Wednesday, February 13, 2019

February 2018 Minutes

Cincinnati Oblate Chapter Minutes February 25, 2018

Attendance: Nick McCarroll, Linda McCarroll, John Rasche, Clyde Dorn, Pat Dorn, Margaret Sherlock, John Campbell, Susan Hundley, Eric Kenny, Peyton Reed, Mary Louise Reed, Mark Milliron, Shari Banks, Bob Gloeckner, Fr. Joseph Cox,OSB

We began with prayer, reading the Mission Statement, Second Vespers of Sunday, Week 2, introductions, and Lectio Dvina. Pat Dorn was the leader, since Ron DeMarco had recent surgery and wasn't able to attend. We signed a card for him, and were also asked to pray for Kathy Gloeckner, who was not well.

Minutes of both the November 19 and January 28 meetings were approved.Treasurer's report: Nick McCarroll reported a balance of $736.

Old Business: None

New Business: Pat Dorn still sends e-mails to those members who can receive them, and
letters to others.

Program: Peyton Reed gave a reflective testimony of his entry into oblate life, relating it to the portion of the Rule assigned for the day. He also recommended to us a book by Robert Cardinal Sarah, The Power of Silence, Against the Dictatorship of Noise. (Ignatius Press) There were favorable comments, as we remembered Mary, pondering all things in her heart. Clyde Dorn shared a favorite verse, “Be still and know that I am God.”

We discussed briefly ways to share books with each other at future meetings. And were reminded that the Oblate Library at St. Meinrad is available to us. We can borrow books and bring them back, or mail them back in a padded envelope.

Fr. Joseph's PresentationMercy, as contained in the Rule of St. Benedict

Chapters 4,7,53, and 64 talk about mercy.
Chapter 4 “The Tools for Good Works” reminds us to “never lose hope in God's mercy”. Chapter 7 “Humility” tells us to humbly confess our faults, remembering that God's mercy endures forever. Humility and truth are companions. The struggles we hide are the ones that consume us.


Chapter 53 “The reception of guests” (and chapter 66 “The Porter”). The visitor is a carrier of mercy; we acknowledge the gifts the visitor brings. The porter's “Thanks be to God” tells that we have another opportunity to greet Christ.


Chapter 64 “The election of an abbot” is a theology of authority, leadership, parenting. Themes are: let mercy triumph over judgment; stewardship is taking care of things with respect and reverence; mercy is used three times, prudence twice. In considering removing the rust but not breaking the vessel, there is a sense in which each person is a Eucharistic vessel. Authority is sacred.


page1image36607424page1image36605312page1image36604352page1image36608384page1image36607616
Fr. Joseph reminded us that Pope Francis says, “Mercy changes everything.” and that morality is not a never falling down, but always getting up again, and that words from Jesus are never condemning. He closed by encouraging us to allow ourselves to be loved by Jesus and to be agents of mercy for others.

In answer to a question from Mary Louise Reed, he told us that the oblate deans are assigned different geographical areas. The deans are himself, Br. Zachary, Br. Guerric, and our dean Br. Francis.

Closing: We closed the meeting by praying Our Father together and then enjoying a social time.

Submitted by Mary Louise Reed

No comments:

Post a Comment