Dubuque IA - Simone Weil and Peter Maurin House Monastic 2nd News Letter - June 2010
Frank Cordaro
From: Stephen and Krystyna Startari <simoneweil.pe...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jul 1, 2010
The Second News Letter of
Simone Weil and Peter Maurin House - Monastic
(Catholic Worker’s “Little Monastery”)
June 24, 2010
Simone Weil and Peter Maurin House – Monastic
exists since October 2009. December 8, 2009 was its chosen
Birthday; and we celebrated it throughout the Open House day. It
was a great and special day in our life. (and of course in the life
of Simone Weil’s and Peter Maurin’s House!) We thank everyone who
came that day; and also who took interest and contacted us since.
More than half a year passed, and, looking back on what was taking
place in our life and struggle, we want to thank God first of all for
allowing this House to survive. We went through a tremendous
financial stress for a while; particularly that searching for jobs
- up to now - (regardless of having great references) was – and
turned out to be – fruitless. Regardless of getting - or not
getting - a job, with faith and sense of a Purpose; and as
Catholic Workers in faith; we had to proceed with what we actually
came here for. Against any “rationale” and “logic”, and against
“systemic” conventions and thinking. T h a t of course is
possible o n l y if the “irrational means” (instead of job) take
place. And few of such took place, s o, …we a r e keeping
going…. (Still searching for part-time jobs of course. If any of
you can help in this matter - please let us know.)
God allowed this House to survive.
So, we thank God for keeping up our existence.
***
Since the beginning, for month and month, we were - and are -
doing everything for this House not only to survive – and to take
its shape externally; but so we can move on to more substantial and
essential steps and levels of intended - and stressed in its
Mission Statement - life here.
Since our first Newsletter – many things and events took place.
And, as it is most common usually when establishing a new life or
project; no matter how much “spiritual” it is intended to be;
most of what was – and is - taking place up to now, was - and is
- a “physical and external” affair, leaving almost no space and no
energy for any internal one. What we are experiencing also;
continuously and significantly throughout the entire time of our
work; is a kind of a phenomenon which lots of people engaged in
a big work project are experiencing; that is that: i f not
taking and fulfilling one step or stage of task or activity f i r
s t, another can not take place. (In other words: obstacles,
obstacles, and obstacles…) … Additionally: time is pressing; so,
seasons are pressing; activities and events of others
(community; people) are pressing. Etc., etc., etc.
That is for all the “generals” about our life. And as for more
concrete “news”, we can share that: we did e v e r y t h i n g
so not to postpone to the “next year” anything which in our vision
was suppose to be part of the character of the Simone Weil and
Peter Maurin House – Monastic. So, we:
- struggled and “created” a symbolic (for “self-sustaining” life)
garden (just a symbolic one – as for this House)
- we kept in close – and wonderful - touch with Catholic Worker
local communities; of Hope House and the New Hope CW Farm
- we began to participate regularly, once-a-week, in the work on
the Farm; to join in work and togetherness of Catholic Worker life
- we went to 3-day Mid-West Catholic Worker Retreat (which took
place in Chicago last April); meeting for the first time Catholic
Workers we never knew before (since we mingled through the previous
ten years with the folk from the East Coast). We slept in Su Casa
(thank you Brother Denis and crew over there!), which itself was a
special experience for us. Particularly that we knew some of the
refugees and survivors of torture who found their home in Su Casa
years ago. On the Retreat we heard powerful speeches of Chris Hedges
and Frieda Berrigan. Chris Hedges, as always, brought truth of the
reality to our awareness, choosing it over the “false hopes” and
illusions. We thank him for this, truly.
- we drove and drove and drove to tens of yard sales in April, May
and June, getting to know people and a territory so new to us. It is
somewhat an exhausting ordeal since yard sales in the rural Mid-West
take almost entirely half a week of one’s time; if one
seriously, and desperately and stubbornly, keeps going for achieving
certain goal (and our goals are broad!). It is an entirely different
experience and a phenomenon in the big metropolitan area of
Washington D.C., where yard sales would not achieve anything if one
would organize it in the middle of the week. Saturdays and Sundays are
the only days over there; while here - they s t a r t on
Wednesdays (and continue and continue further on!). As to the
“other goals”: we not only seek for still needed in the house’s
environment items, but we drive for “learning”. We meet lots of
people; talk and joke; learn about the life in Iowa; inquire about
people’s beliefs and observations (particu -larly about the times
and situation as we have on the globe right now); we discover and
make contacts; and we inquire about job opportunities. Yes, we do
this too. This all – through those “yard sales”. By the way, we
found even a $30-dollar lap-top computer good-for-typing-papers, and
this Newsletter, while-staying-at-home. Such a great help! (even
though we will still avoid using it in more extensive way). We also
(continuously!) are experiencing funny – and powerful sometimes -
“coincidences” while going to yard sales; this shows us how much
the “spirit world “ i s involved (Krystyna, characteristiccally, was
experiencing this on and on throughout her life! - Steven was a
witness!)
- we had a Presentation on Simone Weil’s life and meaning at the
House (which took place on Palm Sunday, March 28). It went very
well; and we thank everyone for coming. (Simone Weil w a s ,
clearly, “presente”!)
- we organized five Friday-evenings-gatherings on which we
watched biographical films of five powerful spiritual
personalities: Dorothy Day, Florence Nightingale, Mother Anne Seton,
Father Damien, and Mitch Snyder)
- we participated in round-table-discussions organized by Hope
House and New Hope CW Farm
- we welcomed number of visitors at the House and had
interesting conversations
- Benjamin Johnson spent in the House two days; reading (and,
possibly, contempla- ting u s, and the cemetery). We talked and
talked a great deal about God’s mysterious World. (By the way, Ben,
do not think that t h a t was a “characteristic time” of life in
this House. It was n o t. We are totally overwhelmed still by the
physical obstacles, difficulties, and work.)
- lots of books are already on the shelves (we are close to
finishing); we still are looking for certain sizes of bookshelves –
and wood boards - to complete the work. We need to paint; we need
to repair; we need to put “some pictures” on the wall; etc., etc.,
etc. And, we are worrying about our video- collection. It sits in
boxes in the basement, continuously (still with boxes of books and
papers, for which however there i s a chance to “move-up” soon).
It turns out we can not incorporate the videos in the upper part of
the house. It is simply impossible. We temporarily put some sections
(subjects) on shelves in the basement, but neither the books nor the
videos should be staying in the basement (particularly during the
summer). Unfortunately, we have no idea i f “creating” the basement
will be possible. We are physically exhausted; and we do not have
finances for such project. (Similarly, we do not have finances for
renovating windows.). We will be looking for ideas as to w h e r e
to “store” – or rather keep and put on shelves – the film library.
If any of you can give us a hand, we would be grateful. Maybe there
is someone who lives not far a way from us and has a space?
(Maybe also someone who can contribute to “finishing” the basement?)
***
We would like to thank few people for their support, friendship and help.
First of all, and Nr. One, is Dean Rampson, ...whom we f o r g o t
to mention and to thank in our first Newsletter! It was a
terrible omission, and we (sincerely) apologize for this. Dean was
helping us actually from the beginning; during the first months
when the renovation of the house was taking place. Dean’s expertise
and ability beat any professional crew out there. He is actually
more than a “professional”. He is a hidden treasure! He installed a
gas-stove in our kitchen (jack-hammering through limestone);
something that professionals (who came) could not do! Dean also
was the one who re-made the living-room floor; dancing sufi-dances
with the sanding machine… 2-3 o’clock in the morning! (I watched
it secretly!) Thank you Dean! And thank you for your wonderful
nature!
We thank our neighbour Jesse; who moved from Wisconsin also just
recently; settling himself in the house just near us (luckily for
us!). We thank God for bringing you h e r e. We thank you Jesse for
your presence near-by; and for your help. Without Jesse we would
be unable to bring some furniture into the house; unable to put
poles into the ground – for the garden fence; and - would be able
to feel a bit less helpless (in any case). (And these are all G o
d’s arrangements, no matter what anyone says!) … Jesse even
allowed us to harvest his rhubarb – which I spotted growing on the
stone terrace of his upper-level yard! Jesse calls us “the new
pioneers”! Isn’t it wonderful? We are proud! Thank you Jesse for
everything, and may God bless you and your surround- dings
(including u s in it of course!).
We thank our other neighbour – Joel and Julia. Joel cut some wood
several times for our book-shelving structures. With Julia and Joel,
we also experienced a “mobilization action” of searching for a lost
cat. (Here we thank also Cynthia for immediately respon- ding to our
call and delivering cat food to our door.) One family lost their
precious cat. Search was set on all trees and in the Herald paper.
Well, we spotted the cat – and “organized”. Teaming with Joel and
Julia; plus the way as all happened; was clearly supported by the
spirits “from the other side”. All went well and successful! The
young woman who lost her leg due to cancer; but received the cat
from her father as a gift; received her cat back with tears! (We
believe – t h a t is what God the Father will be experiencing when
we all will be “found again”!) Thank you Joel and Julia for being
good to us as your new neighbour.
We thank Rick Mihm – and his friends from Rescue Mission – for
“sodding” and tilling the soil, making possible for us to start
the small garden.
We thank Ron for helping us to put the fence around the garden. Ron,
we gave up on sending “thank-you” cards in general; although
sometimes we “have to” stretch into such conventions. We are
waiting for any occasion to help you-back with whatever you need. So,
if you need us – we are here! (By the way, we love your message on
your answering machine. Keep it on! When we are low and depressed –
that would be it!)
Recently, we received for the first time in our struggles here in
Dubuque, a great physical help more regularly (two-three times a
week, two hours each day) from a young couple of siblings. Bethany
Jamieson called us already several months ago; hearing that a new
Catholic Worker House is opening; that she can help when she comes
home for the summer vacation from her college (she studies in New
York state, near Buffalo, focusing on religious studies). She and her
brother Mark helped us greatly already. Carrying boxes of books,
moving furniture, mowing grass and cutting some branches, etc.,
etc. Thank you Mark and Bethany!
We thank Tom and Ben from Hope House; as well as the Catholic
Worker’s crew from the Farm, for their friendship and embracement.
It feels good!
We thank all the crew from the Multicultural Family Center for being
there for us (Tara, Maddy, Dora, Ben, Ben, Meredith, Janice, Irish,
Maitha, Paul, and Tony); and for all your wonderful work over there
for people.
We also thank Florence. She taught me, Krystyna, how to use the
sewing machine and sew the curtains. (It is never too late to start –
and learn - the basics in life!) Thank you, Florence!
We thank God for bringing Lenora and Kevin to our life, recently.
Truly, and indeed, God i s a “miracle-maker”!
We thank God – and our family – for sustaining and supporting us.
We thank all those who gave us an encouraging donation; and those
who responded when we called and asked for help. We also thank for
the spontaneous gifts (Mark and Andrea for the most beautiful cucumber
seedling! Lenora and Kevin for the raspberry bush and bread! Aneta –
for a beautiful blue wool-afghan! Ron – for the hippopota- mus!)
We pray to God to keep us all in His care.
Times are very “shaky”. We pray we all will be embraced by God and His
Realm - when His Time comes. Please, dear Father, help us to Return….
***
We would like to share with you few announcements at the end:
The five Fridays of regular gatherings of film-watching and
reflecting on its issue afterwards - went well. We suspended it
for the time of summer however. It was a good “experiment”; to
also see how to do it when we will be more rested and ready. We are
planning to open the gatherings on September; choosing almost
surely a different week-day. We hope to have gatherings around
many life-issues; and “film” would not be the only medium to serve
for these matters.
We are continuously praying that God would send a person – to join
us at the House;
and interns - for a period of time. It is confusing for us at this
point though as to how to go about it; and even announcing the
need; since we do not have a financial ground. We had phone calls
from people who wanted to live here - but as for now we are mostly
running on our private - of our family, temporary – support. Although
we are not a house of “hospitality”, we are a House which intends
to be active as a small “monastery”, with a deeper spiritual focus
and purpose. So, i f to have a short –or longer term- community
member, we need financial support. We are not unfortunately ones,
who can financially offer life here. What we stretched ourselves
personally and privately to establish and offer - is the house,
its environment, and resource. We put our life-work into it; and
years went to bring forth the resource.
The one year of struggling, organizing, and establishing the new
environment
(including, first, our huge move from Maryland; then - our living for
three months on a site of renovation; and then on and on -
bringing, repairing and putting into a right shape and place -
all the furniture and things we brought; and completing and
building the environment with other things we needed to look for
and acquire; all this without actually any one – or a community-
who would, together with us, be p a r t of t h i s particular
House and its mission (who would then focus on its needs and
care for its existence together with us), was - and is - an
unbelievably strenuous experience. It left us physically and
emotionally “spent”; often even “confused”. (We apologize therefore
here also to all who experienced our excessive “emotionality” in
recent months; or any kind of “delirious behavior”, or even
failures.)
The demands during these past months through all the stages of
work were so pressing, that we could not even involve ourselves
in any more extended outreach to bring more attention to this
House’s existence, and so to maybe give a chance for receiving
here -even a temporary- community member. So the help we received
was only sporadic; from outside-of- the-House friends and people;
when we “desperately” called for it (with “the exception to the
rule” when Bethany recently came - to help; excited about this
new Catholic Worker project).
We pray then that one day we will have “the House’s own”
community (of one more permanent person; and occasionally an
intern); people whose life and time would be directly focusing
within it - and on it .
We pray also for financial support - either from those who would
live here; and/or from those who would like to support Simone
Weil and Peter Maurin House’s exis- tence and mission. Please
consider this, after further inquiring and learning about the
House’s purpose.
(As for now not many became familiar with the House’s
purpose. Only two people approached us to read and to deeper
focus on - and realize- the Mission Statement.)
We feel that the profile of this mission calls for serious and
humble God-and-Truth seekers; who intend to live “away from“ the
ways the Western civilization proposes (the secular world with
all its ideas). We are here to learn to re-discover God, our
Father; and H i s Ways (no dogma involved); giving up o u r
ego, and giving up
o u r ways. We are here to work towards Him - and for Him. We
are here then to learn first –and most of all- to u n d e r s t a n
d the world’s -and our own- condition. To understand where the
“deviation” comes from; so we can then turn and learn towards
changes. We are here to learn how to cooperate with God while
living and putting efforts toward these changes.
(Otherwise, -
we are “normal”. (just joking!))
We thank you for reading this Newsletter. We invite you to visit
us. Please, call us and come to see the -almost ready-
environment.
God bless you,
And see all of you at our special pot luck and
music gathering - July 31.
(see the f l y e r –announcement
on the next page!)
with love -
Krystyna and Steven.
As people celebrate the feasts of different saints and
patrons, there was never established any feast day for God, the
Creator; therefore “o u r f a t h e r” indeed. So God complained on
this issue in recent years, with sadness; and through a woman
whose name is Barbara Centilli, He requested that a feast for Him
would be esta- blished. (Not at all of course because H e, our
Father, “needs this” for anything despe- rately; but simply to bring
forth H i s Presence, His existence, and His “role” to – and in-
our life and memory.) He requested that the date for it would be
either August 8th, or the first Sunday of August.
Together with Barbara Centilli; who heard it -and felt
this- directly(!); we, with an embarrassment feel also humbled….
For this intention then we invite All to
The Feast of God – the Father Celebration
(to thank Him for all He is giving and doing; and for
His Love and Mercy)
through
a mid-Summer gathering
with
a documentary-film showing, pot-luck food, and live-music
at
Simone Weil and Peter Maurin House – Monastic
(Catholic Worker’s “Little Monastery”)
(725 Hennepin Street, Dubuque, Iowa, ph. nr. 563-583-6790)
on Saturday, July 31, 2010
starting 2pm – on….
Program:
2:00 - 3:00 a bit of a yard work (carrying heavy
stones!) (just joking)
3:00 - 4:00 prayer, thanking God, and reflection
(by Krystyna and Steven);
introducing ourselves, and conversation
4:00 - 5:30 a documentary film “The Gleaners and
I” (part I) by indepen-
dent French filmmaker Agnes
Varda; and reflections on it
5:30 - on… food and music
“Dorothy’s Friends” and others
are singing
(feel free to bring an
instrument, and play and sing!)
Please, come!
--
Frank Cordaro
Phil Berrigan CW House
713 Indiana Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 490-2490 www.DesMoinesCatholicWorker.org