November 25, 2014

Blog: 1 Year Anniversary

The blog started on this day in 2013. And, here we are, one year later.

These days are ideal for a blog about the monastery and monastic life, because there are certainly plenty of activities going on. The seminarians leave for Thanksgiving vacation after their last morning class. I’m certain they are excited to get home and enjoy restful time away and probably a few good meals.

The monastic community, on the other hand, remains here, holding down the fort, business as usual. Our Monks on Mission have returned these last couple of days, and it is always good to see them. They are those in the community who serve in parishes or chaplaincies on a full-time basis. We have numerous communities meetings and various business issues and updates to discuss, matters best sorted for when the entire community can be home.

Additionally, it is at Thanksgiving time that we honor and recognize our Jubilarians, those monks who are celebrating special anniversaries of monastic profession or ordination. This year we have four Jubilarians. They are:

60 Years Ordained- Fr. Donald Grabner (July 31)
60 Years Professed- Fr. Kenneth Reichert (Sept. 8)
50 Years Ordained- Fr. Anthony Shidler (May 22)
50 Years Ordained- Fr. Timothy Schoen (Dec. 16)

The novices and I have put together a special presentation to honor the Jubilarians. This will take place Wednesday evening during our social and appetizer hour. In past years we have organized quiz or gameshows and various audio/visual presentations to entertain the community and make the evening enjoyable, especially for these men who have served the Church for so many years (220 years total).