Labor Day and Holy Cross Day

Last Monday, I started Labor Day by paying a visit to our Northern neighbors, the Companions of Mary the Apostle. Sisters Elizabeth and Shane have a nice cluster of grown trees in the middle of their lawn. We sat socially distanced in their shade as we caught up on our respective lives. I sometimes see them on Zoom but it is really nice to see people in person too, even if you can't hug them as we used to.

At midday, Br. Josép had organized a cookout on our enclosure porch. Josép gets a bunch of volunteers organized for set-up and take-down. Other than that, he does the shopping, the cooking and the grilling. Love it! Love him! This was the first taste of our cookout tradition for three of the four alongsiders who will be with us this fall and beyond. 

In October, we start a year-long internship for Demarius Walker, and a young lady who will arrive later this month. They get to experience what 21st century monasticism is like. They will have some classes and some weekly group facilitation. Thye will sit in choir and learn to chant, they will participate in our daily chapter. And they are volunteering work in various department of the monastery. Br. Josép is our Director of Interns. 

And we also have two alongsiders who attend our liturgy and volunteer their work. They are Dave Coppola and Virginia Clare. Both are already here. Virginia Clare is still in quarantine. But Dave is already at work baking delicious sourdough loaves and keeping the pantry and refectory stocked.

Both Virginia and Demarius study on-line at their respective seminaries.

Labor Day. From top left, clockwise: visiting the CMA Sisters under their trees (Sisters Elizabeth and Shane); chatting while the grill sizzles away (intern Demarius Walker, The Rev. Matthew Wright and Br. John); panoramic view of the porch with Br. Aidan circulating his home-baked brownies; alongsider Dave Coppola listens to Br. Robert Leo; Demarius; Bros. Randy and Josép in conversation with Dave.

This weekend, we anticipated the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross by one day (Sunday instead of Monday). Holy Cross day is a big deal here as you can imagine. Beautiful liturgy, lots of chanting and good food. Br. Josép was our preacher. Check it out on our Semons blog.

Sundays. From top, clockwise: Br. Robert Leo graciously receives a renditioon of "Happy Birthday" before dinner last Sunday (this Sunday, it was Demarius' turn); red roses for a special Lady; decorations for Holy Cross day (you can guess the relic of the Cross, on the altar).

Stay safe, stay healthy, wear a mask, save lives.