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Adventures Galore at CMRI’s Omaha Boys’ Camp

Are you considering sending a boy to camp this summer but want to know more about what the campers do and why they should go?  Well, you’re in luck.  This post about last summer’s camp is for you.  *UPDATE*  A link to the registration form has been added to the bottom of this post.

“The whole point of boys’ camp is to show them that they can have fun and still be good Catholics,” explained Fr. Timothy Geckle, CMRI.  “We want them to see that being Catholic is not only about ‘No, you can’t do this or that!’”

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Every day was packed with activities dear to most boys’ hearts, but the scavenger hunt stood out as one of the most challenging and thrilling of all.  It was comprised of numerous trials to earn the next “clue” which involved answering a catechism question.  Whether it was shooting a balloon out of the air with an Airsoft gun to drop the question down to earth, or squirming through a dark pipe to retrieve it, or diving into a pool to snatch it from the bottom, each challenge kindled the Catholic imagination as well as involved the whole body.  Bravo!

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Fr. Geckle and Fr. Philip took a small group of boys to set up an ambush on the airsoft course while the other boys were swimming.

“We had a great group this year—not a bad apple in the bunch,” Fr. Geckle said of the 2018 campers.  “We got compliments on them everywhere we went.  This was the first time we rented a swimming pool, and afterward the manager said that our boys were so well-behaved, they were welcome to come back anytime.”

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War broke out, and the boys were issued Airsoft guns and rigorous rules of engagement.

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Singing around the campfire was followed by a talk from one of the dads, then night prayers.
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Setting up forts

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Campers attended daily Mass and had lots of opportunities for Confession.

 

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Fathers Borja, Philip Marie, and Geckle planned and oversaw the camp that was hosted by the Mater Dei seminarians.

Registration is open for the 2019 camp which runs Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26th.  To register, please fill out this registration form and mail it, along with the $100 registration fee, to the seminary by June 30 . Please make checks payable to: Mater Dei Seminary. 

Mater Dei Seminary

7745 Military Ave.
Omaha, NE 68134

 

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A Practical Rule of Christian Life, Point 25

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”.  

Point 25

“You might also, when in bed, imagine yourself to have reached the last hour of your life, and to be lying with the holy Crucifix in your hand, and you might ask yourself the following questions:  ‘If I were now about to die, what should I wish to have done?  Would this Crucifix afford me consolation and comfort, because I always loved Him who was Crucified, or would it be a reproach and terror because I offended Him and abused His love and mercy?’  No words can express how useful such reflections, if seriously made, would be to induce a Christian to resolve on leading a more holy life.

Conclusion to the Rule

“In this manner you will pass your day in a holy manner, gain a great deal of merit with little comparative fatigue, sanctify all your actions, and give satisfaction to the loving Heart of your suffering Jesus.”

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A Practical Rule of Christian Life, Point 24

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”.  

Point 24

“Fall asleep in the midst of pious thoughts, such as these, and thus you will sanctify even your sleep.  When you wake in the night, raise your heart to your suffering Jesus, who should be the beloved object of all your thoughts and affections.  Say to Him: My Jesus, I am Thine, do Thou save me.  My Jesus, dying on the Cross for my salvation, grant that I may ever love Thee.  My beloved Jesus, I thank Thee for all Thy love.  I compassionate Thee in all Thy sufferings.”

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A Practical Rule of Life, Point 23

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. 

Point 23

“Undress yourself with modesty and decency, commending your soul to God, and begging your Angel Guardian to bestow his assistance upon you, by saying an Our Father in his honor.  As you lie down to rest, think of Jesus stretched on the hard bed of the Cross, and fastened down to it by sharp nails.  Say to Him:  Ah, my sweet Jesus, Thou art nailed to the Cross, and enduring unspeakable tortures,and I am lying on this bed!  I compassionate Thee, and love Thee with my whole heart.”

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A Practical Rule of Christian Life, Point 22

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. 

Point 22

“Before going to bed, examine your conscience, and make an act of contrition, never daring to fall asleep with your soul defiled by mortal sin, but cancel every stain by sincere repentance, when you have not been able to approach the Sacrament of Penance.  It would be the very height of imprudence to close your eyes quietly in a sleep which may be followed by death, without having discovered and bewailed all your sins at the foot of the Crucifix.”

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