Staying Connected
We live in an era of technological advances and wonders. Consumers have a variety of hardware for use in keeping them connected to their friends and the world but communication still remains elusive. Physical proximity does not guarantee communication, however. Many households find themselves increasingly disconnected despite sharing the same domicile. Quality time devoted to communication seems to be on the decrease. Studies indicate that the national average for time spent in communication between parents and teens is less than fifteen minutes. With the frenetic pace set by many families, the family dinner, with its concomitant social time, has almost ceased to exist.
The Companions of St. Luke, as a sign of their stability, are asked to work at remaining connected. This communication is effected in a number of ways. The most important way in which the Companions stay connected is through corporate prayer. Whether we are together or apart, we are united in heart and spirit through the prayerful recitation of the Divine Offices. This connection is continued in our private prayer life as we pray for our Brothers and Sisters, wherever they may be. For those who do not live at the Abbey, frequent letters, e-mails, telephone calls and faxes are invaluable aids to communication between Religious and between Religious and their Superior. All new members of the Community are assigned a mentor so that they have a primary contact when the inevitable questions and concerns arise. In addition, the new member will take part in the Companion's extensive formation process and so will be in constant contact with the Postulant/Novice Master as they learn "the ropes" of Religious life
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