TH E G R A Y R O B E S

SUMMER 2012

Dear Friends and Benefactors,

The Scriptures tell us “the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land” (Song of Songs 2:11-12). This might be the perfect description of the spring semester here in Detroit. Many of the bulbs and seeds that were planted are finally beginning to bud and blossom. The imagery could apply to finally settling beautifully into our new situation and environment as well as to each person’s vocational discernment. There is a more harmonious tune being sung.

All that was sown in the fall and winter is now ready to be harvested in their field education experience coming this summer. Everyone is anxious to “go and proclaim the Good News” to everyone in every place they are sent. The missions will span from North Dakota to Central America. A few will even stay here in Detroit.

Our seminarians entering Theology II will first be going to Europe for a pilgrimage through the places where Western Christianity first “took root and spread through the land” (Ps 80). This experience is made possible through a generous donation from Monsignor Monforton, Rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary. I am particularly grateful for his liberality.

The harvest is ready and the laborers are many. Let us pray that a rich harvest of souls in love with Christ may be gathered this summer.

-Fr Brady

The Gray RobesSociety of Our Lady ofthe Most Holy Trinity

American Region SeminariansSummer 2012

Theology IVBr Al, The Philippines Br John C, Ireland Br John M, ConnecticutBr Juan, MexicoBr Michael Mary, MontanaBr Patrick, Michigan

Theology IIIBr Beau, Idaho Br Francis, Nevada Br Michael, Texas Br Tristan, Cayman Islands Theology IIBr Jeremy, KansasBr Peter Máire, IrelandBr Peter, Arizona

Philosophy IVBr John R, California Br Joseph Mary, Louisiana

Philosophy IIIBr Timothy, Canada

RECTORFr Brady Williams313.799.7797frbrady.solt@gmail.com

SEMINARIAN SPONSORSHIPMr Mike Pond 361.387.8090

SOLT HOUSE OF STUDIESHoly Redeemer Parish1721 Junction St.Detroit, MI 48209313.842.3450

Rector Cornered

Fr Brady Williams

Br Peter goes every

Saturday to minister to

special needs children in the Archdiocese of

Detroit.

The students made Irish soda bread from

scratch for their friends and family. We

remember that God can work miracles,

turning a little dough into bread for all.

for to Such Belongs the Kingdom of God”

“Let the Children Come to Me . . .

Mark 10:14

Serving Detroit’s Special Needs Children

FOOD ‧ TUITION ‧ PRAYERS ‧TRANSPORTATION

THANK YOU BENEFACTORS !

BENEFACTORS !THANK YOU

ENCOURAGEMENT ‧RESOURCES TO SERVE

Draw Close to God in the Eucharist The center of our life is the Eucharist.  Whether receiving our Lord in Communion, spending a quiet moment with Him in the tabernacle, or worshipping Him in adoration, we discover life’s meaning in Christ.  Our life flows from encounters with Him.  I want to share some insights with you to help bring Christ into the heart of your life.

THANK AND PRAISE GODEucharist means ‘thanksgiving.’  In the early Church, St Luke and St Paul tell us that at the Last Supper Jesus ‘gave thanks’ (Lk 22:19 and 1 Cor 11:24).   Repeated use of this phrase developed into our word, ‘Eucharist.’   Thanking God characterizes how Christians have always worshipped.   A very important part of my prayer life is thanking and praising God for the joys and benefits He gives me.

BRING OTHERS TO CHRIST THROUGH THE EUCHARIST  

We are not alone in adoration; as members of the Body of Christ we bring everyone else with us, especially our family, friends, and those who are in our prayers. My life has the daily benefit of adoration and Mass. God wants me to share these gifts with others. My actions either bring the whole Church closer to Christ or pull it away from Him. Therefore, God gives me joy in helping me to see that anytime I am in adoration, I can have you with me and in some way help to lift you up. Thanks be to God!

PRAY THROUGH YOUR BODYBody and soul are so interconnected that a sick body can pull the soul into depression, while a joyful soul can help a sick body recover faster.  Worshiping through our bodies can help us better pray with our minds and hearts.  Allow your body to help you raise your mind to God.  Kneeling, singing, and bringing yourself before the Eucharist all lead us into closer union with God.

by Br Michael

In the Footsteps of the Saints

Br Jeremy: “We will visit the Abbey of Cluny, France, cradle of the great Church reform from the 10th century, which spawned 2,000 new monasteries. St Odo, second abbot of Cluny, guided the monks, displaying the joy of a humble, austere life devoted to contemplative prayer, the Eucharist, and Our Lady. Abbot Odo and the monks inspire me to live and love more radically.”

Br Peter Máire: “This will be my first visit to Rome, the heart of the Church and resting place of my patron saint. It will be a time of grace.”

Br Jeremy, Br Peter Máire, and Br Peter join these diocesan pilgrims.

Br Peter: “I am excited to visit the convent of St Teresa of Avila in Spain. Her advice on prayer has helped me tremendously. While I tend to complicate prayer by insisting on accomplishing something in it, she describes prayer as talking to your best friend. So in prayer, I simply talk to my best friend, who is Love Itself.”

Abbey of Cluny

St Teresa of Avila

St Peter’s Basilica, Rome

As part of their formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, men entering Second Year Theology will spend Mary’s month of May on pilgrimage in Europe.

HOW HAS YOUR PRAYER LIFE CHANGED?

“I make a conscious effort everyday to have that moment with God. I am beginning to feel a connection with Him, and this relationship grows stronger everyday I pray.”

WHY IS RECEIVING CONFIRM-ATION AND EUCHARIST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

“Receiving these sacraments will strengthen my Catholic faith, and my relationships with God and the Church.”

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH MAKE YOU A MORE COMPLETE PERSON IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?

“When I enter the church I feel safe. When I leave the church after Mass or formation I feel at peace with myself and with God.”

It has been my privilege the last six months to prepare three persons for the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. In these months I’ve witnessed each person mature and grow in the Faith.

Ryan Carroll, 25, answers a few questions about his experience that we’d like to share with you.

HOW HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED JESUS DIFFERENTLY?

“I have been able to see some things in life better now, understanding why they have happened, and realizing that they would not have been possible without God and his grace.”

Entering Deeper into the Church

Maturing in Ministry

Br Beau, Br Francis, Br Michael and Br Tristan were instituted as lectors. Lectors proclaim the reading and responsorial psalm, and announce the intentions in the prayer of the faithful at Mass.

Br Al and Br Patrick were instituted as acolytes. Acolytes assist the priest and deacon at the altar and, if necessary, help distribute Holy Communion.

Br Michael receives Lectionary

Br Al receives ciborium

CANDIDATE RYAN & BR PATRICK

Ready to ServeReady to ServeBROTHER SUMMER ASSIGNMENT

Br Al Detroit, Michigan

Br Beau Detroit, Michigan

Br Francis Robstown, South Texas

Br Jeremy European Pilgrimage & Belize

Br John C Robstown, South Texas

Br John R Belizean / Guatemalan Border

Br Joseph Mary Robstown, South Texas

Br Juan Detroit, Michigan

Br Michael Mary Wind River Reservation, Wyoming

Br Patrick Turtle Mountain Reservation, North Dakota

Br Peter European Pilgrimage & Wind River Reservation

Br Peter Máire European Pilgrimage & Turtle Mt. Reservation

Br Michael Turtle Mountain Reservation, North Dakota

Br Timothy Turtle Mountain Reservation, North Dakota

Br Tristan Turtle Mountain Reservation, North Dakota