March 2020

WELCOME BR. FINNBAR! Tim McEvoy, who has lived in the Abbey as a postulant since last August, has been accepted for Novitiate and will be clothed as a Novice on Saturday, March 21st (the Transitus of St. Benedict) during mass around 8:15 a.m. All are welcome! At the end of postulancy, members of the Community vote on whether or not to receive a postulant as a novice. During the rite of reception, the novice receives the Benedictine cassock and scapular, and may, in consultation with the abbot, assume a religious name (Tim has chosen Finnbar!). The length of novitiate is one year and one day. Novices continue to take classes, engage in work, and live in the novitiate under the care and supervision of the formation director. Although they make no vows, novices promise to live according to the Rule of St. Benedict. If they wish to leave the monastery, they have the freedom to do so at any time. Discerning a vocation? Contact Fr. Joseph Voltaggio, OSB, Vocations Director, at 973.538.3235 ext. 2027 or joseph@delbarton.org. LENT 2020 AT ST. MARY’S ABBEY Ash Wednesday (February 26, 2020) Mass w/ Delbarton School at 9:45 a.m. with ashes Vespers at 5 p.m. with ashes afterward Matins (Office of Readings & Morning Prayer) Weekdays at 6:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. on Weekends and School Holidays Mass Sunday at 11 a.m. Weekdays with Vespers at 5 p.m. (except 2/26) Saturdays at 8 a.m. Vespers Saturday & Sunday at 5 p.m. Confessions & Adoration Friday, March 13, 2020, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

1. I Sunday of Lent (Abbot Elias)

2. Matins @ 7:30 a.m. thru 3/15

8. II Sunday of Lent (Abbot Richard) Å Daylight Savings Time begins (-1 hr.)

13. Second Friday Adoration & Reconciliation Å 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. in Abbey Church 15. III Sunday of Lent (Father Hilary) Å Oblate Sunday 16. Matins back to 6:30 a.m.

17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

19. St. Joseph, solemnity 21. Transitus of St. Benedict, solemnity Å Matins @ 7:30 a.m. Å Mass & Clothing of Br. Finnbar ca. 8:15 a.m.

22. IV Sunday of Lent (Abbot Richard) 25. Annunciation of the Lord, solemnity 29. V Sunday of Lent (Prior Edward Seton)

This calendar follows the Order of Worship as approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship on 22 June 1972 in Rome for the American-Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine Monasteries.

VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCH: Head Nurse Anita Ramadhar organized a Valentine’s Day party for residents in the infirmary. Kathy Moke supplied cupcakes and Sage dining supplied the meal. A good time was had by all! FAMILY DAY: The families of Br. Will and Postulant Tim McEvoy visited the Abbey for Mass and lunch in the Estabrook Dining Hall on Sunday, February 24th. Frs. Hilary, Jerome, and Edward Seton stopped by, too!

MARDI GRAS (LIKE NEVER BEFORE): Morris Catholic High School hosted “Mardi Gras (Like Never Before)” on Sunday, February 24th, an event that brought together religious brothers, sisters, priests, and high school students interested in the religious life. The group celebrated mass, listened to speakers, participated in activities, and enjoyed pizza. Pictured, from left: Fr. Joe, Br. Will, Br. Patrick Winbush, OSB (Newark Abbey), and Postulant Tim McEvoy!

FEBRUARY COLLECTION: The February Sunday Mass collection was $3,054. Thank you for your generosity! WEBSITE: We invite you to visit these websites for up-to-date news and information! Å Saint Mary’s Abbey | saintmarysabbey.org Å American-Cassinese Congregation | amcass.org Å Delbarton School | delbarton.org

Retreat Center News March 2020

The staff of St. Mary’s Abbey Retreat Center wishes you a wonderful March. March is a month on the cusp, usually offering a last gasp of winter and the slow awakening of God’s creation in this part of the world. March is also much associated with Lent, a profound time punctuated by the great joy of the resurrection of our Lord. We pray your March lives up to its promise. In March, the Retreat Center welcomes the following overnight retreat groups:

Ø Saint Peter’s Prep Ongoing Offerings: v Personal Retreats -

Ø The Retreat Center also welcomes men and women of all faiths for Private or Directed Retreats.

v Spiritual Direction – Ø In the busyness of our everyday lives, it is

often difficult to recognize the sacred story of our relationship with God. In our increasingly secular world, it is difficult to even talk about our faith with someone, much less discuss our struggles with it. Spiritual Direction gives us the opportunity to have such conversations on a regular basis with someone who is committed to our spiritual growth.

For more information on these programs or other Retreat Center questions, contact Paul Cocco at

973-538-3235 x 2100, (973) 409-3499 (Direct Line or Text Messages) or via e-mail at

retreatcenter@delbarton.org.

Visit our Web Page www.saintmarysabbey.org/retreat-center

Like Us On Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Abbey-Retreat-Center-1529297930701260

Blessings & Peace…