From storm recovery to our newest Associate's reception

The week started with a Noreaster that dumped lots of heavy wet snow. Many of our trees took a beating. Broken or fallen limbs were a result. We just so happen to have a landscaper in residence. Jason Clark, a frequent visitor, has asked to live alongside our community for a few months in exchange for work on our grounds and in the monastery. Jason was able to put his expertise to good use right away, cutting down broken limbs and clearing fallen limbs from passages.

From top, clockwise: Bros. Joseph and Aidan clearing snow from our cars;
Jacob Clark, from Waldwisck, NJ, severing damaged limbs from crabapple trees.

We had a variety of overnight Guests and day Visitors this week. Br. Aidan welcomed  the Fiber Fanatics group from Kingston for an evening of yarn-crafting and banter. Jason Clark who is an avid crocheter joined in for the fun.

We hosted a couple of parish groups. The Rev. Rik Pike from St Matthew's, Bedford, NY, has long been a frequent individual visitor to the monastery. Last year, he brought the youth group of his parish for a retreat. This time, it was the turn of the adults. Br. Peter addressed them one evening about Thomas Merton, a famous Cistercian monk.

Visiting groups. Top: The Kingston Fiber Fanatics met with Br. Aidan and Jacob Clark
Bottom: Br. Peter addresses a parish group from St Matthew''s, Bedford, NY, about Thomas Merton.

We also welcomed lots of individuals on self-directed retreats. There were old friends, new friends and newcomers. Many came for a Lenten Retreat given by our friend, The Rev. Martin Smith.

From top left, clockwise: Max Esmus, from
Stratford, NJ, and Br. Josép; The Rev. Alain Brosseau from Montréal, QC and The Rev. Stephanie Wethered from Montville, NJ, Associates Karen Siegel (left) from Edison, NJ and The Rev. Elizabeth Gillett, from Hamilton, NY; Gail Richardson, from Delmar, NY, enjoying a quiet read in the Avery Brooke Library; Walter and Devin McKay, from Mineola, NY, caught in matching HCM garb - great look!

On Saturday, I joined The Rev. Matthew Wright on a trip to Manhattan's Open Center to attend Matthew's friend and Sufi master's workshop titled: "The Journey of the Seeker in Sufism: From Presence to Heartfulness to Intimacy." I had long wanted to learn more about this mystical side of Islam. It is my experience that the mystical wings of all religions have a lot in common and stand to benefit knowing more about one another.

Shaikh Kabir Helminski, our teacher for the day, is a master in Mevlevi Order of Sufism and wise and erudite exponent of his lineage of sufism. I bought a collection of Rumi poems and quotes which he translated from Persian with his wife. I look forward to dipping into it for my morning meditation.

From top clockwise: Shaikh Kabir Helminski and Br. Bernard;
Manhattan skyline from the George Washington Bridge:
The Rev. Matthew Wright and Kabir Helminski

On Sunday, we got the treat of receiving a new Associate into the extended Holy Cross community. Marty Burt, from Vermont, is our newest Associate. If you've been intrigued by what the Associates are and how to become one, you should definitely have a conversation with Br. Josép (josep@hcmnet.org) who is our dynamic Director of Associates. Spoiler: it's nowhere as hard as you think.

The Reception of an Associate. Br. José receives Marty Burt,
Onfrom South Burlington, VT, as our latest Associate.

The Walkway Over the Hudson in Highland is a popular walking destination. It's about seven miles South of the monastery. I went to walk on it Sunday with Br. Aidan and this Monday with Br. Bob. Other hiking destinations are still hampered by slick frozen snow. This Monday, it was sunny bur slightly breezy, hence the bundling up.

A Monday walk. Br. Bernard and Br. Bob on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Brrr...!