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SEPTEMBER IS "NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH" The hills around Graymoor are slowly changing as the trees go from green to golden brown. Change is a word often used at Graymoor. Many men and women who come here seek changes in their lives, and often, it is not as easy or predictable as the seasons. Recently, I sat with a young man who after a bitter outburst of crying put his head in his hands and said – “I wish I had been raised a Nazi -- at least I would have something to believe in.” Later that day at Mass he heard the gospel of St. Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water to get to Jesus. He thought that was an amazing story that someone would be so eager to get to someone or something that they would try to walk on water. He said – “I have to get out of this boat that I am in. It is full of drugs and alcohol. But where am I going when I get out, which way do I turn, to whom do I go?” As at that moment, he had no higher power in his life, no reference point. If you are a Christian, then your reference point is Christ. Still, sometimes we have to get out of our comfortable boat because it may contain things that keep us from Him. As Christians, there should be no question about which way to turn, how to navigate through trying times, our direction is Christ no matter what stage of life we are in. We continually move toward Him because He is about a way of life. He is about the decisions we make at work, home, and even school. Decisions that are essentially key to our everyday life. Christ wants so much to be a part of these decisions. He should be your Navigator. He is about honesty and caring concern for others. He is about ethics and fidelity. He is about truth and making relationships work. He is about keeping one’s word about life here and the hereafter. There may be times in all our lives when we want to make changes, but we are afraid to get out of the boat. When we want to rely and depend on someone or something else - something other than Christ. I am not telling you that you can walk on water, yet, I assure you the Lord and Savior is there for you to hold you up in any time or circumstance. Next time you hear the story of St. Peter walking on water, take note. It was only when he took his eyes off Christ that he began to sink. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, keep your eyes on Christ. He should be your Navigator. In closing, in recognition of the fact that September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, I ask you to join me in keeping those who are walking the road towards change in their lives in your thoughts and prayers. Yours in Christ, SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BE HELD AT GRAYMOORTo mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11, on Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, will host a special candlelight prayer service at the World Trade Center Memorial Cross in the St. Jude Prayer Garden located on the grounds of Graymoor. The Memorial Cross was erected by the Ironworkers of Local 40, NYC who constructed it of steel girders and ash from the WTC site. The Cross is a simple but powerful tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The Cross was a gift to Graymoor. Putnam County Sheriff, Brig. Gen. Donald B. Smith, US Army, Ret., will speak at the memorial service. The Garrison Volunteer Fire Company, and the Garrison Ambulance Corp. will participate in the evening's event. All are welcome. Learn about The World Trade Center Memorial Cross and 9/11 Memorial Service >>
The friars will hold their 18th Annual Sharing Hope Celebration Dinner on Friday, September 30th at The Pierre in New York City. The benefit honors those who have shown a commitment to helping others and inspiring hope. This years' Honorees are: the Graymoor Sharing Hope Award -- John and June Heffernan; the Graymoor Award -- Thomas Conniff of Cullen & Dykman, LLP; and the Graymoor Community Service Award -- Peter X. Kelly. The famous legend of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio lends itself to take time and see conflict as an opportunity to grow in holiness. In this workshop trained psychotherapist Friar Joe Scerbo, SA will use the famous legend of St. Francis who tamed the fierce wolf of Gubbio with principles of conflict resolution and inner healing. The Admonitions of St. Francis on “how to be true to each other” will also be integrated into Friar Joe’s presentations. Liturgy and creative prayer will lift our hearts this weekend. Pre-registration required by October 7th. The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins January 18th, 2012. The Church Unity Octave, a forerunner of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, was developed by Father Paul Wattson, SA, at Graymoor in Garrison, New York, and was first observed at Graymoor from January 18-25, 1908. Today, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites the whole Christian community throughout the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). This year's theme is: We Will All Be Changed by the Victory of Our Lord Jesus Christ. (cf. 1Corinthians 15:51-58) Visit the 2012 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Website >> The Annual event, celebrating St. Francis of Assisi whose life and example embodied the psalmist's prayer, "Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures" will be held Sunday, October 2, 2011. The day's events include: 11:00 AM - Sunday Eucharist - Pilgrim Hall |
Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
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Atonement Friars eNews is the monthly e-newsletter of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement | |||
