 In a place far away and a time long ago, a young
Benedictine priest driving a beat up pick-up truck approached a young mother and asked her if she would be interested in starting a youth group for the parish. So began the journey of Fr.
Dan Homan and Mary Kay Cummings. In 1975, Fr. Dan and Mary
established a youth group at St. Scolastica, a parish run by the
Benedictines on Detroit's northwest side. At the
time this was one of the largest parishes in the diocese of
Detroit. It was a diverse parish that reflected the rich ethnic and economic population of Detroit at the time. It was a time following the changes of Vatican II. Catholic youth groups were
something new, nobody had any real experiences of how they were
suppose to work. The books on youth ministry had yet
to be written. So as Mary is fond of saying, "we just
winged it." At first they met in each others houses
but when the group became to large for this they moved into the
parish facilities. Small group discussions, games, prayer,
and service projects made for the basic structure for these
gatherings.
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In 1977, Fr. Dan was called back to St. Benedict
Monastery in Oxford, Michigan. The prior of the monastery
at the time was aware of the success Fr. Dan and Mary had with the youth at St. Scolastica as well as the growing youth
ministry movement throughout the church.
They saw the need
for a place where youth could get away from the increasingly
busy pace and distractions of their lives. A place where
they could re-charge their spiritual life. It had long
been a practice for adults to make retreats seeking spiritual
guidance. These retreats houses were usually located on the
grounds of a monastery or convent and ministered to by monks or
nuns who would coordinate the program. |
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 Giving high school
retreats was unheard of and in fact seemed a bit scary, what the
heck were you going to do with a house full of rambunctious,
energy filled youth. A couple opened in the area, mostly
built in school buildings, houses, or empty convents. So
again without much experience or the benefit of established programs Fr. Dan and Mary set about the task of
developing a youth retreat program.
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On the grounds of the monastery,
which was a large horse farm before if was purchased by the
Benedictines in 1959, was a building that was used as a
dormitory for young monks or novices as they entered religious
life. This was an old converted horse barn that had large
dorm style bedrooms. You can still get a general sense of what
this barn looked like by taking a close look at the current
sleeping area. The horses were stabled
below the current sleeping quarters. Fr. Dan
presented the idea of a youth retreat house to the community and
asked if they could convert this dorm into a retreat house.
The idea was enthusiastically supported and work was begun to
convert the novitiate into a retreat house.
The large rooms were turned into small bedrooms, a kitchen and
small gathering place was added. At the most this building
could accommodate 20 people. Mary would often facilitate
her small groups while sitting on her bed and the youth gathered
around on the floor. Fr. Dan and Mary not only facilitated
the retreats they were also the cooks. So was born the
tradition of mostaccholi because it could be quickly prepared.
Hot dogs were also a staple along with lots of popcorn.
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Saturday Evening Reconciliation in the Old Retreat House. Watch as Mary operates the high-tech stereo/phonograph system changing the songs by candle light
With the growing popularity of Subiaco and the large youth
population during the 70's and 80's, the house couldn't
keep up with the demand for space and they quickly out grew it. |
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In 1988 ground was broken to expand and renovate
Subiaco Retreat House. From the beginning, for economic
and environmental reasons, the use of a geodesic dome was
incorporated into the plans. When a
friend of the monastery, Bill Wizinski, an experienced
and successful architect heard of the plan to expand he generously offered his expertise to the endeavor. Moving into the retreat house he participated in programs so that he could get a sense of what was needed to create a space for youth that was functional and comfortable. Bill could not stop at simply
adding on a dome.
He designed a spectacular building that would meet
the needs and habits of young people as well as allowing
flexibility to the program. What was to be a simple
hallway connecting the sleeping area to the gathering space in the
dome, became the grand entrance we now have and a bridge that
connects dorm to living room. The large open space of the
dome was used to incorporate a chapel at the top of the dome
where youth gather to celebrate Eucharist. He designed an arch that marries together
the chapel and gathering space creating a focal point.
A dining room and kitchen was built to serve 55 people. A large rec room was included in
the basement of the dome. A fountain and glass house was installed in the area below the
bridge. One of the most unique design elements are the many nooks where youth
gather and talk, like the loft space that is filled with comfy
couches and the raised steps in the rec room.
The old retreat house area was redesigned to sleep
40 students with separate bathrooms for each room and sturdy
bunk beds for rest. This is not your typical youth summer camp accomadations which many are familiar with. |
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 But all of these grand designs plans have come to nothing if it were
not for the many volunteers
who came together knowing the importance of ministering to
youth. Friends of the monastery, parish groups, boy
scouts, youth groups and many individuals came together to make
this spectacular retreat house a reality. It can be said
that this house is not only held together by wood, nails and
plaster, but by the great love and charity of many dedicated
people who know the life changing experience one has here at
Subiaco.
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 For the first 20 years, Subiaco was facilitated
by Fr. Dan and Mary Cummings with the other monks lending a hand
when needed.
In 1995 a young man from Puerto Rico joined the monastic
community. Br. Anthony Muldanado is an accomplished
artist. He has used his talent to adorn the upper chapel with
beautiful paintings of angels, prophets, and scenes from the New
Testament on the walls in the style of the great modern frescos
like Diego Rivera. His use and mastery of color is breath-taking. Soon after arriving he joined Fr. Dan and Mary
helping them facilitate the program. It was natural for
him to add a session of arts and crafts which has become a favorite of many youth. He also
prepares several meals enjoyed during the weekend.
His scrambled eggs with the bacon built right in help everyone
start Saturday morning with feeling of comfort.
Soon after Br. Anthony's arrived, Fr Damian joined the staff
adding his energetic spirit and love for sports.
A weekend would always include a game of touch football refereed
according to rules made up by Fr. Damian, rules that seemed to
change as the game went along. |
One of the monks who has always been
working behind the scenes is Br. Jim Locke. Jim is our
candle maker and no weekend would be complete with out taking
home one of the wonderfully scented candles created by him.
Jim has a secret formula for scenting his candles and many of
the students remark how they keep these candles in their rooms
at home. When ever they need to take a break from their hectic
day they pull out one of the candles and are miraculously
transported back to the peace and calm of a Subiaco.
Jim hopes that these candles help the youth remember as
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world."
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In 2000, Br Marty joined the monastic
community. He was a chef for many years in the metro
Detroit area and currently a high school teacher. Marty
began helping Fr. Dan and Mary in 2002, giving them the
opportunity to be more flexible in organizing their time spent
at the retreat house. His youth and enthusiasm has helped
diversify the program. and added new ideas. |
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the monks, Confirmation retreats were added to the program
schedule. For many years most of the retreats were
overnight programs and weekend experiences. Our
confirmation programs have quickly grown into one of the biggest
ministries here at Subiaco. These 5 hour Sunday programs
are geared toward 8th and 9th graders. Religious education
directors and parents often call following a retreat and comment
oh how much of an effect the retreat had on their child or
students. |
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 With the opening of the monastery's
new chapel in the summer of 2000, also design by Bill Wasinski,
we are now able to accommodate up to 120 confirmation students.
The addition of the chapel has also allowed for a more diverse
program during the weekend experience. The chapel is a
beautiful creation that takes advantage of the contour and
height of the hill where St. Benedict Monastery is located.
On a clear day one can look to the south past the rolling hills
of Oakland county and see the Detroit skyline just visible on
the horizon some 50 miles away.
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Our most resent addition is the gym which once housed the
equipment used by the monastery when it ran a cattle farm and
apple orchard with cider mill. Here the youth can play
basketball, volleyball and other activities. The barn is
also used for sessions during a weekend for team building and
large group meeting. It is a heated building and can be
used throughout the winter. We soon hope to add an annual
dance where youth who have visited Subiaco for a weekend can
join others for a night fun and relaxation, meeting youths from
other parishes and schools. |
| As mentioned above all of this would not
have been possible without the help and support of many good
friends and benefactors. So many have been generous with
their time and money donating everything from pillows and
blankets, to plumbing improvement (hot showers are always nice),
from rec room equipment to coffee makers. The staff and
monks are forever grateful and know your generosity has helped
many youth connect with their faith and community. |
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