Paraclete Press Blog

Today, in celebration of Phyllis Tickle’s life, we share with you an open letter, written in thanksgiving for her friendship, guidance, and love over the last twenty years. Dear Phyllis, What can we, at the Community of Jesus, say about … Continue reading →

By Sr. Nun Other We did some fall housecleaning last night, starting with kitchen cupboards. Threw out some “lids to nowhere,” a melted turkey baster, and an old plastic measuring cup. It feels good to have dust-free, clutter-free cupboards, and … Continue reading →

By Sr. Fidelis We have taken a “romp” through the eight Church Modes over these past weeks and, for each mode, we have talked about the principal pitches, the Reciting Tone, and Home Tone.  There is always a “descent,” to … Continue reading →

By Sr. Nun Other I did laundry the other day, and noticed a drip or two of liquid detergent on our new washer. A Christmas gift from a sister’s mother, it’s beautiful, state-of-the-art, and eco-friendly. It even plays a little … Continue reading →

The feast of Simeon is celebrated on October 8th. Simeon is one of my favorite saints. We know him only from his welcoming the infant Jesus, and his mother and father, into the temple. But the words of his welcome … Continue reading →

By Melodious Monk I met a new friend this week, Welsh poet R. S. Thomas. While recently feeling a little lost and tired of looking for God with seemingly no answer back, I went to a shelf of poetry books … Continue reading →

By Sr. Fidelis Mode VIII is the most prolific of all the modes when it comes to antiphons!  Mode VIII has a Reciting Tone of DO and shares the same Home Tone as Mode VII, which is SOL.  Mode VIII  … Continue reading →

Sunday, October 4th is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the world’s most popular saint!  Francis was born in 1182, the son of a wealthy merchant of Assisi. His early youth was spent in harmless revelry and fruitless attempts … Continue reading →

By Sunset Septuagint Last week, we had a funeral for one of our earliest religious Sisters.  At the burial site, someone mentioned her love for the desert. That struck a chord with me, because I have had a love for … Continue reading →