St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living (10th Anniversary Edition, Revised)

A practical, down-to-earth guide on the Rule of St. Benedict and its use in daily life.

In the sixth century when the Roman Empire was breaking apart and politics, cultural life and even the Church were in disarray―tumultuous times not unlike our own―Benedict of Nursia designed what he termed "a little rule" that showed his monks the way to peace as they learned to prefer Christ above all things.

Jane Tomaine translates St. Benedict's ancient rule for a modern audience and offers readers 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 being in relationships and community, and offers tools for reflection, prayer, journaling, and action. This updated edition includes historical background to the Rule, a new chapter on relationships and community, and a guide for group use.

"[A] wonderful book, one of the best introductions we have in print today to the spirit of St. Benedict. It speaks clearly to Episcopalians of our day about the great spiritual treasure of the Benedictine tradition."―The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, Assisting Bishop of Long Island.

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.