Benedictine Sisters v. 23

The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are a wonderful group of women dedicated to prayer for all of us whether we know it or not.  They are not only prayerful though.  They are fun, generous, and hard working.  We were going to stay for a day, and Becca asked please could we stay another!  She really wanted to go to Lauds at 6:30 AM, but we never did make it.  She got a quick idea of how the monastic life  is lived with daily Mass at 7:30, day hour at noon, Vespers at 5:30, and Compline at 7:30.  I may be a little off on times, and we never made Compline either..??

The sisters have a few businesses that help keep food on the table and the heating bill paid.

We toured the Altar Bread department where the Sisters and their employees make the hosts that (hopefully)  we use at our parishes and schools for Mass.

pouring

mixing

transporting

Inspecting

inspecting

quality control

How did we get through here without a photo of Sister Rita?  She runs a tight ship and everyone seems happy to work here.

The Low Gluten crew is trying to automate, but right now they make .01% gluten wafers by hand.  Here is a link to their website with info for people with celiac issues: http://www.altarbreadsbspa.com/lowgluten.php.  They have to have some gluten to satisfy church requirements, but a celiac sufferer would have to eat 270 wafers in a day to "reach the danger point".  

No/low gluten please!

Becca was certain she would like to help out in the Altar Bread Department, until she visited the Soap Shop and Sister Cathleen.  It really smells gorgeous in there!!

making cold process soap

making heat processed soap

All in all, we had a marvelous time with some fabulous women!  We played cards and games in the evening, and visited the Pony Express Museum on the way back to Kansas City.  Who knew a visit to the monastery could be so much fun!