Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB

Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB
Oblates Director

Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB was born in Peoria, IL, the second oldest of five sisters and one brother.  Living in a large family is a gift she cherishes, and the experience was helpful as she transitioned into the Benedictine monastic community.  Ruth was taught by the Benedictine Sisters at St. Boniface School from kindergarten through 8th Grade, and this was her personal introduction to the Way of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica.  She was captivated by their joyful spirit along with listening to their chanting of prayer when the windows were open in nice weather. 

At St. Boniface, Sister Teresa Ann Harrington taught singing in the classroom and was the church choir director.  Sr. Ruth joined the choir from 6th grade through high school.  Thus began her love of music.

Sr. Ruth entered the Benedictine community in 1956.  She made her first profession in 1958, her perpetual profession in 1961 at St. Mary Monastery in Nauvoo, IL and celebrated her 60th jubilee in 2018. 

Sr. Ruth graduated from the Academy of Our Lady high school, then received a B.A. degree from Marycrest College, Davenport, IA, and an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. 

During her early years in community, Sr. Ruth taught in the primary grades in Munster, IN, LaSalle and Nauvoo, IL.  Then her ministry changed to financial administration at St. Mary’s Academy, St. Mary Monastery, the Diocese of Peoria and St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island, IL.  From 1996 – 2004, Sr. Ruth served as prioress of the community – a challenging but blessed time of the community’s pilgrimage from Nauvoo to Rock Island.  During a number of those years to the present, Sr. Ruth has been a coordinator and director of the Oblate Program of St. Mary Monastery.  Sharing her love of the Benedictine way of life with the dedicated group of lay people adds a wonderful balance to her life, as well as the gift of friendship and inspiration.

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours with her sisters and making time for personal prayer has been the bedrock of fidelity to Sr. Ruth’s life as a Benedictine sister.  Today she continues her ministry as treasurer of the community, director of oblates, and whatever “labora” the community calls her to do.  Presence and sharing are the “glue” that holds the community together.

Sr. Ruth loves to read, work in her flower garden, listen to music, and do crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  Meditating on Sacred Scripture sometimes leads her to write some poetic prose.  Currently her favorite quotes are: “Never lose hope in God’s mercy” (RB 4:74) and “Do not be afraid…I am with you always”  Mt 28:10, 20.