WE ARE GRAYMOOR Inside The Issue 2024 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY GET TO KNOW THE CENTRO PRO UNIONE IN ROME FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
A VISIT FROM ROARING BROOK LAKE GARDENING CLUB
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 2024 | Issue #3
CELEBRATING THE 2024 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR Read More Inside CHRISTIAN UNITY: ! NEAR AND FAR This year's Week of Prayer focused on loving God and your neighbor, inspired by a passage in Luke. When asked how to inherit eternal life, Jesus emphasizes the importance of these two commandments: love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. A lawyer then asks "who is my neighbor?", prompting Jesus to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. The parable challenges listeners to define "neighbor" beyond their own group and actively show compassion to those in need.
Read more about the 2024 Week of Prayer on pages 2-5.
The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer centered on, “You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself” and was inspired by Luke 10:25-37. This tells the story of how Jesus is asked by a lawyer, “What must I do to inherit everlasting life?” and Jesus responds, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” The lawyer responds, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Then Jesus says to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But then in order to justify himself, the lawyer says, “And who is my neighbor?” which leads Jesus to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. Fr. Dan Callahan began the 2024 Week of Prayer with a special Mass in the St. Paul Friary at the Holy Mountain (pictured above). It was wonderful to have Friars and staff from across Graymoor unite in prayer. Fr. Dan shared the history of the Holy Mountain, the importance of unity among Christians and all faiths, and to recognize the healing needed across the world. Fr. Jim Loughran was invited by the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington to speak about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The conversations looks at the life and upbringing of Fr. Paul Wattson (who was born on Maryland's Eastern Shore) and the cause for Canonization. The interview premiered on YouTube on January 10th. 2
UPDATE SUBMITTED BY DR. TERESA ROSSI To begin the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we had our afternoon reflection which included a series of speakers. Father Tim introduced the afternoon with some interesting notes about the celebration and Fr. Paul Wattson. This was followed by a prayer Taizè style. Other great highlights included: Welcoming a group of guests from Virginia Seminary accompanied by Prof. Mitzi Budde. Hosting a session of IARCCUM (International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity and Mission). In attendance were about 60 Bishops (Anglian and Catholic) who gathered together in unity to discuss Synodality. This included two keynote addresses from Professor Paul Avis and Sr. Nathalie Bequart. Spending time with a group of about 40 students from the Bossey Theological Institute, which is the theological official institution of the World Council of Churches in Geneva. Every year they visit Rome to see the Vatican and other ecumenical places and churches.
CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION IN SYRACUSE, N.Y. SUBMITTED BY BROTHER KEVIN My parish is the Church of the Assumption in Syracuse, N.Y. In January, I distributed prayer cards and Scripture Guides (from the Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute) to parishioners as they left church. I authored an article in our bulletin on the Week of Prayer and our Pastor, Fr. Jude DeAngelo, OFM, Conv. opened the liturgy by explaining the Week of Prayer and advocating for parishioners to prayerfully participate. The Mass concluded with the recessional hymn, “In Christ There is No East or West.” I’ve included a photo of me distributing the cards and Scripture Guides after Mass. I also provided the prayer cards in Spanish to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport, NY for distribution by their Hispanic Ministry. 13 3
FR. BRIAN ATTENDED SERVICE DURING WEEK OF PRAYER WITH THE ARMENIAN CHURCH (EASTERN DIOCESE OF AMERICA) AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL IN NYC The following is an excerpt from The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America: Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan welcomed distinguished faith leaders from throughout New York City to gather in prayer. Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church delivered the homily. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, offered remarks and a benediction. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Archbishop Demetrios (Greek Orthodox Church), Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak (Syriac Orthodox Church), Bishop David (Coptic Orthodox Church), Bishop Paul Egensteiner (Evangelical Lutheran Church), Fr. Chad Hatfield (representing Metropolitan Tikhon), Fr. Sahag Yemishian (representing Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian), Rev. Julie Hoplamazian (representing Bishop Matthew Heyd), Rev. Nicolas Kazarian (representing Archbishop Elpidophoros)—and other brothers and sisters from the broad range of Christian traditions in the metropolitan area.
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[In the photo, L to R ---- Dr. Aaron Hollander; Sr. Hannah Spiers, CCN; Very Rev. Patrick Malloy; Rev. Simeon Odabashian; Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley; Fr. Jim Loughran, SA; Fr. Jean-Sébastien Laurent, CCN; President Paula Mayo]
BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER DURING THE WEEK OF PRAYER IN NYC WRITTEN BY DR. AARON HOLLANDER On Wednesday, January 24th, Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute (GEII) hosted an ecumenical prayer service in celebration of the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. GEII's leadership, Fr. Jim Loughran, SA, and Dr. Aaron Hollander, were joined in hosting the annual service by the Interchurch Center's Committee on Ecumenical, Interfaith, and Community Concerns, and Paula Mayo - President and Executive Director of the Interchurch Center, where GEII has been based since 1980 - was present to read the Gospel during this year's service on the theme of Luke 10:27: "You shall love the Lord your God... and your neighbor as yourself." Each year, GEII organizes one of the Atonement Friars' activities for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - which was first observed in January 1908, at Graymoor, by Servant of God Fr. Paul Wattson. In New York City, where numerous members of the Christian family have headquarters and denominational offices, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity can resemble a celebratory circulation through one another's homes, where bishops, deans, and ecumenical officers have become friends through years of collaboration and reciprocal hospitality. This year, the co-presiders at GEII's Week of Prayer service were Fr. Jim Loughran, SA, with the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley (American Baptist Churches, Metro NY), the Rev. Simeon Odabashian (Apostolic Armenian Church of America), and the Very Rev. Patrick Malloy (Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine) - with Dean Malloy preaching. 5
In addition to these distinguished representatives of Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox Christian communities joining together in prayer for reconciliation, peace, and unity, the service was blessed by the participation of two members of the Chemin Neuf Community, who are in residence at St. John the Divine, overseeing the formation of a residential ecumenical community, the Community at the Crossing. GEII leadership have enjoyed a fruitful working relationship with the Chemin Neuf team over the past year, collaborating on scholarly conferences and contributing teaching on the history of church division to the Community at the Crossing's educational program. Their involvement in the Week of Prayer service was especially fitting, not only because of their residence at the Cathedral alongside Dean Malloy, but also because the 2024 theme for the Week of Prayer was coordinated by the Chemin Neuf community in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Dean Malloy's sermon at the service explored the history of Graymoor, its origins in the Episcopal Church, and the remarkable legacy of Father Paul and Mother Lurana's dream that the divisions in the church - at their time, still most vividly realized in the difference between Catholics and Protestants - could be reconciled. Today, Dean Malloy cautioned, the divisions in the church run far deeper within our church communities than they do between denominations, and they appear more urgently to concern matters of moral and political imagination than they do matters of doctrinal or ecclesiastical nuance. Therefore, Dean Malloy gave thanks to God that the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement continue to this day to preach and work for the healing of the wounds of the church, being instruments of God's peace in the heritage of St. Francis of Assisi.
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GET TO KNOW THE CENTRO PRO UNIONE (CPU) IN ROME WRITTEN BY DR. TERESA ROSSI In January, the Centro organized a lecture on the theme 'Synodality at your fingertips' followed by a reflection afternoon and Taizé Prayer at the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Centro Pro Unione (CPU) was founded by the Society of the Atonement is our most dynamic ecumenical ministry established over 50 years ago in Rome, Italy. It’s called by its Italian name, Centro Pro Unione (CPU) and in English, that stands for Center for Unity. A very active ministry, focusing mostly on the European scene, it has international outreach to Christians of all stripes seeking visible unity. Based in the heart of Rome, it fosters in a particular way the commitment of the Catholic Church to Christian unity, with its priceless library for ecumenical research as well as its programming. Many Friars as well as lay and religious associates have had official roles in cooperation between the Holy See and the World Council of Churches as well as in bilateral dialogues. Aside from this, Friars and Staff at Centro Pro Unione have served on various faculties in graduate study in Rome and elsewhere. Every summer for the last thirty years, CPU has joined with Graymoor’s Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute in supplying faculty for a 3-week summer course called ‘An Introduction to Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue from a Roman Catholic Perspective.’ The Centro also handles the publication of materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity observances in Italy. The website is fantastic and a great tool for research: www.prounione.it 7
Updates from Friars: New York On Sunday, January 21st, we celebrated the Rite of Ordination to Priesthood of Deacon Janusz E. Janoszka, SA and Deacon Jorge Alexandro Zegers Reed, SA. Mass was led by Most Rev. Gerarado J. Colacicco, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York and V. Rev. Brian F. Terry, SA, Minister General.
I am atonement.
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Updates from Friars: New York
(L-R in top photo: Fr. Ken Cienik, SA; Fr. Pat Cogan; SA; Jim Hart; Greg Dolan) Father Ken and two other members of the St. John’s Atonement Seminary Class of 1968 (located in Montour Falls) visited their classmate Fr. Pat Cogan, SA, at Cabrini of Westchester nursing home on Sunday, January 28th, 2024.
I am atonement.
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Updates from Friars: New York WRITTEN BY BR. KEVIN On Saturday, January 20th, Fr. Brian welcomed the first profession of promises of five new Tertiaries who came from a former Third Order community from the Diocese of Albany. Celebrated in the context of the daily Mass at the Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel, Deacon Thomas Rich, T.S.A. provided the accompanying organ music. Received into Tertiary Postulancy at the ceremony was Fr. Tyson J. Wood of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, a Chaplain with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Making his renewal of promises as a Tertiary was Br. Kevin Elphick, T.S.A., who also works for the Department of Veterans Affairs in suicide prevention. Cantoring for the Mass were the newly welcomed Br. Ronald Davis and Br. Eugene Hanover. The Minister General for the Sisters, Sr. Diane Bernier, SA, was also present and welcomed the newly professed. A luncheon reception was held following the service.
I am atonement.
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Updates from Friars: italy WRITTEN BY BR. PAOLO NICOSIA Br. Fabrizio was interviewed on January 18th by Teleradio Padre Pio (the TV of the Shrine of San Giovanni Rotondo and the Capuchin Friars) to comment on the words of today's General Audience of Pope Francis. During this interview, Br. Fabrizio also highlighted the significance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Fr. Paul Wattson and the Congregation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. “Credere” is an Italian Weekly Magazine, very spread among parishes and collegesseminaries; the second is the Osservatore Romano. As I wrote to you, this last one is truly an asset as the "Osservatore Romano" is not simply a Catholic paper, it is THE official newspaper of the Holy See, so it is the official voice of the Vatican and to have the Friars and the CPU presented give to both much accountability and it is a very important recognition of the work we do at CPU and the value of the charism of the Friars.
I am atonement.
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What are you being called to do? WRITTEN BY PAUL LIPOWSKI In the thirteenth century, in a dilapidated chapel on the plain below a fortress city in Italy, a man heard Jesus speak to him from the cross: “Francis, rebuild my church, for you see it is in ruins.” This young man, searching for meaning and beauty in a world that no longer made sense to him, heard the message and, over time, saw a new way of being that would change the face of history. In the nineteenth century, amazing women and men were called to do God’s work. These women and men were the first members of the Society of the Atonement lead by Mother Lurana White and Fr. Paul Wattson. These holy people lived during a time when the society clearly delineated the distinctions between wealth and poverty, the workers and the well off. They answered a call to serve and because of them, their Franciscan community grew and flourished. They had a profound influence not only upon the people who came to walk beside them, but upon an entire people who struggled in society. That same influence colors not only the past but the present and the future as well. Just as these first members of the Society of the Atonement had ministered to the impoverished, the abandoned, and the forsaken, so too, the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement continue to mirror their call to service. They continue to serve God’s people in the manner in which St. Francis would be proud. They are dedicated to creating environments of reverence and justice for all and they respond to the needs of the Church and society through prayer, witness, and ministry so that they can bring hope, healing, and harmony to world so desperately in need of it. This is what propels them. Their legacy is rich and runs deep. The work we undertake is a continuation of what Mother Lurana and Fr. Paul started. We continue to stand on their shoulders and minister in our own ways. We are blessed to be a part of that legacy. So let’s take a moment to answer the question, “what are you being called to do?” Let us answer that call and serve!!
Inspired by Prayer of St. Francis (Franciscan Action Network) Creator of all, make me a person of peace. Where there is oppression, let me bring equality; Where there is abuse, dignity; Where there is fragmentation, unity; Where there is exploitation, justice; Where there is conflict, resolution; Where there is discrimination, mutuality; Where there is violence, vision; Where there is powerlessness, power. Grant that I may not so much seek to compete as to collaborate; to exclude as to include, to dominate as to complement. For it is in healing that we are healed; It is in reconciling, that we are reconciled; It is in our common bond, that we become whole. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. 12
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AROUND THE HOLY MOUNTAIN: A VISIT FROM ROARING BROOK LAKE GARDENING CLUB Graymoor’s San Damiano Farm welcomed members of the Roaring Brook Lake Gardening Club to stop by and participate in demonstrations focused on plant propagation. Bob, manager of our farm and gardener extraordinaire, guided everyone along the way, ensuring all were having fun and learning new skills. Topics covered included: root cuttings (lavender, rosemary, and many others) as well as divisions and layering techniques.
LET’S GET TOGETHER…ON SOCIAL MEDIA The seasons at Graymoor are beautifully painted across our Holy Mountain throughout winter, spring, summer and fall. As you walk our grounds and notice the beauty of the landscape, or spot something that inspires you, we hope you’ll take a photo and share it on your social media accounts. Facebook is our preferred platform at the moment, but you can also use Instagram, LinkedIn, or “X” (formerly known as Twitter). Please upload the photo with a short caption and use the hashtag #WeAreGraymoor. We’d love to see your photos and explore possible ways to use these photographs in new and exciting ways! So many communities are taking notice of our Facebook page! Here you’ll see that we’re mentioned in a post by the National Religious Vocation Conference.
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OUR UNSUNG HEROES SUBMITTED BY HOPE BOGART Above are three pictures showing the incredible team that keeps the roadways safe & clear during the winter snowstorms we’ve seen this year (and in past years) across Graymoor. In the middle is James Richardson, our talented mechanic and Tim Dolan, our groundman. James and Tim are responsible for snow removal and salting much of the Holy Mountain. Their work often begins before the start of a storm, and they remain onsite, continuing to remove snow and salting the roads to keep us safe. Recently, they worked a 24-hour shift, going above and beyond to make it possible for everyone to be where they needed to be, and to go where they needed to go—and safely. Thank you! On the right, you’ll see pictured Mike Milliken and Vinny DiCastro. Together, they diligently maintain the grounds and roads for the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement. Other parts of Graymoor are maintained by Courtney Robertson, Francisco Hermida, and Eduardo Paez (for St. Christopher’s Inn); and the Graymoor water department and San Damiano roads are tended to by John Kissane and Michael Kar (pictured on left). The rest of the facilities staff, Louie Lombardo, Jim Ledford, James Lombardo, and John Donovan ensure the pathways and stairs into all buildings are clear of snow and ice. It is a group effort, and we want the entire team to know how much we appreciate their hard work on the cold and snowy days. 14
February Birthdays Sr. Patricia Burke Fr. Dan Callahan, SA Fr. Pat Cogan, SA Shanequa Currin Nicholas Diesing-Fay John Gannon Fr. Art Gouthro, SA Aaron Hollander Bro. Dan Houde, SA Br. Tim MacDonald, SA Fr. Bob Mercer, SA Peter O'Reilly Fr. Dennis Polanco, SA Hasan Pepaj Courtney Robertson Sr. Denise Robillard Fr. Bill Schmidt, SA Valrie Smith-Douglas Melissa Vega Fr. Bob Warren, SA William Weeks
February Work Anniversaries Anthony Bickerton - 2010 Bart Coviello - 2008 Eunice Cunha - 2022 Jaroslaw Dudziak - 2003 Kathy Fletcher - 1996 Christopher Gregson - 2015 Hasan Pepaj - 2022 Ann Marie Raiano - 1999 Matthew Rowe - 2023 Eric Sterbenz - 2020 Michael Valkys - 2020 Gillian Vandenberg - 2023 15
HR CORNER WELCOME TO MELISSA KELLOGG Melissa Kellogg joined Graymoor’s Mission Support Team as Executive Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving.
EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES TO ELEVATE AND GROW YOUR CAREER AWAIT From our humble beginnings in 1898 to now, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement have been blessed to help foster unity between Christians, heal the brokenhearted and promote peace and harmony among all people. We are seeking mission-minded people and are committed to providing extensive training and educational support that allows our team members to achieve the very highest levels of professionalism and open the door to increased opportunities for future career growth. In addition, we offer competitive compensation, medical and dental insurance, health reimbursement account, 403(b) with match and paid time-off. We are more than just an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically celebrate the powerful and profound diversity of our team. Below are open positions across Graymoor. We hope you’ll share these exciting and bold opportunities with friends, neighbors, members of your local communities, and others across your personal and professional networks. Interested candidates can email their resume to HR@atonementfriars.org. If you are interested in any of these positions for yourself, you can also contact Sandi Landsman, Chief Human Resources Officer directly. Billing Associate Certified Peer Recovery Advocate (CRPA) and Recovery Coaches Food Service Worker House Manager Milieu Counselor Part-time LPN Residential Program Manager Security Guard, per diem shifts SUD Counselor
CULTURAL DIVERSITY STATEMENT Friars of the Atonement actively practices At-One-Ment in all that we do. We offer equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, or protected veteran status.
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SPECIAL EVENTS, OBSERVANCES AND HOLIDAYS More information will be shared on each of the events listed below.
Feb. 13th: Feb. 14th: Feb. 23th: Mar. 15th: April 8th:
Mardis Gras Breakfast Ash Wednesday & Valentine’s Day Film Fest in the Library (“My Sailor, My Love”) St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Solar Eclipse Watch Party
COME AND VISIT OUR BOOKS AND GIFT CENTER Open from Wednesday through Sunday each week, Graymoor Book and Gift Center has a wide selection of specialty items for all Catholic holidays and occasions. Stop by the store (located on the 4th Floor of Graymoor) and see our latest arrivals, top selling items, as well as greeting cards, featured books, rosaries, prayer cards, statues, journals, and so much more. The store also carries Graymoor-themed blankets and pullover fleeces! We can help you select the perfect gift for a friend, neighbor or family member celebrating a birthday, anniversary or graduation. We’re also available—and eager—to recommend a great book to curl up and read on a snowy afternoon or rainy day. And, with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, be sure to stop by and see what special items we have in stock!
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