From left, Donna Hardy, Jerry Gorup, Sharon Gorup, Ruby Jackson and Larry Jackson enjoy remarks by Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB, during Study Days, June 15-18. My Oblate Vocation: It begins with a call

In its divine genius, the The oblate vocation is a “middle way” for Church offers varied the to live in the world, but with the ways for people to live spiritual support and guidance of an ancient out their Christian religious order and rule rooted in vocation. The ordained, relationship with a specific . religious and laity all have unique roles. While each vocation is as unique as the Priests administer the person, there are typically three marks of an Stephen Drees, oblate sacraments. Religious authentic vocation – the call, the brothers and sisters – discernment and the response. My call came and – are prayer warriors who three distinct times over a number of years. also typically have as teachers, writers, chaplains, missionaries, spiritual and The first call came as a whisper nearly 20 retreat directors, and others. years ago as I read an article in a travel magazine about and people who The vast majority of Christians are not visit them. For reasons I could not explain ordained or religious; they are married or then, the idea sounded interesting and single living in the world. Because the early appealing to me. I added it to my bucket monastics were not ordained , from the list, but didn’t give it much more thought. beginning the have always been comfortable collaborating with the laity and The second call came 10 years ago when I embracing their role within the Body of was invited by some men in my to Christ. Continued on p. 2

NEWSLETTER FOR BENEDICTINE OF SAINT MEINRAD Summer 2015, Volume 21:3 A POINT TO continued from p.1 writing, speaking, catechesis, apologetics, PONDER FROM ecumenical dialogue and outreach. I join them on a weekend retreat to the participate in a local oblate and I of Our Lady of Gethsemani. One TheRule visit the Hill when I can. One of the friend was so insistent and said, “You monks graciously serves as my spiritual have to go. I can just see you there.” director and has become a good friend and Clearly, he saw or sensed something I confidant. “Hour by hour keep still did not. careful watch over all you Perhaps the most personally gratifying part I did go on that weekend retreat and it do, aware that God’s gaze of my vocation is serving as a bridge began an annual tradition for me. It also between the monastery and the outside is upon you wherever you began to draw me into reading and world – bringing them into contact and may be. As soon as studying about monastic spirituality and relationship with each other. It’s a role well learning how to pray the Liturgy of the wrongful thoughts come suited for a lay person like me who is Hours. into your heart, dash engaged in both the religious and secular realms. them against Christ and Five years ago, the third call came in a disclose them to your spiritual direction session with a at My oblate vocation has become a way for Gethsemani. I inquired if there was a spiritual father.” me to take my disparate spiritual activities way for the laity to become more and pull them together into a rhythm of Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 4:48-49 involved in their monastic community. I prayer and work that enables me to serve was told the Cistercians don’t have a the Church and the world as only I can. St. Benedict reminds us to formal means to connect to the order or always be aware of God’s the abbey, but the Benedictines do and God has a real knack of using broken was encouraged to contact Saint presence in our lives. The image vessels to do His will. All we have to do is Meinrad Archabbey. of God’s presence urges us to listen for His call – as St. Benedict reveal our evil thoughts in encourages – and answer Him with a I visited Saint Meinrad, learned about reconciliation, which can be humble and enthusiastic “yes.” I, for one, the oblate vocation and soon after began am blessed that I did. interpreted as the rock of Christ. my . I was now in full-fledged This is the least lovely reference discernment and, over the course of 18 Stephen Drees, oblate and yet it is a highly effective months, I continued to read and study, Mason, OH one. The consciousness of God’s particularly about the Rule of St. presence demands of us a Benedict. I settled into praying Lauds, change of heart that implies an Vespers and Compline daily. increase in Christ and a When I made my final in the decrease in ourselves. Archabbey Church, it was my definitive response to a call to embrace a vocation that began many years earlier. Although at the time it felt like the end of a long journey, I quickly learned it was just the Ben edictine Oblate is published four times beginning. a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Editor: Mary Jeanne Schumacher Designer: Tammy Schuetter Every oblate vocation has elements that Oblate Directors: Fr. Meinrad Brune, are similar and communal, but also very OSB and Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB individual and personal. I refer to my oblate vocation as my “Little Send changes of address and comments to .” I try my best to perform the The Editor, Development Office, daily spiritual disciplines of personal and Saint Meinrad Archabbey, 200 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN 47577, liturgical prayer, reading part of the Rule (812) 357-6817, fax (812) 357-6325 of St. Benedict and lectio divina. or email [email protected] Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, was the presenter during www.saintmeinrad.org I am involved in parish ministries and I the Day of Recollection for the oblates of Ohio, held at ©2015, Saint Meinrad Archabbey am also engaged in reading and study, Columbus. 2 OBLATES A voice from the past In their own words Editor’s note: This article is a condensation spirit shall reap corruption, but he that of an article from the October 1970 soweth in the spirit shall of the spirit reap Oblate Newsletter. life everlasting.”

According to our study of the Catechism, History of people and nations, as well as we know that the fifth commandment individuals, shows that mankind has forbids killing souls as well as bodies. always struggled to free the spirit from the Sins of scandal are as deadly to man’s flesh. But we do not expect ever to read of spiritual self as nitroglycerin is to the an age, nor do we expect science to bring physical body. But there are some us to an age, when man was or will be thoughts for us to weigh regarding the master of all his powers. killing of the body. Men have tried both methods to have Some spiritual writers and ascetical personal peace. They have tried to forget or teachers have used so many kill or crush the soul to silence conscience, Oblate Mary Ann McMullen condemnatory names for our bodies that to deny spiritual values, and have tried to Dayton, OH we think of them mainly as handicaps on bring the body from bondage into our course to heaven. But the fact is, freedom; they have failed. Others have “The oblate life has changed without the body, we would not be. tried to crush the body, to starve it to my life in that I am more death, to beat it into insensibility so that grounded. I feel that I have We cannot merit a single grace without the soul could be free; and they, too, have more peace and direction and that sacred temple of the Holy Spirit, failed. Both are unnatural. I’m on the right path. I feel and when we go into eternity, it will be like I have a definite path to in the faithful companionship of that The body, however rebellious, is an body. Christ chose to redeem us in a follow and I know where it’s integral part of man’s nature. He must be going. human body. He places His greatest saved body and soul or he cannot be saved creation – the human soul – in a human at all. In His life on earth, our Lord body. We are obliged to love and respect refused to deal with man merely as a Being an oblate impacted me these bodies. spiritual being. to pursue my religion further than I would have without it, As Christians, we are aware of the need He even gave us His Body and Blood for to delve deeper. It has to subdue the body and all its members. our heavenly food. We dare not, then, improved my relationship in Yet the body is a gift of God, noble, indulge the body too much, nor ill-treat every respect. precious in its own right. St. Paul gives it. Heathen wanted to get rid of such contrasting texts as: “If you live the body as an enemy to be hated; The chapter is almost like a according to the flesh you shall die” and Christian asceticism wants to train it for “He that soweth in the flesh shall reap second family and I look its glorious life in heaven. ◆ corruption, but he that soweth in the forward to going to the meetings…. When one of the monks is coming, we meet them for lunch.

Oblate life, in general, not just the chapter, has grounded me. I feel so much more solid. I feel much more able to deal with whatever life is throwing at me, because I have that path and that direction to fall back on.”

New oblates gather around the altar where they signed their oblation charts and placed them on the altar. 3 Sharing the Wealth: About Our Chapters A brief history of the Indianapolis Oblate Chapter The Indianapolis Fr. Walter Sullivan, OSB, was director would be resumed by the chapter and Oblate Chapter of oblates from 1945-58. The chapter would include the Married Couples is the fifth oldest still met quarterly in 1950 and also Group. Fr. Jerome Palmer, OSB, chapter and was scheduled an Advent Day of director of oblates from 1969-80, established in the Recollection at Marian College. would conduct the exercise and 1940s. The first celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s Church. entry for the In November 1952, a Married chapter was an Couples Group started. The meetings 1986 marked the passing of Denis Mike Burns investiture of a were held in private homes on the White of the Married Couples Group. husband and second Saturday evening from He was praised for his love of Church wife, parents of one of the monks of September to November inclusive. and enthusiasm of the oblate cause. Saint Meinrad. His wife Helen passed away in 1989 The next five years saw a decline in and was co-coordinator of the Married Fr. Bernadine Shine, OSB, was chapter meeting attendance, and the Couples Group, arranging meetings, director of oblates from 1940-45. In Advent Day of Recollection was not contacting members and entertaining The Oblate Letter of January 1942, held. It resumed in 1959. Mr. Fred members at her home. Fr. Michael you could order The Daily Companion Fries and Mrs. Mary Kune were very Keene, OSB, was director of oblates for Oblates, newly published, for 15 active as president and secretary for from 1992-95. cents postpaid. many years. Fr. Michael Keene, OSB, celebrated a 1946 showed the Indianapolis Fr. Paschal Boland, OSB, director of solemn feast day Mass at St. John’s Chapter met quarterly at St. John’s oblates from 1959-61, worked closely Church Downtown in July 1996. and that the group started in February with Mary updating records and Eleven oblates were present for the that year. There was a conference organizing the chapter. Again, a push Mass, reflection and lunch provided followed by investitures, , a was on to increase membership and by the pastor. business meeting and, lastly, a social attendance at meetings. Beech Grove for the members and guests. was used as a location for the Advent Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, oblate Day of Recollection during this director since 1995, offered Mass in There was always an effort to recruit period. In October 1964, Archabbot the private home of one of our oblates new members and it’s worth noting Ignatius Esser, OSB, attended and followed by a conference, investitures that 11 men made their investiture in spoke at the meeting, and it was well and social in November 1997. There March 1947. At the same time, a attended. was a period that meetings were held chairman and vice-chairman were in private homes, but it is difficult to appointed to the group. In 1948, a December 1964 saw the loss of Mr. determine when that started. Meetings, secretary and treasurer were added. Al Woederman, who was very active going forward, were to be held in the The meetings were moved to the in the chapter. Archabbot chapel at the former at St. Community Center in Bonaventure Knaebel, OSB, and Fr. Therese of the Little Flower. Indianapolis. Paschal Boland, OSB, attended and led the Office of the Dead at the February 1998 saw the completion of In 1949, the men outnumbered the funeral home. Mary Kune passed away the revised Oblate Companion. There women for the first time since the war in January 1968 and was noted as a were over 3,000 assembled by many of began. There were notes of several person who helped spearhead the the oblates. Jerry Maillet, an oblate oblates who were killed in action Indianapolis Chapter. from Indianapolis, put the tabs in the during that period. That same year, last manual. the meetings were held at St. Mary’s Attendance at chapter meetings Church and Catholic Community during the winter meetings of 1976- May 1998 saw the retirement of Center in the city. An Advent Day of 77 averaged about 12 oblates. It was Chapter Coordinator Bernice Davey. Recollection was also held that year. noted that several years had passed She was recognized for her years of without a Day of Recollection and it service. The new and current

4 coordinators, Pat and Barbra Phillips, month, with breaks in the summer, organization and communication were volunteered to take over her duties. along with Easter and Advent retreats. suggested and implemented. Also at Mass is celebrated, followed by a this time, a Vision Statement was The oblate program continued to conference and reception. We approved clarifying the relationship grow not only on the local level, but currently average 25 to 35 attendees between the oblate community and also nationally. As of September 2000, and have always been blessed to have a the monastery and to substantiate the there were 989 oblates and novices. priest/monk present for our meetings. role of the in making final That same year, the oblate pins were decisions regarding the oblate made available. Several events were conducted for the community. spiritual growth of the oblates over the The Indianapolis Chapter had grown years. Fr. Noah Casey, OSB, Several new materials were also made so much that it had to find a new conducted a three-evening reflection available. The for meeting place! Having met on the on the Rule of St. Benedict. Mass was Benedictine Oblates was published in second Saturday of most winter celebrated, followed by dinner and 2009, followed by Prayers and Rituals months at Little Flower Parish Center presentations in July 2002. for Benedictine Oblates in 2010 and since January 1977, the group had Spirituality for Benedictine Oblates in more than doubled from the 15 In October 2003, Archabbot Lambert 2011. This set was beautifully done members who first gathered there. Reilly, OSB, gave a presentation on and was well received by our Mother Teresa and her humility and community. The first meeting held at Holy Spirit dedication to God at Our Lady of So many monks and oblates have was May 12, 2001, and was attended Grace Monastery, Beech Grove. One come forward to volunteer their time by 37 of the 105 oblates on the rolls. of the many high points of our year is and talent to keep the Indianapolis Mass was celebrated in the chapel, the Epiphany Party. Fellowship, Oblate Chapter vibrant and growing. with a conference and reception in the prayer, music and great food make this Through this, they are brought into Parish Center located in the lower one of the better attended meetings of union with the spirituality of Saint level. This location has worked so well the year. Meinrad and grow in zeal for Christ. it has continued to be used through As St. Benedict taught, “That in all 2015. Fall of 2007 began a round of chapter things, may God be glorified.” evaluations. Indianapolis was selected Meetings are currently held at 7:30 as one of four that were the first to Mike Burns, oblate p.m. on the second Saturday of the participate. Many improvements in Indianapolis, IN

From left, Missouri oblates Karen Joy Pitts, Dale Smith, Sharon Essner and William Hamrick were Oblates Peggy Fortier from Dartmouth, Nova present for the oblation of Dale Smith, followed by lunch with Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB. Scotia, and Yvonne Weaver from Lowell, IN, enjoy Easter Sunday together at Saint Meinrad.

5 After 15 years, oblate makes first visit to Saint Meinrad

This year during those things and the few introduced knew it, I had signed up for the Holy Holy Week, I by my becoming an oblate could not, Week retreat at Saint Meinrad and made my first- with God’s help, continue. made the necessary travel ever visit to Saint arrangements. Meinrad One important thing – regular Archabbey. The interaction with fellow oblates – It turned out to be a truly memorable visit was a long would, however, be missing. Thanks time that I will always cherish. time coming, 15 to the oblate newsletter and other Everything – the beauty of monastery Peggy Fortier years to be exact. mailings from Fr. Meinrad Brune, church and grounds; the inspiring OSB, and the Oblate Office, and the liturgies; the thought-provoking I made my final oblation as an Oblate monastery website, I did feel conferences given by Fr. Colman of St. Benedict on February 1, 2000, connected to both Saint Meinrad and Grabert, OSB; the hospitality offered at St. Joseph’s Church, in Lancaster, the oblates. by Fr. Meinrad, Br. Maurus Zoeller, PA. But, less than four years later, I OSB, and all the staff; and (after so retired and moved to Nova Scotia, Nonetheless, in recent years, I began long) the opportunity to meet and where I had lived at one time and to wonder, when it became time to pray with other oblates – was all I had where my younger son and his wife renew my oblation, if making that hoped for and more. make their home. commitment still made sense. Fortunately, I always concluded that it I don’t know if I will ever be able to There are no Benedictine monasteries did. make the trip to Saint Meinrad again, or oblate chapters in Atlantic Canada, but I do know that I will never again but discernment had convinced me Although I had always been actively hesitate to renew my oblation. God that this move was part of God’s plan involved in the celebration of the does lead you where you need to go. for me. Most of what is required of an Triduum liturgies in whatever parish I oblate was part of my life before I belonged to, I felt the need this year Peggy Fortier, oblate became one, and I saw no reason why to do something different. Before I Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

A group of oblates from Ohio attended the Day of Recollection at St. Therese’s Retreat Center in Oblate Tara Monica Sheringer is with her daughter Columbus, OH. Julia, who attended her mother’s oblation at the Indianapolis Oblate Chapter meeting. 6 Benedictine spirituality: A saving grace I am a retired wholehearted commitment, then the read the Rule of St. Benedict following university question was easy to answer. a prescribed daily schedule and also professor whose the Liturgy of the Hours. The readings professional life By loving Jesus, you seriously attempt from the Rule contributed to my spanned 46 to imitate him at all costs. God could development as a Benedictine oblate. years. It wasn’t ask the same question, and until we I practiced lectio divina to focus my until my can honestly answer yes, the metanoia attention on the minute details of Benedictine in our life does not happen. both Scripture and the holy Rule. Thomas J. Rillo oblation that I became It was not until the first year of my I opened both my mind and my heart cognizant of the limitations academia retirement that a spiritual change to God and began to listen to His placed upon my spirituality. began to manifest itself in my life. voice. I had learned to be silent, which, Someone handed me a copy of the as a professor, was never one of my I was an athlete participating at both Rule of St. Benedict and, upon reading strong points. “Be quiet and know that the secondary school and collegiate it, I began to question my basically I am God” had a profound influence levels. Success was based on inert spirituality. on my acquiring the value of silence. I competitive achievement and, heard His voice and it said write about consequently, the value of winning The year before, my wife began her spirituality and evangelize others. had a high priority in my life. The investiture of oblation at Saint same competitiveness existed in the Meinrad Archabbey. Devoid of a The psalmists were an inspiration to collegiate academic world. To achieve competitive nature, she had no me and spiritual poetry became an tenure, one had to do research and problem embracing the values outlet for the swelling of God’s gift to write articles and books in one’s field inherent in Benedictine spirituality. I, me. I heard God say that what you do of scholastic endeavor. however, had a more difficult time with that gift is your gift back to me. making the adjustment. I began to write poems that reflected Every professor at every college and many aspects and values of spirituality. university in the entire country also Years and years of a career based on had to be productive in research and competitive values were definite My association with the monks of published material to be deemed obstacles. Whether in athletics, Saint Meinrad Archabbey has also professionally successful. Even at this coaching athletics or academic success, been a stepping stone in my growing level, competition was a basic these values were deeply etched in my closer to God. They have been requirement. Imagine the proliferation mind and heart. I decided, with the excellent role models for me. I of redundant material. In this encouragement of other oblates, to consider many of them my friends and competitive mode, Benedictine values become an oblate of Saint Meinrad I appreciate their support and counsel. such as humility, obedience and Archabbey. This occurred during the silence were considered weaknesses. second year of Fr. Meinrad Brune’s Although my life as a Catholic and assignment as oblate director. my experience in parish ministries I continued to progress in my vocation have stood me in adequate stead, I as a teacher and academic scholar for After my novitiate, I was invited by Fr. needed more. I needed more to make many years. This was a disillusionment Meinrad to work as a volunteer in the me a true believer in the Lord and an that nurtured a value system that was Oblate Office. Basically, the imitator of Jesus Christ and to desire contrary to the teachings of Jesus assignments given to me were to nothing more than Jesus in my life. I Christ. We placed a value on develop articles, write book reviews, needed this spiritual lifeline to be increasing in order to increase rather do interviews with monks and oblates, thrown into the waters that, at times, than to decrease in order to increase. occasional pamphlets, and contribute have been a muddled spiritual life. to the “A Point to Ponder” column. Benedictine spirituality has indeed At this juncture of my life, I believed been a saving grace. And that grace in Jesus Christ, but the question It was through writing for the oblate has been a gift from God. broached by Jesus – “Do you love newsletter that I began to understand me?” – remained unaddressed. If one a little more fully the basic tenets of Thomas J. Rillo, oblate truly believed in Jesus with a Benedictine spirituality. As an oblate, I Bloomington, IN 7 Oblate News

Planning begins for leadership such as formation, communication, After Mass and lunch, the third conference in 2016 service, mentoring and volunteer conference continued with the example of St. Benedict. Joy can be a In the fall of 2014, representatives development. theme of all three saints. St. Benedict from the monasteries in the Midwest Janis Dopp, oblate believed that the divine presence is Woodlands Region met at Our Lady Bloomington, IN everywhere. Rather than a life of pride of Grace Monastery at Beech Grove, and disobedience (the fall in Genesis), IN, to discuss ways that the various Day of Recollection focuses on St. Benedict spoke of humility and communities of Benedictine Oblates God’s presence obedience. could benefit from shared experiences The oblates of the Louisville Chapter and resources. met on April 18 at St. Joseph’s Home Prayer is the practice that leads to for the Aged to attend the Day of From that discussion emerged a mindfulness of the divine presence. Recollection. The presenter was Fr. consensus that one of the growing Benedictine prayer is rooted in the Noël Mueller, OSB. Fr. Meinrad concerns for the future was the need psalms and other scriptures, where the Brune, OSB, joined us as well. We to develop good leadership among the power of the presence of God gathered and enjoyed coffee and oblates who might possibly play key transforms us gradually and conversation. Twenty-two oblates roles in the ongoing life of oblate consistently. Prayer every moment is a attended. communities, as the size of monastic lifetime work. communities diminishes and the After praying Lauds, Fr. Noël began the Ted McGill, oblate availability of monks to staff oblate first conference with a reference to Louisville, KY offices diminishes along with it. Luke 24, the account of the two men on the road to Emmaus. In the Finance Committee reviews After discussion and with the support Eucharist, Christ is present in the year-end results of the oblate directors, the decision assembly, the person of the priest, the The Oblate Finance Committee met was made to offer an introductory word we share, and in the bread and April 24 to review financial results for conference on leadership. Fr. Meinrad wine. the six months ended December 31, Brune, OSB, the director of oblates at 2014. Gift revenue and retreat income Saint Meinrad Archabbey, offered to Hopefully, we are aware of the continued to adequately cover host the conference at Saint Meinrad. presence of God daily. We heard operating expenses. The planning committee for the examples of God’s presence in hospital proposed conference met at Saint ministry and grief, a gift of sympathy Besides the normal staff, travel, Meinrad March 13-14, 2015. The without words. printing and postage expenses, two committee is made up of DVDs were produced and distributed. representatives from Our Lady of One example for us is The DVDs are “The Presence of God Grace Monastery, St. Walburg Lawrence and his book, The Practice in the Life of an Oblate” by Fr. Monastery in Covington, KY; of the Presence of God. Quotes from Brendan Moss, OSB, and “Praying Monastery in Brother Lawrence illustrated how this and Singing the Psalms,” which Ferdinand, IN; Saint Scholastica can take place in daily life, and the contains talks by Benedictine Fathers Monastery in Chicago and Saint need for persevering when obstacles Harry Hagan and Jeremy King during Meinrad Archabbey. arise. Our motivation is acting for the the 2014 Meeting of Chapter love of God. Coordinators and Representatives. The conference will be held October 2-4, 2016, with the theme of “The Another example is St. Therese, who Oblate Director Fr. Meinrad Brune, Gift of Shared Leadership.” The taught that we should have a childlike OSB, commented that the oblates’ keynote address will be given by Rev. focus and totally attentive love in our generosity is one of many reasons he Dr. William Wilson. This conference prayer life. Instead of the peace of feels very blessed. God, she was convinced that God is is designed to be the first in a series of Mike Reffett, oblate merciful love. Her “little way” puts conferences to address the need for Evansville, IN shared leadership between monasteries holiness within the reach of ordinary and their oblates and the many people. She trusted in God’s practical facets of skilled leadership, providence, even in great suffering. 8 Oblate Council adds new members since the 2012 Meeting of Fr. Meinrad reported that chapter The Oblate Council gathered at Saint Chapter Coordinators and histories have been completed by the Meinrad for its 31st meeting on April Representatives. Bloomington, Evansville, Indianapolis, 25, 2015. Janis Dopp chaired the • Development of information Lancaster, PA, and Louisville chapters. meeting. Also present on the Hill were records on routine action and He said the monks were moving from Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, Michelle tasks of the Oblate Office, the monastery to St. Anselm Hall for Blalock, Ron DeMarco, Al Kovacs, Council and Finance Committee 14 months beginning May 25, due to Jennie Latta, Pat Phillips, Mike that would be helpful for major repair work in the monastery. Reffett, Dennis Skelton and Bill “continuity of leadership” was Housing for retreats and meetings will Wilson. Michele Reffett served as discussed by Mike Reffett and be limited to the Guest House, which secretary. the Council. Various persons will impact registrations for oblate with responsibilities were events. Welcome was extended to the new identified to develop a list of members of the Council, Michelle actions, documents or file He expressed appreciation for the help Blalock of Ferdinand, IN, and Ron locations for their specific oblate the novices have been giving him in DeMarco of Cincinnati. Gail community responsibilities. the Oblate Office. Appreciation was Chambers of Memphis, TN, and extended for developing the “Words of Chris Topa of Howell, MI, were Pat Phillips and Mike Reffett reported Witness” interviews that will be put unable to attend. The meeting was from the Finance Committee that the on the website and used in future opened with prayer by Fr. Meinrad finances of the oblate community are oblate newsletters. followed by unison reading of the in a very healthy position. Statement of Purpose of the Oblate Appreciation was shared by all for the He announced that the theme for this Council. support given by oblates. Mike year in the oblate community will be reported that the Business Office of “Oblation as a Vocation.” Fr. Meinrad, Various committee and task force the Archabbey has been very helpful. Janis Dopp and Jennie Latta will reports were given, which included the attend the national meeting of following work: Fr. Meinrad reported on the good Benedictine Oblate Directors at return of the questionnaire from Subiaco monastery in Arkansas in July. • A “Quick Start Guide” to the coordinators, which will be useful for third edition of the Chapter planning the 2017 MCC (Meeting of Janis Dopp reported that Saint Coordinator’s Handbook is being Chapter Coordinators). Ron DeMarco Meinrad will host the Midwest developed (to be available by July will be following up with a phone call Woodlands Region of Oblates in 2015). Janis Dopp reported the to coordinators who responded for October 2016. The theme of the guide will be laminated and further feedback. regional meeting will be “The Gift of included in the handbook’s front pocket. • Early planning has begun for the chapter coordinators meeting in 2017 (MCC 2017). Jennie Latta reported that the format will be a retreat with a keynote speaker and sharing sessions among the coordinators. • Mike Reffett shared an update on the action steps and implementation of goals and plans from “Looking to the Future: Leadership.” The Council celebrated the accomplishments of the oblate community, its chapters, and the Oblate Council Pictured are the oblates who attended the Indianapolis Oblate Chapter meeting on May 9, 2015. Br. and Oblate Finance Committee Francis Wagner, OSB, gave the conference and Oblate Director Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, offered the Mass. 9 Oblate News continued

April 28, 2015 – Milton Hale Jr. of Palm Coast, FL April 29, 2015 – Robert Medsker of Sullivan, IN April 30, 2015 – Chad Dieselberg of Madison, AL May 2, 2015 – Michael Gavin of Warsaw, IN May 3, 2015 – Barbara Kammerlohr of Henderson, KY May 7, 2015 – Becky Boyle of Bloomington, IN May 8, 2015 – Michael Ware of Terre The oblates of the Bloomington Oblate Chapter posed for a group picture on May 7, 2015. Haute, IN ◆

Shared Leadership,” looking at the The meeting closed with praying The OBLATIONS future of leadership in oblate Lord’s Prayer and a blessing by Fr. January 20, 2015 – Michael John of communities. Meinrad. The next meeting will be the Cross Laflin of Oblong, IL July 18, 2015. Positive feedback has been received by March 7, 2015 – Daniel Pio Pierce the Oblate Office about the renewal William (Bill) H. Wilson, oblate Sr. of North Massapequa, NY gift of the Psalms DVD and handouts Huntington, WV March 21, 2015 – Richard Paul to the oblates. Some chapters are using Barrett of West Liberty, OH; Sherie this during chapter meetings. INVESTITURES Hildegard Berg of Indianapolis, IN; Discussion was held about the November 23, 2014 – Phillip Alvin Joseph Cassidy of Louisville, possibilities of developing a Facebook Wawrzyniec of Carleton, MI KY; Karen Hildegard Cassidy of page. Louisville, KY; Edward Neal Thomas March 6, 2015 – John Ferguson and Jackson of Loogootee, IN; Pam The Monastery Vocations Office has Rosemary Stockbauer, both of Therese Mathias of Jasper, IN; Sandra approached the Council about some Lancaster, PA Maurus Seckinger of St. Meinrad, IN; future possibilities to create interest in March 11, 2015 – Joseph Krivos of and Deborah Faustina Voges of Tell Benedictine spirituality and the oblate Notre Dame, IN City, IN life on a college campus. It was reported that there is some interest March 21, 2015 – Betty Ueding of April 11, 2015 – Dawn Rose Condra from the “One Bread, One Cup” Jeffersonville, IN of Indianapolis, IN program to have some oblate presence March 30, 2015 – Kyle Sibrel of April 17, 2015 – Lanny Gregory and information about the Saint Newburgh, IN Hollis of Brooklyn, OH Meinrad oblate community presented during the summer youth conferences. March 31, 2015 – Matthew Potter April 25, 2015 – Rockford Meinrad and Sherry Sopha-Potter of Patrick of West Harrison, IN The Oblate Council guidelines were Cheyenne, WY May 7, 2015 – Ginger Barnabas reviewed and some changes were April 11, 2015 – Catherine Matthews Thomas of Camby, IN; and Crystal made, which included increasing the of Indianapolis, IN, and Ninfa Teresa White of Bloomington, IN maximum number of members to 12, Paredes of Wildomar, CA editing the meeting purpose and May 9, 2015 – Tara Monica Gertrude changing the term limit of the April 22, 2015 – Victoria Catt of Sheringer of Brownsburg, IN; and chairperson. Washington, IN Richard Thomas Aquinas Toumey of Indianapolis, IN ◆

10 TRANSFER OF OBLATIONS September 12, 2015 – The Lancaster, VOLUNTEERS APPRECIATED April 16, 2015 – Michael Anselm PA, Day of Recollection in the Amish Recent volunteers in the Oblate Office Flanagan of Sioux City, IA, country will be held with Br. Martin were Melanie Isaacson, George transferred his oblation from Blue Erspamer, OSB, speaking on “Living Thompson, Dennis Skelton, Mike Cloud Abbey in Marvin, SD. in the Presence of God: An Oblate’s Reffett, Mike Burns, Michael Lifelong Work.” Edwards, Pat Reckelhoff, Novice John ANNIVERSARIES November 29, 2015 – The New York Avery, OSB, Novice Charles Peñalosa, March 21, 2015 – David Anselm oblates will have their Day of OSB, Novice Timothy Herrmann, Brindle of Muncie, IN, celebrated his Recollection with Br. Francis Wagner, OSB, Novice Jinu Thomas, OSB, 25th anniversary. OSB. The topic will be “The Oblate’s Novice Peter Szidik, OSB, Novice Call to Prayer, Holy Reading and Jonathan Blaize, OSB, and Novice DEATHS Recollection.” Thomas Fish, OSB, Candidate Tony February 3, 2015 – Mary Kathryn Wolniakowski, Jerry and Mary Maillet ◆ (Kitty) Gilles of Evansville, IN December 11-13, 2015 – The Saint and Saundra Duffee. Meinrad December Retreat will March 27, 2015 – Joseph Allain of feature Fr. Harry Hagan, OSB. The Brooklyn, NY title of his retreat will be “People April 23, 2015 – Fr. Michael Clifford Called in the Bible.” ◆ of Menominee, MI April 28, 2015 – Robert Ferguson of Indianapolis, IN May 3, 2015 – Richard (Dick) Notter of Evansville, IN May 5, 2015 – Miriam Axe of Lancaster, PA ◆

UPCOMING EVENTS (Extensive repairs are under way in the monastery, and the monks have moved to St. Anselm Hall for the duration of the 14-month project. Guest rooms will Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, and Fr. Noël Mueller, be available only in the Guest House for Richard Toumey made his oblation at the OSB, were present for the Louisville Oblate Day the December 2015 Oblate Retreat, the Indianapolis Oblate Chapter meeting on May 9. of Recollection on Saturday, April 18. Fr. Noël March 2016 Oblate Retreat and the His wife, Sharon Hilmes, witnessed his oblation. presented the conferences. 2016 Oblate Study Days. Please be patient with us during the time of major construction. Thank you.)

July 17, 2015 – Saint Meinrad Day of Recollection will feature Br. William Sprauer, OSB, speaking on “Seeing Clearly: Challenging Our Perceptions of God and Reality.”

September 4-6, 2015 – The New York oblates will celebrate their annual Labor Day weekend retreat with Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB. The topic will be “Living in the Presence of God: An The St. Meinrad Oblate Chapter met on Thursday, May 14, 2015. Fr. Luke Waugh, OSB, gave the Oblate’s Lifelong Work.” conference. 11 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE NEWSLETTER PAID Permit #3 St. Meinrad, IN 200 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN 47577

Return service requested

Reading Room Martin, S.J., James. Jesus: A Pilgrimage. New York, NY: As he and a Jesuit companion travel through the Holy Land, HarperOne, 2014. Fr. Martin examines the life of Jesus by proceeding sequentially through the gospels – offering historical, “Who is Jesus? Why another book theological and personal perspective along the way. This on this first-century Jewish man?” pilgrimage through the fully human, fully divine mystery Fr. James Martin poses these who is Christ, he notes, is “something not to be solved, but questions in the introduction to to be pondered.” this delightfully perceptive book. The Jesuit priest, commentator To do this, he accompanies the reader on a prayerful journey and best-selling author invites the to places like Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, the Sea of reader to accompany him on a Galilee, Tabgha, Jericho, Jerusalem, Golgotha, Emmaus and journey to “meet the Jesus I have Tiberias – to name just a few destinations. Along the way, studied, the Jesus I follow, and the Fr. Martin provides a nice blend of travel narrative, Jesus I met in the Holy Land,” while at the same time Scripture study and spiritual reflection. encouraging one’s own gospel-driven discovery. The result is a descriptive, informed and insightful Do not be put off by the length of Jesus (526 pages; 465 encounter with not only the Jesus of yesterday, but of today without the notes, index, etc.). No tough, dry read, this and forever (cf. Hebrews 13:8). Through him, with him and book is both tender and flavorful – one most readers in him, we – as God’s pilgrim people – are invited to should be able to savor and digest easily. It lends itself to discover what is truly human and divine in us all. To that meditation and, in that regard, is one of those books end, Jesus: A Pilgrimage is certainly worth the trip. likely to prompt a desire for “seconds” – repeated readings and review. Br. Francis Wagner, OSB, monk Saint Meinrad Archabbey