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My Proposal for the Seminary was Approved

April 7, 2006

In January of this year, the Abbot and I revisited the idea of sending me off to the seminary.  After several discussions with seminaries such as Saint John’s , Mount Angel , and St. Meinrad’s, the senior council gave me their approval.  If I am accepted at St. Meinrad’s, I will begin my studies this fall.  St. Meinrad’s is located in southern Indiana .  Please keep me in your prayers.

2006 Camp ReCreation

March 30, 2006

This years camp, which is a Christ centered summer camp experience for mentally and physically challenged individuals, will celebrate its 30th anniversary.  This year’s camp runs from June 10 to the 16.  On Friday June 16, there will be a ‘Celebration of Memories’ in which we will celebrate our past 30 years with an evening filled “with fine food, great music, crazy dancing, lots of laughter, and special memories.” For more information about Camp ReCreation , click on my link in the side menu.

2006 Vacation Plans

March 30, 2006

My summer vacation plans have been set.  I plan to be in Minneapolis from June 21 to July 5.  If you would like to get in touch with me while I am on vacation, let us make plan before the beginning of June.They only evening I will not be available is Friday June 30.  I am planning to attend this years Champion on Ice tour at the
Target Center . Thank you and I hope I will get a chance to visit with many of you while I am home.

Prayer Day at the University of Mary

February 6, 2005

Brother Aelred and Brother John Pat will travel with me to the 2006 'Prayer Day' held at the University of Mary on Thursday February 9, 2006. For more information on 'Prayer Day’ check out the University of Mary home page.

Lenten Reflection

January 27, 2006

On Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2006, I have been asked to give a Lenten reflection during the celebration of the Eucharist.  Once I have my reflection completed, I will post it as a journal entry no later than Ash Wednesday.

Abbey Church to host Several Holiday Concerts

November 30, 2005

The Abbey church will be hosting several concerts throughout the season of Advent.  The first occurred on November 26 when the Manitoba Choral concert took place.  This concert was well done and appreciated by all who attended.  On December 5, the Richardton-Taylor h igh school will present their annual holiday concert at 7pm .  A few days later on December 11, the Dickinson concert choir will perform Handel’s "Messiah" at 4pm .

Big Sky TEC #5

November 25, 2005

Big Sky TEC #5, which concluded November 21, was a rather fulfilling experience.  I hope that I can partake again next year.  The next Big Sky TEC is scheduled for November 1 8 – 20, 2006 .  If you would like more information about Big-Sky TEC, please contact me.

Experience Big Sky TEC

October 25, 2005

" TEC [Teens Encounter Christ] is an experience in Christian Living, especially designed for young people and adults” This is what is written on the front page of the brochure I recently received.  I along with Br. Aelred have been asked to help with this years Big Sky TEC held in Sidney , Montana .  Aelred and I will be the retreasts 'adult resource' at varies times throughout the retreat.  The retreat runs from November 19 through the 21.

Richardton receives 18" of new snow

October 6, 2005

On October 5, 2005 , Richardton received 18 inches of new snow. According to the National Weather Service, this was the largest snow storm to occur this early in North Dakota ’s history. The Abbey lost its power for a few hours, but thankfully, the power was restored. The 23-mile stretch of Interstate 94 from Richardton to Dickinson had over 100 vehicles stranded. The National Guard was called out to rescue then. Most were brought to Dickinson State University . However, we hosted a few stranded individuals as well. Because we had a large group coming for the weekend, snow shoveling needed to take place.  Brother Elias took this picture of me as I was shoveling out the east entrance.

Newly added Job Assignments

October 1, 2005

As of October 21, 2005 , I will assume two new daily tasks.  I will be delivering the mail in the morning and answering the phones in the afternoon.  I am taking these jobs, because Father Lawrence, who currently holds these jobs, is going to Colorado to do some chaplain work.

Yearly Job Assignments

September 1, 2005

Every September, the Abbot posts our yearly job assignments.  According to the posting, my tasks include the following tasks: Sacristan, Assistant Guest Master, Assistant Group Coordinator, Tour Guide, Computer Assistant, and Custodial work. I will have these jobs for at least the next year.

Camp ReCreation

July 5, 2005

After volunteering for several years at Camp ReCreation, the Director of camp Merry Hoff, asked ne if I would consider being on the board. I immediantly said "Yes", but I knew I had to pass this by the Abbot and Senior Console. On July 5th I was given permission to be on the board. I am now on the  Camp ReCreation board/. To leatn more about Camp ReCreation, go to the Camp ReCreation link.

Vacation Plans

May 1, 2005

Now that I have retuned to the Abbey in Richardton, I can focus on other activities, such as my
annual vacation to Minneapolis.

My vacation this year begins on July 17th and will run through July 31st.  Although I plan to spend my vacation in Minneapolis again this year, it will begin in the Black Hills with my family.

If you would like to get in touch with me when I am on vacation, lets make plan before the beginning of July.  Thank you and have a wonderful summer.

What Comes Next

May 1, 2005

As I completed my final papers and began to study for my final exams, the question, “What are you
going to do next?” was asked by numerous people at the University of Mary.  My answer was
always the same, “I am going back to the Abbey and obey the Abbot.”

Actually before my last semester began, I spoke to the Abbot about my future.  In addition to the
Abbot, I discussed my future with my spiritual director on several occasions.  In response to these
talks I made a formal proposal to the Abbot, that I be allowed to apply to the diaconate program in
Bismarck in the fall of 2006.

Once the proposal was accepted, I was asked another question by several people which goes as
follows, “Why not the priesthood?”  This is a good question, one that I had to answer myself, since I do have a desire to become a priest.  The answer came slowly over time as I spoke with my spiritual director.

We looked at who I was and the many gifts I possess, gifts given to me by God.  These gifts all
point more to the deaconate than the priesthood at this point in my life. Thus, I will begin the
deaconate program in the fall of 2006.  The program will take five years to complete.  Please keep me
in your prayers as I begin this new chapter in my life.

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