SEPTEMBER IS "NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDITION RECOVERY MONTH"

Greetings from Fr. Bob ...

I think that my favorite story in the New Testament is about the woman whose life has been bleeding away for twelve years [Mark 5, 25-34]. She pushes through a tremendous crowd, comes up behind Jesus, touches his garment and she feels in her body that she has been healed.

Jesus is aware that power has gone out from Him. He turns and asks who touched his garments? The disciples are amazed and amused. You see this crowd pressing around you and yet you say – who touched me?

But Jesus keeps looking around until the woman comes in fear and trembling. Jesus explains to her what has happened - your faith has made you well, go in peace. Jesus is not just curing a disease, He is healing a person and so He wants eyes to meet, He wants to see a face.

He wants to explain what has really happened in the depths of her heart. Her faith in Him brought healing. So far she has only heard reports about Him; He wants her to know Him. She had met the one who made enemies of the powerful because he put compassion above tradition, love above law, people above things and institutions.

None of us goes through life without trials, without illness and upset. It seems to be part of our human condition. We have all suffered losses – loss of innocence, childhood, relationship, jobs, health, marriages, self-respect, and youthful vigor - all these and more. The question we ask – is there healing, is there restoration, is there a Jesus nearby to restore us?

The woman who touched Jesus was cured and healed. But, healing does not necessarily mean curing. Many of us who are physically healthy often need healing – healing of past memories, past hurts, past relationships and sometimes we may seek out a person or place to help us in the healing process.

Graymoor is such a place. People drive up this mountain for many reasons — to attend mass, prayer meetings, self help/support groups such as AA, NA, Alanon, HIV/AIDS support, as well as other spiritual gatherings. Thousands of people attend retreats at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center throughout the year and leave spiritually renewed and refreshed.

Time and time again, I am amazed in the change in a man who comes to St. Christopher’s Inn ready and willing to enter the program. Slowly, but perceptibly you see him change as he starts to heal.

Many will say that this is where they find healing. I have noticed over the years that after their second or third visit, they no longer call it “Graymoor,” but rather refer to it as “The Holy Mountain,” as our founder Fr. Paul called it.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Bob Warren

RECOVERY SUNDAY AT GRAYMOOR

The Friars of the Atonement have been involved in recovery ministries since the late 1950’s. As called by St. Francis “to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart and to bring home those who have lost their way” the friars have helped tens of thousands of people over the past decades to recover from addictions to drugs and/or alcohol.

Join the Friars in celebration of those who have been healed and in prayer for those who are continuing their journey. Recovery Sunday will be held September 13, 2009 with Mass at 11:00 AM in Pilgrim Hall, Lunch at 12:30 PM in the Friars Dining Room ($10 per person / rsvp required - 845-424-3671, ext. 2111)

BOOK SIGNING — “WILL I SEE MY DOG IN HEAVEN?”

Author Fr. Jack Wintz, OFM will be signing copies of his recently released book, “Will I See My Dog in Heaven?” on Sunday, September 27th (immediately following the 11:00 AM Sunday Eucharist at Pilgrim Hall, Graymoor).

If you are unable to attend, yet still would like to obtain a copy of the book for yourself, a family member, or friend, click here to purchase online from the Graymoor Book & Gift Center and have it personally inscribed by the author.

LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE THE BOOK >>

St. Francis Chapel, Graymoor

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Headquartered at Graymoor in Garrison, NY, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement is a Roman Catholic religious community with social, pastoral and ecumenical ministries in the United States, Canada, England, Italy, and Japan.

Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

In the Franciscan tradition of hospitality, Graymoor Spiritual Life Center welcomes individuals and groups of all faiths for spiritual retreats, meetings, conferences and pilgrimages.

Located on a mountaintop overlooking the Hudson River Valley, facilities include overnight accommodations, large dining room, a library, three chapels, as well as meeting/seminar facilities.