Silence, a move, and faces

Our postulant Daniel Beckham is on his two week leave. The postulant leave is intended to enable the man to return to familiar settings outside the monastery to validate whether he is called to continue discerning his vocation in monastic community. Br. Josép left this Sunday for a few days of family visit in Florida. Br. Robert James is having a few days of well-deserved staycation.

On Tuesday, Br. Ephrem arrived to start his new monastic life as a Holy Cross Brother. Several of us helped him move in his belongings in his cell. Since he was until recently a Roman Catholic Benedictine, he will not do a postulancy or novitiate. If he and the community discern this new monastic vocation is solid, we will receive his vow into the Order of the Holy Cross eventually.

Please keep Br. Ephrem and "soon-to-be Brother" Daniel in your prayers for continued discernment into their respective monastic vocations.

Br. Ephrem's arrival. From emptying the car (three pictures) to sitting in choir (three pictures)

This week, our friend Leslee Terpay was leading a large group in Centering Prayer. As a result, the Guest House was in round-the-clock silence during the weekdays. This weekend, we hosted a group of EfM (Education for Ministry) mentors from Connecticut.

Guests and monks. From top left, clockwise: guests enjoying quiet occupations in Pilgrim Hall; a full parking lot is a sign of a well-occupied Guest House; listening to the menu and grace on the feast of St Matthias in the refectory; collaborative puzzling; CB Stewart and their seminary friend, Br. Aidan (two pictures); sunrise over our snowy meadow.

It's been good to enjoy people's faces again now that masks are optional in the Guest House. It's also easier to recognize return visitors.

Sunday mass preparations. From top left, clockwise: Anne and Larnie Hiller, from New Paltz; the vestments, the prayer book and the sermon recorder laid out for the altar party; the altar party (Br. John and Br. Aidan laughing at our intern Eric Anthony hiding from the camera behind the prayer book); the same three letting the paparazzi get away with a shot; Sarah Gardner, from Highland; Sister Annie-hannah Mancini, from Woodstock.

Br. Robert Leo preached (click through his name) about the war in Ukraine and the Transfiguration in his sermon this sunday. We are praying for the people of Ukraine and for conversion of heart for Mr Putin and his government.

Peace!