April
2010
04/27/10
A New Kind of Benedictine Community
Last week our Br. Jacob Orcutt, along with Fr. John Martin Shimkus, had the opportunity to visit “Our Father’s House”, a “transitional” residence for men leaving jail, prison or a long-standing habit of drug or alcohol abuse. It was the first visit for Br. Jacob and the second for Fr. John Martin, who as director of our Benedictine oblates has become well acquainted with the oblate novices who started the house. Although not directly affiliated with St. Benedict Monastery, Our Father’s House is described as a “Benedictine brotherhood” founded on prayer, service, community and hospitality to those who are seeking a productive and meaningful life after being set free from prison and/or addiction.
During their evening visit to the Ypsilanti home, our monks enjoyed a spectacular dinner prepared by one of the residents. After the meal, Br. Jacob, who is a member of the National Catholic Conference on Alcoholism and other addictions (NCCA) presented a video on the Church’s role in recovery from addiction and the spiritual principles of “twelve step” programs that have brought hope and healing to millions of people. Noting that plans were underway to expand the ministry to one or two more residences in the area, Fr. John Martin observed that “The Lord is really at work in these efforts. And I believe St. Benedict must be very pleased with this new and live-giving adaptation of his teachings.”
Some Enriching Presentations
From time to time we update our readers on what we monks have been listening to at the dinner table. The ancient monastic custom of “table reading” has been adapted at St. Benedict Monastery to include audio books and courses that help nourish our minds and hearts even as the evening meal nourishes our bodies.
Over the past couple of months “American Religious History” has been the fare. This program, another excellent course from “The Teaching Company”, was presented by Professor Patrick N. Allitt of Emory University. Professor Allitt traced the influence of religion in the United States from its roots among the early European colonists all the way through the most recent transplants of Asian religions and the controversies over church and state separation. The course offered a fascinating description of the vitality of religious spirit and practice in our diverse nation, including the impact Catholics and Catholicism have had in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Last month, our community also enjoyed a Lenten treat in the form of a series of DVDs featuring Fr. Ron Rolheiser of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Fr. Rolheiser’s presentations on the Passion and Cross of Christ opened up new insights into the meaning of Jesus’ suffering and death. And his reflection on the Eucharistic helped us to ponder anew Jesus calling us into the unending mystery of his love.
Congratulations, Karen Oprenchok!
Our most recent Oblate of St. Benedict made her final oblation at the monastery on Saturday, March 13. Karen hails from Windsor, Ontario and, as Fr. Dan observed during
her oblation ceremony, her participation as an oblate now makes ours an “international” group! Karen’s peaceful presence and willing service (this newsletter and accompanying
crossword are courtesy of her computer skills!) have made her a welcome addition. May the Lord continue to bless her search for God in prayer and community!