Eastern Oklahoma Catholic July/August 2012 : Page 11
A monks turns a table leg on lathe in Clear Creek’s woodshop where most of the furniture is hand-made. YOUR STORIES cover story The church, gatehouse and residence hall. their property. They plant certain types of plants and trees according to their specific needs. They also practice classic ranching techniques. Undoubtedly, this Benedictine life de-voted to prayer and work is unusual in our modern world. It appears strange to most of us as the hectic, busy pace of the work-week dominates most of our lives. We scramble to make a living in this world. As such, we are reduced to producers and consumers, and, unfortunately, our worth is often judged accordingly. The contemplative religious life, how-ever, offers a different alternative. The bal-anced life of prayer and work provides an example to the modern person of how to praise God, respect His creation, to love one’s neighbor, and practice the reason-able use of material goods. While our vo-cation does not allow us the time to live as Benedictine monks, their piety reminds us of our own call to pray in our work and, when our work is finished, to take the time to pray. The ministry of Clear Creek is certainly a blessing to the Diocese of Tulsa. In just over a decade, they have had a formative influence on the faithful, providing a win-dow into a world where men are engaged in a constant search after God. The faithful regularly come to visit the monastery or spend time in retreat. If you would like to learn more about the monks at Our Lady of the Annun-ciation of Clear Creek or make a dona-tion, then please contact Abbott Philip at 918.772.2454. They also can be reached at www.clearcreekmonks.org. Guests and local residents kneel for Communion during daily Mass. A novice practices the art of black-smithing in the abbey’s metal shop. A majority of metal work at Clear Creek is hand-forged here. martyr Aug. 2 | St. John Mary Vianney, priest Aug. 4 | Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Aug. 6 | St. Sixtus II, pope and companions, martyrs Aug. 7 | St. Dominic, priest Aug.8 11
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