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.