Jane Tomaine

Jane Tomaine is an Episcopal priest, author and retreat leader.  She leads workshops and retreats on the Rule and Benedictine Spirituality for churches, organizations, monasteries and retreat centers.  Jane is also “Abbess” of the on-site Feline Cloister where she and her husband, “Prior” John, are serving staff to the resident Benedictine cats – Br Ricky, along with Sisters Nikki and Esperanza (Espy).

Jane devotes her time to abandoning herself to God’s will (tough), living as best she can in the recollection of God’s Presence (works when she is alone), and following the wisdom of St. Benedict (i.e., always we begin again – not from the Rule, but an essence of the Rule).   She is an avid fan of J. S. Bach and spends hours on the piano with this great composer (making many blips).  For the last four years Jane has sewn girls’ dresses for Little Dresses for Africa, in addition to making made scads of facemasks during the pandemic.

Jane has two perennial gardens, one of traditional garden plantings and a second smaller one of plants native to New Jersey.  Both confront her expectations to know how to do everything right (gardens won’t allow this).  Both also offer opportunities to exercise prowess on a) weeding (she’s pretty good at this), and b) keeping the deer away (Try Bobbex Deer Repellent – It works).

Other pastimes – jogging, lifting weights, and reading – most often books about Native and African American histories and current issues.  Jane is a great cook, but would rather be doing something else.  Oh, yes, she prays too, and is trying to figure out just how to pray continually.

Jane is a member of the Society for the Companions of the Holy Cross, a spirit-filled organization of women that supports her own spiritual life journey.  She is currently head of the New York chapter of the organization.

Less Interesting Nitty Gritty

CV: Jane received a Bachelor of Music degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and a Master of Music degree from Ohio State University, both in organ performance.  After 18 years employed in the Bell System, Indiana Bell and AT&T, she earned both Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Theological School of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.  Husband John asks, “Do you have enough initials after your name now?”

Post Script

Jane is also author of two books on The Rule of St. Benedict.

St. Benedict’s Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living

The Rule of Benedict: Christian Monastic Wisdom for Daily Living