In this accessible guide to the good life, journalist and poet Valente illustrates how St. Benedict’s sixth-century monastic manual for healthy communal living can address contemporary conundrums, such as the echo chamber of social media, information overload, and the challenges of “Workaholism and Over-Achieverism.” In 22 short chapters, Valente highlights key selections from the Rule of St. Benedict, analyzing how ancient directives on topics such as paying attention, living fully, silence, humility, prayer, forgiveness, trust, and leadership can strengthen relationships and communities. . . .These astute reflections on the rule’s tools for nurturing community provide valuable guidance for those seeking balance in a conflict-ridden world.
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| DATE | CHAPTERS – PAGES – TOPICS | PRESENTER – HOST |
|---|---|---|
| Sep. 5 Wk. 1/ red |
Ch. 1 & 2: Living Consciously and Listening with the Heart (not recorded). |
Rev. Clement Connolly, ret. Pastor, Holy Family Church, S. Pasadena. Judith McDermott, coordinator and host |
| Sep. 12 Wk. 2/ purple |
Ch. 3 & 4: Running With the Light – Using Death as Our Compass Tim Burnette — Intro Tim Burnette — Part 1 Tim Burnette — Q & A’s |
Rev. Tim Burnette, Curator, “The Way Collective.” Thomas Heck, host |
|
Sep. 19 Wk. 3/ yellow |
Ch. 5 & 6: Learning the Craft of Good Works and Silence. |
Paul Chappell, NAPF Peace Literacy Director. Anna Grotenhuis, host |
|
Sep. 26 Wk. 4/ blue |
Ch. 7 & 8: Discovering the Power of Patience, Humility, and Gratitude Adam McCoy — Intro Adam McCoy — Part 1 Adam McCoy — Q & A’s |
Rev. Adam McCoy, Prior, Mt. Calvary Monastery, S.B. Pat McClure, host |
|
Oct. 3 Wk.5/ white |
Ch. 9 & 10: Fostering Well-being through Building Trust and Community David Moore — Intro David Moore — Part 1 David Moore — Q & As |
Rev. David Moore, New Covenant Worship Ctr., S.B. Anna Grotenhuis, host |
|
Oct. 10 Wk. 6/ orange |
Ch. 11 & 12: Finding Balance: the Urge to Over-achieve and the Need to Forgive Judith Valente — Intro Judith Valente — Part 1 Judith Valente — Q & As |
*** Judith Valente***, our author. Judge Charles Reynard, her spouse, reflected on “Contemplation in Courtroom 5 C” after lunch. Judith McDermott was our host |
|
Oct. 17 Wk. 7/ brown |
Ch. 13 & 14: Exploring Healing and ‘Homeness’ – Simplicity and Abundance Elizabeth Molitors — Intro Elizabeth Molitors — Part 1 Elizabeth Molitors — Q & As |
Rev. Elizabeth Molitors, Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, S.B. Martha Siegel, host. The poem referenced at the end of Part 1 was BENEDICERE, by Ken Sehested. |
|
Oct. 24 Wk. 8/ green |
Ch. 15 & 16: Applying the Dynamics of Self-honesty and Group Consensus Julia Hamilton — Intro Julia Hamilton — Part 1
Julia Hamilton — Q & As |
Rev. Julia Hamilton, Lead Minister, The Unitarian Society of S.B. Michael Dean, host. |
|
Oct. 31 Wk. 9/ black |
Ch. 17 & 18: Extending Our Mission as Leaders in the Care of Souls and the Guardianship of the Planet Radhule Weininger — Part 1 Radhule Weininger — Q & As |
Dr. Radhule Weininger, offering a Buddhist perspective on the Rule of Benedict. Anna Grotenhuis, host. |
|
Nov. 7 Wk. 10/ pink |
Ch. 19-22: Living Into the Blessing and Meaning of Right Now, Wherever We Are Jim Clarke — Intro Jim Clarke — Part 1 Jim Clarke — Q & As |
Rev. Jim Clarke, Chair, Spirituality Commission, LA Archdiocese. Anne Heck, host |
The registration fee ($100) includes a copy of the book and admission to all ten Thursday morning sessions. Single-day sessions are $10 each. Send your check and contact information (phone, e-mail, address) to:
Judith McDermott, 3731-2 Greggory Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
For more information about Word and Life: our purpose and history; directions to the venue, and previous and current audio recordings, please visit our website, www.wordandlife.us.