The ECC Goes on Retreat

It really is quite something, when a small but nationwide Communion such as ours deigns to "get together." The planning is like that of any large organization, with all the myriad details and logistical provisions to consider, except that ours is essentially an all-volunteer effort. A Program Committee assignment can become an additional, and increasingly preoccupying, vocation. Even once the most important elements of the program are settled (the major speakers, the themes, the setting), still there are so very many unsettling, unforeseen, unforgiving glitches that must be, somehow, anticipated, or at least, dealt with.

Our ECC Retreat, this year in Estes Park, begins tomorrow. We apparently have about 85 registrants from around the country. In one way, that number is heartening, especially amidst a grim economic crisis. Even with registration fees set at a minimum, who can afford travel and lodging? Still, it is a bit discouraging to note that, for example, only three people from California will be present (and one of them is Bishop Peter!). No one from Florida is attending, including the Chair of the House of Pastors, Fr. Steve. What is the old saying - everyone who's supposed to be here, is here? That may be a self-serving salve; it should not prevent us from looking into the question: Why, all things considered, are they not here? Not a criticism; a question.

St. Augustine's will present Morning Prayer on Thursday, June 25th. We are offering the text designated for the day straight out of the Liturgy of the Hours. Why not a "special text," with "specially selected psalms and musical settings arranged thematically for our Retreat"? Because, especially given that many of our members have never been exposed to the actual Liturgy of the Hours, in the elaborate, four-volume format, this may be a splendid opportunity for sharing another, more ancient and venerable, way of praying in community. We'll recite the psalms and canticles antiphonally. We'll indulge silence. We'll let the texts speak for themselves. That's the plan. It will be interesting to see how this "low" approach to Morning Prayer is received.

I'll post here during the Retreat. Looking forward to your comments, and wishing blessings on your day!