LONG DISTANCE LEARNING

"Benedictine Distance Learning" began in 1994. We were convinced of the importance of formation in Benedictine tradition and aware of a growing interest in monastic studies. We realized that the experts in monastic studies are scattered around the country and so are the potential students. Hence, we put together a list of courses for which we had teachers and for which we thought there might be a need in monasteries. The last has grown as formation directors and others made known their needs and as qualified teachers have signed on. We have now had 35 students, including several oblates and lay students.

The courses are geared to an undergraduate college level, but are designed so that students may take them at their own level of background and in the time available to them. Students work at their own pace and have a year to complete a course. We have tried to pick readings that are easily available on loan from the registrar or the instructor. Each course amounts to about two (15 week) semester hours of college work (90 hours of student work). The courses are not accredited, but we hope eventually to offer them for credit. The cost per course is $150.

Recently we have added two new courses: The Rule of St. Benedict by Terrence Kardong, OSB, a guided study of his new commentary on the Rule of Benedict; and Art and Monasticism, a study of some important documents and monuments in the historical development and theological evaluation of art in monastic settings. Other courses are still available: Early Monastic Sources (Mary Forman, OSB); American Benedictine History (Joel Rippinger, OSB); Medieval Monastic Spirituality (Hugh Feiss, OSB); Introduction to New Testament (Dr. Elaine Classen); History of American Benedictine Women (Judith Sutera, OSB).

Three of the first to finish a class in the program were from St. Walburg's Monastery in Covington, KY. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSB, prioress, says: "The most important learning happens between individual and instructor, but another reason I like the program is that not only does it encourage people to read monastic literature, it leads to dialogue. Students in the program have shared what they have learned and even served as resources in some formation classes. The program is an opportunity to deepen one's understanding of monasticism within the setting of one's own monastery."

Sister Bernardine Haar, who lives in the monastery infirmary, enjoyed her class on medieval monastic spirituality very much. She said, "It was nice to be learning still after more than 50 years of monastic life."

Sister Xavier Anneken, the monastery's coordinator of transportation, wrote: "I have just completed the correspondence course, Early Monastic Sources, which I enjoyed immensely. Sister Mary Forman was great with her comments and referrals to other readings. . . . It is a wonderful opportunity for monastics to further their knowledge."

Sister Nancy Kordenbrock, vocation minister, says that "it was a wonderful way to get into touch with our Benedictine roots. Reading primary sources gave a fresh perspective. Father Hugh's comments were always helpful."

For information, suggestions, registrations, write:
Hugh Feiss, OSB, Registrar
Benedictine Consortium for Distance Education
Ascension Priory
540 East 100 South
Jerome, ID 83338