Associates galore

On Tuesday, Br. David left for a visit to our OHC Brothers in Toronto. On Thursday, Br. Josép returned from a visit to his mom in St. Petersburg, FL. On Saturday, Br. Francis returned from a 6-day retreat in Aston, PA.

This weekend, we were hosting the Fall Associates Retreat. 22 of them were in attendance for three days themed on "Monastic Wisdom from Monastic Saints." Bros. Robert James and Ephrem led sessions on St Benedict, St Bernard, St Hildegard and Thomas Merton.

Monastery People. From top left, clockwise: our three sacristans (intern Robb, Br. David and postulant Ben (2 pictures in the sacristy); Br. Ephrem making a presentation on St Hildegard of Bingen and viridity; Br. Robert James making a presentation on St Benedict and humility (2 pictures); Br. Ephrem being filmed ringing the bell by Associate John Decker; Br. Anthony weeding a flower bed.

It is always good to welcome our Associates in our home. This week, we received three new Associates: Courtenay Mc Keon, from Liverpool, NY; Winnie Grace, from Middletown Springs, VT; and Michael McCartney, from Queens, NY.

Associates galore. From top left, clockwise: Br. Bernard and new Associate Courtenay McKeon; Winnie Grace and Michael McCartney being received as Associates by Br. Bernard; Br. Robert James addressing the Associates on their Fall Retreat (in St Gregory meeting room); Winnie and Michael, our newest Associates.