Abbey News

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Guest Speaker
Last weekend we had a lively and engaging presentation on one of our little known 12th century Cistercian Fathers, Gilbert of Hoyland. Our presenter was Dr. Marsha Dutton, Ph.D., Professor of English at Ohio University and Associate Editor of Cistercian Studies Quarterly. She has written extensively on Cistercian topics and is presently preparing a critical edition of the works of Gilbert .

Her lectures covered topics which included a brief introduction to Gilbert himself, a general discussion of monasticism and what specifically it means to be a Cistercian and a brief introduction to Gilbert's sermons on the Song of Songs. It is no understatement to say that her lectures were as much of a mini-retreat as they were a workshop on our rich Cistercian patrimony.

Speaking of Retreats
Our Br. Paul returned from his Gethsemani retreat a week ago Friday all refreshed and spiritually renewed. For the past week we've been happy to have Fr. Bob Schlageter, O.F.M. Conv. in retreat with us. Fr. Bob is transferring to parish ministry after serving as Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain at The Catholic University of America.

Called To Serve
A call came in the other day from our Procurator General, Dom Timothy, asking if our local liturgist, Fr. Justin, would be willing to expand his expertise a bit and become the new proposed Secretary of the Liturgy for the whole Order. Up to now there has been no such position but, as Dom Timothy mentioned the Central Commission was unanimous in its support of the need for a Secretary for Liturgy and that Dom Marie-Gerard (who has been more or less functioning as Secretary but needs to retire due to age) had expressed the need for such. We can be grateful that the US Region made the suggestion even though with some hesitation. I realize the whole scope of the position is very vague. The Generalate is most willing to respond to any question Father Justin might have and to encourage him to creatively fulfill his task.

So with a bit of fear and trepidation but with characteristic eagerness to be of service to the Order in a spirit of trustful abandonment to God's will, Fr. Justin awaits further developments. Among his several liturgical duties here at Genesee is that of community organist.

July 4th Schedule Change
Our bread distributors are calling for only two bake days during the week of July 4th necessitating a change of schedule for that week. See our liturgical schedule page for the consequent change in times for Mass.

Every person must conscientiously reflect upon life and the various modes of conduct that are presented for living it. We must make the wisest choice we can and follow it with conviction.

All too often human beings work themselves into a very unhappy state by failing to stand back every once in awhile to make this assessment. Failing to do so, they adopt the values of those around them; they use as a criterion that which gives the most pleasure; they find that the values of pleasure are many times contradictory to one another and, above all, constantly changing.

Such false values are bound to cause difficulty, Settling the difficulty on the basis of " the pleasure principle" compounds the problem; this leads to confusion, which finally compels a person to straighten out or give up; live in contradiction or in a life style that one knows is not healthy.

What Think You of Christ?
Bishop John A. Marshall