Serving Others

How Did a Kid from Stamford Get To Be Standing Here? (Chief Don Anderson – 12/6/19 – NCS New Canaan)

December 6, 2019 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

Don Anderson, the newly commissioned 11th Chief of the Darien Police Department, shares the journey that took him from a young boy growing up in Stamford as the son of a policeman and the grandson of a preacher to Chief of Police for the Town of Darien. With tremendous humility and authenticity, Chief Anderson shares the details of an horrific evening when the exemplary service of a New York State Trooper inspired him to pursue law enforcement.

Chief Anderson talks about the importance of faith in his family when he was young, as well as how his faith has played a role during his police career. He also details his police career, which began with long hours “walking the beat” on lonely streets with little prospect of promotion. Through perseverance and humility, he rose through the ranks to take the position that his father held as the 7th Chief of the Darien Police Department.

This recording includes an eye-opening introduction by John Revell (founder of Life Line Chaplaincy, Chaplain for the Stamford Police Department, Chaplain for the Connecticut State Police), as well as the Q&A session following Chief Anderson’s talk. Perhaps the most dramatic example of how faith has impacted Chief Anderson’s work as an officer is shared in the Q&A–so keep listening!

A Call to Virtuous Masculinity (Fr. Louis Leonelli – 11/8/19 – NCS New Canaan)

November 8, 2019 by NCS New Canaan 1 Comment

Father Louis Leonelli starts by sharing a bit of his life story, including his radical and miraculous conversion from a successful Wall Street businessman pursuing wealth, woman and a music career to a humble Franciscan friar serving the homeless in the South Bronx.

Father Louis then examines “masculinity”–real “toxic” masculinity, the normal masculinity that our politically correct culture has deceptively labeled “toxic”, and finally, the “virtuous” masculinity we are called to pursue as followers of Jesus. In exploring virtuous masculinity, he explains and stresses the virtues of temperance, sacrifice and humility. Father Louis ends by sharing what he believes to be the three most important priorities in the pursuit of virtuous masculinity: (1) develop and nurture a relationship with God, (2) develop and nurture relationships with the small circle of people whom we love and who love us and (3) in whatever our stations or callings in life, strive to be the very best version of ourself we can be, all to the glory of God.

Add Virtue Above All (Joseph Holland – 10/25/19 – NCS New Canaan)

October 25, 2019 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

Drawing from his own experiences as well as his knowledge of American history, Joseph Holland shares 3 of the 12 virtues highlighted in his upcoming book “Vigorous Virtues”. Holland explains what he calls “The Three C’s”–Courage, Compassion and Civility. Joe posits that the deterioration of public and political discourse in America reflects a loss of foundational values. He points out that 2 Peter 1:5 instructs Christians to add “virtue” to their faith before anything else.

Holland describes how Courage requires us to be “pugnacious” and “prayerful”. He then explores Compassion and urges that it come with guidance (help people grow beyond the need for the assistance) and caring. Finally, Holland discusses “Civility”, which he believes is the most important virtue in light of the diminishing civility in America. He describes Civility as a process of “letting go” of cultural and sociological baggage and “leaning in”–taking action toward reconciliation and forgiveness.

Holland’s talk is an important one for this chapter of American history.

12 Ways To Make Work a Prayer

September 27, 2019 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

As a senior partner in a global consulting firm and a deacon in the Catholic Church, Gauthier Vincent is uniquely positioned to contemplate the intersections and integration of faith and work. He shares 12 ways he has found to ground his work in his faith, and explains how he applies these practically on a daily basis in his own life.

Embrace the purpose of your work (remember all the people whose welfare our work contributes to)
Realize your freedom (just follow Christ)
Ideas 1 and 2 are about growing in gratitude and in spiritual freedom
Practice a life of virtues at work (even work becomes a good habit, i.e., virtue and a school of selflessness)
Do it right and make it beautiful (beauty always leads to contemplation)
Always be cheerful (joy calls on Joy)
Live the Gospel literally whenever you can (as you take the last seat and sub-optimize your work, you trust in the Lord)
Welcome Christ in everyone (look at the Christ image in all, from the CEO to the janitor)
Ideas 3-7 are about living the right way, as a child of God
Cultivate the Presence of God during the day (turn your heart to the Lord with ejaculatory prayers, sweet words, e.g., as your watch beeps every hour)
Practice the Examen (reflect on your day and look for how the Lord touched you through consolations and desolations)
Begin and end your day in a contemplative mood (begin with a time for Scripture and Silence and the Silent Presence will stay with you during the day)
Let the cross transform you (above age 25 one learns essentially through failures and suffering; there the Lord comes closer)
Love the world and everyone in it (if you don’t work with love you deprive your co-workers, family, clients, etc.. of the real value of your work, i.e., the love with which you work)
Ideas 8-12 are about the mystical life at work, the life of union with the Beloved

Understanding Changes Everything (Dr. Mark Gordon Fee – Couples Session 2 – NCS New England)

September 14, 2019 by NCS New Canaan Leave a Comment

The 2019 New Canaan Society New England Couples Retreat was held September 14-15 at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT. The theme was “Understanding Changes Everything”. Dr. Mark Gordon Fee was our Guide. This is Session 2. Below is a link to the materials for the Couples Retreat.

2019 Couples Retreat Handout

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