Dec. 17, 2014 By Suzanne Pietropaoli Ellenburg Center - Quiet, humble, faithful, prayerful: Advent words all. Words, too, that describe Our Lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer, where for 40 years people have come to listen, to pray, and - in some cases - to live. Rich in history, and in opportunities for spiritual development, this house now faces an uncertain future. It is, according to its website, “…a home set apart from the distractions and responsibilities of daily life where a person may go to experience various kinds of prayer, leading one into the very Mystery of Christ Himself.” In this unique approach to seeking God in solitude, a person spends time - a day, half-day, or less - alone with the Lord and the Scriptures, fasting on bread and water, coffee or tea. Occasionally people who are used to this type of prayer will extend their time in Poustinia. But solitude is certainly not the only way to pray at OLA. Special prayer experiences Many have attended Life in the Spirit seminars at the house. Ongoing training has been offered in Christian Healing Ministries’ School of Healing Prayer, as well as workshops in Ignatian spirituality, including meditation, contemplation, prayer of examen, and rules for the discernment of spirits. Marian spirituality has been another focus, along with preparation for the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Why House of Prayer matters More than most, she knows why the House of Prayer matters. “The presence of Christ is here, and his peace is here,” she said. “The hospitality is beautiful - there is a warm welcome always. There is just so much love here! “The love that built this place is evident everywhere, and is always offered to everyone,” Mrs. Breen said. “All are welcome here; it is not our house, but God’s house. “People are hungry to know God in a personal way, and OLA is a wonderful place for that to happen,” she said. Despite its warm hospitality and abundant offerings, Our Lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer remains understaffed, underused, and underfunded. Three pressing needs At the top of her list is vocations to the community. “OLA was founded as a lay apostolate, an authentic call from God, and right now we have a big need for vocations to this work and this place,” she said. “Ours is a lay life, very simple, centered on living, working, and praying in a community atmosphere of peace and joy,” she said. “Though I am retired, this life is compatible with outside employment,” she said. “Currently I am the only staff person, which is not ideal and has not always been the case. Recently we have had some inquirers; a few have come to discern, but no one has stayed. “The OLA vision has always included community, so new vocations are essential,” she said. “Whom could God be calling to join us? Praying, visiting, and discerning are the important steps in this process; we pray that those whom God calls will actively consider this!” “We would like to welcome such groups and retreatants from other parts of the diocese as well,” she said. “Economic uncertainty is woven into OLA past and present,” she explains. “We have always existed on donations and stipends for the use of the facility. Recently we have been relying heavily on two bequests, but the future looks bleak unless our revenues increase substantially.” Mrs. Hanley has even tried an unusual approach to this problem: she opened “The Lost Sheep Quilt Shop” adjacent to the House of Prayer to bring in a bit of income. It also brings quilters together for good fellowship and sometimes offers opportunities to pray for their needs. Father Jack Downs, OLA‘s spiritual director, was a close friend of the founder, Father Trombley who died in 2001. “There is,” he laughs, “one kind of help we need which he did not - somebody with advanced computer skills!” “The bishop is very supportive of our mission,” Father Downs said. Marika Donders, Diocesan Director of Evangelization, recently visited Our Lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer for the first time and came away impressed. “The House of Prayer is a fabulous resource for parish groups - councils, catechists, leadership teams - looking for a place for retreats/workshops,” she said. “It is a place to ‘come away for a while’ and be blessed.” To send donations: The Our Lady of the Adirdondacks House of Prayer in Ellenburg Center was founded by Father Joseph Trombley in 1972 as a place to help people grow closer to God. Rita Breen, president of the Our Lady of the Adirondacks House of Prayer board, and Pat Hanley, resident director of the house, are shown in “The Lost Sheep Quilt Shop” adjacent to the House of Prayer . The shop was opened to bring income to the House of Prayer. The chapel is a site for Eucharistic Adoration and healing Masses, among other prayer experiences at the House of Prayer.
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