Neocon can speak for himself -- very well too -- but I suspect one thing that troubled him was the thread title which seems to implicate all Benedictines for the sins of a few. Polycarp, I do not think you'd have thought well of a thread title reading "Catholic Priests still recruiting Gay Men". Well, the title actually used is no less unfair, uncharitable, misleading, and needlessly scandalous.
I figured out a bit of the deception going on here Re: the so-called Community of St.Benedict, Glastonbury, Ct., and I must apologize to all as it appears we have been deceived.
Looking at their websites, I figured out a bit of the deception going on here. The "Independant" homo "benedictines" are deceiving folks by the fact that there is indeed a real canonically recognized Benedictine Abbey in Glastonbury, Ct. From the real Abbey website,
http://www.glastonburyabbey.org/ The Abbey of Our Lady of Glastonbury
Glastonbury Abbey
16 Hull Street
Hingham, Massachusetts 02043
he Abbey of Our Lady of Glastonbury, was founded on September 14, 1954, by the Abbey of Saint Benedict, Benet Lake, Wisconsin. It became an independent priory on August 25, 1962. The monastery was raised to the status of an Abbey on January 8, 1973 by the Holy See.
On the other hand, the "Benedictines" writing on the Dignity yahoo email group are not canonically recognized and openly call themselves "Independant." From their website,
http://www.benedictinecommunity.org/ :
Br Gerald W. Pelletier, OSB, Superior
The Community of St. Benedict
Glastonbury, Connectict
Independent Benedictine Community
P.O. Box 23
Enfield, CT 06083
Phone: 860-473-5467
The Community of Saint Benedict was founded in 1988. Our goal as a monastic community is not only centered around our work and prayer life, (The Liturgy of The Hours), but the monks also assist in small parishes in our area. The needs of each parish may vary. Among the parish programs we help facilitate in are, CCD and RCIA classes. We are Lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers. Bringing Jesus to elderly care facilities and hospitals. Other charisms: the homeless, street poor, those who feel disenfranchised or marginalized by society.
Being present to those who need both spiritual as well as material goods. This is where Jesus suffers the most. Being able to see the face of Christ in all those, whom we come into contact with or who may knock on our door, is one of the prime rules and vows of a Benedictine Monk. This is called, “Hospitality”. Sharing and giving with others in all their needs as Christ would present himself, “For I was hungry and you gave me food to eat.” Thus following Jesus, calls us to many facets of community life. Retreat programs, prayer groups and to those in particular need of short-term lodging.
Notice the Independant" homo "benedictines" might be deceiving folks by claiming to be in Glastonbury, Ct. when in fact their mailing address is Enfield, CT. Maybe this is normal for the local post office designations, but it sounds like they are preying on folks who think they are looking into the real Benedictine Abbey in Glastonbury, Ct.