Abbey News
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Consecrated Life Sunday
Today the Church celebrates the annual day of prayer for the men and women who have committed themselves
to the consecrated life, be it a public life of active ministry or a hidden life
of prayer in a monastery. Pope John Paul II instituted the first such day back in 1997. His message on that occasion can be found on the Vatican's web site at John Paul II Message. . . Normally the the day is celebrated on February 2nd, feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the temple, but this year's celebration is transferred to today in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the
whole Church.
We'll be counting on your good prayers for all of us who are living the consecrated life, especially for the grace of final perseverance. One is reminded of the desert father story in which a young disciple asks an old, experienced monk how long he has been a monk. The old monk answered that he hopes he can remain in the community until he becomes one.
After Rev. Father's chapter talk reflecting on the consecrated life we had our annual anointing of our sick brethren. This year Frs. Robert, Francis and Raymond received the sacrament.
Vocation Promotion
It is reported that the U.S. bishops have named the promotion of vocations to priesthood and consecrated life as one of their five priorities. USCCB will launch a new web site in April 2010 highlighting the gift of consecrated life to the Church. Here at Genesee we've begun a little promotion of our own by inaugurating weekend Vocation Discernment Retreats. These are designed for single Catholic men who may feel remotely called to monastic life but would like a closer look at it as part of their discernment.
The retreatants will live at Nazareth House for the weekend. The retreat will include some conferences on monastic life and discernment, tours of the abbey and bakery, participation in the Liturgy of the Hours concluding with Sunday Mass and dinner with the monastic community. There is no charge for the retreat.
If you'd like to help promote the retreats we've created a little poster that you can print out and post somewhere accessible to men who might be interested. You'll find it on our retreat poster page. We also have some leaflets graphically describing monastic life here at Genesee. If you'd like some to distribute drop me a line (Vocation Director) and I'll gladly send them.
Community Retreat 
Speaking of retreats we'll be on retreat ourselves beginning tomorrow, February 8th until Sunday, February14th. Mother Kathy DeVico of Our Lady of the Redwoods monastery in Whitethorn, California will be our retreat director.
We are looking forward to her presence with us and her daily conferences. Another high light of the retreat will be our hermit day schedule each day. For a grace-filled retreat for the community is another worthy intention for your prayers.
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