THE SAINT VINCENT OBLATE NEWS Saint Vincent Archabbey

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THE SAINT VINCENT OBLATE NEWS
Saint Vincent Archabbey
300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690
February - April, 2013
724-805-2291
Volume 66, Number 1
e-mail address: [email protected] ; web site: http://www.svaoblates.org
Please note forms on flier for renewal of Oblation and for celebration on March 21.
THE NATURALNESS AND DIFFICULTY OF PRAYER:
ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER TO ENTER INTO OUR TRUE REST
Dear Oblates, Oblate Novices, and Friends,
Reasons for joy and for easiness of prayer
This past Christmas Season (the longest possible – a
little more than 20 days) ended (as always in the Roman
Catholic liturgical calendar) with the Feast of the Baptism
of the Lord. Among the many themes embodied in the
feast is the privilege we have of being baptized
Christians. Our Lord took on human flesh; so our flesh
has become sacred. Our Lord was baptized in the
Jordan; so we are united with Him in a powerful way
through the sacrament of baptism. Our Lord was sent
forth by the Holy Spirit on a mission to “bring glad tidings
to the poor” (Lk 4:18); so we have the mandate and the
honor of continuing His mission of serving the needy
with self-emptying love and of evangelizing the world.
(Yes, much remains to be done!) The first Suffering
Servant Song from Isaiah (which is one option for the
first reading on the feast) includes the verse, “I, the Lord,
have called you for the victory of justice; I have grasped
you by the hand; I formed you and set you as a covenant
for the people, a light for the nations” (Is 42:6). It can be
taken to address the people of Israel, Christ, or us as the
Body of Christ.
Similarly, the following Sunday we heard from another
passage from Isaiah that should cause us even greater
joy. The prophet says, “You shall be called by a new
name, pronounced by the mouth of the Lord” (62:2), and
“… you shall be called ‘My Delight,’ and your land
‘Espoused.’ For the Lord delights in you and makes your
land His spouse …. As a bridegroom rejoices in his
bride, so shall your God rejoice in you” (Is 62:4-5). If God
so delights in us and is in a spousal relationship with us,
should we not find it simple and natural to converse with
Him? Should not prayer be the most appealing activity of
our lives? Should it not be easy to begin and sustain?
Reality of the struggle involved in prayer
We know, however, that the reality of our prayer often,
if not practically always, falls far short of this ideal.
Because we are sinners, because we suffer the effects
of original sin, because we often fail to make Christ our
first priority, prayer can be very difficult. A whole section
of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2725-2745) is
called “The Battle of Prayer.” It should be encouraging to
hear the Church tell us that “the great figures of prayer of
the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of
God, the saints, and He Himself, all teach us this: prayer
is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and
against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to
turn man away from prayer, away from union with God”
(#2725). The Catechism offers a number of suggestions
about facing the difficulties of prayer and growing
through them: overcoming erroneous notions of prayer,
opposing the mentality of the world, not being
discouraged by failures in prayer, and accepting the
“battle to gain humility, trust, and perseverance” (#2728).
Finding new meaning even amid the struggle
My own prayer is more often than not a battle against
distraction, drowsiness, and discouragement. At the
same time, there have been a few memorable moments
of genuine joy and encouragement. Even while I was in
the midst of writing this essay and reflecting how rare
are my moments of contentment in prayer, I was deeply
touched by the words “with a quiet mind” (RB 31:17, in
the Doyle translation from the Latin ipse aequo animo).
That phrase reminded me how unquiet my mind was at
the time, how many preoccupations with duties were
floating about my consciousness, and how poor I was at
remembering any recent grace-filled event in my life. (I
like to do that to help me enter into prayer, but the
practice can become a crutch if I insist on it.) Then,
however weakly and distractedly, I really tried to say, “All
right, Lord, this is where I am. I don’t want to be in this
unrecollected mode, but there’s not much I can do about
it right now; so take me as I am, and show me where to
go!” Then I realized from the next day’s readings at
Mass that the phrase “with a quiet mind” from the Rule
(or we might “with a peaceful mind” or “with an
equanimous spirit”) had much connection with the
phrase “entering into My [God’s] rest” from Psalm 95:11,
as quoted often in Hebrews 3:7 - 4:11. The passage in
Hebrews challenges its Christian audience not to give in
to laxity but to persevere in their faith amid all their trials.
They must keep listening to God’s word and obediently
responding to it. The “rest” mentioned is not at all a lazy,
carefree lounging on a hammock but a very lively
participation in Christ’s love; it is an eager embrace of
one’s Christian commitment; it is a rest from worries and
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fears, which come from self-centeredness, because one
is learning to trust radically in God’s promises. Yes, we
are all challenged to enter deeply into this “rest” and to
“encourage one another daily” (Heb 3:13) to persevere
in faith-filled confidence and to abide in this rest, which is
so much like the “quiet mind” mentioned by St. Benedict.
My lectio divina on Sacred Scripture is also generally
dry. During a given session it often happens that, as my
eyes scan several verses, almost nothing seems to
resonate with me; or if I can find a phrase that has
potential personal meaning, then my efforts to enter into
meditatio or oratio fall flat or end up in a mess of
distractions. In praying the Divine Office, I am
sometimes so inattentive to the psalms that afterward I
can barely remember having prayed them. Other people
tell me of similar experiences of hardship in prayer.
Some Oblates say that they cannot find their way
through the breviary. (Usually, that problem can be
overcome through a little instruction and by persistent
practice.) Some tell me that they can pray a psalm from
the Hours and then not remember a word from it. Still
others say that they cannot enter into lectio; their minds
draw a blank as they go through verse after verse of a
chosen passage of Scripture. All these non-ideal
experiences should not cause us discouragement but
should remind us not only how weak and incompetent
we can be in the spiritual realm but also how, if we rely
on God’s grace as we indeed must, He can and will
bring good out of our inadequate stammerings and
cause us to advance in His way and His time.
The Rule’s references to difficulties in prayer
The Holy Rule itself gives evidence of the difficulties
that monks had with prayer in St. Benedict’s time. He
hopes that the monks will never arrive late for prayer,
especially Vigils very early in the morning; and yet he
makes provision that, even on Sundays, if “the monks
happen to arrive too late, … the readings or
responsories will have to be shortened” (RB 11:12). St.
Benedict also acknowledges that persistent attention to
the words of the psalmody at the Office is not easily
achieved; so he reminds his monks to strive to keep “our
minds in harmony with our voices” (19:7). Furthermore,
there may be some sleepy monks who “like to make
excuses” about the duty to arise for Vigils; so all the
monks are “quietly [to] encourage each other” (22:8) to
arise and make their way to the Office promptly. Also, all
the monks have a role in making it possible for others to
pray with as little distraction as possible. In the chapter
on the oratory, St. Benedict prescribes, “After the Work
of God, all should leave in complete silence and with
reverence for God, so that a brother who may wish to
pray alone will not be disturbed by the insensitivity of
another” (52:2-3). We might interpret this passage to
imply that since it can be challenging enough for any
individual to be recollected and prayerful, let us not
contribute to the problem by being noisy or boisterous in
or near the chapel. “Moreover,” St. Benedict adds, if a
monk chooses to pray privately in the oratory at other
times, he should pray “not in a loud voice, but with tears
and heartfelt devotion” (22:4) so as not to disturb others.
[In St. Benedict’s day it was not usual to recite prayers
without using one’s voice.] In sum, we as a Christian
community have a serious obligation to facilitate one
another’s prayer lives; if we do not or if we hinder others
from praying well, we do one another a great disservice.
Approaching our difficulties as individuals
How, then, are we to approach our difficulties in
prayer? First and foremost, we must never give in to
discouragement. It is likely that every Christian has
struggles in praying. We are not alone. Blessed Mother
Theresa of Calcutta suffered from dryness for nearly 50
years but remained faithful to her prayer nonetheless.
Our Lord Himself underwent a great struggle in the
Garden of Gethsemane. Feeling uncomfortable in prayer
does not make the prayer “bad.” Perhaps God is
especially pleased when, although we feel very dry or
distracted, we persevere anyway. Of course, sometimes
we are responsible for the lack of depth in our prayer.
We may be holding on to a sinful pattern; we may be
indulging in inordinate pleasures; we may be
unreconciled with another person; we may be watching
too much television or letting the media and the “culture
of death” control our lives in some other way. If so, we
must work on our sinful patterns, seek reconciliation with
anyone with whom we are at odds, fight against
inordinate attachments, restrict our viewing of television
and other media, and in specific ways minimize our
indulgence in activities that tend to leave us unfocused
or driven. Then, whether our prayer feels good or not,
we are not actively or deliberately posing obstacles to a
deeper relationship with God, which is what prayer is all
about. Prayer is not about exciting or pleasurable
experiences; it concerns opening ourselves to God’s
ever-available graces and making our whole lives
offerings of love and cheerful obedience. Prayer is about
“entering into His [God’s] rest” and staying in that rest.
Helping one another with difficulties
Then there is much that we can do to assist one
another to enter into prayer. We can be as quiet as
possible when entering or leaving a church or chapel.
Even at home we can nurture an atmosphere of silence
whenever possible, and we can practice speaking only
with reverence and thoughtfulness even when our minds
are clamoring to have our selfish demands satisfied right
now. We can avoid any television or video programs
that are noisy or violent or that include scenes that are
clearly opposed to Christian values. When others are
speaking, we can listen with reverence. If we function as
superiors in any capacity, then we can refrain from
making excessive demands on others that might prevent
them from having enough time and emotional capacity
for prayer. We can work to make each Sunday a real
“Sabbath” for ourselves and others. We can resist giving
in to self-indulgent impulses regarding what to eat or
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drink, what to wear, what to view, or where to go for
entertainment, and we can refrain from conversing
immoderately about our material wants. Thus, if we as
individuals are striving to “do [everything] in the name of
the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17), it is very possible that others
will be drawn closer to Our Lord and grow in desire for a
life of deep prayer and recollection.
Danger of acedia
One of the great temptations that can threaten our
prayer lives is acedia, which the Catechism tells us is
understood by spiritual writers as “a form of depression
due to lax ascetical practice, decreasing vigilance,
carelessness of heart” (# 2733). Those three
dispositions are certainly characteristic of our culture. By
failing to practice a healthy asceticism, we have become
accustomed to yielding to self-indulgent impulses. By
failing to be vigilant against the wiles of Satan, we have
become lukewarm to virtue and have come to see such
grave sins as fornication, abortion, contraception, and
same-sex unions as no sins at all – or even as desirable
things. Because of our carelessness regarding those
things to which our hearts are attached, we tend to care
only about what pleases “me” and not to seek what will
help us to grow in sacrificial love. As I write this part of
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the essay on January 22, the 40 anniversary of the
notorious and abominable Roe-versus-Wade decision, I
am grateful that our community celebrated Mass for
Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life, with
purple vestments to indicate mourning for the loss of the
unborn through abortion. The attitudes that lead to
acedia in one’s prayer life are the same attitudes that
lead to a devaluation of human life. Our determination to
persevere in prayer should help us also to see that
“prayer and Christian life are inseparable, for they
concern the same love and the same renunciation,
proceeding from love; the same filial and loving
conformity with the Father’s plan of love, the same
transforming union in the Holy Spirit, who conforms us
more and more to Christ Jesus; the same love for all
men, the love with which Jesus has loved us”
(Catechism, #2745).
Praying, receiving love, and showing love
Yes, prayer is all about love, genuine love, the selfsacrificing love of Christ. Only with a persistent routine of
prayer can we open our hearts to God’s love. Only with
prayer can we come to realize the dignity of our lives
and that of others, including the unborn, the frail elderly,
prisoners, and the handicapped. Only with prayer can
we come to know the deep and eternal truths of God and
the horrendous nature of sin, which is a rejection of His
love. Let us, then, allow nothing to discourage us from
praying. Let us welcome the grace to become strong in
the battle of prayer, especially now as Lent approaches.
May the love of God which encourages us in prayer lead
us to help others in their struggle to pray and keep
praying, and may we give one another the room we
need to enter into ever deepening prayer. May our
prayer remind us that we are God’s delight and His
espoused, and may it also urge us to value the life of
those whom society scorns so that together we may
strive to have the “quiet mind” to proclaim, “ I rejoice
heartily in the Lord; in my God is the joy of my soul” (Is
61:10), and we shall pave the way for the Lord our God
to “make justice and praise spring up before all the
nations” (Is 61:11).
In the peace of Christ and Saint Benedict,
Fr. Donald S. Raila, O.S.B.,
Director of Oblates
RENEWAL OF OBLATION AND KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE ARCHABBEY
All Oblates who do not have the occasion to renew their Oblation at St. Vincent or with local deaneries are encouraged
to make their renewals privately on or about the Solemnity of Saint Benedict, March 21, and to send a completed renewal
form (see the flier) to the Oblate Office. It is helpful to know of your ongoing, active interest in the Oblate Program and
your personal growth in Benedictine spirituality. Those wishing to make donations may write out checks to ST. VINCENT
ARCHABBEY. (Now that the Oblate Office is dependent on donations for its operation [except for photocopies], donations
are especially helpful.)
Also, if you are an Oblate novice who is not involved in a deanery and have not contacted the Archabbey for several
years, please use the renewal form to express your interest in the Oblate Program. In particular, if you have been an
Oblate novice for over a year, please remember that you are eligible to become a full Oblate if you fulfill the requirements
in II.E of the Oblate Formation Booklet. In any case, it would be good to know if we can help you in any way on your
journey as an Oblate / Oblate novice. Also, if you are no longer interested in the Oblate Program and do not wish to
receive the newsletter, this might be a good opportunity to let us know your intention. If you are genuinely interested in
continuing your pursuit of an Oblate vocation, please do renew your Oblation in a living, faith-enhancing way.
Also, if you are an inquirer on our temporary mailing list and if you are still interested in receiving this newsletter, please
let us know.
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A MESSAGE FROM ARCHABBOT DOUGLAS
Lent, 2013
Dear Oblates and Friends of Saint Vincent,
During the Lenten Season, the Church offers us an opportunity to reflect upon and to renew our journey
of faith through the experiences of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to help us better prepare for the celebration
of Easter. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that these three traditional, biblical, and penitential practices enable
us to “experience God’s power which, as we shall hear in the Paschal Vigil, ‘dispels all evil, washes guilt away,
restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings peace and humbles earthly pride’
(Paschal Praeconium).”
In this Year of Faith, Pope Benedict reminds us that we have entered the “door of faith” that begins with
our baptism and ends with the passage through death to eternal life, which is “the fruit of the resurrection of
Jesus” (Porta Fidei). The Church encourages us to progress on the journey of faith during this Lenten Season
through a greater commitment to prayer and lectio divina, daily participation in the Eucharist, and reception of
the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
May these days of Lent truly be a privileged time of interior pilgrimage as we follow the way Christ has
shown us.
.
Sincerely in Christ,
Archabbot Douglas
THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. BENEDICT AT THE ARCHABBEY ON MARCH 21, 2013
Oblates from all locations are welcome to join Oblates of the Latrobe (St. Gregory) Deanery on Thursday, March 21, to
celebrate the Solemnity of the Passing of Our Holy Father Benedict with the monastic community and other guests. The
schedule includes concelebrated Mass at 4:00 P.M., supper at 5:15 P.M. (in Placid B), Oblation ceremonies at 6:15 P.M.
(in the basilica), Evening Prayer with the monastic community at 7:15 P.M., and a social at 7:50 P.M. (in Placid B).
Members of the Oblate community and their guests who wish to attend should fill out the form on the flier and send it to
Peg Palfy by March 14. The cost of the supper is $6.50. Checks should be made out to ST. VINCENT ARCHABBEY, and
reservations should be made in advance so that we can plan for the right number of people. Those needing overnight
rooms should contact Fr. Donald very soon since the number of rooms is very limited.
OBLATE DAY 2013 ON SEPTEMBER 22; DAY OF RECOLLECTION ON OCTOBER 12
This year's Oblate Day will be Sunday, September 22, and Fr. Jacques Daley will be the speaker. The fall day of
recollection is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, and Fr. Boniface Hicks is to be the retreat master.
“OBLATE RETREATS,” MAY 17-19 and MAY 31-JUNE 2 – not as reported in November newsletter
The retreats at St. Vincent for summer, 2013, have been scheduled. The retreats on Benedictine spirituality are to be
held on May 17-19, 2013, and May 31-June 2, 2013. I apologize for putting the wrong dates in the November
newsletter. Both are to be directed by Fr. Donald. The second will be a silent retreat. Registration (and all other special
arrangements) should be done through the St. Vincent Retreat Program, and not through the Oblate Office. Also of
possible interest to Oblates is a retreat weekend with spiritual direction available from June 7 to 9, with Fr. Thomas Acklin
being the retreat master. Oblates are no longer automatically placed on the Retreat Program’s mailing list; so if
you would like to receive retreat brochures, please contact Br. Hugh at the Retreat Office at 724-805-2139 or
[email protected]. You may also wish to see the retreat website at www.saintvincentretreats.org.
BROTHER JEREMIAH TO BE ORDAINED A PRIEST; OBLATES ARE WELCOME
Br. Jeremiah Lange, Assistant Director of Oblates, is to be ordained a priest some time this spring, although the date
has not yet been set. See the St. Vincent website to learn the date of the ordination when it is scheduled. Any Oblates
who wish to attend will be welcome. Those who wish to stay for lunch may notify Fr. Donald at 724-805-2291.
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FIRST ASSEMBLY OF DEANERY REPRESENTATIVES TO BE HELD AT ARCHABBEY, JUNE 7-9
Each deanery affiliated with the St. Vincent Oblate Program is invited to send two delegates to the Archabbey from
Friday June 7, to Sunday, June 9, for the first weekend meeting of deanery representatives. (Oblates from near-by
deaneries who do not wish to stay overnight may choose to come on Saturday only.) Events on Saturday are likely to
include Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours with the monastic community, two presentations by monks, and the opportunity to
discuss issues of interest to the deaneries. Each deanery should decide which two Oblates will be attending. (Of course,
in some cases, only one may be available; in cases involving married couples, three representatives will be allowed.) To
register, do not contact the Oblate Office; rather phone the Events and Conference Services Office at St. Vincent
at 724-532-5030. (Online registration should be available soon; check the Oblate website.)
PLEASE CHECK BOOKSHELVES FOR BOOKS MISSING FROM OBLATE LIBRARY
Despite efforts to check books out only through a librarian at Oblate meetings in Latrobe, some books continue to “walk away.”
Please review the list of lost and missing books at the end of this newsletter, and see if you might have any of them on your
bookshelves. Thank you! Also, some people have had books out for unreasonably long periods of time. If you are one of these people,
please return borrowed books promptly! Prolonged borrowing can prevent other people from using these books.
OBLATES RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT AT BASILICA GIFT SHOP
If you are shopping at the Basilica Gift Shop and are an Oblate or an Oblate novice, mention your affiliation with the Oblate
community to the volunteers at the shop, and you will receive a 10% discount on your purchases.
MENTORING PROGRAM: THOSE WHO DESIRE MENTORS OR WHO WISH TO MENTOR
Please contact the Oblate Office if you are an inquirer or an Oblate novice who would like to have an Oblate to help you on your
journey in Benedictine spirituality. Likewise let us know if you are willing to volunteer to serve as a mentor; if you do volunteer, you will
receive a packet of information to assist you in your ministry. (The current mentoring booklet is being revised.)
OBLATE BOARD OF ADVISORS: Meeting on January 11
The Oblate Board of Advisors met on Friday, January 11, with nine Oblate members (and Ed Conroy of the Latrobe
Deanery as an observer) joining Fr. Donald. The group discussed the bibliography of books on Benedictine life, Mary Ann
Kaufman’s work on the Directory (and the prayer-partner and mentoring lists), the status of the cyber-deanery, plans for
the first Assembly of Deanery Representatives, and a possible change of times for monthly meetings of the Latrobe
Deanery. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 12. at 6:30 P.M. Representatives of deaneries outside Latrobe are always
welcome.
ACTIVITY OF OBLATE ONGOING FORMATION COMMITTEE (OOFC)
Oblate Lawrence Cuda of Latrobe reports that the Oblate Ongoing Formation Committee (consisting of him and Oblate
Joyce Collins, who later needed to resign) has compiled an exhaustive listing of books pertaining to the Benedictine
spiritual tradition and Benedictine values. The listing of books is intended to facilitate ongoing spiritual growth for Oblates
who use it. Oblates are encouraged to read at least two books per year from the list, and we welcome them then to submit
a one-page summary of how each book read benefited one’s Benedictine journey as an Oblate. The summary reports
(which, of course, are optional) will be scanned and posted on the Oblate website. The list was to be sent out in January
to those Oblates who are on the e-mail list kept by Oblate Chris Karem. Anyone who would like to have more information
about this book list is welcome to contact the Oblate Office or Lawrence Cuda at [email protected] .
2013 DIRECTORY OF OBLATES: AIM FOR COMPLETION BY JULY
Since most entries involve e-mail addresses, the 2013 Directory of Oblates will be distributed by e-mail to everyone
listing an e-mail address unless a hard copy is requested. (Those who did not list an e-mail address will receive a hard
copy.) The Directory is revised about every two years, and copies are sent only to those who wish to participate. For
security reasons copies are not sent to prisons. Oblate Mary Ann Kaufman is the compiler; so if anyone has any
comments or corrections, please contact Mary Ann by using the form on the flier. Her e-mail address is:
[email protected] , or she can be contacted at 305 Harvester Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (412-835-8977).
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME, OCTOBER 11-19, 2013, being offered by Fr. Paschal Morlino, O.S.B.
Fr. Paschal has announced a pilgrimage entitled “In the Footsteps of St. Benedict” to be conducted this coming October.
It is intended especially for Oblates of St. Benedict and will include “a daily combination of prayer, with Mass and lectio
divina along the way, with a good bit of free time for private prayer and exploration of the visited sites.” The trip is being
provided by the Catholic Tour Company; Fr. Paschal hopes for a group of about 40 persons, with the price being
$3,199.00 with double occupancy. (Husbands, wives, and friends are also welcome.) If you have any questions, you may
contact Catholic Tours or Fr. Paschal at 410-947-4988 or [email protected] .(Also, copies of the itinerary are available
from the Oblate Office.)
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RECOMMENDED READING (The books listed are available in the Oblate Library.)
- Pope Benedict XVI, Holiness Is Always in Season (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2010)
- Kim Metzgar & Jerome Oetgen, The Saint Vincent Fire (Saint Vincent Archabbey Publications, 2013)
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[N.B.: This book, which contains an abundance of photographs, was published to coincide with the 50 anniversary of the fire on
January 28, 1963. Copies are available for $21.00 from the Basilica Gift Shop, the St. Vincent College Book Center, and Archabbey
Publications.]
NEW (or newly discovered) BOOK ON BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY
- John Michael Talbot, Blessings of Saint Benedict (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2011)
- Sr. M. Regina Goberna, O.S.B., Our Father Saint Benedict (N.Y.: New City Press, 1983)
STUDY GUIDE TO LESSONS FROM SAINT BENEDICT NOW AVAILABLE
The book Lessons from Saint Benedict now has an accompanying study guide of 53 pages, with three study questions and three
suggested activities for each of the 26 chapters. The book is available for $12.95 from the Basilica Gift Shop, the St. Vincent College
Book Center, St. Vincent Archabbey Publications, and Sacred Winds Press (see www.sacredwindspress.com .) Those who visit the
Archabbey may obtain a copy from the Oblate Office at a discounted price of $10.50.
BENEDICTINE OBLATE PROGRAM ON RADIO WEDO, 810 AM
This program, hosted by Oblate John James of North Huntingdon, is broadcast from 8:45 A.M. to 9:00 A.M., Monday through Friday.
OBLATE MEETINGS IN LATROBE
Oblates from all locations are welcome to the monthly meetings of the Latrobe Deanery of Oblates, mostly at 6:45 P.M. in seminary
classroom Brownfield 202 on Sundays. The next four meetings will be on February 17, March 17, April 21, and May 19. Those wishing
to come early for Evening Prayer (at 5:00) and supper before the meetings at St. Vincent should phone Fr. Donald in advance at (724)
805-2291. Classes on Benedictine spirituality will continue to be offered at 3:00 P.M. on the same dates. On February 17, Fr. Alfred
Patterson will offer a teaching on “Poverty and Simplicity”; on March 17, Br. Hugh Lester a teaching on “Conversatio morum”; and on
April 21, John Paul Heiser a presentation on “Prayer in Benedictine Spirituality.”
ADORATION FOR VOCATIONS: The Blessed Sacrament is exposed every Sunday from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. in St. Gregory
Chapel. Oblates are urged to use these times for Eucharistic adoration, if possible, especially on the Sundays of Oblate classes and
meetings, to pray for vocations, and especially for vocations to the Archabbey.
TALKS PRESENTED TO LATROBE DEANERY AVAILABLE ON C.D.’s AND D.V.D.’s
Thanks to Fr. Andrew, talks given at Oblate meetings in Latrobe (when the presenter is willing and when someone is able to
videotape) are being made available to those who desire to have copies for a small cost. Those who attend meetings in Latrobe may
purchase the D.V.D.’s at $5.00 each and the C.D.’s at $2.50 each. Others may purchase the presentations from the College Book Store
at a somewhat higher price. Please see the order form on the flier attached to this newsletter.
OBLATE GROUP IN CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO, CANADA
Oblate Cathy Mayled reported by e-mail on December 27 and January 30. The group met on October 25, November 22, and
December 19, with eight people attending in October and November and six in December. Each meeting opened with a prayer and
continued with a discussion based on the book Songs of the Heart, the topics being “Stress,” “Time,” and “Laughter.” Each time there
was a good discussion, and the meetings ended with the praying of Compline.
Bad weather and illness forced the meeting scheduled for January 24 to be cancelled.
OBLATE GROUP IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
Fr. Vincent de Paul Crosby, O.S.B., reported on November 25 about the meeting of the “Ecumenical Oblate group” on November 3 at
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Twelve people attended. After Morning Prayer from the Roman Rite, the group began a reflection on the
twelve steps of humility from the Rule. They used the approach of shared lectio divina to read slowly through the first part of the chapter
with frequent stops for reflection. Only the first three steps were covered. Because of uncertainty about the degree of interest, the group
will not meet in December or January but will communicate again in February to see if the members would like to continue to meet.
OBLATE GROUP IN MORGANTOWN, WV
Fr. John Peck, the former moderator of the Annville Deanery and currently pastor of St. John University Parish in Morgantown, has
led two sessions for people interested in Benedictine spirituality and our Oblate Program. Oblate novice Pauline Lanciotti, on January
19, sent those who were interested an e-mail message with possible meeting dates through November, 2013; with an offer to give a
“crash course” in praying the Liturgy of the Hours; and with a suggestion to view the Oblate website of the Archabbey’s Oblate
Program.
SUGGESTED LENTEN PROJECTS: It is suggested that the Oblates and Oblate novices affiliated with St. Vincent Archabbey
rededicate themselves to the regular praying of the Liturgy of the Hours (as much as their schedules allow) and the regular practice
(ideally daily) of lectio divina. The undertaking of good spiritual reading in the place of less beneficial activities is also recommended.
Catholics might especially focus on reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church during this Year of Faith.
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NEWS FROM OBLATE DEANERIES
Albion, PA (St. Paul Deanery) -- monthly meetings at chapel in Albion
Moderator Ralph DeCecco reported on November 17. The meeting on November 17, attended by Deacon Ralph, his
wife Janet, and six others, began with a praying of the Liturgy of the Hours. Inquirer Paul Hansen shared with the group a
lesson on “Letting Go and Letting God,” and a lively discussion followed. Then there was a reading of RB 39 (“On the
Proper Amount of Food”) and a lectio-type sharing on that chapter. The meeting closed with the “Prayer of Humility” and a
discussion of possible dates for the next meeting and for renewal of Oblation.
Annville, PA (St. Placid Deanery) -- meetings at 3 P.M. on 4th Sunday of each month, St. Paul the Apostle Church, Annville, or
St. Joseph Church in Mechanicsburg or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Mechanicsburg.
Lay leader Gabriele Terrill reported by e-mail on November 1, November 24, and January 29. Ten people attended the
meeting on October 28 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Mechanicsburg. After the praying of Evening Prayer, Oblate
Phil Reemes led the group in a discussion on living out the Rule as Oblates. The topics of discussion included “prayer and
work,” balance with leisurely activities, putting Christ before all else, living a simple life, and being a good example to
family, friends, and others. One member spoke about the value of a prayer chain that has had much good effect for 11
years. All Christians can use their gifts by listening to God, doing His will, and contributing to the upbuilding of His
Kingdom on earth through acts of love.
The meeting on November 18 was attended by Fr. Job Foote, O.S.B., the new moderator of the deanery, and 15 others. During the
praying of Vespers Fr. Job invested as an Oblate novice
Deborah A. Lanni of Middletown, PA.
Gabriele, assisted by Tanishia Sperling, led the rest of the meeting and used the book 61 Minutes by Rev. Michael Rothan for some
inspiration. With Advent approaching and with the Year of Faith being celebrated, it seemed appropriate to speak about praying more,
thinking of the Lord more often, and slowing down from our usual hectic paces. Preparing for the comings of Christ is a way of life.
Every time we read the Scriptures or the Rule we can learn something new. Advent should be a time to be ready to receive Christ in
whatever way He comes and to do His will, even if that means going to places where we would prefer not to or carrying things that we
would rather not carry. The next meeting was planned for January 27. (continued)
The meeting on January 27, attended by Fr. Job and 16 others, began with Evening Prayer and a reminder that the money saved for
the St. Benedict Education Foundation for Sant’Anselmo would be collected at the next meeting. The group also discussed the
Assembly of Deanery Representatives in June. Then Fr. Job mentioned that he could attend only the meetings held at St. Paul Church
and that he planned to talk at future meetings about the importance of prayer in conjunction with the reading of the Rule. There was
some discussion about the lives of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica, the essence of monasticism in encountering Christ, the central role
of listening and obedience in the Rule, and the flexibility of the Rule to meet the genuine needs of individuals.
Asheboro, NC (St. Joseph / St. Gabriel Deanery) – anticipated meetings at St. Joseph Church
There was no report See the report from the Southern Pines Deanery.
Baltimore, MD (St. Walburga Deanery) -- meetings at 3:00-4:30 on 3rd Sun. of month, parish house, St. Benedict Church
Secretary James Wells reported by e-mail on November 20. The meeting on November 19 was attended by 15 people in addition to
Fr. Paschal Morlino, moderator. First, Fr. Paschal reported about his recent pilgrimage to Italy, in which he guided others. Then he
described the history of Thanksgiving Day and reflected on gratitude. Next he talked about Advent, recommended the use of psalms
and Scripture that might be helpful for the season, had a poem read entitled “Finding the Sacred Waiting,” welcomed comments and
discussion, and gave each attendee a copy of the December issue of The Word Among Us along with an article to help with Advent
meditations. Finally, there was some discussion on the October regional Oblate meeting in Ridgely, MD. Before the meeting closed at
4:45, an Oblate shared a cake with the group. Vespers was sung in the church at 5:00. There was not to be a meeting in December.
Fr. Paschal reported by e-mail about the meeting on January 13, on the last day of the Christmas Season. He and the nine other
people present discussed the “everyday canticles,” namely the Benedictus, the Magnificat, and the Nunc Dimittis, regarding their
structure and content. They also reflected on the necessity of lectio divina in the life of a Benedictine. They planned to enter into “group
lectio” at the next meeting, and a sheet with five points was given out to assist in this endeavor. After the meeting the group proceeded
to the church for the singing of Second Vespers for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The next meeting was scheduled for February
17.
Butler, PA (St. Hildegard Deanery) -- monthly meetings at St. Fidelis Church, generally the 3rd Thurs. of month
Lay leader Ethel Galli wrote on January 26. The November-December meeting was held on November 29 at the parish hall. After the
praying of Evening Prayer, Oblate Ron Weleski gave a presentation on a retreat at the Archabbey directed by Fr. Thomas Acklin. Then
the group enjoyed a pre-Christmas party.
At the meeting on January 24, Ethel gave a presentation on Part 3, “Calling and Commitment” of the book Life Lessons from the
Monastery by Abbot Jerome Kodell, O.S.B. The group pondered the questions, “How do we really know we love God? Are we just
going through empty motions? Abbot Jerome suggested that the reader ask, at the end of a day, how much time he or she took for God
and whether He was first or last on one’s list. Then the group read and pondered Chapter 72 of the Rule. Next they heard the
presentation from the Archabbey “Holiness and Benedictine Spiritualilty” given by Fr. Killian, O.S.B.
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Carrolltown, PA (Sacred Heart Deanery) -- monthly meetings at St. Benedict Church, in the church and/or a meeting room, on
Sunday evenings at 6:00.
Lay leader Mary Catherine Hoover reported by phone on January 28 and by letter on January 31 concerning the
meeting in January 13, during which Fr. Jude, moderator, led a discussion of Chapters 47 to 49 of the Rule, with an
exchange about applications to monks and Oblates. The next meeting was scheduled for February 10.
Charleston, SC – monthly meetings at Daughters of St. Paul headquarters,1st Sat. of month at 10:00 A.M.
Lay leader Marsha Boles reported by e-mail on November 29 and January 11. The meeting on December 8 was to
begin with Mass for the Immaculate Conception Church at 8:00 A.M. at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, followed by
an Advent/Christmas breakfast at a café. Then the group was to go to the Pauline Books and Media Chapel for Morning
Prayer at 10:15 and then have the regular meeting at 10:45.
The meeting scheduled for January 12 was cancelled because of the large portion of people who could not attend. The
next meeting was scheduled for February 9, with hopes of publicizing the monthly meetings in the Charleston area.
Chincoteague, VA (Our Lady of Guadalupe Deanery) -- monthly meetings at St. Andrew Church.
Lay leader Mary Hoffken reported on January 1. Three people attended the meeting on November 8. After opening with
an invocation to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the group viewed 20 minutes of a D.V.D. by Fr. Boniface entitled “Poverty and
Simplicity in Benedictine Spirituality.” Then they entered into 20 minutes of discussion. The meeting closed with the
praying of an Our Father.
Three people gathered for a meeting on December13, but the meeting room was locked; so they returned home. Efforts
are being made to ensure that the room is unlocked for future meetings.
Cyber Deanery
Lay leader David Hicks reported by e-mail on December 5 and January 3. (See the report below.)
Frackville, PA (St. Dismas Deanery) –meetings on 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays at 6:00 at chapel in Frackville
Oblate novice Richard Walter, secretary, reported by letter on January 1. (We thank Jeffery McCaughtry, who has
moved to Somerset, PA, for his founding of the deanery in Frackville and for his service as secretary for a couple of
years.) The meeting on December 20 was attended by three Oblate novices and three inquirers. The group discussed RB
64: 1-22 (on the abbot) and how it applies to daily life. They also conversed about how being an Oblate novice had
changed their prayer lives and their daily lives and what they needed to do to become full Oblates.
Johnstown, PA (St. John Gualbert Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30 P.M., St. Benedict Church
Lay leader Carl Motter wrote on November 15, December 18, and January 15. At the meeting on November 12, which began with
Evening Prayer, Deacon Michael Russo, moderator, led a discussion on lectio divina as shared in community. The phases of lectio
were described as (1) “listening for the gentle touch of Christ in the world,” (2) “discovering “how Christ the Word speaks to me,” and (3)
discerning “what Christ the Word invites me to do.” All joined in the discussion.
At the meeting on December 17, which again began with Evening Prayer, Deacon Michael led a discussion on the four weeks of
Advent, with practical suggestions as to what Oblates can do better to prepare for the coming of Christ. The themes discussed were
preparing, listening, finding time for quiet, and prayer and the glory of God. Two inquirers were among the attendees.
The meeting on January 14 began with Evening Prayer and continued with a Christmas party at a local restaurant. The weather was
good, and the event was enjoyed by all.
Latrobe, PA (St. Gregory the Great Deanery) -- meetings usually on 3rd Sunday of month, 6:45 P.M., Brownfield 202
At the regular meeting on November 18, attended by about18 people, Fr. Donald led the group in a discussion about “Guidelines for
Formation” from the Oblate Formation Booklet. The topics covered included the four basic criteria for monastic or Oblate vocations
(from RB 58), the conditions for investiture and for final Oblation, and instruments for ongoing formation. The group also began the
st
chapter “Oblates and the Rule,” with an assertion that the Rule is indeed applicable to lay Christians in the 21 century. The group then
adjourned to the Archabbey Basilica, where Fr. Donald invested
Michael A. Bush of Wheeling, WV, as an Oblate novice.
The meeting ended, as usual, with the praying of Compline. The gathering also included the selling of pumpkin bread by Oblate Mary
Ann Kaufman, with the proceeds going to help poor Christian children in the Holy Land through the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The well-attended meeting on December 16 involved a discussion about “Oblates and the Rule” based on the formation booklet. It
was emphasized that the Rule is not a “book of rules” but rather a document of Christian wisdom and that it is meant to help the
Christian to nurture a habitual focus on Christ throughout one’s day. The Rule is ideally read as lectio divina, with the aim of seeking out
Gospel values in any particular passage. The wisdom of the Rule is meant to be applied to ordinary situations in daily life to help us to
grow in holiness.
The meeting on January 20, attended by some 24 people, involved a continued discussion from the formation booklet, specifically the
values from Chapter IV, such as seeking God; balance between prayer and work; obedience, stability, and conversatio morum; and
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silence and humility. The group also began to implement a decision of the Board of Advisors to begin the meeting at 6:45 P.M. sharp
and to close with Compline in the basilica at 8:15 P.M. Three Oblates also volunteered to be regular greeters at the meetings while
another will be in charge of keeping the file of name tags up to date.
In January Oblate Christine Karem of Greensburg, recovering from three broken leg bones, stepped down as lay leader of the
Latrobe Deanery after six and one-half years of service. (Chris replaced Jackie Milko in the summer of 2006.) We are grateful to Chris
for her dedicated service. Discernment regarding a new lay leader is under way. Please pray for our discernment of a new lay leader.
Lessons in Latrobe at 3:00 P.M. before Oblate Meetings
On November 18 Br. Mark Floreanini, O.S.B., glass artist and teacher of art in the college, gave a unique presentation on “Silence in
Benedictine Spirituality.” After some introductory comments Br. Mark distributed pieces of paper of various colors along with pencils and
crayons and asked each attendee to draw what he or she thought best represented silence. After about ten minutes Br. Mark went to
each participant’s chair, reflected on the drawings, and elicited comments from the individuals. The group thus gleaned some
interesting lessons on silence.
On December 16 Br. Joachim Morgan, O.S.B., junior monk and seminary student, offered a presentation to some 20 people on “Ora
et labora et lectio.” He emphasized that work in the Rule is very much connected with community prayer, lectio divina, and leisure. In
the Old Testament Adam, before the Fall, worked so as to praise God and to cooperate with His creative work. In the New Testament
we see St. Joseph putting God first and sacrificing to God in his actions. St. Paul takes great pride in his work as a tent-maker and
asserts that work both gives glory to God and provides assistance to others. In the Rule there is a caution against both idleness and
pride. We can do work only by God’s grace; artisans are to work so as to glorify God. In our present age there is a temptation to make
work an idol. To combat this tendency, we can strive to remember why we work, resolve not to sacrifice our times of prayer, and insert
creative leisure into our schedules.
On January 20, a cold but sunny day, an overflow crowd of some 35 people attended a presentation on “The Call to Holiness and
Benedictine Spirituality” given by Fr. Robert Keffer, O.Cist. Filling in for Fr. Jacques, Fr. Robert is a Cistercian monk from Spring Bank
Monastery in Wisconsin, which closed down some months ago, and is spending a year of discernment at St. Vincent. Those attending
were blessed to gain a unique, Cistercian perspective on the path to holiness. First, Fr. Robert addressed the issue of the universal call
to holiness, which for Christians is a matter of becoming more and more Christ-like as a response to grace. Then he spoke of the
Benedictine way to holiness as the “monastic methodology” involving “practical mysticism.” Mysticism, he noted, involves a life of union
with God, is not only for clergy and religious, and needs to be expressed in faithfulness to day-to-day duties, especially in charitable
service to others. The monastic methodology emphasizes the virtues of humility, patience, obedience, and faithfulness to the traditions
of one’s particular monastic community. The Benedictine way involves a regularity that establishes a rhythm in our lives that leads us
closer to Christ and opens us to having peace in our hearts. The way to holiness also necessarily entails difficulties and temptations,
but it also leads to genuine happiness, which comes from a faith-acceptance of all of life, including its trials. Through ongoing selfabandonment to God, we come to a knowledge of our true selves, gradually purified of our self-centeredness, and to an openness to
the God who loves us beyond what we can imagine.
Niagara Area, Ontario, Canada (St. Henry/St. Gertrude Deanery) -- meetings on 4th Friday, meeting room of St. Thomas
Aquinas Church, St. Catharines, Ont.
Secretary Kathy Golchuk reported by e-mail on December 9, and lay leader Brian Chisholm phoned on January 30. Kathy made her
final Oblation as an Oblate affiliated with St. John’s Abbey on September 12, which happened to be her birthday. Our congratulations
are with Kathy.
The “November” meeting was held on December 1 in conjunction with an Advent day of recollection at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. It
included Mass at 9:00 A.M., exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Morning Prayer, a rosary, and Benediction at 3:00 P.M. Eight
members attended the Oblate meeting held during the lunch break. Lay leader Brian Chisholm distributed the new study book, Asking
Benedict by Fr. Terrence Kardong, O.S.B., and mentioned that he had contacted Bishop Bergie about appointing a priest to serve as
moderator of the Oblate deanery. He also suggested that the December meeting be held at his home and that it include a showing of
the D.V.D. Bakhita, which is about recently canonized St. Josephine Bakhita of Africa. Brian read a short synopsis of her life.
Seven people attended the meeting on January 29; the turnout was low, probably because of bad weather. The group continued a
study of the Rule, this time the Prologue, with the help of the book Asking Benedict by Fr. Terrence Kardong, O.S.B. The report was
given by Brian and included the suggestion that each attendee look through the Prologue for energetic words and peaceful words. Brian
also reported that he was scheduled to have a meeting with Bishop Bergie on February 7, with the hope that the bishop would assign a
priest to serve as moderator for the deanery.
Pittsburgh, PA (St. Peter Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd or 3rd Wed., Our Lady Queen of Peace Worship Site.
Lay leader James Perini reported by e-mail on January 7. A meeting was planned for January 21, beginning with
Vespers in St. Peter Church at 7:00 and then continuing in the rectory. The group intended to discuss Chapter 3 from Lessons from
Saint Benedict.
St. Marys, PA (St. Maurus Deanery) -- meetings on Thurs. before 1st Fri. of month, Queen of the World Church, 7:00 P.M.
Secretary Peggi Gabler wrote on November 18. Eleven people attended the meeting on November 8, which began after
Evening Prayer and Benediction at the end of a period of adoration. After the Oblate prayer, a reading of minutes, and the
reading of a letter from Fr. Donald, Fr. Thomas More, moderator, read from the beginning of the Prologue of the Rule and
spoke about battle imagery, obedience as a weapon, and the call to serve our true King, Christ the Lord. He also read
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from RB 72 and reflected on putting selfishness aside and doing what is best for others. The meeting closed with a
prayer of St. Benedict, a blessing from Fr. Thomas More, and a decision not to meet again until March.
Saint Vincent College (Mary, Mother of Wisdom Deanery) – monthly meetings during the school year, usually in Mary, Mother
of Wisdom Chapel
Fr. Killian Loch, O.S.B., moderator, reported on January 24. During the meetings in November and December, Fr. Killian
and the group of Oblate novices discussed the Liturgy of the Hours regarding its origin, its history (particularly its
Benedictine roots), and the various hours of prayer. The Oblate novices were shown the various editions of the Hours that
are available. There was also a demonstration concerning the location of a version of the Hours on computer and the apps available
for smart phones. The students were also invited to pray the Office, as their schedules allow, with the monastic community.
Furthermore, several of the Oblate novices are involved in a weekly group lectio session conducted by Mimika
Garesché in St. Benedict Residence Hall. That session has led to five additional students’ making inquiries about the
Oblate Program. An informational meeting was to be held on January 29 as part of a regular Oblate meeting.
Please keep the current eleven Oblate novices in prayer as they discern whether to continue in the program and to
make their final Oblation in May.
Savannah, GA (St. Katherine Drexel Deanery) -- special monthly events at Sunday Vespers at Benedictine Priory
Moderator Fr. Ronald Gatman reported by e-mail on January 30. In September Fr. Ronald opened the year of Oblate
events with a Mass in the priory chapel. It was followed by a covered-dish supper in the monastic refectory. In October
Deacon Ray Moreau, formerly of the Diocese of Baltimore, gave a presentation to the Oblates during Vespers. In
November the Oblates gathered for a Mass celebrated by newly ordained Fr. Jason Adams, a parochial vicar at Blessed
Sacrament Church in Savannah. In December some of the Oblates volunteered to work for the annual priory Christmas
party for the administration, faculty, staff, and Benedictine Military School and friends of the priory. They graciously
prepared and served the food and assisted with the clean-up.
Fr. Frank, prior, celebrated Mass for the Oblates on January 27. Monthly events were also planned for February, March,
and April, including a day of recollection on Sunday, April 21.
Selingsgrove, PA (St. Anselm Deanery) – monthly meetings at 2 P.M. on 2nd Sundays at St. Pius X Church in Selinsgrove
There was no report.
nd
Southern Pines, NC (St. Ephrem the Syrian Deanery) – monthly meetings on 2 Thurs. of month
Secretary Laura Lowder reported by e-mail on November 2, December 14, and January 10. Because of car trouble,
there was no joint meeting of Oblates from Southern Pines and Asheboro in October. At the monthly meetings in
Asheboro, the small gathering of people has been praying the Divine Office and discussing a section of the Rule, usually
only a very short selection.
In October there was an “informational night,” which attracted one new person, who was very interested. Also, a married couple who
have nine children have shown interest in the Oblate program. At the session in October the inquirers were invited to pray Vespers with
the group, and then the Oblates talked about what it meant for them to be Oblates. There was also some explanation of how the
deanery was started and about praying the Divine Office.
There was some thought about participating in a huge conference in Raleigh, NC, called Ignited by Truth, with the possibility of having
a booth for Oblates. (Later it was decided to aim for participation in 2014.)
Six people, including one inquirer, met on December 14. The group prayed Vespers and read and discussed the end of the Rule.
They thus completed their first read-through of the whole Rule.
The meeting on January 10 was “one of the best” in terms of animated conversation, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie. Seven
people were present, including two inquirers. After the praying of Vespers, Laura gave a brief reflection on the reading for the evening;
then inquirer Evelyn Baerje shared a reflection on St. Maximilian Kolbe; next the group read the Prologue of the Rule; and finally
Randal Foster led a discussion based on Chapter 2 of Lessons from Saint Benedict.
State College, PA (St. Joseph Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd Mon. of month, Our Lady of Victory Church, St. Joseph Activity Center.
Secretary Kay Tittmann wrote on November 13, December 11, and January 16. The meeting on November 12, attended by eleven
people in addition to Fr. David Griffin, moderator, began, as usual, with Evening Prayer. The group then continued a discussion of the
book The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life, with writings from Fr. Henry J.M. Nouwen. They covered Chapter 4, “The Holy
Spirit,” and Chapter 5, “Belovedness,” and shared insights about the charismatic prayer group at Penn State, the students’ thirst for
God, the Holy Spirit as the “breath of God,” prayer as listening to God’s voice, God’s embracing us even with our hearts not completely
pure, God’s desire for our whole beings, and the lesson “Do not be afraid.” The meeting closed with a prayer from Fr. Nouwen, the
singing of the “Ultima,” and the voicing of several prayer intentions.
The meeting on December 10, attended by twelve people, began with Evening Prayer. In the absence of Fr. David, lay leader Ashley
Leggett brought up three business matters: the annual Oblation ceremony in January, a Christmas gift for Fr. David’s use, and a
donation to the Oblate Office. Then the group viewed a D.V.D. of Fr. Boniface’s presentation “Poverty and Simplicity” at a meeting in
Latrobe. After a brief discussion on the talk, the group closed with a prayer, sang the “UItima,” and voiced several prayer intentions, for
which they prayed an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
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The meeting on January 14 began with Mass at 5:00 P.M. at Our Lady of Victory Church celebrated by Fr. David. Present were
eleven full Oblates, four Oblate novices, two inquirers, and four guests. Several Oblates served as ministers, and the full Oblates
renewed their final Oblation. Fr. David preached about the need for affirmation and the need to respond to Jesus’ question, “Who do
you say that I am?” Oblates respond, he said, through acknowledging Jesus as Lord, living the Gospel-centered Rule in the world, and
striving to reflect Christ to others. After the Mass the group enjoyed a potluck supper in the church social hall. Finally, the group gave
Fr. David a check for $410 for “Mission Mexico,” and he described his work with Penn State students to minister to the poor in Mexico;
the donation would probably be used to buy shoes for needy children.
Virginia Beach, VA (St. Scholastica Deanery) -- meetings on 1st Wed., 7 P.M., Computer Library, St. Gregory the Great School
Lay leader Dee Pauls wrote on November 18 and December 14. The meeting on November 7 found most of the
attendees in a somber mood because of the results of the national election. Fr. Michael Gabler, moderator, led the nine
people present in a discussion on the qualities of the abbot from RB 2:1-10. Fr. Michael spoke about past abbots, the
heavy responsibility of that office, and the urgent mandate of the abbot to do and teach everything according to the law of
God. The group then discussed the chapters from the book With God in Russia that they had been assigned to read. They
expressed amazement at the faith and dedication of Fr. Walter Ciszek.
The attendance on December 5 was low because of illness and travel. The group continued to discuss RB 2 about the
abbot, and Fr. Michael explained the duties of an abbot, especially his being a teacher by word and example; he is
guardian of the Rule and must see to its observance among all the monks, including the ones who pose difficulties. Then
the group proceeded to a ceremony for final Oblation.
Frank (Charbel) Schuetz of Chesapeake, VA,
made his final Oblation in the presence of Fr. Michael and the Oblates who were present. The meeting ended with a
continued discussion of the book With God in Russia, with expressions of amazement at the sufferings and deprivations
that Fr. Ciszek had to endure; the time that he spent in prayer, they concluded, must have been his salvation.
Williamsport, PA (Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd Sunday of each month, 2 P.M., St. Anne Church
Acting lay leader Sue Wykoff reported on November 28, December 10, and January 23. Sue led the meeting on
November 11, attended by six people. After an opening prayer, Sue announced that the topics of the next three meetings
would be stability, obedience, and ongoing conversion and that the Oblate Formation Booklet and the book Conversations
with St. Benedict by Fr. Terrence Kardong, O.S.B., would be used as references. At the meeting the group read discussed
Fr. Terrence’s chapter “Mobility and Stability,” Chapter 1 of the Rule, and page 43 of the formation booklet. Sue also
handed out Scriptures for lectio divina as well as a listening/discussion guide for the lesson. The meeting closed with
Evening Prayer.
Three people came together for the meeting on December 9, which began with Midday Prayer. Sue gave some
instructions on praying with a breviary. Inquirer Lawrence Hamm mentioned that the pastor of St. Ann’s, Fr. Paul C.
Fontanella (also moderator of the Oblates), would be holding sessions on praying the Liturgy of the Hours and that he
would bring back information to the group. Then the attendees had a brief discussion on the significance of obedience in
the life of an Oblate. Next they viewed a D.V.D. of Fr. Killian’s presentation “The Call to Holiness and Benedictine
Spirituality,” supplemented by an outline provided by Sue. The meeting closed with a praying of the Angelus.
At the monthly meeting on January 13, Fr. Fontanella invested
Lawrence S. Hamm of South Williamsport, PA,
as an Oblate novice. Three others were also in attendance. After the ceremony the group went to the church hall to watch
the D.V.D. of Fr. Ananias’ presentation on hospitality. Copies of Fr. Ananias’ transcript were distributed. The meeting
closed with Daytime Prayer and the Angelus.
CYBER-DEANERY
Thanks to Oblate David Hicks of Decatur, GA, we have begun a “cyber-deanery” of Oblates. On November 29 David
sent out a notice to the six Oblates who had expressed interested, with an expression of his vision for the deanery and
with a set of ground rules. Any Oblate or Oblate novice who is unable to attend regular deanery meetings because of
distance or poor health is welcome to join this cyber-deanery. For more information, one may contact David at
[email protected] .
On December 5 David reported that the name of the group was “SVA Oblates Cyber Deanery” and that there were four
official members and three people expressing interest. On January 3 David encouraged members to ask questions or
make comments on Chapter 1 of the Holy Rule.
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Various Locations
On November 16 at St. Gertrude Church in Vandergrift, PA,
Nicholas R. (Benedict) Pityk of West Leechburg, PA,
made his final Oblation before Fr. James Loew, pastor. It also happened to be the feast of St. Gertrude.
On November 16 at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Clearwater, FL,
Carolyn (Gertrude the Great/Frances of Rome) Van Pelt of Clearwater, FL,
made her final Oblation before Rev. Joseph A Musco. Also present for the ceremony were Carolyn’s mother, her sister,
and a Sister of Notre Dame.
As of December 1, Oblate
Thomas J. (Dominic of Silos) Trotter of Riegelsville, PA,
transferred his Oblation to Saint Vincent Archabbey from Saint Meinrad Archabbey.
On January 17 at St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock, TX, Rev. Dean E. Wilhelm invested
Arthur Vanderbilt of Cedar Park, TX,
as an Oblate novice.
DECEASED MONK
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Robert Roche, 93, who died on December 20. He had been conducting two
Bible studies, attended by some of our Oblates, each week until almost a week before his rather sudden death.
SICK & INFIRM MONKS
The following monks of the Archabbey have been hospitalized or otherwise especially ill during the past three months
and could use our prayers: Fr. Jeremy Bolha, Fr. Francis Ehnat. Do also keep in prayer those who are chronically infirm in
our infirmary: Fr. Demetrius Dumm, Fr. Paschal Kneip, Br. Leo Monahan, Fr. William Beaver.
OVERDUE OR MISSING LIBRARY BOOKS AND TAPES: PLEASE RESPOND!
During the past several years a number of books from the Oblate Library have been found to be missing, presumably
because people withdrew them without signing them out. Others were admittedly lost by their borrowers. Please check
your bookshelves to see if you have any of the missing books. Thank you!
- Fr. George A. Maloney, S.J., The Jesus Prayer (pamphlet)
- Susan Annette Muto, Meditation in Motion
- Fr. Guy-Marie Oury, O.S.B., A Monastic Pilgrimage: Following the Footsteps of St. Benedict
- Abbot David Parry, O.S.B., Household of God
RESERVATION FORM FOR CELEBRATION OF ST. BENEDICT DAY ON MARCH 21
Name ____________________________________________________________________
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Address __________________________________________________________________
Phone ________________________________
___ I plan to attend the dinner for Oblates at St. Vincent on Wednesday March 21, 2013,
along with ___ guests; I enclose _______ ($6.50 per person; make out checks to ST. VINCENT
ARCHABBEY. An additional donation for the social would be welcome).
___ I plan to be invested as an ___ Oblate, ___ Oblate novice on March 21. On becoming
a full Oblate, I plan to take the Oblate name _______________. (application form required)
___ I would like overnight accommodations. (Please contact Fr. Donald well in advance.)
Please send this form to: Mrs. Peg Palfy, 1037 Bert Circle, Penn, PA 15675 (phone: 724-527-6211).
_____________________________________________________
SCHEDULE FOR SOLEMNITY OF SAINT BENEDICT, MARCH 21, 2013
4:00 P.M. – Concelebrated Mass in Archabbey Basilica
5:15 P.M. – dinner in Placid Hall Dining Room B
6:15 P.M. – Oblation ceremonies, Archabbey Basilica, choir area
7:15 P.M. – Vespers with monastic community, Archabbey Basilica, choir area
7:50 P.M. – social in Placid B
RENEWAL OF OBLATION
Peace! In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
I, (name), renew my Oblation and offer myself to
Almighty God, through the Blessed Virgin Mary and our
holy Father Benedict, as an Oblate of Saint Vincent
Archabbey, and I promise again, before God and all the
saints, to dedicate my life to the service of God and
neighbor according to the Rule of St. Benedict, insofar
as my state in life permits.
“Sustain me, O Lord, as You have promised, that I
may live, and disappoint me not in my hope” (Ps
119:116 & RB 58:21).
Name _____________________________________
Address ____________________________________
___________________________________________
Date of Renewal ____________________________
Please detach and return to:
Director of Oblates
St. Vincent Archabbey
300 Fraser Purchase Rd.
Latrobe, PA 15650-2690 .
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW PROJECT FOR OBLATES AND MONKS
At the suggestion of one of our Oblates, we are planning to publish a new “commentary” on the Rule, that is a set of
reflections written according to the division of the Rule into 122 parts for daily reading of the whole Rule three times per
year. Archabbot Douglas has approved of this project. Monks of the Archabbey and Oblates at this point are being asked
which section(s) for which they would be able to compose a thoughtful spiritual reflection on the given passage, one or
two paragraphs long. We are not now asking for the actual compositions since we need to assign everyone a
different section so that all 122 sections will be covered. Please let the Oblate Office know by phone, e-mail, or U.S.
mail which section(s) you would like to use for your reflection(s). All entries will be subject to editing by Fr. Donald. Some
of you may have already submitted something for our use from the past. If so, please remind us, and we shall try to use it.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Order Form for C.D.’s & D.V.D.’s of Presentations in Latrobe
Br. Albert’s talk on Liturgy of the Hours (November 20, 2011):
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C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Cyprian’s talk on the revised translation of the Mass (November 20, 2011):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Boniface’s talk on poverty & simplicity (December 18, 2011):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Killian’s talk on holiness & Benedictine spirituality (January 15, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Robert Roche’s talk on lectio divina (February 19, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Justin’s talk on conversion of heart (March 18, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Bonaventure’s talk on obedience (April 15, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Jeremiah’s talk on poverty & simplicity (May 20, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Canice’s talk on the Liturgy of the Hours (June 10, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Matthew’s talk on prayer in Benedictine spirituality (July 15, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Philip’s talk on St. Benedict and his Rule (August 19, 2012)
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Edward’s talk on the Eucharist in Benedictine spirituality (September 16, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Ananias’ talk on hospitality in Benedictine spirituality (October 21, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Joachim’s talk on work in Benedictine spirituality (December 16, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Robert Keffer’s talk on holiness and Benedictine spirituality (January 20, 2013):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Please enclose $6.00 per D.V.D. and $3.50 per C.D. (Add 6% Pa. sales tax before shipping cost; then add $4.95 for
postage & handling per order.)
Enclosed is _________ for my order of ______ C.D.’s and ______ D.V.D.’s.
Name ______________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________
I will pick up my order ______
Please mail my order to me ______ (Remember to include tax & $4.95 for postage per order.)
Please order from Saint Vincent Book Center over the phone at 724-805-2557 or online at www.stvincent.bkstr.com , or by
mail (St. Vincent Book Center, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650-2690); or come in person to the Book Center.
Please make out checks to ST. VINCENT ARCHABBEY. N.B.: Those who attend monthly meetings in Latrobe will still be able
to order copies of recent presentations at a discounted price.
DIRECTORY OF OBLATES: Application form
I would like to be included in the summer, 2013, edition of the Directory of Oblates affiliated with Saint Vincent
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Archabbey. (Entries in the 2011-12 Directory will automatically be carried over.)The information that I would like to
have included in given as follows:
Name ______________________________
Phone ____________________________
Address ____________________________
e-mail address _________________________
___________________________________
Please send this form to Mrs. Mary Ann Kaufman, 305 Harvester Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (412-835-8977); or send
the information by e-mail to [email protected] .
PLEASE PRAY FOR REVERSAL OF THE HHS REGULATION REGARDING HEALTH INSURANCE
In August, 2011, the federal government issued a mandate that, by August, 2013, all health insurance plans cover all
FDA-approved contraception and sterilization procedures and pharmaceuticals, some of which even result in abortion.
This unjust and immoral mandate was subsequently reinforced. Catholic bishops, including Bishop Lawrence Brandt of
Greensburg and Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh, have voiced strong opposition to this mandate, which could result in
the closing down of virtually all Catholic institutions. The mandate violates not only traditional Judaeo-Christian morality
but also the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom. Do pray for the success of
lawsuits which would reverse of this reprehensible mandate, and consider writing to government officials to work to
reverse it.
SPECIAL SCHEDULE FOR MONASTIC PRAYER AT THE ARCHABBEY DURING HOLY WEEK AND THE OCTAVE OF EASTER
The following times or liturgical services will be different than the normal ones:
Wednesday, March 27
Evening Prayer as penitential prayer service (basilica)
Compline (basilica)
Holy Thursday, March 28
Morning Prayer (basilica)
(no Evening Prayer)
Mass of the Lord’s Supper (basilica)
Good Friday, March 29
Morning Prayer (basilica)
Midday Prayer (basilica)
Commemoration of the Passion and Death of Our Lord
(no Evening Prayer)
Tenebrae Service (basilica)
Holy Saturday, March 30
Morning Prayer (basilica)
Midday Prayer (basilica)
Evening Prayer (basilica)
Easter Vigil Mass (basilica)
5:00 P.M.
7:30 P.M.
6:45 A.M.
7:30 P.M.
6:45 A.M.
11:30 A.M.
1:30 P.M.
8:00 P.M.
6:45 A.M.
11:30 A.M.
5:00 P.M.
8:30 P.M.
Easter Sunday, March 31
Morning Prayer (with procession from Assembly Room) 7:00 A.M.
Evening Prayer (solemn)
4:15 P.M.
Easter Monday, April 1
Morning Prayer followed by Mass
6:45 A.M.
The regular schedule resumes on Tuesday, April 2.
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