St. Benedict's Toolbox by Jane Tomaine

St. Benedict's Toolbox by Jane Tomaine

When St. Benedict formed his first small community of monks at Monte Cassino on the hilltop, Italy--and much of Europe--was ravaged by war. The Roman Empire was breaking apart, and politics, cultural life, and even the Church, were all in disarray. In the midst of these tumultuous times, Benedict offered his followers a little rule, a guide about the size of a checkbook, that showed his monks the way to peace as they learned to prefer Christ above all things.

Though it was written nearly 1500 years ago, the Rule of Benedict still offers the practical tools for living a Christ-centered today. Here in St. Benedict's Toolbox, readers will find a primer on how to use these tools in their own tumultuous lives. Each chapter examines one aspect of the Rule, from ways of praying to ways of embracing humility, and offers suggestions for prayer, reflection, journaling, and action. As they learn to use Benedict's tools, readers will discover the power--and the timeliness--of this ancient way of life.

Jane Tomaine, DMin, is an Episcopal priest and a recent recipient of a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University Theological School. She developedSt. Benedict's Toolbox as part of a parish-wide, liturgical, and renewal program at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Linvingston, New Jersey, where she is rector. Jane presents workshops, seminars, and retreats in parishes and retreat centers, and teaches courses on Benedict's Rule at the Newark School of Theology. She lives in Mountainside, New Jersey, with her husband John. For further information, ideas, tools, and readings, check the website www.stbenedictstoolbox.org.