This crew of scouts and leaders set off yesterday morning bound for O’Bannon Woods State Park, about 90 miles east of here. Camping is camping but on this particular overnight, Bill intended to help the scouts achieve some of the requirements for the camping merit badge. They did a longer hike with elevation change, prepared a meal on the trail using the jet boil and utilized compasses and GPS to get to the campsite. As the grub master, Bill planned meals and shopped for the group of 16. Cell service was limited so we didn’t hear much from them while they were gone but they did let us know that the rain did not hinder their efforts.
On their way home from O’Bannon, the scouts stopped at Saint Meinrad Archabbey. He had reached out to Garrett, a seminarian from our parish and Eagle scout from our troop, to see if he could give the scouts a tour. Although he was already home for summer break, he agreed to meet with us.
Cynthia and I drove out for what Garrett dubbed, “Mass with the Monks.”
After Mass, Garrett introduced us to some behind the scenes areas of a seminarian’s life when studying at the abbey.
The chapel above is where the seminarians worship for daily mass and prayers.
The last stop, after the dining areas, dormitories, student union and game room, was this breakout room staged as a church. Garrett shared that the seminarians practice celebrating mass and giving a homily. They are recorded and critiqued by classmates and faculty. We wrapped up the tour and were home by 1 pm.
Oooh, I’m jealous. Would love a tour with Garrett. (Although I’m sure all I’d have to do is ask! )