2014 in Review

This is a year of many changes. I am now the pastor of a parish in Hazleton, but still giving retreats (albeit fewer). The food pantry moved into the building next door, requiring changes in our administration ... and some patience as things are still being fixed up for our new office.

I've played violin at a couple of local nursing homes with a pianist friend. Her father is in one of the nursing homes, and she brings him to orchestra practice to enjoy the weekly concert. If he especially likes a piece, he claps even when we know we've made some mistakes and stop to practice them away.

Gratitude is important. Like my friend's father, I try to express thankfulness for the good that I see around me, even when I have reservations or important criticisms of the rest of the package. I feel as a pastor that I should try to channel St Paul, who sometimes appears to be telling his people that they "are" what in reality they "should be" but are not yet.

I have few words, even fewer for public viewing, but many prayers. I appreciate your letters and cards and emails. May God grant you peace and all that is good.

Christmas 2013

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Nativity Icon, proskomedia, Holy Dormition Chapel

For my friends and family, and those who might stumble upon this blog, I've included my Christmas letter with a few more photos.

 

It's been a few years since I've written a Christmas letter, but I've felt this year especially that amidst the busyness of the season, the best thing I could do would be to make a tangible effort to connect with people. Perhaps this is partly a rebellion against stores opening for Christmas sales on Thanksgiving. The first Christmas letter I received this year included events in someone's family, and it was good to hear what was happening, along with a personal note for a more personal connection. And so, I'm modeling my letter on that one, by example letting you know that I do read and appreciate the notes that all my friends send.

St Francis Mission, Greenwood, Mississippi

The biggest change for me from years past has been the addition of some community responsibilities, serving on the committee to plan our next province-wide meeting in June 2014. I was also blessed, in August, to give a day of recollection to a Secular Franciscan group at our mission in Greenwood, Mississippi.

Our used book sale did well this year, and I'm grateful for the help of many local volunteers. Our friary is grateful for the choir and other volunteers who helped with our annual prayer service and concert to prepare for Christmas. Each year, someone brings a lantern lit from a flame carried from the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem. This peace light project takes this flame from lantern to lantern around the world. Br Gus diligently relit all of the chapel candles from this light, a sign of solidarity with people praying for peace in Palestine, Israel, and around the world.

Transfer of Peace Light to our chapel

I'm looking forward to a month in Mexico starting in January 2014, to immerse myself in Spanish. I find the little Spanish I know helpful in my work with the poor and immigrants here in the Hazleton area, but I need much more practice to move beyond the simplest conversations.

I was enheartened that both of my brothers were able to come for my Uncle Tom's funeral. I don't think we've all been in the same place at the same time for many years. It was a blessing at a sad moment.

My attention is consumed with many people to pray for. I cannot count the number of people I know who are struggling with cancer -- recently diagnosed or for many years. And other issues as well. Know that you are all in my prayers, but I would be happy to talk with you personally if you would like. I do reply to phone messages and emails. Our friary phone number is on our website: http://hdbfm.com/

May you have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas!

Jerome, ofm 

What's in a name?

I've seen a few notices for the quiz "What Church Father are You?" Finally I broke down and tried it out. Ok. Those who know me well know that I don't fit nicely into these limited multiple-choice questions, but the first time I tried to answer, this was the result:

You’re St. Jerome! You’re a passionate Christian, fiercely devoted to Jesus Christ and his Church. You are willing to labor long hours in the Lord’s vineyard, and you have little patience with those who are less willing or able to work as you do. Your passions often carry you into temptation zones of wrath, lust, and pride. Find out which Church Father you are at The Way of the Fathers!

You can try it for yourself: http://www.fathersofthechurch.com/quiz

Christmas 2011

This has been a time of many confessions. The usual rush before Christmas, both at the friary and in local parishes, plus many after-Christmas confessions: people sincerely contrite, struggling to live a more Christ-centered life. One of the friars left an interesting book in the confessional, but every time I tried to read one sentence yesterday, the door closed, someone else had come in for confession.

The book was a 1959 classic by Jaroslav Pelikan, the Lutheran minister who much later joined the Orthodox Church: The Riddle of Roman Catholicism. He makes the point that we should not simply perpetuate stereotypes from centuries past, but look at Roman Catholicism as it really is, as it is today. Of course, from the book's vantage, today is actually our 1959, before Vatican II; still, there is much in the book of current merit. Ultimately, our faith is an entry into a relationship--with God and Church. By understanding the history of the Christian Church, we understand better why we do the things we do, why certain relationships, roles, and actions are important.

As this Christmas has been a time of many confessions which I am not able to discuss, so this year has been a time of travel which I am able to discuss. My first trip to New York City proper, a rainy walk through Central Park and a mystifying meandering through the streets of a very polite Manhattan. Parish missions in New York and Ohio, Franciscan meetings in Chicago, visits in Wisconsin and Michigan, retreat at Holy Transfiguration Skete in the Upper Peninsula, a chance to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my former parish near Pittsburgh, and a myriad of parishes for help or talks, including St Joseph Melkite Church in Scranton.

I'm also trying to channel the talents of Dorothy Sloan, an old family friend and book dealer. I've been delegated to run the friary used book sale. Getting books and setting up is easy, but dispensing of the leftovers has been problematic. But for Christmas, I've been packing up paperback books to take to a local prison for their library. May God grant the people there peace and good. I hope our gift is helpful.

Amidst the usual types of books (childrens, fiction, sports, health, art, religion, ...) there are also many books on agriculture, military, ships, aircraft, car repair, old radio/tv/telephone repair, medical and dental manuals. I'm probably forgetting a few topics. I have about 50 books by Zane Grey and a ton of assorted (old) sheet music: tunes, classics, and exercise books. A little bit of almost everything.

In the midst of everything, I wanted to take the time to say Merry Christmas...on this the leave-taking of Christmas on the Byzantine Calendar. May God grant you peace and all good this new year!

Upcoming Icon Workshops - Miracle at Cana

Miracle at Cana Icon Workshop

Iconographer Marylyn Barone will be visiting Holy Dormition Friary in September to give an icon workshop for adults and teenagers of any level of experience. Marylyn has many years experience teaching the techniques of writing icons in easy-to-use acrylic paints. She has studied with Philip Zimmerman.

Participants will create an icon of the Miracle at Cana. Cost for the program includes all supplies and Friday and Saturday midday meals. The workshop is sponsored by the Byzantine Franciscans at Holy Dormition Friary at 712 State Hwy 93, Sybertsville, Pennsylvania 18251.

Cost: $200. Additional cost for housing and extra meals.

Information and Registration: contact Fr Jerome, OFM at holydormition@gmail.com or by phone: 570-788-1212 ext 402.

Retreat Schedule:
Thursday September 8, 6:30pm-9:30pm;
Friday and Saturday September 9-10, 9am-4pm;
Sunday September 11, noon-4pm.

For those who are interested, the Franciscans will have Vespers (evening prayer) in the chapel Thursday and Friday at 6pm; Divine Liturgy will be at 8am each day, and also Saturday evening at 5pm (anticipating Sunday).

Icon Retreat - March 2011

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
March 3-6, 2011

An icon retreat led by iconographer Peter Pearson and sponsored by the Byzantine Franciscans at Holy Dormition Friary at 712 State Hwy 93, Sybertsville, Pennsylvania 18251.

Retreatants will follow step by step instructions to create an icon of Christ in the Garden at Gethsemane (not pictured). During the retreat, we will also discuss the development of iconography, the spirituality of creating an icon, and praying with icons.

About the retreat director: With nearly forty years experience, Peter Pearson has created hundreds of icons for churches, private individuals, and institutions around the world. He is noted for teaching both the techniques of painting and the spirituality of creating icons, giving presentations to groups ranging from school children and senior citizen groups to artists and seminarians. Samples of his iconography are available online or may be seen in Hazleton at St John Byzantine Catholic Church (St John's iconostasis is on the front page of Peter Pearson's website).

Retreat Schedule:
Thursday March 3 & Friday March 4, 6:30pm-9:30pm;
Saturday March 5, 9am-4pm;
Sunday March 6, noon-4pm.

For those who are interested, the Franciscans will have Vespers (evening prayer) in the chapel Thursday and Friday at 6pm; Divine Liturgy will be at 8am each day, and also Saturday evening at 5pm (anticipating Sunday).

Cost: $200, includes all supplies and materials for completing this icon, plus Saturday lunch. A limited number of rooms are available at $20 per night, plus extra for optional meals.

Information or registration: contact Fr Jerome at holydormition@gmail.com or 570-788-1212 x 402.

Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Merry Christmas 2010

This is the end of my first year in Sybertsville. We have weathered a few financial storms, including significant roof repairs. Our Emmaus Hall is hosting many programs, though we are still hoping for more retreats and conferences in the coming year. Clare House is available for small personal retreats and visits. People have been very generous to us and are very happy for the ministry we provide - retreats and programs, bible classes, Divine Liturgies, confessions, and sometimes simply a listening ear.

In June I joined the Hazleton Philharmonic (www.hazletonsymphony.org), a volunteer orchestra founded by Fr Joseph Ferrara in the 1960's. Fr Joe also founded a summer music camp for local children. It is good to be playing music with a regular group again. Since we have no violas in the orchestra, I've been learning to read the viola clef–playing viola is otherwise similar to violin. I am also tutoring adults working toward their GED (high school degree).

There are four of us here: Fr Laurian, Fr Anthony, Br Gus, and myself. We post our weekly bulletin and other notices about events and programs online at hdbfm.com/hdbulletin.htm. If you would like to receive our friary mailings requesting donations, I can add your name and address to our list.

Franciscan life is difficult yet rewarding. I appreciate all your prayers. Know that you are also in mine. I often take time to pray for people by name during the preparations and the quiet prayers of the Divine Liturgy. I have been in so many cities and places the last twenty years, that I have many people to remember, for which I am grateful. Just this year I've traveled from New Jersey to Spokane, Washington for ministry.

May God bless your coming year with peace.