The unofficial start of summer for students and teachers alike is when the school year ends in June. To commemorate the occasion this year, our Newtown School of Community celebrated with a mini community day. We used a regular meeting day, Wednesday, June 15th, but extended the beginning and ending time to accommodate some different activities, including a walk in the woods, a barbecue dinner, and the viewing of an amazing movie.

It was a perfect day in many respects, not the least of which was the fantastic weather – sunny, high 70s, and no humidity. We gathered at our home in Newtown, CT. While some stayed behind with Steve to snack and socialize on the back patio, many of us ventured off on a walk through the neighborhood to the end of the cul-de-sac, through the woods, and down to the lake. All were troopers as we navigated steep slopes covered in slick, dry leaves and thick roots unearthed along our path. When we reached the lake, the more mature set marveled at the dexterity of the younger ones who scrambled over rocks with the agility of mountain goats, and reminisced about the day when we used to move like that (even while barefoot!). As we walked along the path adjacent to the lake, listening to the sounds of nature – the calls of different birds and the skittering of squirrels and chipmunks through the dry brush, and taking in the sights – the trees full of their summer foliage, the sun glistening on the calm lake surface, we talked about how peaceful and serene it was. Some members happily recalled days from their childhoods, and growing up in a similar setting. What a gift it was to have such a beautiful place to walk, to reflect, to be grateful for, to enjoy together.

By the time we made it back from our hike, Steve, the grill master, had just finished grilling the main fare – lamb burgers for the adults and hot dogs for the kids. Our community came together contributing side salads, fine cheeses, Newtown’s best farm fresh ice cream, and even a beautiful arrangement of flowers for the table. As we continued to enjoy the weather with outdoor dining and good conversation, the kids enjoyed a dip in the pool (as only kids can – the water temperature was probably an icy 70 degrees Fahrenheit!).

Our evening ended with the viewing of the film, Full of Grace, a beautiful story of blessed Mother Mary’s final days. Bahia Haifi, the actress who portrays Mary, personifies grace as she councils Peter about how to continue the Church, roughly ten years after Christ’s death and resurrection. Her simple, yet poignant advice to Peter to remember Christ’s gaze, and follow what He started is a reminder to all of us, over 2000 years after Christ’s resurrection, of the beautiful simplicity of what we are asked to do. Whether or not you have yet seen Full of Grace, an incredible opportunity is coming up on October 22nd at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, CT. There will be a viewing of the film, facilitated by Reverend Peter John Cameron, OP, editor-in-chief of Magnificat, who is quoted on the DVD cover to say, “A breathtaking film and celebration of faith."

As everyone is now in the full swing of summer activities, I hope that you continue to have many opportunities to relax and refresh by spending quiet moments appreciating nature, enjoying social time connecting with family and friends, finding time to read and view works of literature and art, and making time to reflect on it all.