Profession of Brother Christopher Isaac

Transcription

1 From The Center 1 Summer 2014 A Newsletter For Friends and Benefactors of Saint Benedict Center Across The Country Profession of Brother Christopher Isaac Most beloved Brother, you have left the world behind and have taken refuge in God: behold, you stand in His presence and before this most sacred altar in the presence of the Community. It has been many years since these words have been heard in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel. But, thanks be to God, they resounded once more on April 26, 2014, as Brother Christopher Isaac pronounced his vows as a Slave of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Standing before celebrant Father Neil J. Roy, Brother vowed to God poverty, chastity and obedience and promised to make the first interest of his life the doctrinal crusade of Saint Benedict Center. In return for giving himself completely into the service of God and the Holy Catholic Church, Brother received the solemn promise of Almighty God, spoken through Brother Christopher Isaac signs his Vows on the altar, as his twin brother Michael, the MC of the ceremony, watches. the priest, that, provided he remain faithful to his vows, he will obtain life everlasting. After signing the vows that he had just pronounced, Brother Christopher Isaac donned the black cassock and cincture of a professed Brother. Brother Christopher Isaac Duffy, the oldest of Jim and Patti Duffy s eight children, was raised in Shirley, Massachusetts. After being graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Brother spent one year at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, majoring in engineering. He entered the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in September, 2011, and six months later, received his name in religion, beginning a two-year period of prayer, study and formation in the novitiate, culminating in his profession of religious vows. Serving at the Profession Mass as Master of Ceremonies was Brother Christopher s twin brother Michael, who, following the example of his brother, joined the Slaves as a postulant on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, August 15, Please pray for Michael s perseverance in religious life. Father Neil J. Roy blesses the newly professed Brother Christopher Isaac, MICM. Brother Christopher cuts a cake in celebration as Brother Thomas Augustine, Superior, and Brother Peter Mary stand by. The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of SAINT BENEDICT CENTER P.O. Box 1000 Still River, MA Main House (978) School (978)

2 2 Four Novices for Fourteen Days From The Center For two glorious weeks the novitiate at Saint Benedict Center will have four novices! On August 22, 2014, Clare Trimble received the white veil and habit of a novice during a ceremony at the end of High Mass, where she was given her new name, taking Saint Gabriel Possenti as her patron. Sister Gabriel Marie, as she is now known, is an accomplished equestrian and riding instructor. Sister came from her native Southeastern Indiana to the sisters summer camp apostolate, Morning Star Camp which she attended for a few years before visiting Saint Benedict Center. She joined the community as a postulant in January of 2014 and has spent over six months living the daily life of the community and gaining first-hand experience of its many apostolates. Sister Gabriel Marie joins another first-year novice, Sister Mary Clair, and two second-year novices, Sister Marie-Celine and Sister Mary Imelda. The Novitiate is a time of formation and discernment that lasts a total of two years. Equivalent to an engagement before a wedding, the novitiate prepares canidates to become brides of Christ. Throughout this time, novices study and attend classes in addition to keeping the daily schedule of the sisters. On September 8th one novice will leave the novitiate to pronounce her first vows, entering the junior professed and the number of novices will dwindle down to three again. Sister Mary Imelda will make her profession, taking her first vows as a Slave of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, dressed as a bride, after which she dons the black veil and habit of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart. Sister Mary Imelda has finished her novitiate of two years and now her profession of vows will be both the end of her time of formation and the beginning of her life as a professed member of the community. Above: Clare Trimble receives the habit of a Novice and a new name in religion. Right: Things will change on September 8th, but right now Sister Mary Imelda, Sister Gabriel Marie, Sister Marie-Celine and Sister Mary Clair make up the Sisters novitiate. Montfort The Montfort season opened with the second Ladies Retreat in the facilities 7-year history. A group of ladies of all ages enjoyed the time away from their usual routine some as day, others as over-night, retreatants it was a wonderful chance to spend some quiet time in the Chapel, attend conferences by Father Neil J. Roy, S.T.L., Ph.D., and the Sisters. Meal times and recreation allowed for times of comaraderie and gave the retreatants a chance to enjoy the lake and beautiful trails that Montfort is blessed with. The Ladies Retreat was a definite success, and we hope to continue the tradition!

3 From The Center 3 Bride of Christ On September 8th, 2014, Sister Mary Imelda, novice, the former Mary-Kate Duffy of Shirley, Massachusetts, made her vows to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, as His bride. The touching ceremony began when she walked down the aisle in her bridal gown on the arm of her father, and followed by her flower girls, her two younger twin sisters. A sung Mass was celebrated by Father Neil J. Roy and assisted by many altar servers, including Sister Mary Imelda s brother, Joseph Duffy. At the Offertory, Sister profoundly bowed then publicly renounced the world and professed her vows, signing them on the altar. She was then blessed and given the habit and black veil of the professed members of the Order she then walked out of the chapel as the choir of Brothers and Sisters chanted traditional hymns. Moments lapsed and Sister returned, in her black habit, symbolizing her death to this world that she might live now, anticipating the eternal nuptials yet to come. Mass then continued bringing Christ present on the altar and in Communion. After Mass the community and guests celebrated the happy event with cake. A private reception followed later that afternoon. What a glorious way to celebrate the birthday of the Mother of God! May Our Lady always guide and protect our new MICM Sister as she continues her journey toward the eternal nuptials! Veni Sponsa Christi! Above: Sister Mary Imelda and her fellow Sisters in Christ. Left: Mr. James Duffy escorts his daughter to the Chapel, assisted by Sister s young twin sisters (one is hidden!) Below: Sister publicly renounces the world and pronounces her vows. Left: Sister Mary Imelda, MICM, cuts the wedding cake at the formal reception as Sister Katherine Maria, Prioress, stands by. See the complete photo gallery and video footage from this beautiful ceremony and celebration on our website! Visit today!

4 4 From The Center I love meeting people with the same Faith! Montfort Retreat has seen yet another summer, fun-filled with two weeks of Morning Star Camp. From July 13-26, girls from across the country filled the camp to capacity, bringing with them a vivacious and enthusiastic spirit. Coming from a world of spiritual dehydration, the girls had the opportunity to drink in the graces. Each morning, after emerging from their cabins, the girls said morning prayers and ate breakfast. Then the campers divided into appropriate age groups for religion class, followed by Mass and the opportunity for Confession. I love the daily visits to chapel for Mass, Rosary, Benediction and Compline. I love how the Mass is very traditional here, some of the girls commented. After Mass, the schedule was filled with numerous crafts: beading, leather, string art, and pom-pom creations, followed by music activities: baton and flag twirling, Puili sticks and recorder, all of which began and ended with a prayer. Our Lady blessed the weeks with wonderful weather, giving way to constant outdoor activity. After lunch, many girls enjoyed sailing, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, volleyball, and even fishing. A group could also be seen near the shore crocheting or making lanyard bracelets and accessories. There were only two days of rain which proved perfect for an evening movie in the dining hall. Throughout the weeks the girls participated in trail hikes and canoe trips and also spent an evening with Miss Pat Lavin, who gave a hands-on demonstration of antique games. One of the most highly visited places on the campsite is the Chiwatenhwa Trading Post, named in honor of the 17th-century Huron Christian, Joseph Chiwatenhwa (pronounced shee-wa-ten-hwa). Here the girls bought their camp gear, religious goods and their stash of candy for the week. Each day the sign outside the post would present some kind of exciting bargain or giveaway, thereby bringing with it an influx of campers throughout the afternoon. Returnees and new campers alike shared the highlights of their Morning Star experience such as after-dinner sports, roasting marshmallows Above: Sister Agnes Mary gives some soap carving tips to crafters at Morning Star Leadership Camp. Left: Campers from the first week of regular summer camp program, gathered for a group photo near Morning Star Chapel at Montfort Retreat.

5 From The Center 5 during campfire, a hair-do contest, Talent Night, and spending time with friends and Sisters. A special thanks goes out to the wonderful staff: the priests who served as chaplains, our guard and counselor crew who volunteered their services to make the weeks of Morning Star Camp a safe and memorable time. Also many thanks to the families who donated food: watermelons, fresh corn, pasta, sauce, cookies and many other helpful things including two BRAND NEW kayaks!! God bless you all! As the campers were packing bags and saying farewell on the last days, some were discussing their excitement about their recent adventures and even expressing eager anticipation for next summer. When asked what she like most about Morning Star Camp, a camper replied, I love it all! It was truly a beautiful summer and it is hoped that the girls took with them the fun, faith, and grace-filled times back to the world under the patronage of Mary, the Morning Star. Above Left: Campfire amphitheater. Above Right: Sister Magdalen Marie instructs Baton class. Above: Father Heenan hears confessions on the knoll overlooking the lake in front of Morning Star Chapel. Campers and Staff from the second week of Morning Star gathered in front of the newly finished Chaplain s Cabin.

6 6 From The Center Montfort Boys Camp and Youth Retreat Montfort Boys Camp hosted 82 boys ages 9 to 13 from Sunday July 6 through Saturday July 12. Campers from 15 states some as far away as Virginia, Minnesota, Arkansas and Texas spent an exciting week with the Brothers, counselors and 7 Dadvolunteers. A fierce thunder storm with high winds knocked out the electricity from Monday evening until repair crews restored power midmorning Tuesday. All the staff and children adapted to the emergency with remarkable ease, enabling the camp to continue as usual. There was no lack of enthusiasm for the shooting and archery competitions and the fishing was exceptionally good this year. Father Paul Nicholson provided a solid spiritual base as this year s chaplain. The Montfort Youth Retreat for high school and college students was held July 27 to August 2 with 60 participants. In daily conferences by the Brothers, the boys were encouraged to find their happiness in serving God through virtuous living. Father William Blazek offered an introduction to Ignatian spirituality in his sermons and in a conference on the importance of the exami- Top: Montfort Youth Retreat Bottom left: Father Blazek talks to young men at the retreat session for ages Bottom right: A young camper learns how to rig up a sailboat.

7 From The Center 7 nation of conscience. The retreatants enjoyed plenty of time for sports and many did particularly well as master sailors on the Montfort fleet of Sunfish. An excellent schola was formed to sing the Missa de Angelis for the closing Mass. The Friday-night-finale for both groups was a great talent show. It was a wonderful two weeks in the Montfort tradition and, God willing, we look forward to more of the same next year. Right: Brother Matthew directs campers. Bottom Left: Brother Christopher Isaac leads the young men in some campfire singing. Bottom right: The group of campers from Montfort Boys Camp for ages Finishing Touches Final touches at the Camp include the new trading post, built last year. This summer the Brothers made a counter for the candy/ religious store. Now campers can get their tee shirts and fun items throughout the week. The trading post is call Chiwatenhwa, after one of the first converted Indians in the new world. Not far from the trading post is our new chaplain s residence named after Saint Joseph. It is a beautiful, true log cabin, able to hold heat in the winter. Small but accommodating, it has a large porch, sitting room, bedroom and bath. Upstairs are rooms for the guards at the girl s camp. It still needs some better furniture for the sitting room, but even at that, it s close to perfect. Finally, the last building will be under way this fall to complete the Montfort retreat. A first-aid station is already in preparation and will include a restroom for campers and a porch for rainy days. Above: Saint Joseph s Cabin (Chaplain s residence) Left: Interior & exterior of Chiwatenhwa Trading Post.

8 8 Of Boards & Bricks Well, although the MacIsaac Hall is being built mostly by the Brothers, the Sisters did pitch in while the Brothers were busy at the Boys Retreat at Montfort. Two hundred pine boards for the ceiling of the entry and walk-way were polyurethaned by the Sisters. The boards were painted twice on each side, which took an entire week. When the boys retreat was over, the Brothers returned and, one job done, could now install the ceiling. It looks From The Center beautiful, along with the stone walk-way with the memorial brick edging. Not having been met our initial deadline of June 2014, we now aim for December, Work has slowed down during the summer months owing to our Camp programs and volunteers going on vacation. We still would appreciate any help from skilled workers or material and donations. We are dependent on these to finish this nearly completed building. God bless all those who have made it possible so far! The donor bricks are in place, but there are still blanks to be filled in some places! Make a $500 donation to this worthy endeavor, and have a brick inscribed in your memory or in memory of a loved one!