Trick or Treat, an October trick in the weather at MTSRC!

October started with lovely fall colors all around
The Mary Theotokos Spiritual Retreat Center. 

As the preparations for winter begin, (barn stalls made warmer, garden closed down, roof and heating repairs) the goats do their part cleaning up what's left of the garden. However getting them
to the garden can prove challenging!

How do they get up there? Do they think they are in the Alps?

The Turkeys are more cooperative in their cleaning the garden responsibilities. 

Their job after all is to fatten up for food shelves!

These two "Toms" like to lead the way.

Aside from the outdoor work, the situation on the large porch off the back of the church is in need of immediate attention.

One of the main support beams has shifted and this will require that we use house jacks to lift the whole porch off it's support posts, replace that main beam and then lower the porch back in position. 

(Without sending the porch down the hillside.)

Let the porch raising begin, cutting the old supports, then the lifting and lowering.

The definition of precarious!

When the new beam is in place it's time to lower the porch back to it's original 

and much more sturdy position!

All fingers and toes intact!

And just in time for a little Trick, with the treats for Halloween! 

A sudden weather change to wake up to!

An omen of weather to come!

Part Jack-O-Lantern part Snowman!

The weather of the Northeast Kingdom, always keeps you on your toes!

So we say farewell for now, and wish you a happy All Souls Day,

from The Mary Theotokos Spiritual Retreat Center.

With visitors on the way I will say,

Pax et Bonum

from Vermont.

The event of events at The Mary Theotokos Retreat Center!

October 10th, 2011

As the sun came up over the Mary Theotokos Retreat Center today many preparations were carried out for the memorial service of our founder, Father Stephen von Fauer. 

Over the past week many hands have been working around the clock to ensure that the grounds, the facilities, the food and all preparations for the event would be ready.

Around 7 am, the Bishop Emeritus Basil Losten from the Stamford Eparchy arrived to begin his prayers before the service and shortly after, on this beautiful fall morning, the guests arrived. Friends, neighbors, parishioners, many people who came to honor the memory of a man who dedicated himself to serving God, helping the poor and in building this spiritual refuge where so many could come to find God through Mary his mother. 

A poster board was set up in the retreat center living room by friends to commemorate 

Fr. von Fauer in selected photos. 

A lovely photo album was made by the Father's close friends 

for visitors to enjoy as well.

Final touches and final instructions were made 

as the sun began to rise over the retreat center.

So many hands pitched in preparing refreshments, 

and providing food dishes for all, that the event was certainly well catered, through the generosity and sacrifice of many. All out of love for a Priest, mentor and social activist who dedicated so much of his life to helping others.

As the sun reached 7:30 am, the cars began to arrive,..

Conversations began all over the drive way remembering Father von Fauers' many adventures in building the center as well as the many things he did out of love and compassion that had touched so many lives.

As 8:00 came around we all made our way to the large church for the 

Divine Liturgy memorial service.

Bishop Basil Losten presided over the ceremony and 

retired Priest, Fr. Charles Davignon 

from the Roman diocese of Vermont served assisted in the service. 

After a beautiful service the celebrants headed to the retreat house 

for refreshments and to share their stories, recollections and fond memories 

of a such a giving and loving servant of God.

After many conversations, and fond memories were shared, the sun began to set on the event and we all found our way back to our regular lives after 

wonderful and spiritual time. 

We were all grateful for the legacy that Father von Fauer 

created by building this retreat center. 

A place where so many from all sorts of different walks of life, from all different backgrounds, the searching, the addicted, the afflicted, the lonely and the lost could come and work on God's farm and where in the silence of their heart they could reunite the Lord's voice.

Praise be to the Lord Jesus,

Pax et Bonum

from The Mary Theotokos Retreat Center in Newark Vermont.

Vermont property for sale

This property mentioned below is being sold in nearby Lyndonville VT,  please pass this information along to anyone who may be interested.

Sale by owner, $155,000.

Own a piece of the North East Kingdom just outside Lyndonville Vermont. 

This lovely four bedroom, two full bathroom, with finished basement  rancher could be yours. It sits at the end of a quiet cul de sac adjacent to its own two and a half car garage with plenty of loft space storage. Out the windows (or from the back porch) is a commanding view of Burke Mountain ski resort, just minutes away. No need to check the skiing conditions, just look out your window over the morning cup of coffee.
The lot is a wooded two acres with a short driveway,
which comes with free plow service in winter!
Hundreds of miles of ATV and snowmobile trails abound in the immediate area, as well as several good fishing holes. Come get away from it all in this four season vacation or year round home in the heart of the NEK.

Any interests? 

jwalker7616@gmail.com

The Memorial Mass is Monday the 10th of October here at the Mary Theotokos Retreat Center, entered below is a recent obituary for Father Stephen von Fauer

Rev. Stephen C. von Fauer
Sept. 3, 1930 - Sept. 18, 2011

Raised in Argentina of German and Italian descent Fr. von Fauer attended seminary in Spain where he was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood on May 13, (Feast of Our Lady of Fatima) in 1953. He returned to Argentina and for nearly a decade devoted his service to the Ukrainian immigrant community there. Fr. von Fauer emigrated to the United States where from 1966 he served the Diocese of Burlington as pastor of several parishes including St. Monica's in Barre, St. Anthony's in Sheldon Springs, and St. Theresa's in Orleans. He was the founder of the Mary Theotokos Monastic Center, a working farm and retreat center in the Byzantine Catholic tradition. After nearly four decades he retired from active parish service to his beloved monastic center where he welcomed many friends and visitors over the years. Fr. von Fauer peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on Sept. 18. His funeral liturgy was held at St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York City on Sept. 23 with burial at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic cemetery in Goshen NY. A memorial Mass was offered by Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Archdiocese of Burlington in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, on Sept. 27. Bishop Basil Losten of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford CT will serve the Divine Liturgy and memorial service at the Mary Theotokos Monastic Center on Monday, Oct. 10th (Columbus day) at 8 AM followed by refreshments and fellowship. All are welcome. The center is located on Rt. 5A in Newark. For directions or questions call John Walker at (802) 467-3009.

Memorial Service for Fr. Von Fauer announced



  A memorial service for Fr. von Fauer

has been set for Columbus Day,

Monday October 10th, 2011 at 8 AM in the Church here

at The Mary Theotokos Spiritual Retreat center.

Bishop Basil Losten of the Stamford Ct., Eparchy

will preside at the Mass

and all are welcome to the service as well as the reception afterwards in the retreat house.

 

For directions to the center please scroll down on this blog to see those details.
If you have any other questions, feel free to call at (802) 467-3009 or
email me John Walker at jwalker7616@gmail.com

Pax et Bonum

from

The Mary Theotokos Spiritual Retreat Center