Weekend Sanctuary Program
"Reconnect with your Spirit by hanging up that Cellphone!"
Vicar of Outreach, Weekend Sanctuary Program : Fr. Geof Franklin, O.L., D.D.
E-mail: fr.geof@maysville-abbey.org
Why is this Outreach program needed?
We believe people have forgotten their Spiritual side because they don't think they have the time to be Spiritual. That the constant pressures of a "know it now" and "do it now" society has driven a wedge between the people and their faith. We believe that given even a brief a chance to disconnect from this "always connected" society, people can find once more that balance between Faith, Family, and Work.
Who joins this Program?
Anyone. The program is open to all who seek enlightenment by disconnecting from the always connected umbilical - regardless of race, gender or religion. Most of our applicants are professionals who feel overworked and can't seem to find the time to focus on what is really important in their lives.
How the Weekend Sanctuary Program works.
By spending time at the Abbey with their constantly-connected devices locked away, the Pilgrim is allowed to focus on their Spiritual needs rather than simply live their lives ready to respond at the next leash tugging of that impending phone call. This helps to show the Pilgrim that life occurs without the need for constant communication, helps them learn to leave "work at work" and to focus on their Faith and their Family.
What do you do in a typical Weekend?
Each Pilgrim is different and so the program is different - but the basics are still the same. On Friday evening the Pilgrim would be checked into the Abbey, locking their personal effects, cellphones, beepers and the like up in their strong box, then, they would be invited to dinner and directed towards the Contemplation Chapel for peaceful reflection and meditation. On Sanctuary Weekends, Friday nights are all held in silence to allow the Pilgrims the chance to restore their inner balance of calm by removing them from the hustle and bustle of their overly connected life. Saturday is spent completing various simple tasks around the Abbey, each designed to help the Pilgrim reconnect with their Spirit and the world around them without need of high tech devices. Maybe a Pilgrim will help bake bread or pretzals for the noon meal, followed by some time spent in private reflection on what is truly important in their lives. After lunch a little time could be spent in the gardens, weeding the herbs or transplanting some flowers, afterwards some time might be spent speaking to a peer councilor before dinner. Saturday night might involve a social activity, music making or storytelling. Sunday morning we return to the Chapel and spend time reflecting on inner Peace and what has been learned this Weekend. Afterwards, we all help in the kitchens before our lunch together and the close of the Program.
Sign me up!
The Program is not fully active at this time - we are still in the construction phase of the Abbey. Contact the Vicar of Outreach listed below if you wish to be placed on the waiting list.
What can you do to help?
If you have a way of assisting our mission, ideas for us, donations to help us grow or any further questions, please send us your comments and feedback, we do want and need to hear from you.
E-mail: fr.geof@maysville-abbey.org