Councilors, seminarians and a preacher

This past week, Br. Carl went to visit his sister in New Jersey for a few days.

We hosted Br. Adam McCoy from our Mount Calvary Monastery in Santa Barbara, CA, and Br. David Hoopes from our Holy Cross Priory, in Toronto, Canada. Adam and David had traveled to the monastery to attend the off-site meeting of OHC's Council.

The Council of the Order of the Holy Cross consists of five councilors elected by the Chapter of the Order (all the Life Professed member of OHC) and the Superior. This year, the Council comprises Br. Robert James, our Superior, and Bros. Bernard Delcourt, Adam McCoy, David Hoopes, Josép Martinez-Cubero and Robert Sevensky.

We were meeting from Tuesday to Thursday at the Linwood Spiritual Center in Rhinecliff, NY, which is operated by the Sisters of Saint Ursula. We had a long agenda and we worked diligently to cover all of it. We took in presentations by Br. Wayne Fitzpatrick, MM, on transitioning into "retirement" (for lack of a more appropriate word) as religious and by Mr. Derek Nolan of Merrill Lynch who oversees the management of our invested reserves.

By the time we came back to the monastery on Thursday afternoon, it was time for me to gear up to lead a retreat for GTS seminarians (General Theological Seminary, NY). This year, we talked about exploring a Rule of Life. The seminarians returned to NYC on Saturday afternoon.

It was then time for me to focus on my sermon for the feast of the Presentation.

Through it all, I nursed a cold, the worst of which is now well past.

This Sunday, I took my third lesson in music sight reading from Br. Max. Max thinks he can teach me to sight-read music (something I have only dreamt of for years) in a few months. It feels challenging and exciting at the same time and Max is a very good and patient teacher.

This past month, I took the Veganuary challenge and ate only plant-based foods. I have read a lot. I have watched a lot of documentaries. I have learned a lot about the production of our foods. I only had a few slip-ups and they only helped me realize more keenly I can do this for my health, for the health of our planet and for the health of animals.

As it happens, more of our guests are interested in plant-based meals. For example, we have started carrying oat milk together with our dairy offering. And our chefs pay more attention to make more vegetarian alternatives suitable for vegans.

But fear not, omnivores! We are continuing to offer foods for most palates.

Come and break bread with us soon! Peace.