Each of us who are monks take our Lenten good works that we propose to do to the Abbot and ask his approval and blessing. As a community we also do certain works during Lent, such as more silence, cutting back in food etc.. Lent is a time to die with Christ so we can rise with him at Easter.
This past week continued to be very much winter. We have had light snows a number of days and the days and nights are cold but we can be thankful we did not have snow like they had out east in Washington, DC, New York, Philadelphia etc.. I saw someplace yesterday that 49 states had new snow fall yesterday (Saturday). That means someplaces are having snow that usually do not get snow. I understand from a friend who is studying in Rome that last week they had their first snowfall in 26 years.
This coming week we will have three continuing education sessions with Father Paul Turner, an alumnus and pastor at Cameron, MO. He will speak to us about the new sacramentary that is being prepared and the changes that will be happening when we begin using it. We have a session Thursday afternoon, Thursday evening and Friday morning. The seminarians will be on retreat the first three days of lent --Ash Wednesday to Friday evening.
These past few days the deacon candidates from the diocese of Jefferson City and their wives have been here on retreat. They are preparing for their ordination to the diaconate in April. This weekend we also had a couple of groups of young people preparing for the sacrament of confirmation. A cousin of mine along with her husband and their son were here with the youth retreat group from Webb City, MO. It was good to visit with them.
New shipments of furniture are still arriving for the St. Stephen Health Care Center. We now have the new dining room furniture. They also began putting the railings in along the halls this week. That should be finished this week.
One of the tables in the dining room
The dining room for residents of Health Care Center
The sun porch next to the dining room
You are encouraged to also go to the Conception Abbey web site and read the Oblate blog there.
1 comment:
Hello Fr. Kenneth,
I really ejoeyed this post about Lent. This year I am spending more time reading my Bible for Lent and I'm hoping it developes into a habit. By Easter I should be well accustomed to reading at least 6 chapters per day.
From the photos it looks like your St. Stephen project is coming right along. It looks like a beautiful Health Care Center.
You mention you have a cousin in Webb City, My Mother used to live in Webb City, isn't that funny. She passed away a year ago last month in Joplin.
Well enough for now, I'll stop by and say hello next time. You have a blessed Lent and may God richly bless you.
Bill
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