What helps us to age gracefully? How do we accept our limits yet, expand our horizons, and make choices that help make this new time in our life better and richer for ourselves and others? As we approach the second half of life does looking through the eyes of faith and being open to the Spirit bring another perspective?

About the Presenter:  
Fr. Joe Breighner, ordained in 1971, has had experience as a parish priest and diocesan administrator. Currently he works as a pastoral counselor, hosts a weekly radio show on WPOC, writes a weekly column for the Catholic Review, and is a popular speaker/retreat presenter. Fr. Joe has worked with bereavement groups and has been ministering to the separated, widowed and divorced for many years.  (See Fr. Joe’s article on Aging Gracefully in the October 2007 Bridges.)

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Autumn is a time of harvest and as such, we enjoy many celebrations at this time of year. A celebration of harvest has many facets. It includes joy and thanksgiving for the fruits of labor, relief that the labor is past, and the understanding that we must prepare for labor to come. Before the industrial revolution, when the vast majority of people lived in a pastoral setting, this time of renewal was a natural part of the yearly cycle. Too often in today's hectic urban culture we forget, or even resist, this opportunity to slow down and get in touch with ourselves and that which nurtures and sustains us. .

The Celtic tradition recognizes the many aspects of the harvest.  In ancient times, the end of October was called Samhain. It was the Celtic "new year" when the seed falls to the earth for a time of incubation. The joys of the summer are put behind us and we begin to turn inward and use the quiet of the winter darkness to reflect on our past experiences and prepare for the future.  More than just a celebration of gathering the fruits of our physical labor, it was believed that we should show appreciation for our ancestors and reap the harvest of their wisdom and experience. The Christian holy days of All Souls and All Saints reflect this, as does Thanksgiving, when we gather with extended family and friends "ere the winter storms begin".

This workshop and concert will explore and honor the harvest and year's turning. As we understand the heritage of our ancestors we experience the depth of their connection with Spirit and begin to integrate that ancient wisdom into our own lives. Through music, storytelling, dance and art, we will investigate the symbols of harvest and seek the meaning they may have in our individual lives. We will create a celebration of that meaning to be shared at the evening concert.

About the Presenters:
Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee, are Castlebay; this duo from Maine, accompany their voices with Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle, and woodwinds and continue the tradition of writing songs connected with natural cycles.  They provide workshops and performances exploring Celtic lore and tradition throughout the eastern US and the Bristish Isles. They have released several CDs of both traditional and original music.

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