Message from The Friends of the Newark Monastery

Welcome to our inaugural newsletter from the Friends of the Newark Monastery.  We hope to be sending out occasional newsletters to keep our friends and benefactors updated on the work being done around the Most Blessed Sacrament Friary that's made possible by your generous donations.  Although the Friary is based in Newark, NJ, its reach extends far beyond. The Most Blessed Sacrament Friary serves as the main novitiate for the formation of new friars for the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. After a period of formation, new friars are sent to serve throughout the world.

Thank you all for your generosity and we pray you have a safe and joyous Summer. 

Reflection

Recently I was speaking to a senior priest before the ordination of our brothers to the priesthood and he said to me, referring to my responsibility as Novice Director, “Ah yes, fatherhood. It is holding on and letting go at the same time.”

I’ve been really pondering that as I accompany the novices and the time of the vows approaches and I consider receiving 9 new men into the friary in Newark. How much do I need to learn from God the Father to love them in such a way that I am both holding on in the right way to guide, correct, affirm, teach and encourage, while at the same time letting go in the context of their freedom to choose, to mature and to grow into the men God calls them to be.

It is a mystery all parents encounter, both natural and spiritual. And it seems to me in this day and age with the challenges we face it is all the more important to learn to love this way from Jesus and from the Father. Perhaps we can pray for each other to learn this and help His grace to come to our world a little more each day.

- Fr. Francis Mary, CFR

Maintenance and Repairs

Many of the greatest things in life require significant work and a lasting commitment over the course of time. Our culture quickly wants to move on to the next thing, but as Catholics we are called to show the world a better way. Marriage and family life - or in our case fidelity to the vows that we have taken as Franciscans - cry out to the world that there is a better, stable way of fidelity that outshines the 'next best thing.'

Our mission here at Most Blessed Sacrament is to help form the young men that God sends to us so that they may persevere over the years. Our monastery itself is a silent witness of this stability enduring throughout the years - 140 years to be exact. Upkeep and repairs for the building keep the brothers busy in their free time; as you can imagine, you can't just go out and buy parts for a building such as ours! At times, repair issues can be a huge x-factor, taking at least some of us away from our primary mission. Nonetheless, it is a joy to work with our hands and to work toward continuing to provide stability for our younger brothers, both in forming them to persevere in their vocation as well as in making sure this monastery will be here for future generations.

With a building such as ours, there are always significant needs. The images show but a few of our current challenges. We are grateful for any help you may be able to provide, and may God bless you for doing so!

- Fr. Stephen, CFR