TIMBER!!!

Trees began crashing on the shores of Lake Ashuelot, on October 23, when a team of men, chain saws in hand, arrived to clear the woods of St. Benedict Center’s new retreat site. The neighbors were beside themselves with curiosity when they saw 27 volunteers, dressed like lumber jacks, empty out of vans. In no time they began to work to the happy buzz of chain saws, taking down dead trees and underbrush on the shoreline of the 58 acres.
But no one needed to fear; under the expert supervision of Brother Peter Mary and Brother Anthony-Marie, the work went well and much was accomplished. It was a day of great camaraderie and fun and accomplishment. How generous it was to have so many men and boys give up their Saturday to do a selfless job—all for the honor and glory of Jesus through Mary. In her name we thank you all and ask God to repay you with many blessings!

Hate Crimes Officer, Margie Carr, quits…

Officer Margie Carr of the Brockton Police Department resigned her post as a “Hate Crime” officer because it conflicted with her Catholic Faith. “I am against hate crimes,” Officer Carr said, “but when actions are labeled ‘Hate Crimes’ that are expressions of the freedom of religion, I draw the line! That’s semantics, not a reality of criminal justice. I was forced to quit when I found myself defending the act of homosexuality, which God condemns in Holy Scripture. I had to make a choice—should I be faithful to my religion or my job? I chose my religion.” God bless you, Margie, for you courage.
Margie attends Mass at Saint Benedict Center and is a member of the Third Order.

Ladies' Pilgrimage 2004

Once a year, the ladies at Saint Benedict Center make a pilgrimage to some holy spot within driving distance of the Center. This year Auriesville, NY, was chosen as the destination. This shrine is less than a four hour ride from the parking lot of Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel. It is the site of Ossernon, a Mohawk village, where Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was born and wherethree of the eight North American Martyrs were killed for their Faith.
Our bus left the parking lot early on the morning of October 16, filled with 47 happy pilgrims. Once we arrived at the shrine, lunches having been eaten, the tour began led by Sr. Agnes Mary, who gave an account of the Missionaries lives among the Indians. After visiting the first little chapel, the girls picked up the available 4 foot crosses to carry during prayer and we all began ascending the hill, praying the Stations of the Cross. Prayers for these were led by Sister Marie-Jean and Sister Marie-Therese. Sister Agnes Mary then finished the tour at the“Hill of Torture,” after which everyone dispersed to spend some time on their own investigating the museums and praying at the various shrines. Before re-boarding the bus, the group congregated at the “Ravine” to hear once again the story of the martyrdom and follow the last path of the Saints.
The delightful day was ended with a ride full of prayer and songs, tired feet and happy memories. The day wasn’t to beautiful, weather-wise but the spiritual blessings made up for it all. We look forward to our next “Ladie’s Pilgrimage” where we will once again visit another holy spot.