Retreat "Hermitage" at Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, SD (from Abbey website)
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Yes, there's all the Episcopalian ugliness swirling about the net, but let me interrupt with some of those day-to-day blessings of church life:
Near Marvin, SD, three members of the Benedictine community at Blue Cloud Abbey will celebrate Golden Jubilees of their life vows this weekend. That's fifty years each of dedicated life for Brother Benet, Brother Sebastian and Father Thomas.
Brother Sebastian makes vestments in the Abbey workshop. The ordination set worn by Episcopal Bishop John Tarrant was Sebastian's work, and I have green and white vestments fashioned by his hands.
Brother Benet directs the Oblates of the Abbey, and is a published author admired for his wit.
Fr. Thomas is Blue Cloud's former Abbot. He studied liturgy at Notre Dame, and is largely responsible for arranging Blue Cloud's worship to help its guests participate.
Later on the same day, Kim Fonder of the Episcopal Church's ministry on the Lower Brule Reservation will be ordained a Deacon by Bishop Tarrant. This will take place in Sisseton, about a half hour from Blue Cloud, as part of the Niobrara Convocation. The Convocation is an annual gathering of South Dakota's Native American Episcopalians.
<--Church of the Holy Comforter, Lower Brule. (From Diocese of South Dakota website).Kim is a significant lay leader for Lower Brule, one of the most active Reservation congregations. The community there has endorsed and supported him toward ordained ministry.
My wife and I hope to make both celebrations. I encourage your prayers this Saturday, June 19th, as Blue Cloud Abbey celebrates the three Jubilees at 11 a.m. (CST), and as Kim Fonder is ordained a Deacon in Christ's service (4 p.m., CST).
1 comment:
Brother Benet is hilarious. I always thought highly of Abbot Thomas as well.
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