Abbey Visit {High School Seminary Parents' Day}

Peter picks up the flute and joins the high school seminary orchestra.

Some things just feel right, even though difficult, painful, or requiring great sacrifice.  Peter's attending high school seminary this year as an 8th grader is one of those things.  Our family and home school just isn't the same without Peter here, and the past few months adjusting to his absence have been both trying and rewarding.

Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff join Joseph, Peter and Father Peter, rector, after Sunday Mass.

Given that Peter comes home for a few days' stay each month, and that his orthodontic appliances require the occasional visit home for business' sake, we enjoy his company fairly regularly despite the miles and international border that distance us.  Peter uses a phone card and an old fashioned pay phone to call home every so often which offers the gift of instant communication that the one-week+ snail mail routine can't offer.  The students do not have access to the internet, so all other modern forms of staying in touch are out.

Peter, tour guide at Westminster Abbey, BC

A few times each year, the high school seminarian host a performance for parents and families showcasing their orchestra and elocution programs.  Combined with the show, parents are able to visit with the monks who teach the seminarians and receive important feedback about their son(s)' grades, behavior and adjustment to community life at the monastery.

Peter performs on stage in an adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

An added bonus to any visit to the monastery is the open invitation to join the community for chanted Liturgy of the Hours.  Sounding bells from high above in the abbey's tower alert everyone when the time for prayer draws near.  On our recent visit for Parents' Day festivities, Peter shared his prayer book with his Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff, who were visiting the abbey for the first time.

Showing us around the beautiful campus on a break between Mass and midday prayer, Peter shared his favorite viewpoint, hidden away behind the seminary.  We also made a stop at the cemetery, to continue our All Souls Octave prayers for the holy souls in purgatory.  The little cemetery saw many visitors that day on account of this special season of remembrance.

Brothers reunited for the day

Father Peter, harpist, shares his instrument with a seminarian's siblings on Parents' Day.

High School Seminary {Christ the King Admits Peter}

Peter hauls his gear to his new room at school.

Peter's big day finally arrived on September 4th, after months of discerning, wondering, praying and waiting ~ the day he officially entered grade 8 at the Benedictine High School Seminary in BC.  A packed schedule on move-in day included time for hauling and unpacking gear, community Midday Prayer in the Westminster Abbey Church, a shared potluck lunch in the dining hall, parent orientation sessions, book store stop, and many opportunities to visit with the parents of Peter's fellow seminarians and with the holy monks who will be Peter's teachers.

Peter unpacks his belongings while Tim and Joseph visit with a brother.

Consistent with every other visit to the Benedictine Monastery, our family was warmly greeted by the monks and shown outstanding, genuine Christian hospitality throughout the day.  Peter set right to work unloading his crates and settling into his new space, quite independently and without need of suggestions or assistance.  Gathered together in the foyer, a group of new 'monastery moms' like me shared the bittersweet experience of move-in day with long time monastery moms and dads.  One couple, parents to four sons currently living under St. Benedict's roof (one a professed Benedictine Monk and teacher), and the dad a graduate of the seminary himself, offered abundant insight, wisdom and love for the rest of us in our various stages of coming to terms with the impending good-byes.

The high school seminarians, together at midday prayer

Peter enjoys the company of his new friends at the family potluck luncheon on orientation day.

Father Abbot demonstrates true Benedictine hospitality, greeting parents and students, leading prayer and sharing a meal.

Abundant insight and loving direction for parents flowed freely in the orientation session following lunch.  Father Peter, Seminary Rector, gave an inspired talk on the mission of the school, beginning with a focus on the Benedictine charism of unity and community modeled after the Holy Trinity.  Father Peter brilliantly witnessed to the core teaching within the seminary, the central themes underlying all aspects of the formation offered there:  that each one is a beloved son of God, a loving Father who delights in each one; that becoming a good son/brother/student is to become a fit dwelling place for God; that the beginning and end of all male development is rooted in learning to be ever more like Jesus, life giver and lover. 

Father Abbot addresses the families before leading prayer prior to lunch, with Father Peter, Rector.

Father Abbot's words for the parents advanced the concepts touched upon by Father Peter, highlighting the areas of liturgical formation, prayer, and spiritual direction as keys to aiding the boys in their search for Truth, for an ever deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth. - John 17:17

Peter shows Tim his desk in the study hall classroom.

The hour of our departure coincided with Peter's transition from his first game of roller hockey to Evening Prayer and supper.  Time for our blessings, hugs, and a few parting words passed in a flash, and Peter set out for the locker room, hockey stick in hand, with a glance over his shoulder to call out cheerfully, "See you in October!"

 

One last photo together before leaving Peter in the care of St. Benedict and heading back home to the US.

Pre-Departure {Peter + High School Seminary}

Peter teaches Joseph how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours

The final days before Peter departed to attend high school seminary in BC were slammed with fun and friends, and a few big packing errands and adventures.  And lots of prayers.

Racing around a salty pool on the shores of Puget Sound, Peter attempts to best his older brother.

A few days before the start of school, Peter discovered his bunk and desk assignments on a mission to Mission.

The shopping list for Grade 8 included roller hockey gear, which isn't as easy to find here in the States as it is in Canada, so a trip up north for gear shopping was a must.  Years ago we were experts at fitting hockey helmets, but it took us quite some time to find the right helmet for Peter.  Sticks and pads were much easier to select, and the seminary's attic also offered a few key pieces of hand-me-down gear to alleviate the budgetary output.

Enjoying the beach and catching dinner; Peter's Uncle/Godfather and family of expert crabbers visited us on his final weekend at home.

Peter's years in Boy Scouts certainly helped him to 'be prepared' for this big departure, and with only a little assistance he prepared all his belongings and packed for school.

Arranging for his dog's nail trimming by the family vets, Peter prepared to leave Rocky.

Knowing that altar serving has played a key role in Peter's home schooling and faith formation, our local priest, Father Altenhofen, offered Peter the role of thurifer for the Holy Mass offered on the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great; Peter's last day at home.  For the first time in who-knows-how-many-years, incense was used during the consecration. Peter considered it a great honor to assist on such an historic occasion in the life of our local parish, and many people promised him prayers as the news of his departure became known in the community.

On the Feast of St. Gregory the Great, Peter served daily Mass on the day before departure.

Enoch, Peter, Jonah, Judah, and David together after Mass at Sacred Heart.

Life Rank + New Life {Peter Steps Up}

Peter awaits his Board of Review following his successful Scoutmaster Conference for LIFE Rank.

For our third son, Peter, the question wasn't IF he would earn his Life Rank in BSA, but rather, when.  As he recently stated, "I've wanted to be an Eagle Scout since I was three years old."

Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster, father and son combination

Another goal reached: Peter passed the formal conferences, and having successfully completed every requirement, including a stack of merit badges, he earned the second highest rank in Boy Scouts: Life.  His dedication, spunk and Scout spirit are a delight to behold, and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone his his life; one of a few major milestones for Peter (and our family) this week.

Senior Patrol Leader and older brother, Joseph awards Peter his LIFE badge of rank as Scoutmaster/dad looks on.

Judah and Peter, celebrating LIFE Rank

Before his mission trip to Zambia, Judah B. also passed from Star to Life Rank, but the badge award awaited his return and so coincided with Peter's.  Judah has also set his sights on earning the highest rank in BSA, and will endeavor to complete the requirements and persevere.

Troop 3 leaders at the Patrol Leaders' Council meeting; over half of these are Life Scouts, reaching for Eagle.

Our boys are blessed by the support of such a fantastic troop, and the leadership training and experience inherent in the good 'old' BSA.  Peter's years in Troop 3 will be remembered with fondness and great joy...

...and now he's prepared for his next grand adventure: entering grade 8 studies at Christ the King Seminary in British Colombia, Canada.

God Speed, son, we love you dearly, and you will be dearly missed by many!

Words of Life

Peter with Uncle Craig at Point No Point, near Kingston, WA

Do not, my brothers, speak ill of one another. The one who speaks ill of his brother or judges his brother is speaking against the law. It is the law he judges. If, however, you judge the law you are no observer of the law, you are its judge. There is but one Lawgiver and judge, one who can save and destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?   -James 4:11-12

Monks and Platypus {Anomalies}

Mary Lake at Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC, Canada

After collecting Peter and a friend from another live-in weekend at the Benedictine Monastery's high school seminary in BC, a long and boring border wait was followed by a bizarre exchange with the customs guard in the booth.

We suffered the usual stern exchange once our ID documents were in his possession, including, "Where do you live?" and "Why were you in Canada?" I answered, "The boys were at the monastery in Mission for a weekend visit," which launched a series of strange follow up questions:

"What is that?  Church of England? Roman Catholic? Orthodox? Protestant?"
"It's Catholic, Benedictine, the religious order founded by Saint Benedict."

"So do they walk around in floor-length sackcloth whipping themselves all day?"
"No. They do wear habits, which are full length, black garments with hoods."

"So did they beat their hands with rulers?"
I turned around and asked the boys, "Did the monks beat your hands with rulers?"
"No."
"The boys got to swim and play roller hockey, they had prayer time and talks.  They have a great time up there. The monks are very holy," I added.

"I think God has a sense of humor."
"I hope so."

"Otherwise why would he have created the platypus?"
"Now why does everyone always pick on the poor platypus?"
"I'm not picking on the platypus..."
"The platypus is an anomaly, that's why people pick on the platypus," said Peter's wise friend.

Indeed.
Anomalies do seem to invite being singled out, don't they?

Seminary of Christ the King; Monastery of Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC, Canada

The Art of Giving

During a top secret carving session, Peter snaps a self-portrait at my request.

Peter inherited an artistic gene from his paternal grandfather and his maternal grandmother, both exceptionally artistic and creative.  Peter's passion for art, manifest in his first attempts at drawing as a toddler, continues to this day in his carving, painting and creating.  As the recipient of one of Peter's recent masterpieces, I am in awe of his determination, motivation and creativity.

The artist at work

I knew Peter was up to something, and that his project was somehow connected to an image of our Blessed Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus.  I sensed that carving may be involved, by the noises emitting from his room when the "do not enter" sign was posted.  The bandaged finger was another clue pointing toward whittling in progress.

My hand-made gift from Peter

My handmade gift, given first thing on Christmas morning, holds a very special place in my heart.  Knowing that Peter created this lovely Madonna and Child statue from a block of wood, working for many hours to design, whittle, sand and paint it in time for Christmas, brings me great joy.  Peter asked that I have it blessed by a priest ~the final touch~ making it a truly holy, treasured gift from my son the Christian artist.


P.S. to those who may not understand Catholic teaching: 
I assure you I do not worship this statue of our Blessed Mother holding Christ.  Rather, I look upon this and other holy images for inspiration ~ just as we look fondly upon photos of our loved ones or cherish shared memories brought to mind by prints or keepsakes.

Birthday Boy {Peter Turns 13}

Sorry about the broom, Mom...

Why is this birthday boy repairing a broom before breakfast on his 13th birthday?

Because he broke it jousting his older brother on their elevated back-deck ice rink after dark last night.  Go figure!

Odd Jobs {Working Boys}

Joseph and Judah suit up for work.

Their lucrative fire starters business has been the bread-winning strategy of our working boys for about a decade.  Together they made, marketed and sold hundreds of these little flammable creations over the past 10 summers, as side-kicks to Grandpa Cliff's booth at the Saturday Market in Edmonds.  Grandpa's high end woodworking creations take center stage, and the boys' fire starters, made with the sawdust from his shop are displayed by our young entrepreneurs off to the side.  Quite a worthy little business plan, and one that has financed such purchases as Zachary's CRT contact lenses, many season passes at Mt. Baker, and a mountain bike to name a few.  The profits have been shared with worthy charities throughout the years, as our boys learn to give back and be generous with their income.

Joseph on the job

Unlike our fire starters summers of old, this summer has become the summer of man-power.  The boys have accepted many offers of employment for neighbors, friends, and our businesses to help keep lawns mowed, weeds whacked and plants watered.  Additionally, they have a regular job helping an elderly neighbor with her recycling and garbage chores, one for which they would gladly volunteer and have many times attempted to refuse payment unsuccessfully.  Their physical strength is put to the test in some of these gigs, and others bring the relative ease and freedom of driving a mowing machine.  Their friends, too, have been included in some wage-earning work parties, which only makes the toil more enjoyable.

Judah earning his way

Joseph drives the mower.

Tim trains Peter in the use of the powerful weed destroyer.

Not to say the fire starters business is going under... 
But for the time being, the boys are otherwise engaged in meaningful forms of employment and are continuing to learn how to manage their earnings, which makes for a great summer school course in our home school.

Eagles and Marshmallows {7s}

As Scoutmaster for the troop, Tim signs Zachary's completed Eagle Rank Application.

After four years in the making, Zachary's Eagle Project has been completed and his board of review will happen in the very near future.   Those who worried about him being 'too young' when he earned his Life Rank at age 12 (leave aside the fact that he had earned the rank, by the book, plain and simple) should be appeased that despite his jump start, Zachary will, like so many others, be awarded his Eagle Badge at about the same time he 'outgrows' his youth BSA uniform upon turning 18 on August 4th.  However his character growth and personal maturation during these years of persevering with his Eagle Project while staying active and involved with the troop have benefited him greatly.

Eagle project complete: carport at Sacred Heart Catholic Church rectory

 Weston, Peter, Sawyer and Joseph roast marshmallows.

Noteworthy in our corner of the globe {where warm evenings for pleasant outdoor gatherings are somewhat of a novelty, especially in spring} the boys enjoyed a marshmallow roast recently at Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff's house with visiting cousins.  S'mores followed a genuinely Polish feast cooked up by Cliff for the whole family.  The (under 6) cousins didn't exactly devour the sauerkraut and dumplings, but the rest of us feasted on the bacon filled delights.   Violet (5) enjoyed helping in the kitchen and setting the table, clearly a future hostess in the making (like her mama).

Aunt Bethany wraps Peter's 'good' ankle, injured in a hoop-shooting fest on our driveway.

One ankle in a walking cast, Peter severely injured the other ankle and required veterinary care as the pediatrician's office was closed.  Well, when your aunt and uncle are both vets, there's always the chance that their years of medical training will come in handy.  In this case, the expert wrapping by Aunt Bethany prevented further injury to the painful ankle and the double-vet diagnosis of a severe sprain or possible broken bone confirmed the fact that we needed to seek medical treatment the following day.  Thankfully, the x-ray (Peter's 3rd in as many weeks, all on ankles) ruled out a broken bone and put Peter on serious rest and recovery time with physical therapy for both ankles.  Crutches purchased, both ankles in supportive devices, Peter simply must allow his ankles to heal or risk chronic re-injuries.

With one Godson receiving his high school diploma, we spent a sunny Seattle afternoon at the Woodland Park Zoo with our Godson Samuel, his mom Aileen, and brothers Peter and Ryan.  The $50 entry cost (for 3 of us) was quite a hit, considering we only had a few hours there, but well worth it for the joy of spending time with Samuel and his family {priceless}!  Of course we could have saved the money and just enjoyed his delightful baby smile any old place, but the zoo did offer some outstanding opportunities for the older brothers to delight in the wonders of nature together and take turns riding in Sam's stroller when Sam was being cuddled. 

Samuel is all smiles with his God-brother Peter.

 Peek a boo at the zoo

Walking cast on one ankle, brace on the other, Peter's still half monkey.

Elevated to the role of acolyte, Joseph completed his initial training just in time to allow him to serve with Father Qui Thac before his departure to discern a call to monastic life in the footsteps of Saint Benedict.  Joseph looks sharp in his new alb, and like Zachary and the other acolytes, serves at the altar with great reverence and solemnity

Saying good bye to our pastor of the past 6 years, Father Qui Thac Nguyen, happened in waves, as each time we were with him was "the last" this and "the last" that.  Our final Saturday morning coffee after Latin Mass brought a great turn-out and lengthy sharing about the many ways Father Qui Thac has touched our lives and brought us closer to Jesus.  How he will be missed...

Father Christopher LaRocca, OCD, whom I have grown to love this year on my journeys as an aspirant to Carmel at St. Cecilia's in Stanwood on second Sundays, is being reassigned by his superior.  His new priestly mission will begin soon in Uganda, where the Carmelite parishes and schools will benefit from his dynamic leadership and by his life of profound personal holiness and prayerful ways.  Fr. Christopher's presence will be greatly missed in our OCDS community (and surely in the parish), but I trust our Lord will send a holy priest to continue assisting in the formation at the Carmelite Institute and in the St. Cecilia's parish. 

Now go take a trip over to Jen's Place!