Forum Discussion runs from November 11 - 29 
and includes two Zoom Discussions: Nov. 12, Nov. 26, both at 4-5pm ET 

Wisdom, doubts, joy, and poetry lived side-by-side in the journal–and the heart–of Old Monk, Sister Mary Lou Kownacki. Now encounter her writings in a new format, an eCourse based on the new book from Orbis, Everyday Sacred; Everywhere Beauty, which is comprised of the best of her blog posts. Here you can share the reactions, questions, and dreams that arise in you as you read her essays. 

The Monasteries of the Heart community treasured Old Monk’s blogs for over a decade, and up until her death in January 2023, new posts always sparked conversation, laughter, and thoughtful disagreement. Her eCourses on writing and poetry drew hundreds of members into a greater level of comfort with expressing themselves through words. “Reading With Old Monk” is an opportunity to experience this magic–again, or for the first time.

This eCourse is a continuation of the conversation Old Monk began so many years ago. Engage with her deep, honest, playful and wise journal entries, and, if you’d like, share your reflections, reflections, insights, poetry… and your own stories from your experiences of Old Monk.

The eCourse will run from November 11 - 29, and registration is $30. The eCourse will primarily take place via an online forum on Monasteries of the Heart, with written reflections and writing prompts that participants can read and respond to at their own leisure posted on the forum and emailed out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the three weeks. This eCourse will begin and end with live Zoom session discussions, (Tuesdays, November 12 and 26, both from 4:00 to 5:00 pm ET). The zooms will be with the four editors of the book: Anne McCarthy, Linda Romey, Katie Gordon and Jacqueline Sanchez-Small, and will offer a unique opportunity to “Read with Old Monk,” in small and large groups. 

Anne McCarthy, OSB, who is guiding this eCourse was an old friend and mentee of Old Monk. Previous eCourses by Anne include “Monasticism is for Everyone,” “Climate Crisis and Humility,” and “Nonviolence and the Rule of Benedict.” She holds a MA in Theology in Monastic Studies from St John’s University, Collegeville. In addition to ministry at Benetvision/Monasteries of the Heart, she coordinates Benedictines for Peace. 

Participants are encouraged (but not required) to purchase Everywhere Beauty, Everyday Sacred by Mary Lou Kownacki. For those in the US, order from JoanChittister.org here. For those outside of the US, order from Orbis Books here.