We are now on our Lenten journey, and already I have encountered the claim that fasting is a thing of the past, that the point of Lent is to help the poor, serve our neighbor, etc. This comment came from an interesting source: John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, came to a press conference on Ash Wednesday with ashes on his forehead.
Over the weekend, past participants from the Faith and Reason Summer Program gathered for our annual Epiphany Party. My apologies for not taking photos! Here is the link to last year's party with some photos - you get the idea! After dinner, we dug into the traditional King Cake, and our king and queen had as their first task directing the choir in singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Our evening concluded with discussion and a movie.
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, epiphany
Today is the feast of St. Benedict according to the old Roman calendar, and the monastery and broader community is preparing for a celebratory mass and meal. In light of this, I thought I'd offer a reflection on an interesting connection I came across: St. Benedict and bees. I also hasten to mention that the Faith and Reason summer program is guided by Benedictine spirituality, and that we discuss how The Rule of St. Benedict can be incorporated into our daily lives.
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, summer program, Benedict
Saint Vincent College is headed toward spring break as this day comes to a close. While the weather here hardly makes one think of spring (the meteorologists are predicting a powerful snowstorm in the coming days), our minds turn toward trips, time with family and old friends, relaxation, and the like.
Topics: Michael Krom, Spring Break
This past Saturday we celebrated the Faith and Reason program's annual Epiphany Party. We began with evening prayer with the monks, and then had a very festive meal together.
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, Christmas, epiphany
This is just a quick note to remind you that the last day to register for the St. Vincent College Faith and Reason Summer Program is this Friday, May 24th. We have a great group so far and space for a few more.
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, summer program, registration
I am pleased to announce a new addition to the Faith and Reason Summer Program: students will have an opportunity to earn college credit. I am excited about this chance to work with the students on a small step toward college graduation.
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, summer program
A few weeks back, a parent of a prospective student asked me about the movie we watch as part of the program: Is this entertainment, or part of the educational content?
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, summer program, The Truman Show, Catholic Art, Plato
Fasting Empties Us So That We May Be Filled More Abundantly
During Lent the Church asks us to perform penitential practices for 40 days so that we can fully embrace the joys of Easter. At the very least, we are asked to abstain from meat on Fridays and on Ash Wednesday, as well as to fast on two separate occasions (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday).
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, fasting, abstinence, lent
I have tried to be intentional about using images and quotes for the Faith and Reason summer program that help the students, faculty, and monks focus on the Catholic understanding of the relationship between faith and reason. One of my favorites comes from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians:
Topics: faith and reason, Michael Krom, John Paul II