Friends of Mount Carmel:
In our culture spring is a season of celebrating new life, new beginnings, and new encounters. The liturgical season of Easter and Pentecost, many new marriages, school graduations, outings in the warmer temps, and working outdoors once again, each remind us of the new life afforded us by our God and which we celebrate at this time of the year.
Here at Mount Carmel on 18 May we will celebrate the graduation of another class of trained spiritual directors finishing their two year program of study as part of the Haden Institute. These graduating women and men will begin a new life as spiritual directors wherever they live, journeying with others in helping to deepen their relationship with God. We look forward to a new class beginning their training come October. If you are interested in discerning a ministry as a spiritual director you can find more information on this web site.
On the evening of 04 June we will host our second Gala Evening of celebrating the Arts and Music at Mount Carmel. The Gala will commence featuring the Wines of Niagara at the Chateau Park Museum and Art Centre on the Monastery grounds. A marvellous Gala dinner, prepared by our chefs Christina and Steve, will be followed by a concert in the Main Chapel by Accordion Crimes featuring Mark Lalama and special guest, George Koller. It promises to be a delightful evening, all to promote the Arts and Music Programs at Mount Carmel. Please call the Centre for tickets and information. Tax deductible receipts are available.
A special part of our Gala Evening will be “Art in the Mist 2010,” our first collaboration with the Community Artists of Niagara in an effort to promote local artists. The weekend activities will feature a juried art show, the Gala Reception, as well as music and poetry readings, and a strawberry festival, all beginning on Friday evening, 04 June, and continuing on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm on the Monastery grounds. For more information check the web site: www.artinthemist.com.
Another celebration of life worth noting is the Open House for the Sisters of Loretto, hosted by the Carmelites, on Sunday, 06 June, from 1:45 pm to 5 pm, honouring the Sisters on the 400th anniversary of their founding by Mary Ward of England. These wonderful religious women were Mount Carmel’s neighbours for 125 years beginning in 1875. They have served the Niagara Falls area since the 1860s, sponsoring and staffing Catholic educational institutions, and now have varied ministries here and in many nations. The public is invited to join in thanking the Loretto Sisters for what they have given us and for what they continue to do in serving our community.
These celebrations and new life and new beginnings continue throughout the summer months at Mount Carmel with retreat and workshops, all aimed at deepening our relationship with God. Come to Mount Carmel and grow with us in your love for God and others.
Gratefully,
Fr. Stan