Arriving in Glendale shortly before the opening of scheduled events, we were able to get our room assignment from the Sisters and to stow our gear. Nan, being the only woman associate in attendance, and Bob and Nan being the only married couple associates, we were provided an apartment that included a kitchen, bedroom, and sitting room.
Activities started at 5:00 on Monday afternoon with Evening Prayer with the Sisters in their beautiful Chapel. This was followed by supper at 6:00 in the guest dinning room on the lower floor of the Convent. Here all our meals, except one, were held. Thanks to Brother Frank Stern, CSSS, we were able to have a conducted tour of the Chapel by Sister Jacqueline between Evening Prayer and supper. Monday concluded with getting acquainted, renewing friendships and Compline from the Diurnal with the CSSS members and associates in our basement meeting room in the men's residence. Following a tradition observed at the General Chapter since the Congregation's founding, we observed silence from Monday Compline until dinner on Tuesday.
Tuesday morning started early-6:00 a.m., as did Thursday-with Matins and Mass with the Sisters in their private oratory within the Convent followed by breakfast. Two meditations were given by Fr. Kostoff, an Orthodox priest and a friend of Fr. Robert Hufford, CSSS, Chaplain to the Community of Transfiguration.
Wednesday was Chapter day. In the morning, after Matins and breakfast, the Companions conducted their Recollection of the Rule. During this time, knowing that we were retired teachers, Fr. Hufford was able to arrange for us and Donald Dunbar, another associate and first-timer, to have a conducted tour of the Bethany School. Bethany School, an Episcopal day school for boys and girls, kindergarten through eighth grade, is housed in several of the buildings on the Community's grounds, and is a ministry of the Sisters of the Transfiguration.
We came back together for the Chapter Mass, a traditional language Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, at which time the Companions renewed their vows, Deacon Frank Stern made his life profession, and The Right Rev. Barry Yingling of the United Anglican Church made his first vows and received the community scapular. All the ordained clergy took part in the preparation, consecration and distribution of the sacrament, with Walter Sterling, A.CSSS, assisting as acolyte. A reception was held in the main dinning room of the Convent after the completion of the Mass.
Wednesday afternoon, the annual business meeting was held. Associates were allowed voice, but no vote. The rest of the day was spent in fellowship, discussion and reflection, Evening Prayer, and ending with Benediction and Compline. After Matins and Mass with the Sisters and our last meal of the Chapter & Retreat, we headed for home Thursday morning.
The whole experience gave us a calm and spiritual uplift: The use of a traditional rite for the Votive Mass sung in the Chapel before the high altar, where the celebrant becomes a representative of the congregation before God, and also God's representative before the people…. The prevailing sense that each of the Companions and Associates present had concern for the spiritual needs of the others…. We being allowed the time to be able to connect or reconnect spiritually with our Creator and Lord.
-Bob & Nan Gould
The Chapel of the Convent of the Transfiguration.
The Rev'd Richard Winn, CSSS, with the Rt. Rev'd Barry Yingling, CSSS.
The Father Master with J. Walter Sterling IV, A.CSSS.
Nan Gould, A.CSSS, and Robert Gould, A.CSSS, authors of this article.
| TCC v.5n.1: First-Timers at Chapter |