January 2017 Meeting Minutes

Cincinnati Oblate Chapter Minutes January 22, 2017 

Attendance: 
Clyde Dorn, Pat Dorn, Rosemary Conrad, Ron DeMarco, John Campbell, Peyton Reed, Mary Louise Reed, Susan Anderson, John Rashe, Linda Faulhaber, Kathy Gloeckner, Beverly Winner.

Introductions and reading of the Mission Statement opened our meeting. Second Sunday Vespers of Week Three was prayed together. Lectio Divina was shared together using Matthew 4:12-23.

The Minutes of November, 2016 were approved. Rosemary reported for Nick McCarroll that our treasury balance as of today is $45.00.

New/Old Business: 
Pat Dorn will make corrections to a couple of email addresses on the Cincinnati Chapter Oblate Directory and send out the corrected list. There was a discussion about if we wish to chant the psalms, or combine chanting some and reciting some. Rosemary received concern from some that they cannot sing (chant) and it makes them feel left out if they do not sing with the group. After much discussion, there was sensitivity for both those who do wish to chant and for those who cannot. Because it is tradition by the monks and to follow their lead to chant, it was voted to continue chanting. However, Peyton will continue to guide us and coach anyone who wants his help at the meeting.

Video Presentation by Fr Harry Hagan, OSB. The Catholic Way of Interpretation, Conference #3. Father Harry spoke from pages 8 through page 10 of our handout titled Praying and Singing the Psalms. The writings are from John Cassion who lived in the later part of 300AD, and goes to Palestine and becomes a Deacon. He writes about the 4 types of prayer: supplications, offerings, petitions, and thanksgiving. The fifth type he wrote about is called fiery prayer, which is described as being so wholeheartedly caught up in prayer, it becomes fiery with great feeling and with a boundless joy. Fr. Harry says that Cassion ends with what he feels is the most important type prayer, “offerings” where we make a vow to do something important to us. Being an oblate, or marriage partner, or worker, etc. It is to “Live out” what we said we were going to do with our lives. There we will be united with God. It all comes back to living the way in which we are faithful to our vow.

Submitted by Ron DeMarco