The Benedictine Way bids farewell to service corps members who have completed their year

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."

…a time to come and a time to go.

I can only hope that the writer of Ecclesiastes can forgive my adding this last line to one of the most beloved pieces of writing in the Hebrew Scriptures. But as the end of June approaches, this is indeed a time to “go” for some members of our community, just as last August was a time to “come”.

The Benedictine Service Corps is designed as a year-long program (actually August – June) in which we introduce young adults to a monastic prayer life adapted for people who are not intending to become monks; and a life of service that is geared, in particular, to the poor and forgotten. All of this is done in a communal atmosphere, thus our motto of “Prayer, Service, Community”.

Two members of our Service Corps community are leaving at the end of this month. Victoria Sparkman and Beau Mohon are returning to their respective states to continue along their Christian journey. Both Victoria and Beau have been a joy to live with, have contributed in many different ways to the growth of our community, have grown in faith and service, and have been resilient and courageous in these last months of pandemic and social unrest.

Victoria will be moving to Topeka, Kansas, and seeking employment in the not-for-profit sector. I cannot say enough about Victoria, who has a quiet but deep faith, an ability to make all of us smile, a willingness to throw herself into learning gardening which has made our yard that much more beautiful. Victoria speaks up with her passion for justice, has done great work with Restoring Dignity (a not-for-profit that aides refugees), is willing to help with any task, and has a beautiful voice, helping us through many an Office.

Beau will be returning to Murray, Kentucky, where he will be finishing up his academic work at Murray State. Beau is a story-teller extraordinaire and has regaled us with many a tale from “back home”, making Kentucky seem like a place of mythology and magic. Beau has been dedicated to deepening his prayer life and has worked very hard on it. He is passionate about social justice and equality for all and speaks up for it, shows up for it, and works hard on it - in many capacities. Beau will also be remembered for “discovering” a patio in our backyard, which had been long run over with soil, grass and other growth. Beau saw a little piece of concrete and was convinced there was something there. We now enjoy our patio which he dug out, cleaned, and helped to beautify.

We will miss both Victoria and Beau a great deal, but we know that this is the “time to go”. We ask you to pray for our sister and brother as they transition out of the community and back “home.” Though they leave us now, both Victoria and Beau will always be a part of us and we pray that they take with them a part of us too. God bless you Victoria and Beau.

- Brother James Dowd, OSB

My year with the Benedictine Service Corps (BSC) was nothing like what I expected it to be, but nonetheless, it’s been incredibly impactful. I joined the Benedictine Service Corps wanting to do more hands-on, face-to-face service work, and for the most part that’s exactly what I got. My experience working with Restoring Dignity this year was amazing and truly eye-opening. Not only did I get to see how much around-the-clock effort and improvisation goes into making a grassroots nonprofit function, I got to build real connections with refugee families all over Omaha and hear their stories.

At the BSC we saw a huge shift in our normal routine with the Covid-19 pandemic, but in that time of uncertainty we were able to lean on the support of our church community and quickly put together a weekly food pantry for our neighborhood. 2020 has shaken up everything around us, and in many ways it feels as though our worlds will never be the same. But if I can take away any lessons I learned from this year it’s that people can be incredibly resilient, compassionate, and adaptive in the face of challenges. In times like these we need to remember to trust in God, trust ourselves, and trust in our communities.

- Victoria Sparkman, Benedictine Service Corps Member

Just over a year ago was when I had the privilege of flying to Omaha, for the final step of the interview process, and to meet Br. James and Abby in person. It was my first time in the Midwest, and the idea of living in Nebraska was a new one to me. However, over the course of my week long stay, I absolutely fell in love with this city, and most of all, this community.

Now as my service corps year winds down, I am left reflecting on what I have learned, and what marks have been left on my soul. I can truly say that the biggest message I’ve taken to heart, obviously taught to me by the Prior himself, is ironically about the small things: it doesn’t matter how short the distance is, always be making your way closer to Jesus. As I’ve said countless times before, The Benedictine Way and the Service Corps has enabled me to live the Gospel to its fullest extent - and I am ready to apply it to the next step of my life.

I set out to make as many friends in Omaha as possible - and I most certainly have; from the local drag scene where I’ve been able to sit and talk about the collective LGBT+ experience, to bonding with some of the most amazing parishioners from Trinity Cathedral. I’ve been able to share food, clothes, prayers, and many laughs with those I share a house with, and those who have no home.

I am sad that my time in the Benedictine Service Corps is coming to an end, but I am thrilled for the opportunity and chance that was given to me - and I am more ready than ever to tackle the world and fight to bring the Kingdom of God to as many people as I possibly can!

- Beau Mohon, Benedictine Service Corps Member