Christmas 2009 Volume 41, No. 3 GRAYMOORTODAY Newsletter of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

SOCIETY MARKS CENTENNIAL OF RECEPTION INTO CHURCH OF ROME ARCHBISHOPS SAMBI AND DOLAN JOIN FRIARS AND SISTERS IN SPECIAL MASS

ctober 30,2009 marked a special centennial “The spirit of creates unity...Where there is love for the Society of the Atonement. One hun- and unity, there is God. Where there is unity, there is Odred years ago, the small religious group, a spirit of family.” founded by Fr. Paul Wattson and Mother Lurana White at Graymoor as an Episcopalian community In his homily, Fr. Puglisi said of the founders’ in the Franciscan tradition, became the first order decision to become Catholic that “they did not con- since the Reformation to be received corporately by continued on page3 the into full communion with the Church of Rome. INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

V. Rev. James F. Puglisi, SA, Minister General of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, was Glad Tidings...... page 2 Friars Celebrate Hope...... page 2 joined by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic - Vocations...... page 3 cio to the , and Archbishop Timothy M. The Year of the Priest...... page 4 Dolan of New York at the centennial Mass, which St. Christopher’s Inn...... page 5 was attended by over 400 friars, sisters, and guests. Fr. Paul’s Parish Vision Confirmed...... page 6 Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute...... page 8 Archbishop Sambi, referring to the Society’s Advent and Christmas at Graymoor...... page 9 Bell Tower Notes...... page 10 continued dedication to Christian unity, in his re- Events...... page 11 marks said: “Your charism is a charism of the future.” St.Anthony’s Corner...... page 12

www.AtonementFriars.org GLAD TIDINGS FRIARS CELEBRATE SHARING HOPE by Fr. Bob Warren, SA

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. en they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. (Matthew 2: 10-11) very Christmas as I read the Gospel account of the Christmas story, I am always fascinated by the EMagi. Three strangers show up looking for the king From left: William P. Harrington, Esq., Archbishop Dolan, of the Jews. Three strangers whom we call kings or wise Fr. Puglisi, and Dr. Steven J. Sweeny. men. They bring exotic gifts—frankincense or incense for worship, myrrh a gift for one who is to die, and gold for a king. he friars held their 16th Annual Sharing Hope Celebration Dinner on October 2 at The Plaza in . The Yet for all the mystery around these three Tbenefit honors those who have shown a commitment to strangers, their story is our story. To put it another way, helping others and inspiring hope. these men represent the human ache for God that we all share. The Magi took the risk of inquiring—who knew what they might learn, the risk of journey—who Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York, re- knew what they might meet, and the risk of search— ceived the Graymoor Sharing Hope Award. Stephen J. Sweeny, who knew what they might find or whom. PhD, President, The College of New Rochelle, was presented the In many ways the Magi are our kind of people. Graymoor Award and William P. Harringon, Esq. , of Bleakley The bottom line is that they are searchers and so are Platt & Schmidt, LLP, White Plains, NY, was awarded the Gray- we. They are searchers who have taught us a lesson. moor Community Service Award. V. Rev. James F. Puglisi, SA, They searched together and we must do the same. We Minister General, presented the awards on behalf of the friars. can’t search, we can’t travel, we can’t find alone. We need one another. The proceeds benefit the friars’ worldwide ministries This is one of the reasons why we go to church. which include serving the homeless and those suffering from Alone we face the danger of becoming disoriented and alcoholism, drug addictions, and HIV/AIDS; pastoral care in lost. We need the collective wisdom of the community. We need the collective support and prayers of each parishes and hospitals around the world; offering respite and other. We are a church—one that listens together, hope to those in need of spiritual renewal; and Christian unity searches the ancient scriptures together, and cries out and interfaith dialogue among , Jews, Muslims, and together “Lord, have mercy on us.” Buddhists. The Magi did not have all the answers to life. Neither do we. They had a wicked king after them— just as we do when we are hounded by certain vices and sins. But on their life travels they had fellowship and the light of Christ to guide them—and so do we. But the best part of the wondrous Magi story comes at the end when at last they found what they were looking for. Notice that they entered the stable in silence. Words were inadequate to describe all that they found. Falling down, they adored the child and opening their treasures they offered Him their gifts. Their long dangerous journey was at an end and they looked upon the face of the Messiah—and so will we. Mary Higgins Clark Conheeney was the Master of Ceremonies. With her from left are Fr. James Gardiner, SA, Paul Dillon, who painted the Archbishop’s portrait, and John Conheeney. And that is Glad Tidings. To view more photos of the event please visit www.AtonementFriars.org/SharingHope

- 2 - SOCIETY MARKS CENTENNIAL OF RECEPTION INTO CHURCH OF ROME continued from page 1 sider what they were about to do a conversion but rather a coming home. They never felt or believed for one moment they had been outside of the Catholic faith.” Father Puglisi also noted that this event ... “is linked with the anniversary of the beginning of what is now called the Week of Prayer for Chris- tian Unity (see page 5). The Founders burned with passion for the “Your charism is a gift of unity because charism of the future.” they burned with a ~ Archbishop Sambi love for the cruci- fied one,” he said. “They, like Francis of Assisi, wished to know the depth of that suffering love that the Redeemer ex- perienced so that we may have abundant life.” Archbishop Dolan said, “The purpose of the Church is to welcome people in. For over 100 years, the friars and sisters of the Society of the Atonement have been welcoming people... Theirs is a beautiful ministry of hospitality.” PAGE 1: V. Rev. James F. Puglisi, SA, concelebrates Mass with Archbishop Pietro Sambi and Archbishop Timothy Dolan. TOP: Friars during the Mass. ABOVE: Sr. Nancy Con- To view more photos, read the text of Fr. Puglisi’s boy, SA, Minister General, Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, Archbishop Dolan, homily, or learn more about the event visit Archbishop Sambi, and V. Rev. Puglisi. Photos by Br. John O’Hara, SA www.AtonementFriars.org/ReceptionDay FRIAR VOCATIONS by Br. John O’Hara, SA, Vocation Director

he Vocation Ministry holds twice yearly Come and See retreats, when men, discerning their interest in the re- For information about next year’s retreats, call our vocation department at 800-338-2620, ext. 2126 or visit ligious life spend a weekend at Graymoor. This past T www.AtonementFriars.org/Vocations March and October men traveled from around the country to visit the friars and learn about their ministries.

The retreats are designed to reveal to both the man and the friars whether continuing the application process is appropriate.

Men considering the call with the friars as either priests or brothers, should be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old, in good health, psychologically mature, and with- out major debt.

God’s call to everyone is first to live fulfilling and joy–filled lives. If God is calling you to religious life, it is be- V. Rev. James F. Puglisi, SA, Minister General, met with cause He recognizes that joy and fulfillment for you. October Come & See visitors.

- 3 - THE YEAROF THE PRIEST WWW.STCHRISTOPHERSINN-GRAYMOOR.ORG

arlier this year, Benedict XVI announced a ity, which have always been at the heart of the Church’s Year of the Priest. The pope called for the event mission.” His Holiness will close the year on June 19, 2010, Eto mark the 150th anniversary of the death of St. at a “World Meeting of Priests” in St. Peter's Square. John Vianney, Curé of Ars. In highlighting the Year of the Priest, Pope Benedict called upon the example of St. John THE PATRON OF PRIESTS Vianney for the “spiritual per- fection” of the Church’s priests. During the year’s celebrations, Pope Benedict will proclaim The theme for the year is St. John Vianney, Curé of Ars, “Faithfulness of Christ, faithful- as patron saint of all the ness of priests.” The pope inau- priests of the world. St. Jean gurated the year on June 19, the Marie Vianney was a humble feast of the Sacred Heart of French diocesan priest as- Jesus, presiding at Vespers in St. signed to the rural and spiritu- Peter's Basilica where the relics of the saintly ‘Curé of ally dying town of Ars in central France. Through his Ars’ were brought for the occasion. In his comments, example of personal holiness and attention to the sacra- he said that priests must be “present, identifiable and ments, St. John was able to transform his parish. Pilgrims recognizable—for their judgment of faith, personal from all over the world came to receive the sacrament of virtues and attire—in the fields of culture and of char- reconciliation from the Curé of Ars.

WHAT THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST MEANS TO ME by Fr. Emmanuel Sullivan, SA ur Holy Father has designated this special year to run from June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010. The pope has chosen these dates from the Catholic celebration of The Feast of the Sacred OHeart in which we acknowledge that Christ’s love is coming to us as both the manifesta- tion of divine love and human love. This reminds us of what the Incarnation means to our Church and to our world.

Priests, bishops and deacons are called and chosen for the service of the whole Church. When we entered the seminary to begin our formation to become priests we were reminded that our vocation was not to give us superior status for ourselves. We aspired to the priesthood to serve others in the Church and the world. “ We aspired to the priesthood to serve others in The respect and reverence given to a priest stems from his fidelity to the Church and the world.” Christ and the truths of Christ’s gospel of life and resurrection. A priest’s life is to encourage and help others to faith in Christ and fidelity to his teachings. For example, in the sacrament of penance, also called reconciliation or confession, the absolution offered by the priest is an assurance of Christ’s loving forgiveness and healing from sin and spiritual death. Like all the sacraments we are ensured of the availability of God’s grace for all. This truth extends to all people including members of non- Christian communities. As ‘a man for others’ a priest promotes and interfaith dialogue for everyone.

The notion of priesthood is a gift of grace to build up and encourage others to take Christ’s claims seriously: Christians and non–Christians. God’s grace is offered in many ways through Christian life and service. It is not to ex- hibit a quality of life other than that which comes to us in Christ, God’s word to us. When we think of the Catholic priesthood we ought to be reassured of Our Lord’s mediation and grace. It is this that ought to remind everyone why Catholics should respect, count on, and... pray for their priests.

- 4 - GRAYMOOR ECUMENICAL & INTERRELIGIOUS INSTITUTE WWW.GEII.ORG

and Orthodox denominations but also to Jewish, Reading Ecumenical Trends Muslim, and other religious faiths as well. Its con- tributors are scholars and theologians of n an early issue of Ecumenical all faiths. Trends, published by Gray- Imoor Ecumenical & In- As one reader writes: terreligious Institute since “Ecumenical Trends 1972, there was a letter to the is a marvelous in- editor referring to it as a “wor- strument for dia- thy publication to chroni- logue. Its openess to cle...developments in Christian plurality is refresh- unity.” The writer expressed his ing...there is a great spirit hope that the friars would continue here.” supplying “information on grass–roots Ecumenical Trends activities” adding that this is the place will educate you to the im- where genuine work for Christian unity portance of the friars’ work for was going on. Christian unity and interreligious understanding. For over thirty–seven years Ecumeni- cal Trends has touched on all of the issues of serious in- Subscribe to Ecumenical Trends by writing to: terest to those committed to the ecumenical movement Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute not only as they relate to Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, P.O. Box 333, Garrison, New York 10524-0333 845-424-2109 www. geii.org /EcuTrends

ach year, the friars join in prayer with other Christians Fr. Paul Wattson Lecture Series Earound the world during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Initiated by Fr. Paul, it is January 18, 2010 held from January 18 – 25. at St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia Rev. Dr. Martin Rumscheidt will talk on The Week of Prayer for Christian Taking Joy in the Torah: A Christian’s Search for Unity is an important expression Rapprochement with Judaism of ecumenical activity at the local level. The theme and text for each year’s observance are cho- February 22, 2010 sen and prepared by representa- at University of San Francisco, California tives of the Pontifical Council for Rev. Dr. Fernando Enns, a Mennonite pastor Promoting Christian Unity and teaching at the University of Heidelberg, Germany representatives from the World Council of Churches. This year (title to be announced) the promoters invited the Scottish churches to prepare the theme. They suggested: “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke With these lectures, which began in 1974 at Catholic 24:48). University of America, the friars honor the memory and work of their founder, Fr. Paul Wattson, and con- In the United States, GEII develops, adapts and publishes tinue their efforts to realize the prayer of Jesus: texts for use during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. “That all may be one...so the world may believe.” (John 17:21). Materials to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity are available from the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute, a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Fr. Paul Wattson Lecture Series information is available at For more information visit www.geii.org/ WeekOfPrayer www. AtonementFriars.org/lecture

- 5 - FR. PAUL’S EXPANSIVE VISION CONFIRMED....

by Fr. Fred Alvarez, SA popular photo of Fr. Paul, the founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at Graymoor, shows him sitting at a desk Awith one hand holding a fountain pen and the other resting on a letter. A letter opener and envelope lie at his elbow. Looking straight at the camera, he has a gentle smile. On the wall behind him is a silhouette of the crucified Christ and St. Francis of Assisi.

As much as Fr. Paul wanted to be a missionary in a foreign land or a busy big city parish priest, God never gave him that op- portunity. Rather He made him a man of vision sitting at a desk who wrote letters and magazine articles to make his dreams come true.

Besides his vision for Church unity—resulting in the world- wide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Fr. Paul dreamed of seeing his friars as parish ministers—making them carriers of the good news of Jesus—in order to nurture the faithful.

“Watch for the Friars of the Atonement going down the mountain to cast their nets St. Odilia’s is a Spanish–speaking parish in Los An- into the great sea of hu- “Watch for the Friars... going down the geles. The children’s choir practices. manity,” he said. “If we are mountain to cast their nets into faithful, the power of the great sea of humanity.” Almighty God, the power that was behind Peter, James and John on the Lake of Gennesareth, will be with the Friars...in answer to the prayer which we have made daily to God that [we] might become ‘missionaries in all lands.’”

Today, the friars carry ‘their nets’ in parishes and centers in the United States, Canada, England, , and Japan.

ST. ODILIA , LOS ANGELES, CA In North America, Fr. Frank Eldridge, SA is pastor of St. Odilia’s in Los Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling, VA. Angeles. Serving an active Spanish speaking community, the church recently renovated and repainted its interior and has started a chil- dren’s choir. The parish school serves children in grades K–8.

CHRIST THE REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, STERLING, VA

The friars have ministered at Christ the Redeemer since its begin- ning in 1972. Currently, Fr. C. Donald Howard, SA, the pastor, Fr. Bill Schmidt, SA, Fr. Art Johnson, SA, Fr. Lino Rico, a priest from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and a staff of 7 minister to this culturally diverse parish. Masses, confessions and religious education are regularly scheduled in Spanish as well as English. The parish outreach in- cludes participation in LINK, a local ecumenical food distribution Fr. David Fitzgerald, SA (left) is pastor of St. Andrew program and the Community Meals Program that provides hot the Apostle Church in Apex, NC. meals to the homeless and needy once a week.

- 6 - ...FRIARS CELEBRATE PARISH SERVICE IN NORTH AMERICA

ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH, APEX, NC In the early 1980s, the friars along with a small cadre of parish- ioners founded St. Andrew the Apostle in Apex, NC. Today, Fr. David Fitzgerald, SA and his staff provide daily and weekend Masses for nearly 3,000 families. In 2008, St. Andrew’s celebrated 119 bap- tisms, 166 first communions, and 21 weddings. It had almost 900 children in grades K–12 enrolled in its Faith Development classes.

ST. JOAN OF ARC, TORONTO, ONTARIO In Toronto, Fr. Daniel Callahan, SA serves St. Joan of Arc, estab- lished in 1919 as a French–speaking parish a few blocks from its current location. Today, it is a multi-ethnic English-speaking parish serving 3,000 families. Known for its dedication to the value of stewardship, St. Joan of Arc also collaborates with the nearby Paulist Fathers and the Sisters of Sion in “Winter Welcome Table”— providing weekly meals for the homeless of the neighborhood.

ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER, RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA St. Joan of Arc Church is in the metropolitan city of Further west, Fr. David Poirier, SA, Fr. Arthur Gouthro, SA, and Br. Toronto. Fr. Dan Callahan, SA, Pastor (second from Timothy MacDonald, SA staff St. Joseph the Worker parish in Rich- left) with members of his staff and Br. Kevin Goss, SA. mond, British Columbia. One of the largest in Vancouver, the parish has some 3,000 registered families, more than 70% of Asian descent. Last year they celebrated 91 baptisms and 27 weddings. Its school has 223 children enrolled in grades K–7. The parish is very active and a recognized leader in innovation within its arch- diocese.

CHAPEL OF OUR SAVIOR, BROCTON, MA The Chapel of Our Savior is near Boston in Brockton. While not a parish ministry, it is referred to as an Atonement center. Here seven friars serve over 700 people. Fr. Gerald DiGiralamo, SA, and St. Joseph the Worker, one of the largest parishes in the other friar–priests hear daily confessions and celebrate daily Vancouver, serves some 3,000 families. Masses. The center is well known for its up-to-date and well–stocked gift and bookstore run by Br. Savio McNiece, SA and Br. Thomas Banaki, SA. Just opposite the Westgate Mall, the cen- ter’s motto is “Bringing Christ to the mar- ketplace.” In October 2010 the Chapel of Our Savior will celebrate its 50th an- niversary.

For more information about parishes, visit www.AtonementFriars.org/Parishes

Br. Thomas Banaki, SA and Br. Savio McNiece, SA, run the chapel’s book and giftshop.

- 7 - ST. CHRISTOPHER’S INN WWW.STCHRISTOPHERSINN-GRAYMOOR.ORG

2009 ~ THE CENTENNIAL OF CARING by Cynthia Gerber, Development Associate

n Saturday, October 17, the many friends of St. Christopher’s Inn united in Pilgrim Hall at OGraymoor for the final official centennial event of this extraordinary year—a celebratory Liturgy and Luncheon. Fr. Bernie Palka, SA, CEO & President and Fr. William Drobach, SA, Vice President concelebrated the special Mass along with other fri- ars and local parish priests.

The St. Christopher’s Inn choir performed at the service, which was attended by former and pres- ent staff members, alumni, long–time friends and The choir is comprised of Inn residents. They performed benefactors, and members of the current Board of Di- during the centennial Mass. rectors, as well as those who have completed their term. ST. JOSEPH’S REHABILITATION CENTER As the choir stirred hearts with song, Fr. Bill shared the words of men, fondly called ‘Brothers Christopher,’ who have made their way through the program and beyond. He reminded everyone of the reason for the celebration—of the tens of thousands of men who, since 1909, have arrived at the Holy Mountain broken, addicted and hopeless, but have left confident, clean and hopeful. So many men have found their way back to their families, their friends, and to productive lives because of the many who care and continue to support our mission. t. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Cen- ters in Saranac Lake, NY, which started as a min- The Mass was followed by a luncheon in the Sistry of the friars in 1971 and became independent friars’ dining room, where a current Inn resident, An- earlier this year, has been awarded a three–year ac- tonio S, shared the story of his life–long battle with al- creditation from CARF (Commission on Accreditation cohol. He explained how his time at the Inn has given of Rehabilitation Facilities). him the tools he needs to put his life back together. Antonio has made exceptional progress, has reunited CARF surveyors made no recommendations, with members of his family for the first time in over a which signifies that they did not identify any areas of decade, and has plans to start nursing school next nonconformance to the standards. “This is an extraor- year. While Antonio has worked hard for his recovery, dinary accomplishment,” says Bob Ross, President/CEO, he credits the friars and staff of the Inn as the main “as only 3 percent of CARF surveys result in no recom- key to his recovery—for reminding him that he is mendations. St. Joseph’s staff should be very proud of good and deserving of a life without alcohol. this achievement.” www.sjrcrehab.org

- 8 - GRAYMOOR SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER Advent and Christmas ~ Special Seasons at Graymoor by Fr. James Gardiner, SA, Director, Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

dvent, the season of retold. Everyone will then “devout and joyful ex- be invited to take part in a Apectation,” has a procession with lighted two–fold character: as a sea- torches to the outdoor son to prepare for Christmas, crèche for a simple prayer when Christ’s first coming to of blessing. us is remembered, and as a season when that remem- Mass in the Night brance directs our minds will be celebrated in Pil- and hearts to await Christ’s grim Hall at 10:00 p.m. And on Christmas morn- second coming at the end of ing another Mass will be time. Regretfully, it is often celebrated in Pilgrim Hall eclipsed by holiday prepara- at 11:00 a.m. Everyone, of tions and pre–Christmas par- course, is welcome. ties. The New Year is also On the four Sundays celebrated in a special of Advent—November 29, way at Graymoor. On New December 6, 13, and 20—Ad- Year’s Eve, the final mo- vent Vespers will be cele- ments of the ‘old’ year are brated in Little Flower spent in quiet adoration Chapel at 4:00 p.m. Prominent clerics—including the of the Blessed Sacrament, which concludes with Bene- Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk, Episcopal Bishop of New York— diction. A few minutes before midnight, everyone as- will offer reflections on the future of ecumenism. sembles near the bell tower at the top of the mountain to sing “Holy God We Praise Thy Name” in gratitude for On Sunday, December 6, Christmas Around the blessings received. When the bell strikes midnight an- World, our exhibit of more than 100 crèches from nouncing the start of another year of favor from the countries near and far, opens. The Graymoor collec- Lord, a joyful procession makes its way down the hill to tion was started by the late Fr. Joseph Egan, SA. The Pilgrim Hall where “The First Mass of the New Year” is crèches are made from materials as different as straw, celebrated. wood, ceramic, stone, and paper—even elk horn. In addition to two overnight retreats—“Christmas Christmas will be ushered in with First Ves- at Graymoor” (Wednesday, December 23—Friday, Decem- pers on late Thursday afternoon, December 24, in Pil- ber 25) and “New Year’s on the Mountain”(Wednesday, De- grim Hall. As part of the service, the story of St. cember 30—Friday, January 1)—the Graymoor Spiritual Francis and how he began Life Center offers special mini–retreats on both Christmas the tradition of the Eve and New Year’s Eve. Both begin with a festive dinner Christmas crèche will be and end with Mass.

For information on Graymoor Spiritual Life Center events and retreats call (845) 424-2111 or visit www.AtonementFriars.org/Retreats www.GraymoorCenter.org

Inuit Nativity Scene. Carved in Hay River, Northwest Territories of Canada. Made from caribou antler and soapstone.

- 9 - BELL TOWER NOTES

Br. James Daly, SA,(far left) has been assigned to the friars’ vocation ministry. He recently com- pleted the formation training program of the In- stitute of Religious Formation at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago He will work with Br. John O’Hara, SA, Vocation Director.

For more information about vocations, see page 3 or visit www.AtonementFriars.org/Vocations.

Fr. Raymond Rodriguez Luis, SA, who was ordained to the priest- hood at Graymoor in March has been assigned to the friars’ min- istries in the Japan region. He had been at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Richmond, British Columbia.

For more information about parishes, see page 7 or visit www.AtonementFriars.org/Parishes

Fr. Elias Mallon, SA, has an article appearing in the September 2009 issue of ONE, the official May He Rest in Peace publication of the Catholic Near East Welfare As- sociation. “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” explains one of the oldest and most com- mon of Muslim devotions.

Christmas Greetings from Graymoor

Br. Donald Perry, SA 1933— 2009 Let us also remember and pray for our benefactors who have passed. Holy Spirit Chapel

- 10 - A Century of Prayer for EVENTS Christian Unity is a cele- bration of the 100–year history of the Week of December 23 - 25 Prayer. A collection of six important essays, it is a Christmas at Graymoor Retreat superb resource for un- Graymoor Spiritual Life Center derstanding the theology and practice of common December 24 prayer for the reconcilia- Christmas Eve Mini-Retreat tion of Christians. Graymoor Spiritual Life Center Begins with First Vespers and procession to Among its contributors, which include Walter the outdoor crèche, includes a festive dinner Cardinal Casper, Presi- and concludes after the Mass in the Night. dent of the Pontifical (10:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall) Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is V. Rev. James F. Puglisi, SA, Minister December 27 General of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and Solemnity of the Holy Family Director of the Centro Pro Unione, Rome. His essay is Luncheon following Sunday Eucharist entitled “Prayer for Christian Unity in the Twentieth Cen- Graymoor Spiritual Life Center tury.” December 30 - January 1 A Century of Prayer for Christian Unity, is a wonderful gift New Year’s on the Mountain Retreat for pastors, seminarians, or theology students. Published Graymoor Spiritual Life Center by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, it can be or- dered from the Graymoor Book & Gift Center: December 31 845-424-3671, ext. 3155 ~ www.AtonementFriars.org/Books New Year’s Eve Mini-Retreat Graymoor Spiritual Life Center THE AVE MARIA HOUR REVIVED Begins with First Vespers, includes a festive irst brought to the radio dinner and concludes with the in 1935 and continuing First Mass of the New Year. Funtil 1969, the Ave Maria Hour encouraged and January 18 - 25, 2010 entertained thousands of lis- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity teners weekly. January 18, 2010 These original broadcasts of February 22, 2010 the lives of the Saints have Fr. Paul Wattson Lecture been revamped with new in- (see page 5) troductions. Hosted by Fr. Bob Warren, SA, they can now be heard on the friars’ March 31 - April 4, 2010 website. Holy Week Retreat Graymoor Spiritual Life Center Listen to the Ave Maria Hour at www.AtonementFriars.org/AveMaria For more information 800-338-2620 • www.AtonementFriars.org

- 11 - ST. ANTHONY’S CORNER

“It was Truly a Miracle!” LOOK FOR OUR NEW WEBSITE St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your JANUARY 2010 love for God and charity for his crea- tures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous pow- ers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ready to offer on behalf of those in need. Encouraged by this, I ask you to hear my prayers.

A benefactor affirms: “My wife has suffered with breast cancer and further com- plications for the past four years. Shortly after she got her diagnosis we received in the mail a beautiful St. Anthony prayer card and medal. My middle name is Anthony and my wife’s father’s name is Anthony. She commented on the fact that now she had three Anthonys looking out for her. She has had the medal with her every day and we have prayed from the prayer card every day since receiv- ing them. It seems there may be a happy ending soon as the last series of tests have come back clean and several of the complications, including diabetes, are manageable.

I am writing to say thank you for sending St. Anthony to us when we needed him most, and to ask if you could send us a few more prayer cards. I’m sure you can understand that ours is quite worn by this time. Thank you Friars for all you do for all of us in need. God will surely bless you with great eternal reward.” ~ Wayne Anthony

If you would like to receive additional prayer cards, medals or healing enrollment cards, please contact us. 800-338-2620 ~ www.AtonementFriars.org WWW.ATONEMENTFRIARS.ORG

YEAR-END GIVING REMINDER When considering this type of gift, it is important to know:

ecember 31, 2009 is the deadline for giving op- ~The gift must be transferred directly from the IRA manager to the friars. portunities afforded in the Pension Act of 2006. ~The contribution must be an outright gift. DCongress has made a special opportunity avail- ~There is a $100,000 limit on the IRA transfer. able to donors who wish to make a charitable gift from their ~Distributions from 401(k) or 403(b) accounts or other employer–sponsored IRA Plans. If you are age 70 ½ or older, you can make a direct retirement plans do not qualify. transfer from your IRA to the friars without having to report the transferred amount as taxable income. Under the previous ~This opportunity is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009. law, making a gift from an IRA to a charitable organization To discuss this opportunity or other planned giving, annuity gift or estate gift meant reporting the withdrawal as income. options, please call Fr. Emil Tomaskovic, SA, Director of Planned Giving, at 800-338-2620, x 3126.

GRAYMOOR CONTACTS: Benefactor Services 845-424-3671 ext 3519 St. Christopher’s Inn 845-335-1000 GRAYMOOR TODAY Book & Gift Center 845-424-2100 Spiritual Life Center 845-424-2111 Publisher: Friars of the Atonement Graymoor Today is a publication of the Franciscan Fri- GEII 212-870-2330 Vocations 845-424-2126 ars of the Atonement, a Roman Catholic religious community with social, ecumenical and pastoral min- Privacy Promise Statement: From time to time we make information about our lapsed or inactive donors available to other istries in the United States,Canada,England, Italy Catholic Charities. If you do not wish your name shared, contact us and we will respect your wishes. If you no longer wish and Japan. Since 1898,they have worked for the rec- to receive requests for support from the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, please call 800-338-2620, ext. 3519. onciliation of men and women with God and each Graymoor Today • P.O. Box 301 • Garrison, NY 10524-0301 • 1-800-338-2620, ext. 3519 • www.AtonementFriars.org other as well as serving those in need.