SEPTEMBER IS "NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH"

Greetings from Fr. Bob ...

The trees at Graymoor are slowly starting to change. Eventually, the hillsides will be transformed into a mass of red and gold foliage. Transformation is a word that is used a great deal on this Holy Mountain, especially in the month of September as we observe National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. This year we will celebrate "Recovery Sunday" on September 12th.

For over 100 years, people have been coming to Graymoor to transform their lives – coming to find an inner peace of spirituality; coming to renew and strengthen their relationship with God; coming to overcome an addiction; or coming to maintain their sobriety. The word "transformation" is often on their lips when they compare their life today to that before coming to Graymoor.

Through the many recovery programs offered by the Friars through the years, including St. Christopher’s Inn, our inpatient treatment program, daily meetings and weekly retreats, tens of thousands of men and women have reason to celebrate during this special month dedicated to the transformation of recovery. Many will return to Graymoor for a Special Mass on “Recovery Sunday”, September 12th. They will come with their families and friends and celebrate the transformation of their lives.

So often in today's world, we live in an "instant society." We want things quickly. Most of us are poor at waiting. But transformation, like the changing of the trees, is a slow, quiet affair that usually takes place as a result of gradual, small moments, not an all at once big event. Transformation is seldom instant.

The above scripture was written by St. Paul, who himself experienced one of the greatest transformation stories of all time. READ MORE >>

Not everyone, like St. Paul, is literally knocked down and immediately transformed by a vision from God. For many of us the transformation experience is a result of many little acts of kindness, unnoticed charity, secret prayers, quiet compassion, and foremost God's perfect plan for all of us.

So this year, during the month of September, and especially on Recovery Sunday, whether here with us at Graymoor — or wherever you may be — the Friars pray that you will embrace and enjoy the beautiful changes around you and rejoice in his transforming power in your life.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Bob Warren

RECOVERY SUNDAY AT GRAYMOOR

The Friars of the Atonement have been involved in recovery ministries since the late 1950's. As called by St. Francis "to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart and to bring home those who have lost their way" the friars have helped tens of thousands of people over the past decades to recover from addictions to drugs and/or alcohol.

Recovery Sunday emphasizes that addiction is a medical illness, treatment is effective, and recovery possible. This year's theme is "Now More Than Ever."

Join the Friars in celebration of those who have been healed and in prayer for those who are continuing their journey. Recovery Sunday will be held September 12, 2010 with Mass at 11:00 AM in Pilgrim Hall, Lunch at 12:30 PM in the Friars Dining Room ($10 per person / rsvp required by Sept. 17, call - 845-424-3671, ext. 2111).

PRINT THE RECOVERY SUNDAY FLYER>>

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.