The
monks of Blue Cloud abbey The light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it. (Jn. 1.5) As another holy season of Advent arrives, the monks of Blue Cloud want to share the joy of the Savior's Birth with all our friends and benefactors. We give thanks for the celebration of Pope John Paul's Silver Jubilee this past year. The twenty five years he has served as Pope have seen tremendous growth of the Church around the world, and he has done as much as any human being could in such challenging times. My prayer in this New Year of 2004 will be for renewal of monastic life in America. ABBEY NEWS On September 13, Br. Cliff Schneberger and Br. Crispin Rork began their year of novitiate at the abbey. Br. Cliff is from Oklahoma and has worked in the construction business. Br. Crispin is from Kansas and has managed restaurants. They are the first novices under Fr. Denis' guidance since he was named novice master last year. I trust the novices can rely on the prayers of the abbey's friends. Blue Cloud Abbey was the subject of an illustrated three-page article in People, Land & Water, the employee news magazine of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The article focused on the historic photographs and glass negatives in the AICRC's archives. Friends of the abbey will remember reading about these pictures in our Summer 2002 newsletter, which is still available online at our Internet web site. The Department's EROS Data Center near Sioux Falls provided high-technology assistance in restoring and preserving these historic photos. Fr. Stan had a busy fall. In September he was awarded the Bishop Dudley Excellence in Media Award by the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Fr. Stan writes a column in the diocesan newspaper, and in the past produced a radio program for Reservation stations. A few days later he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, based in Chamberlain, SD. Congratulations to Father Stan on this recognition for his many years of service. The retreat center was busy as usual this Fall. In September the following retreat groups visited: Sioux Falls Permanent Deacons, Abbey Oblates, Central Baptist Church (Sioux Falls), Center for Deaconate (St. Paul, MN), SDSU (Brookings, SD) Newman Center. There were also day visits by the Waubay Literary Club and Holy Spirit Church (Sioux Falls). October retreat groups included students from Gustavus Adolphus College, Priests of the Sioux Falls Diocese, Juniors from the two women's Benedictine communities in the state, an AA group retreat, and Beginning Experience group. Fr. Abbot made his annual visit to the Coban Priory in early October. 2004 CALENDAR Advent also means the return of the Blue Cloud Abbey calendar. This year we are continuing the format of full-color pictures and 8" by 5" size. I put much effort into choosing photographs that give our friends a sense of who the monks are and what we do. In the spirit of Christmas, the calendar is sent to all who mail in prayer intentions during our Advent/Christmas campaign. It is a small way of thanking you for your support. Thank you again to our many benefactors whose donations help us cover the cost of printing and distributing the calendar. As in past years, I expect all the copies will go fairly quickly, so don't delay in getting yours. - Fr. Matthew
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