate way of life is explained in a clear and encouraging way. Werner offers guidance and examples of prayer to enrich any spiritual life. Sister Roberta Werner, OSB, having worked as a teacher, caregiver, and educational administrator, is now the assistant oblate director at St. Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. In this role, she guides an oblate discussion group, contributes to oblate newsletter publications, has set up an oblate library, and makes the spiritual journey with the many oblates who connect with her and with the monastery in their search for God.

Take a quick look around – politicians, entertainers, sports figures, and even our own circles of family and friends: Humble pie is not on the menu. It’s a me-first society that turns pride into a virtue and humility into a vice. But Christians – especially those who follow the Rule of St. Benedict – are encouraged to embrace humility as a virtue that leads them closer to Christ. And in this upside-down Benedictine world, we reach humility not by descending to the depths but by climbing, joyfully, to the top of a ladder. In this honest, funny, touching book, Carol Bonomo, a Benedictine oblate – a person vowed to live according to the fourth-century Rule – reconciles the conflict between the world’s call and Benedict’s more gentle admonition as she examines the twelve rungs on Benedict’s ladder against the backdrop of the liturgical year. From the first rung, obedience, during Advent, to the twelfth, constancy, during the feast of All Saints, Bonomo studies what it means for a contemporary Christian to climb the ladder of humility that leads to perfect, fearless love. Bonomo, with a light hand and a sense of humor, takes readers along on her down-to-earth spiritual adventure.

Is it surprising that a sixth-century monastic text, the Rule of St Benedict, should be a guide for lay Christians living in today's world? In fact the questions which St Benedict had to face are still questions which face us today: How do I live with others? With the world? With myself? With God? How do I bring balance into my life? St Benedict speaks to the heart, and this commentary approaches the Rule in a prayerful and reflective way. It will help many people who today are seeking a contemplative centre in a busy life. St Benedict's writing is steeped in scripture. In the Middle Ages his rule was seen as a digest of the Bible. It therefore crosses the divides of the church and speaks to Christians of all denominations.

With the ever-increasing demands placed on our parish leaders, what can seminaries do to prepare priests to deal with the difficult issues they will face? In addition to formation in priestly spirituality and pastoral care, future pastors require lasting support as they discern the call to priesthood and prepare to enter parish leadership after ordination. Filled with valuable information for supporting seminarians in their ongoing formation, A Seminarian's Toolbox provides practical tools and guidance for achieving best practices in parish leadership. This book is a project of The Leadership Roundtable, a nonprofit organization of Catholic lay leaders, religious, and clergy working together to promote best practices in the formation of clergy and lay leaders in the United States. Learn more at www.LeadershipRoundtable.org.

Living the Hours explores what makes the monastic tradition so appealing to ordinary people today who may be discovering a world of spirituality previously hidden from them, or perhaps questioning the balance, priorities and focal points of their lives. Since its beginnings in the fourth century, monasticism's alternative vision for living has, in different ways, always inspired men and women in the secular world to step outside the routine of everyday life and to give time to reflection and exploration. The monastic day is measured in 'hours' with times for prayer, physical work, study and rest all contributing to a balanced, holistic life. This book looks at different expressions of monastic life through history and at the new monastic movements emerging today and asks how they can teach us in today's consumerist world to live more fully, more consciously aware of how we choose to fill our hours and days.

Previous editions of Action Learning in Practice established this authoritative overview of action learning around the world. Over the last decade the move towards action-based organizational learning and development has accelerated, and action learning is now an established part of the education and development mainstream in large and small organizations. Fully revised and updated, this fourth edition covers the origins of action learning with Reg Revans' ideas, and looks at their development and application today. Action learning is self-directed learning through tackling business and work problems with the support of peers and colleagues. A professional and diverse workforce, attracted, influenced and developed in this way is more able to deal effectively with the growing complexity and pressures of working life. As the limits of conventional training and development become more obvious, leaders are increasingly attracted to action-based approaches to learning when seeking better outcomes and returns on investment.