Friars Observe Jubilees at Graymoor 2012 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity theme announced Sponsor Fr. Dan — Take the Iron Friar Challenge Honorees Named for Sharing Hope Dinner, September 30th In The Faith of Abraham Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Matching Gifts – How both you and your company can support the Friars

THE GRACE TO SAY FOREVER

Greetings from Fr. Bob ...

I would like to tell you about an event that took place on Saturday, June 25th here at Graymoor. It was on that day that six of our friars celebrated Diamond and Golden Jubilees. These Men have served the Lord for 50 and 60 years as Friars of the Atonement in different parts of the world. All of them early in their life said “yes” to God and vowed forever.

It used to be that forever was a household word. Sadly, these days, for many people forever seems a little unrealistic. You know the phrase: “nothing lasts forever.” Whether it is peace or justice, friendships or faith, money or fame, a suntan or a car -- nothing lasts forever.

Today’s world tends to point to a generalized view that times change, ideals die, good Christians convert, neighborhoods go down or governments topple. New offers are too attractive to pass up for quarterbacks, coaches, executives or even the average needed employee.

All sorts of people have vowed forever to a person or a place, to an institution or to God. And yet the question remains in today’s world – Can we, should we, ever say forever? I encourage you to get beyond the concept of “today’s world” and consider what St. Paul said, “The Spirit we have received is not the world’s spirit, but God’s Spirit helping us to recognize the gifts he has given us.” (1 Cor. 2:12).

Thankfully, the six friars who joyfully renewed their vows at the special Jubilee Mass all gave a resounding “yes” to this question.

God has blessed our Jubilarians with many gifts and these gifts and talents they did not hide. Rather, over the years, they shared them with the Community and those to whom they ministered. Through God’s grace, they have freely, with an unwavering commitment given to others their time, talent, substance and unique gifts.

I assure you that forever is no easier a concept for a Friar of the Atonement than it is for any of us. We simply need to strive daily to live our lives to the fullness of the God who created us. Live for those around you, live for those to whom you can minister - live for the one who said if you love me, the Father, I will dwell inside of you. It is Him that you should look to receive your discernment and strength regarding forever – not today’s world. It is God who gives all of us the strength and the grace to say forever.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Bob Warren

FRIARS OBSERVE JUBILEES AT GRAYMOOR – CELEBRATING SERVICE TO GOD

18TH ANNUAL SHARING HOPE CELEBRATION DINNER TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 30TH

The Friars will hold their 18th Annual Sharing Hope Celebration Dinner on Friday, September 30th at The Pierre in New York City. The benefit honors those who have shown a commitment to helping others and inspiring hope.

Join us at the 2011 Sharing Hope Celebration Dinner >>

IN THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

Fr. Damian MacPherson, SA, director of ecumenical and interfaith affairs, archdiocese of Toronto, is a member of a group planning a Christian, Muslim, Jewish pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In the Path of Abraham, seeks to advocate for peace and understanding. The pilgrimage departs Sept. 4 and returns the following Sunday. For information, call Fr. Damian at 416-934-3400, ext. 344.

ARE YOU AWARE YOUR COMPANY MAY HAVE A MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM?

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs, and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. If your company matches, you may be able to access the forms directly by searching the link below. Follow the set procedure for your company, and of course, we will be happy to assist. The impact of your gift may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies even match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.

Find out if your company has a Matching Gift Policy >>

St. Francis Chapel, Graymoor

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Headquartered at Graymoor in Garrison, NY, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement is a Roman Catholic religious community with social, pastoral and ecumenical ministries in the United States, Canada, England, Italy, and Japan.

Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

In the Franciscan tradition of hospitality, Graymoor Spiritual Life Center welcomes individuals and groups of all faiths for spiritual retreats, meetings, conferences and pilgrimages.

Located on a mountaintop overlooking the Hudson River Valley, facilities include overnight accommodations, large dining room, a library, three chapels, as well as meeting/seminar facilities.

Centro Pro Unione
Christian Unity and
Ecumenical Research

The Centro Pro Unione, founded and directed by the Society of the Atonement, is an ecumenical research and action center. Its purpose is to give space for dialogue, to be a place for study, research and information in ecumenism: theological, pastoral, social and spiritual.

Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute

Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute promotes Christian unity and interreligious dialogue in North America through its monthly (except August) journal, Ecumenical Trends, Lecture Series, and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity resources.

St. Christopher's Inn
Residential Shelter & Substance Abuse Treatment Center

St. Christopher's Inn is a temporary shelter dedicated to the rehabilitation of men in crisis. Today the Inn shelters over 1,200 men per year, most of whom suffer from alcohol and/or drug addiction.

Our mission is to offer a continuum of quality health care services that facilitate physical, emotional, and spiritual healing by providing chemical dependency treatment, primary health care, and temporary housing.