ASCENSION DAY:  The solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension, a holy day of obligation, will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1, 2008.  The Eucharist will be celebrated with the school community at 10:00 a.m.  Solemn Vespers (without Mass) will be sung at 5:15 p.m.  All are welcome! 

SECOND FRIDAY:  The monastic community will once again host Adoration & Reconciliation on the second Friday of the month, 9 May 2008.  Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Abbey Church.  During this same time priests will be available for confession in the reconciliation rooms by the sacrament and unity chapels.  This time of Adoration & Reconciliation concludes at 5:00 p.m.  All are welcome to join us! 

MOTHER’S DAY:  Mothers are a blessing!  At the conclusion of the Mass on 11 May 2008, a special blessing will be given to all mothers, grandmothers, god-mothers, and expectant mothers.  As is our custom, a distribution of carnations will conclude the blessing.  This is a day that so many pause to express our gratitude to the “mothers” in our life.  Don’t miss the opportunity to thank God for these women by offering a special prayer for them on this day.  As the prophet Isaiah has noted, these valiant women remind us of the feminine dimensions of God, As a mother has compassion for the children of her womb, so I will never forget you… your name is written on the palm of my hands (Is. 49:15-16). 

OBLATES:  The monthly meeting of the Oblates of St. Benedict will take place on Sunday, 18 May 2008, on the lower level of Vincent House immediately following the Sunday Eucharist.  For information, call Father Hilary at 973.538.3231 [ext. 2019].

VOCATION UPDATE: The monastic community will host a discernment retreat for men (ages 20-40) who are considering a life of service in the church as a religious or a priest.  The retreat will begin on Friday evening, May 23, 2008 and conclude on Sunday evening, May 25, 2008 (or you can stay until Monday, May 26, 2008, if you wish). The retreat will include an opportunity to join the monks daily for prayers and meals.  There will also be conferences given by the monks and quiet time for reflection on our 400-acre campus.  For more information or registration contact osbmonks@delbarton.org or call Abbot Giles directly at 973-538-3231 [ext. 3001]. 

SPECIAL EVENTS:  The Hexagon Players of Mendham will present “Peter Pan” in the Delbarton Fine Arts Center on the following dates:

• Friday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m.

Advance tickets are $20.00; tickets are also available at the door for $25.00.  For more information about the play or tickets sales, please call box office at 973.543.8770 or view www.hexagonplayers.com. 

SPRING CONCERTS: The AbbeyOrchestra will offer a concert on Sunday afternoon, 18 May 2008 at 3:00 p.m. in the Delbarton Fine Arts Center.  That same concert will also feature the Young Abbey Orchestra. The Instrumental Ensemble Concert will be held on Sunday, 18 May 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Delbarton Fine Arts Center.  Admission to these concerts is free and all are welcome to attend one or both of these concerts.  For more information, contact Mr. David Blazier at 973.538.3231 [ext. 3078] or e-mail him at DBlazier@delbarton.org.

COFFEE & CAKE: We will serve coffee and cake in the Estabrook Dining Room immediately following the Sunday Eucharist on 25 May 2008.  We hope you will drop in to meet and greet the people with whom we worship each week.  If you can bring along some baked goods, contact Carole Rogers at 973.267.4539.   All are invited! 

BACCALAUREATE MASS: The Class of 2008 will gather with their parents on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart on Friday, 30 May 2008 for their Baccalaureate Mass at 6:30 p.m.  Vespers that evening will be sung at 5:00 p.m. (without Mass).  The Commencement Exercises will be on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at 3:00 p.m. in the abbey church.  Admittance is by ticket only.  Our best wishes and prayers to the Class of 2008!