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A PLACE APART |
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a teaching community where all types of people can come for a time to break from the world and rediscover the new way of living introduced by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. |
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A Place Apart is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Putney, Vermont. © 2007 A Place Apart, Inc. |
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Introducing Marie Rhoades... Hello! It is exciting to be able to introduce myself to all of you as the newest "oblate in residence" at A Place Apart. I've just moved out of my apartment in Lancaster, PA, have handed in my last paper for my Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and have three days left as Pastor of Youth at Lancaster Church of the Brethren. Prior to my experience in Lancaster, I grew up a member of the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, PA and graduated from McPherson College in McPherson, KS. The question may be asked: How does a girl make the decision to leave her familiar life for an experiment in Brethren monastic living? To that I say, I've probably been heading here all my life. I grew up a member of a religiously blended family- my father a Church of the Brethren pastor, my mother of Catholic heritage. I was named after Sister Marie Ann, a sister in the order of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and spent my birthdays visiting with her at the convent. I remember being fascinated by these women who would pattern their lives in such a strange way. Now, that strange way seems natural, even necessary. I look forward to time apart in Vermont. There, I will be working with the other residents to discern how we will live together, and will be working to help other communities of A Place Apart oblates network and discern their lives in relationship to one another and the community in Vermont. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of what is happening. I look forward to working with you. -Marie Rhoades |
