Highlights from our Lenten Retreat
Twelve members of St. Mark’s including the Rev. Joan Conley headed to Holy Cross Monastery in the Catskill Mountains of New York State for a weekend retreat. In between joining the brothers for their routine of prayer and some wonderful meals, we met with Br. Randy Greve for conversations about incorporating aspects of the Rule of St. Benedict into personal and parish life.
On Saturday, we were blessed to witness the “life profession” (final vows) of Br. Luc Thuku, a native of Kenya who also lived and worked in South Africa. Friends who traveled here for the event started this joyful chant when the ceremony was complete.
Later, a number of us took a somewhat muddy hike along the Hudson River, pausing for a trailside conversation about spirituality and ethics with author and preacher Theron David Cook.
On Sunday, Joan returned to St. Mark’s to lead services and our experience figured into her sermon.
The rest of us enjoyed Eucharist with the brothers, another great meal and a final conversation with Br. Randy before heading home.