The faith education and spiritual enrichment programs sponsored by the Glastonbury Abbey Institute provide educational opportunities for people of all faiths, and at different places in their lives, to learn more about themselves, connect with others and interact with the world around them.
The Glastonbury Abbey Institute presents an extensive array of educational and cultural offerings each year. Details of the 2017-2018 programs are available online. All programs take place in the Morcone Center, 20 Hull Street, Hingham, MA, unless noted otherwise. Here’s what’s happening in April:
Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. Join us for the last movie for this season in the Faith and Film series. In 1947, Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood's top screen-writer until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. TRUMBO recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice under the blacklist. Begins promptly at 6:30 with discussion to follow. Tea, coffee and snacks will be served. Free!
WEEKEND RETREAT:
April 13-15: A weekend for single Roman Catholic men who believe they may be called to monastic life. During this weekend participants will join the monks for prayer, meals and conversation to experience how Benedictine monastic life is lived at Glastonbury Abbey.
Registration required. Please call 781-749-2155 ext. 300 or email retreats@glastonburyabbey.org
LISTENING TO OTHER VOICES:
Thursday, April 19 at 7:15 p.m. Razia Jan "Doing Justice in the Afghan Classroom Empowering Women & Girls." One of CNN's 2012 Top Ten Heroes and "the mother of Deh' Subz," Razia Jan was always determined to improve educational opportunities for girls in her county - Afghanastan. No registration required; however, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome!
ANNOINTING OF THE SICK:
Sunday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m. Moments of mental anguish or times of physical illness can be difficult to bear. Our loving God wants to be a part of our experience. He wants to share our lives with us, the bad and the good. The sense of God’s presence and support often comes in and through our Faith Community. In the case of an illness, aging, facing surgery or struggling with loss that support comes in the form of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. As the ritual clearly states, the focus is on life, health, and well-being.
WEEKEND RETREAT:
April 27-29, “Exploring Prayer” with Rev. Deborah Roy. If you are longing for a more intimate relationship with God, spend this weekend exploring ancient and contemporary forms of prayer across traditions including Centering Prayer, Zazen, The Liturgy of the Hours, and others. Registration required. Call 781-749-2155 ext. 300 or email: retreats@glastonburyabbey.org
Mondays, 6:45-7:30 p.m.; Compline optional at 7:45 p.m. Meditation is an opportunity to offer peace, love, and compassion during hectic times. Morcone Conference Center, lower level.
Sunday, April 29 at 4:30 p.m. Monthly supper for those living alone or in difficult circumstances. No registration required.
Stonecrest Retreat House Whiting House
I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10.
Glastonbury Abbey now offers directed retreats from an experienced female director, Lyn Ferrara. Spiritual Direction offers a retreatant an opportunity to meet with an experienced spiritual director and respond to God's ongoing relationship in one's daily and spiritual life. After each session of approximately 40 minutes, suggestions will be offered for scripture reading, prayer or silent reflection.
Lyn will be available for directed retreats of up to 4 days, Monday – Friday, and by arrangement for longer periods of time. Lyn has a Master’s degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and is a graduate of the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Direction in Cambridge, MA. She has many years of experience as a hospital chaplain, and in Cursillo leadership, retreat work and spiritual direction. The suggested offering is $90 per night. Reservation required.*
* For further information or to register, please contact Joan at 781-749-2155 ext. 300 or retreats@glastonburyabbey.org
Enrollees' names are in the Abbey Church, in a lovely chest under the Eucharistic Shrine. They are included in the Daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, & all the Monks' prayers.
Perpetual Enrollment Padded Folders
Five Year Enrollment Booklets
Annual Enrollment Cards All Occasions
Custom Printed Enrollments Online
Glastonbury Abbey Mass Guild
16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA 02043
781-749-2155 ext. 342
massguild@glastonburyabbey.org
If you are considering a monastic vocation it is necessary to begin listening. This is done by praying-being in the presence of God and asking God what His will is for you. Be willing to place all your anxiety, fears and questions in God's hands and...listen.
Another means of assisting you in your discernment is to write the vocation director, Br. Daniel, at vocations@glastonburyabbey.orgwho is able to help you on this journey. Seek out a priest or religious brother who has been on a similar journey. Come to the Abbey for a Come and See weekend, which will give you an opportunity to experience monastic live as it is lived here at Glastonbury Abbey. It is a time to speak with the vocation director who will help you in the discernment process. Inquire at the above email for future offerings.
Many men are frightened as they begin this journey because it is a mystery and because we always want to be in control. A discernment journey is an exciting one because you have allowed God into your life at a deeper level. You have surrendered yourself to a God who loves you and is calling you to follow. Don't be afraid, only trust and God will do the rest if you …listen.
For a glimpse of what monastic life is like and why someone might become a monk please watch this video clip featuring Br. Daniel Walters, OSB. If you’d like to also watch a more in depth overview of Glastonbury Abbey click here.
Click on the image below to watch our 60th anniversary video, filmed by Cathy Corcoran:
Glastonbury Abbey was featured on the TV show, Chronicle, on July 15, 2014. Click on the image below to view the video clip on WCVB's website.
Al Kearney, Hingham Journal, Sept. 18, 2014
Because of Fr. Tom's election as Abbot last year and Glastonbury Abbey's 60th Anniversary celebration this year, we have been featured in a number of articles in the local press. Please see the list below and click on the links to view the articles in the Hingham Journal, Boston Globe and Patriot Ledger.
Hingham Journal, September 18, 2014,"Glastonbury Abbey Celebrates Anniversary"
Boston Globe, Globe South, August 31, 2014, "Abbey Celebrates 60th".
Hingham Journal, May 18, 2014, "Abbot O'Connor - A "Life of Prayer" in Hingham"
Hingham Journal, May 18, 2014, "Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham is 60 Years Old and Going Strong"
Patriot Ledger, August 12, 2013 "Blessed Event: Cardinal O'Malley welcomes new abbot in Hingham"
Boston Globe, Globe South, July 28, 2013, "New Leader Named at Glastonbury Abbey"
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