Executive Director's Corner - October 2016

Mike Fenn shares a recap of  Fr. Dan's 50th jubilee celebration Sept. 17 at the Mountain.
 

By now you are likely aware that Fr. Dan is celebrating his 50th year as a friar. We had a wonderful celebration of this milestone a few weeks ago. The theme of the weekend was "All our Relations," noting that building relationships and community, in the way St. Francis has inspired Fr. Dan, is what he really wanted to celebrate. I'd like to share some of the highlights of the weekend that strike me as I look back.

• Much of Fr. Dan's family was able to join us for the weekend. Siblings, nieces, nephews, even a grand-niece made the trip. Getting to know Fr. Dan's family better, and seeing them interact with one another, was a great joy and a privilege to experience.
• We had the gift of Dr. Pauline Albert with us to share her work on Franciscan leadership. She shared with our greater community as well as our Board of Trustees. The Mountain has a model that already develops leadership among our students, and it was very helpful to learn about how the founders provided leadership 800 years ago.
• Our musical talent was truly a highlight of the weekend, as Kim and Reggie Harris joined the celebration for both Friday night and our Saturday liturgy, where Glenn McClure joined as well. It was also wonderful to have Barry Gan reassemble the Allegheny River Band for entertainment into the evening. All of them have a history at the Mountain, enriching our celebrations and bringing our community together in unique ways.
• The many volunteers who helped make this event successful are truly remarkable. On paper I took the "lead" of the event but I never felt on my own. I am so grateful for all who came forward to help.
  
  
• I also give thanks to our brothers - the core community who live on the Mountain - and their hospitality as 300 of us came on the land and took it over for a day. I am very grateful for their openness and their hospitality to be willing to invite us in the way they do.

Finally, a weekend like this inspires me. The good work that has come from Fr. Dan's founding vision needs to continue, as we have so much to offer to this world, and on this day it's clear that there are hundreds of people who believe in what we are doing, willing to help ensure it remains for years to come.