Benedictine Medal
 
 
Schola singing
       
  Sister Callista introduces the program for the concert

As part of the community’s continuing celebration of 150 years in Chicago, on January 8th the Sisters invited family and close friends to a concert of Christmas music performed by community members and families of the Sisters on Sunday.  The schola—the group of Sisters who sing for special liturgies—performed Christmas carols ranging from the thirteenth century “Alle Psalite” to the late twentieth century “Wake from your Sleep”.  The chanters led the group in the Christmas proclamation and Sister Agnes sang "Sweet Little Jesus Boy”.

  
  Sister Callista introduces
the program for the concert.		    
       
         
    Sister Agnes singing "Sweet Little Jesus Boy".    
       
       
       
       
       
       
  Sister Callista directs the schola as they sing Sister Patricia welcomes the assembled families and friends  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Sister Agnes singing
"Sweet Little Jesus Boy".		  
     
     
     
     
  Sister Callista directs the schola
as they sing one of the hymns.		   Sister Patricia welcomes
the assembled families and friends.		  
         
         
 

Family members were also invited to join in the performance.  Beth Berend, great-niece of the late Sister Gregory Rohar, played “Adagio” on the clarinet, an instrument she plays professionally.  Tim Finnegan performed “Silent Night” on the mandolin, and then led the gathering in a rousing rendition of “O Susanna” on the accordion.  The audience joined the schola in singing the refrain on the final “Christmas Gloria” and Sister Callista closed the concert with an organ recessional.

 
         
  Beth Berend playing the clarinet   Tim Finnegan relaxes after the concert is over.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  Beth Berend performs on the clarinet.   Tim Finnegan relaxes
after the concert is over.		  
         
 

Following the concert, the guests joined the Sisters for cookies and coffee.  Many stopped by the community room to watch the DVD prepared in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago, first played at the September 25th event featuring Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B. Others visited with the Sisters in the north room, the library or the infirmary.  The Sisters enjoyed the chance to visit with their families and friends at the end of the Christmas season, and to commemorate 150 years of the community’s presence in Chicago.

 Sister Joanna visits with Mary Clare Cadieux, a St. Scholastica Academy volunteer  
      Sister Joanna visits with Mary Clare Cadieux, a St. Scholastica Academy volunteer.  
         
  Sister Kathleen McNamara visits with Oblate Donna Daehnert and Sister Judith Murphy's sister, Eileen Samuelson   Sister Mary Melady (center) poses for a photo with her brother, Patrick Melady, and his wife, Alice  
  Sister Kathleen McNamara (center) visits with Oblate Donna Daehnert (left) and Sister Judith Murphy's sister, Eileen Samuelson.   Sister Mary Melady (center) poses for a photo with her brother, Patrick Melady,
and his wife, Alice.