Son of the House

It's official--Rob is now a "Son of the House." He made a Vow of Obligation to Nashotah House during Solemn Eucharist and Matriculation on Oct. 4. To give you an idea of the beauty and richness of the service, I'd like to share with you the exchange between Dean Munday and the matriculating students:

The Dean: You came to us as strangers and entered into our house; you have made your home with us and you have shared our life: Is it your desire to commit yourselves to this life and to join yourselves to us as members of this community?

Respose: It is.

Matriculating Students: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. I hereby promise on my conscience and honor to obey during the term of my residence the Statutes and Regulations of Nashotah House; to submit myself respectfully to its authorities, and in general, to conduct myself as becomes a Christian, and if it be the case, a Candidate for Holy Orders.

The Dean: May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this as in all things you may do God's will in the service of the kingdom of his Christ.

After making the Vow of Obligation, each matriculating student signed the historic roll book of the seminary.

Matriculation followed a 3-day silent retreat here on campus. Classes were cancelled, and the seminarians attended several seminar lectures by an amazing speaker and man of God, Father David Bauman from Placentia, California. Though I had to work during his daytime lectures, I was able to attend his evening lectures. I'll get back to you another time about him; he was awesome! There were also opportunities for spiritual direction and confession during the silent retreat. It was a really peaceful time on campus. Fr. Bauman's sermon during matriculation was amazing. I really felt the Holy Spirit speaking through him, strengthening the community during that service and really during the whole retreat. A huge community dinner celebration followed matriculation. It was a special evening!

Rob's parents (and their dog, Maggie) just left today after a wonderful weekend visit. We took them to the Madison farmer's market--one of the biggest in the country. We bought cheese, cheese, and more cheese. Yum! We ate German food at the Golden Mast restaurant on Lake Okauchee. They took me shopping. They spoiled us rotten all weekend--it was great! Rob's got a Church History midterm tomorrow, two assignments in other classes, and a Greek quiz on Friday, so needless to say, he's off studying this evening.

Thank you for your prayers--we are so blessed. We miss y'all!