|
Volume 38, Number 1 |
Richardton, ND 58652 |
January 2010 |
Year End Odds and Ends
VOCATIONS
We recently formed a Vocation Committee at the Abbey. The purpose of this committee is to develop an intentional and deliberate plan for recruiting men to our community. Thus far, the committee has held the following discussions: what makes us unique as a Benedictine community, what is our vision for the future of our monastic community, and how might we communicate this vision to men who are seeking to serve God through the monastic life. Given the fast changing nature of our world, we realize that we are not necessarily “up” on all of the ways to reach out and relay our message to the wider world. As a result, we recently began working with a marketing professional to assist us. One new avenue consists of the “social networks” on the internet and we are starting to take advantage of these. Another initiative has been to put together a board of lay friends of the monastery who can offer us information and guidance, and off of whom we can bounce ideas.
So, why is this information on the Development page of the newsletter? The answer is quite simple. Our vision of development is to establish and enhance relationships with those who are our friends, neighbors and supporters in the wider world. By sharing our prayer and way of life we hope to help others grow in greater union with God. You, our readers, have been very generous in providing financial and personal support over the years to the Abbey.
In regard to vocations, we have two requests. First, we ask you to pray for the Abbey
and those men who are called to the monastic life. We ask that you make this a regular
intention. We know the power of prayer; God will listen to our requests. Second,
we ask you to visit and to speak with healthy and vibrant men who might make good
monks. Tell them about Assumption Abbey, suggest they contact us, or let us know
about them and we will contact them. Our phone number is 701-
SOCIAL MEDIA
You can become a FAN of Assumption Abbey on Facebook. We have lately initiated a page for the Abbey with recent pictures and news. I also have a regular blog which can be accessed through the Vocations page of our website: www.assumptionabbey.com.
PROJECT UPDATES
The Courtyard Renovation Project has been completed (except for a few odds and ends, besides waiting for the grass to grow). There are a couple of pictures on this page to show how nice it looks. Thanks to the Class of 1958 for initiating this project and to all our donors who made it possible. It looks great!
The Back-
Schnell Hall Paving Project is still continuing. We have engaged a contractor for
work in the spring. We are still short of the funds we need, so we would welcome
any
additional help you could give us.
Please remember Assumption Abbey in your will
and estate planning. Thank you!
Monks and contractors work to lift the statue of the Virgin Mary to a perch on the new plinth. Below, the renovated courtyard and plaxa.
