St. Benedict taught that those living the monastic life should live by the work of their hands. That's just fine with "the Soap Sister" of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Missouri.

I stand at the counter in the lobby of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. I am the receptionist, gatekeeper, and facilitator in this ministry with refugees, immigrants, and people living in poverty.

One Franciscan Clarist sister is dedicated to providing therapy to children born with physical developmental problems using a technique developed by a Czech pediatric neurologist. Named for the doctor, Vojta treatments improve motor functions like hand flexibility and chewing. The sister says that the reason the treatments are not more widely used in her country of India is due to its lack of profitability.

"Prayer, if we pay attention, if we deepen, breaks out of linguistic bonds. Takes flight. Bores deep. It's free-form verse. As near as our next breath ... the quotidian that transcends to mystical."

Sr. Tracey Horan, a GSR contributor, will be presented the 2017 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development on June 14.

Contemplate This - In one of the post-Resurrection accounts in the Scripture (John 21) some of the disciples went fishing with Peter. All night they caught nothing. Then at daybreak, Jesus — who was standing on the shore, though none of the disciples recognized him — asked if they had caught anything. 

Notes from the Field - While we may not hold the title of "Sister," we Good Shepherd Volunteers have been blessed by the sisters' willingness to share their spirituality — a spirituality I have learned can be relevant to anyone, not just those in religious life.

"What will help us to fly?"

Dublin - Responding to contention over potential religious influence at a new taxpayer-funded National Maternity Hospital, Irish religious order announces it will end its involvement with St. Vincent's Healthcare Group.