3.12.2008
Quaker Abbey
I became acquainted with Rosalie Grafe about a year ago at Convergence. We spent a number of hours driving to and from the conference together, chatting and learning about each other's lives.
Rosalie fascinated me. She is a self-described "re-starter"; deciding to pursue a new passion in her 60's. In recent years she has obtained her masters in writing and publishing, become a certified Spiritual Director, and even took a solitary pilgrimage to Northumbria Community to investigate and experience monastic living. This year, she has opened Quaker Abbey, in her home here in Portland.
I e-mailed Rosalie a few days ago and asked if she would allow me to interview her about monasticism, and she was gracious, enthusiastically willing.
Erin: Hi Rosalie. If you don't mind, tell my readers a little about yourself.
Rosalie: I'm 65 and retired. I began my spiritual journey in 1957 with a true born-again experience and attended a variety of Portland area churches through high school. I was confirmed and Baptized while attending my first year of college at U of O. When my father died in 1962, I returned home, and graduated from PSU with a BA of English in 1964. A few years later, I began working as a library clerk for Multnomah County Library, where I stayed for thirty years. In June 2007 I completed my MS in Writing/Publishing at the Center for Excellence in Writing at PSU. I attend Reedwood Friends Church and All Saints Episcopal Church; I also have assisted the youth minister at All Saints for the past nine years. In 2008 I have established Quaker Abbey and Quaker Abbey Press here in my home.
E: For the purpose of our conversation, I'd like to ask if you prefer the term monasticism or neo-monasticism? Is there a difference?
R: I prefer the term "monasticism" Monks following religious orders take novice vows or lifetime vows, but some are still considered "lay". We are self-supporting and most live off-site. Third-Order Franciscans are an example. New- or neo- monasticism is largely a college age or young adult group who work at various kinds of common life, varying from an onsite monastic one to a series of linked houses and businesses with assigned tasks and regular meals together.
E: How did you become interested in monasticism?
R: It sort of just grew? I was looking for a label for who I am and how to dedicate my house and myself each morning, now that my freedom has come. While studying Spiritual Direction at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral's Center for Spiritual Development, I heard Canon Marianne Wells Borg read from Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayers and Readings from the Northumbria Community. For the first time, there was not one stumble or stop or contradiction in my mind as I heard it. When I purchased the book, I understood; it was on the same wavelength as I.
E: You visited Northumbria Community in the U.K. a few years ago.
R: Yes. My pilgrimage began the day after my divorce settlement conference, so it was very timely. I planned this trip myself; I'd booked a week at Hetton Hall, the Northumbria Community, using contact information from the prayer book. I wanted to get the rhythm and practice of monastic life with an anticipation of starting my own practice. As a Companion of the Way of Columba through Sts. Peter and Paul Episcopal here in Portland, I had an idea of it, but I needed to live monastic life on-site and in community, and bring it home with me. A highlight of that trip was an actual pilgrimage on foot, from Hetton Hall to St. Cuthbert's Cave, where the coffin of the saint rested for a few days after being evacuated from Lindisfarne during a Viking raid in 875. It's a genuine pilgrim path. Very moving. Very old.
E: Share about how your explorations into monasticism have impacted your spiritual life.
R: The monastic rhythm of the day takes me back to before I had high blood pressure and so many other physical complaints. Each day has its small pleasures which are so greatly savored. All point to a larger goal, in this case a heavenly one with earthly service attached. My mind is clearer, memory better, focus improved, and relationships and networking opened up.
E: What inspired you to open Quaker Abbey?
R: As I said above, it's the answer to how I can dedicate all I have: my house and what time and health I have left to answering that of God which rises each morning with a direction or opportunity. People can come stay at the Abbey to enjoy a break from technology or a silent retreat. I provide simple meals and accommodations, a library, spinning (weaving) classes, and I have an art studio. The books at Quaker Abbey are listed online in LibraryThing. There are many books on Celtic spirituality and the latest addition is the Sister Fidelma mystery series by Peter Tremayne, set around the time of the Synod of Whitby in the mid 600's. Another specialty of the Abbey is fiber arts. We teach spinning here and visit fiber arts sales/shows in the local area.
E: Tell me a little about Quaker Abbey Press.
R: Quaker Abbey Press began as a way to publish my writings from the past twenty years or so. The first book will be a collection of quotes and queries about The Stranger, the solitary person who wants to come in out of the desert now, who is so suspected and rejected by our society as an "alien". Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David, came in out of the desert with her mother-in-law and entered as a gentile stranger into Bethlehem, across the border from Moab, her birthplace. Her descendants, the parents of Jesus, crossed the border into Bethlehem, Judah to be counted. It was there the LORD was born. But so many times, he had to retreat and be solitary. So do we all.
E: Share anything else you would like people to know about monasticism
R: I am hoping others, like me, who retire with enough for a modest subsistence, can open their homes and their time to others as abbots/abbesses and that we can form an online community to discuss this option and come together to practice various helpful exercises. I like the Ignatian meditation very much.
Rosalie fascinated me. She is a self-described "re-starter"; deciding to pursue a new passion in her 60's. In recent years she has obtained her masters in writing and publishing, become a certified Spiritual Director, and even took a solitary pilgrimage to Northumbria Community to investigate and experience monastic living. This year, she has opened Quaker Abbey, in her home here in Portland.
I e-mailed Rosalie a few days ago and asked if she would allow me to interview her about monasticism, and she was gracious, enthusiastically willing.
Erin: Hi Rosalie. If you don't mind, tell my readers a little about yourself.
Rosalie: I'm 65 and retired. I began my spiritual journey in 1957 with a true born-again experience and attended a variety of Portland area churches through high school. I was confirmed and Baptized while attending my first year of college at U of O. When my father died in 1962, I returned home, and graduated from PSU with a BA of English in 1964. A few years later, I began working as a library clerk for Multnomah County Library, where I stayed for thirty years. In June 2007 I completed my MS in Writing/Publishing at the Center for Excellence in Writing at PSU. I attend Reedwood Friends Church and All Saints Episcopal Church; I also have assisted the youth minister at All Saints for the past nine years. In 2008 I have established Quaker Abbey and Quaker Abbey Press here in my home.
E: For the purpose of our conversation, I'd like to ask if you prefer the term monasticism or neo-monasticism? Is there a difference?
R: I prefer the term "monasticism" Monks following religious orders take novice vows or lifetime vows, but some are still considered "lay". We are self-supporting and most live off-site. Third-Order Franciscans are an example. New- or neo- monasticism is largely a college age or young adult group who work at various kinds of common life, varying from an onsite monastic one to a series of linked houses and businesses with assigned tasks and regular meals together.
E: How did you become interested in monasticism?
R: It sort of just grew? I was looking for a label for who I am and how to dedicate my house and myself each morning, now that my freedom has come. While studying Spiritual Direction at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral's Center for Spiritual Development, I heard Canon Marianne Wells Borg read from Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayers and Readings from the Northumbria Community. For the first time, there was not one stumble or stop or contradiction in my mind as I heard it. When I purchased the book, I understood; it was on the same wavelength as I.
E: You visited Northumbria Community in the U.K. a few years ago.
R: Yes. My pilgrimage began the day after my divorce settlement conference, so it was very timely. I planned this trip myself; I'd booked a week at Hetton Hall, the Northumbria Community, using contact information from the prayer book. I wanted to get the rhythm and practice of monastic life with an anticipation of starting my own practice. As a Companion of the Way of Columba through Sts. Peter and Paul Episcopal here in Portland, I had an idea of it, but I needed to live monastic life on-site and in community, and bring it home with me. A highlight of that trip was an actual pilgrimage on foot, from Hetton Hall to St. Cuthbert's Cave, where the coffin of the saint rested for a few days after being evacuated from Lindisfarne during a Viking raid in 875. It's a genuine pilgrim path. Very moving. Very old.
E: Share about how your explorations into monasticism have impacted your spiritual life.
R: The monastic rhythm of the day takes me back to before I had high blood pressure and so many other physical complaints. Each day has its small pleasures which are so greatly savored. All point to a larger goal, in this case a heavenly one with earthly service attached. My mind is clearer, memory better, focus improved, and relationships and networking opened up.
E: What inspired you to open Quaker Abbey?
R: As I said above, it's the answer to how I can dedicate all I have: my house and what time and health I have left to answering that of God which rises each morning with a direction or opportunity. People can come stay at the Abbey to enjoy a break from technology or a silent retreat. I provide simple meals and accommodations, a library, spinning (weaving) classes, and I have an art studio. The books at Quaker Abbey are listed online in LibraryThing. There are many books on Celtic spirituality and the latest addition is the Sister Fidelma mystery series by Peter Tremayne, set around the time of the Synod of Whitby in the mid 600's. Another specialty of the Abbey is fiber arts. We teach spinning here and visit fiber arts sales/shows in the local area.
E: Tell me a little about Quaker Abbey Press.
R: Quaker Abbey Press began as a way to publish my writings from the past twenty years or so. The first book will be a collection of quotes and queries about The Stranger, the solitary person who wants to come in out of the desert now, who is so suspected and rejected by our society as an "alien". Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David, came in out of the desert with her mother-in-law and entered as a gentile stranger into Bethlehem, across the border from Moab, her birthplace. Her descendants, the parents of Jesus, crossed the border into Bethlehem, Judah to be counted. It was there the LORD was born. But so many times, he had to retreat and be solitary. So do we all.
E: Share anything else you would like people to know about monasticism
R: I am hoping others, like me, who retire with enough for a modest subsistence, can open their homes and their time to others as abbots/abbesses and that we can form an online community to discuss this option and come together to practice various helpful exercises. I like the Ignatian meditation very much.
E: Thank you very much, Roaslie, for taking the time to share with me. I appreciate the depth of information you have shared and it is pleasure learning from you.
R: Thank you. I have several slots available here at Quaker Abbey for Spiritual Direction. If anyone would wish to make an appointment for an interview, if you'd like lessons on the spinning wheel, or for more information about the Abbey, please contact me.
Please feel free to contact Rosalie, especially if you live in the Portland area. She is gentle and gracious to talk to, and passionate about what she does:
Quaker Abbey
Quaker Abbey Press
rosaliegrafe at quakerabbey dot org
Please visit my fellow synchrobloggers on the topic of Monasticism, March 12-13, 2008:
(post-links will be added as they become available)
R: Thank you. I have several slots available here at Quaker Abbey for Spiritual Direction. If anyone would wish to make an appointment for an interview, if you'd like lessons on the spinning wheel, or for more information about the Abbey, please contact me.
Please feel free to contact Rosalie, especially if you live in the Portland area. She is gentle and gracious to talk to, and passionate about what she does:
Quaker Abbey
Quaker Abbey Press
rosaliegrafe at quakerabbey dot org
Please visit my fellow synchrobloggers on the topic of Monasticism, March 12-13, 2008:
(post-links will be added as they become available)
Phil Wyman at Phil Wyman's Square No More
Beth at Until Translucent
Adam Gonnerman at Igneous Quill
Steve Hayes at Notes from the Underground
Jonathan Brink at Missio Dei
Sally Coleman at Eternal Echoes
Bryan Riley at at Charis Shalom
Cobus van Wyngaard at My Contemplations
Mike Bursell at Mike's Musings
David Fisher at Cosmic Collisions
Alan Knox at The Assembling of the Church
Sam Norton at Elizaphanian
Sonja Andrews at Calacirian
Beth at Until Translucent
Adam Gonnerman at Igneous Quill
Steve Hayes at Notes from the Underground
Jonathan Brink at Missio Dei
Sally Coleman at Eternal Echoes
Bryan Riley at at Charis Shalom
Cobus van Wyngaard at My Contemplations
Mike Bursell at Mike's Musings
David Fisher at Cosmic Collisions
Alan Knox at The Assembling of the Church
Sam Norton at Elizaphanian
Sonja Andrews at Calacirian
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