|
|||||
|
IN THIS ISSUE:
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY MONTH November 15 is National Philanthropy Day ® — a special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to benefactors who have contributed toward ensuring a better world. In recognition of National Philanthropy Day, the Friars of the Atonement would like to thank our benefactors for their dedication and support of our missions and ministries throughout the world. We are blessed by your support and are forever grateful. NOVEMBER IS A MONTH FOR THANKSGIVING Greetings from Fr. Bob A few days ago, I was showing a visitor around Graymoor, walking the path past the Friary, St. Francis Chapel and up to the Founder's Tomb. When we reached the top of the mountain, we had a breathtaking view of the autumn foliage and beautiful Hudson River in the distance. The visitor paused a moment and took a deep breath before looking up and saying, "Thank you, God." It reminded me that we often forget to say thanks for the things we receive — for the very basic things that we often take for granted, like hearing the birds sing, fresh clean water, to be able to worship God freely, for family and good friends and so much more. How often do we say, "Thank you, God"? Maybe not often enough...? November is National Philanthropy Month and November 15 is National Philanthropy Day - times set aside when we Friars are reminded how blessed we are to have benefactors that support our ministries - even during these difficult economic times. At the end of this month we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. I believe only in North America is a day set aside just to give thanks - a day to count our blessings and a time to ask God to bless and guide our lives and our nation. We Friars have a great deal to be thankful for - not only our religious vocations and missions, but also for friends like you, without whom our ministries would not be possible. It is in gratitude that we will remember each of you in special prayer this Thanksgiving and as always in our Masses and Prayers. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and God's blessings, Yours in Christ, Our Lord said in Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." We are pleased to offer you a unique opportunity to pray together with Fr. Bob via the internet. You can pray the Novena Prayer to St. Anthony, Hail Mary, Our Father or Glory Be online with Fr. Bob. These are the first of an on-going feature on our website that will include other prayers in the future. The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, a Ministry of the Friars of the Atonement, held the second lecture in its Graymoor Lecture Series on October 23rd. This lecture given by Dr. Kusumita Priscilla Pedersen, Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Saint Francis College, Brooklyn, New York, entitled: "Why Try to Convert? Reflections on Proselytization, Religious Freedom and Soteriology," was well received by all that attended. If you would like to receive a free DVD of this Lecture, please contact Nijola Mogan at The Friars of the Atonement at 845-424-2115. VIEW A VIDEO OF THE ENTIRE LECTURE >> It was a beautiful day on Sunday, October 5th when a large crowd of people and their best animal friends assembled at Graymoor for the Annual Procession and Blessing of the Animals in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals. In 2009, the Friars' ministry of St. Christopher's Inn will celebrate 100 years of service. St. Christopher's Inn provides temporary shelter, at no charge, while offering comprehensive care for men struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. In commemoration of 100 years of providing hope and compassion a Centennial Brick Walk of special engraved bricks gifted by benefactors will be added to the meditation garden at St. Christopher's Inn. Over Columbus Day weekend, more than 300 members of the St. Joseph's Fellowship returned to St. Joseph's for the 37th Annual Reunion. Members of the Fellowship are past residents of St. Joseph's who gather each year to celebrate their sobriety. Special recognition pins were presented to attendees recognizing five through 30 years of sobriety. The Friars of the Atonement rely on charitable donations to support their missions and ministries around the world. During the fall, several special events were held to raise funds for the Friars' work. In September the 9th Annual Graymoor Golf Classic was held as was the 1st Annual Graymoor Tennis Classic. On October 10, 2008, nearly 300 people gathered in New York City for the 15th Annual Sharing Hope Celebration Dinner. The event was emceed by author Mary Higgins Clark. In observance of All Souls Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement will place a Book of Names of the Dead in Pilgrim Hall where it will remain until the end of November. Throughout the month, the public is cordially invited to inscribe the names of deceased relatives and friends either in person; by fax (845-424-2162); by mail (Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, P.O. Box 300, Garrison, NY 10524); or e-mail (graymoorcenter@atonementfriars.org). In addition, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement will celebrate three consecutive All Souls Novenas of Masses beginning November 1st, then include three additional solemn All Souls Masses for a full month of remembrances. Click here to subscribe to this newsletter |
 St. Francis Chapel, Graymoor OUR MISSIONS Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
|
||||
|
Atonement Friars eNews is the bi-monthly e-newsletter of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement | |||||
news from the Holy Mountain and beyond 