John Paul Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 On May 15 I am going on retreat to New Melleray Abbey in Iowa.Any suggestions on what to do their besides pray?I am also discerning with this community.
hep_rsb Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 I would say that the best way to see how a community fits is to try to get to know the people and the rhythm of the day. At New Melleray that might involve waking up for vigils, staying up with lectio, asking if you could help in the kitchen or outside during a work period, taking a nap during the interval after lunch, and just generally trying on the life. If they find some work for you, that is a great opportunity to interact (even in silence) with members of the community. Most of all, listen for Jesus, and have fun! Prayers for a wonderful time.
John Paul Posted May 1, 2015 Author Posted May 1, 2015 do you think i should have a conversation with Br.Paul Andrew in the vocations office?
marigold Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 I would say that the best way to see how a community fits is to try to get to know the people and the rhythm of the day. At New Melleray that might involve waking up for vigils, staying up with lectio, asking if you could help in the kitchen or outside during a work period, taking a nap during the interval after lunch, and just generally trying on the life. If they find some work for you, that is a great opportunity to interact (even in silence) with members of the community. Most of all, listen for Jesus, and have fun! Prayers for a wonderful time. That is some good advice right there.
hep_rsb Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 do you think i should have a conversation with Br.Paul Andrew in the vocations office? Of course! Usually getting to know the vocation director is a great way to start forming relationships with the community.
vee Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 In another thread didn't you say we would be surprised at how young you are and that you couldn't go visit the Carmelite monks of Wyoming because you are too young? smh
John Paul Posted May 1, 2015 Author Posted May 1, 2015 (edited) They are in Iowa not Wyoming I could not STAND a trip that long. Edited May 1, 2015 by John Paul
Mary+Immaculate<3 Posted May 15, 2015 Posted May 15, 2015 I'm praying it's a good, recollecting retreat for you
:o)Katherine:o) Posted May 15, 2015 Posted May 15, 2015 Prayers for you during your retreat John Paul! I would say that the best way to see how a community fits is to try to get to know the people and the rhythm of the day. At New Melleray that might involve waking up for vigils, staying up with lectio, asking if you could help in the kitchen or outside during a work period, taking a nap during the interval after lunch, and just generally trying on the life. If they find some work for you, that is a great opportunity to interact (even in silence) with members of the community. Most of all, listen for Jesus, and have fun! Prayers for a wonderful time. This is great advice! Experience everything that you can from the prayer life, charism, spirituality, apostolate, recreation, etc. Find some time to talk to the vocation director as well. He will listen to whatever you have to share and be available to ask any questions that you may have.
Yaatee Posted May 16, 2015 Posted May 16, 2015 They are in Iowa not Wyoming I could not STAND a trip that long. JP, I recall early on that you wrote that you weren't twelve yet, or am I confusing you with someone else?
John Paul Posted May 17, 2015 Author Posted May 17, 2015 Yes I am not twelve yet. I arrived at 2:00pm and talked with the VD.Then we went through a tour of Trappist Caskets and Brother Felix thought my name was Tut.I got a DVD from Father Alberic.Then I went to the library at 5:30 we had Vespers.Then we ate supper and mat a nice old man then the bell ring for Compline so we attended.Then Iread till 9:00pm.At 3:10am We went to Vigils and after that spent a hour talking to the same old man.I went to bed again at 5:15 am Then got up 30 mins later for Lauds and Mass.We ate Breakfast and toook a walk then we attended Terce.I read the whole work period,Then the bell rung for Sext and the Angelus.We ate Lunch and took a walk.I took another nap,None,confession,then we went to Mississippi Abbey.We got back to the Abbey at 5:00pm and I read a book.We went to Vespers at the sound of the bell,supper,a walk,and Library,and Stations of the Cross.Then I went to Compline.Then up at 3:15 in the morning a gain I was a t Vigils slept till 6am then went to Lauds.Then w eleft any questions feel free to ask!
Mary+Immaculate<3 Posted May 18, 2015 Posted May 18, 2015 That sounds like an intense retreat! Haha I like that brother's little pun! What is the DVD about? Were you able to observe any of the work they do? Because it sounds like you read and walked a lot on free/work periods.
John Paul Posted May 18, 2015 Author Posted May 18, 2015 The DVD is about thhe life of the monks.I saw the monks bake and make caskets.
:o)Katherine:o) Posted May 19, 2015 Posted May 19, 2015 John Paul, I am so glad that you experienced some of their life and that you joined in when you could!
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