Stella Maris

It means Star of the Sea. I had thought, being the name of a Catholic convent and retreat place, it might be making some reference to Mary, but there are mostly statues of St. Francis here. I had no idea such a place existed so close to Rochester. Skaneateles (think Scan - e - atlas, or if you are a native, Skin - e - atlas) is southwest of Syracuse, right on Skaneateles Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. It is a tranquil summer resort fairly close to everything one could want in a summer vacation while still being out away from it all.

Stella Maris is run by delightfully pleasant nuns. Some of them still wear the traditional black habits (I have not seen those in some long while). The rambling house is a treasure trove of beautiful artwork, comfy spaces and silence. The grounds are well kept and lead down a gentle slope to the lake itself. What a great place to have classes! Our D Min group is meeting here for the first time since our class began. Up until now, our work has unfolded online. Finally we meet face to face.

At first, we chat awkwardly, not sure how to intersect. But soon we are gabbing away, clustered around a table in the dining room overlooking the gorgeous lawns and lake. We will be together for a few years, and everyone is eager to know who they will be traveling this road with. We are 4 women and a dozen men from all over. 2 are from Canada, others from states like North Carolina and Ohio and Virginia. Some like me are from Rochester, others from New York cities such as Binghamton and Painted Post. All are pastors (except me), some seasoned, others fairly new. Some are chaplains also, or work for Intervarsity in addition to pastoring a congregation. All of us feel a bit like the proverbial deer in the headlights, not quite sure what is happening.

Coffee and pastries loosen the anxieties and together we head to the conference room for class. Who can concentrate with the beautiful view unfolding behind the professor? This setting sure soothes the soul. I hope we will have time to get outside and enjoy the peaceful environment. Right now, though, I must buckle down and get to work. It won't be easy to transform this repentant sinner into a recognizable image of Christ. I have not had the benefit of years of congregational sandblasting to smooth my rough edges. We shall see what transpires.