The House of Peace at Mt. Irenaeus
Photo courtesy of Natalie Pronio
BY: DANIELLE CLARK, STAFF WRITER
Mt. Irenaeus is hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 23. The event, hosted by University Ministries and the Mt. Irenaeus community, gives students a chance to cook, relax and spend the day together at The Mountain. Ministry Coordinator Natalie Pronio said the day is intentionally slow-paced and focused on community.
“The day is pretty laid back,” said Pronio. “We spend a good amount of time preparing for and cooking the meal together, and we always love having volunteers help in the kitchen. Some students who have never cooked before learn new skills in The Mountain kitchen because it’s all hands on deck to make a large meal like this for so many people.”
When they’re not cooking, students can walk around and enjoy the scenic views. The Mountain offers hiking trails, a labyrinth, a garden and a pond for quiet time or group activities. Others spend time by the fireplace with coffee or hot chocolate until the meal is ready.
“Once the meal is ready, we come together and bless the meal and then everyone digs in,” said Pronio. “After dinner and dessert, anyone who did not cook pitches in to wash dishes and clean up together, then everyone heads back to campus.”
The Thanksgiving dinner has been held at Mt. Irenaeus for many years, long before some of the current friars arrived.
“We have been hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at Mt. Irenaeus for many years, long before I got there 17 years ago,” said Brother Kevin Kriso, of Mt. Irenaeus. “It gives people a chance to come together and have a good meal that they help prepare together. It’s sort of like a Friendsgiving.”
In past years, the university offered a Thanksgiving meal on campus on Thanksgiving Day. But the attendance was too low. Most students staying on campus already had invitations from friends, roommates or athletic coaches.
“So the gathering at The Mountain was not necessarily for people who had no place to go,” said Kriso. “It was really about celebrating together.”
The dinner grew over time and was eventually opened to all students, including those who had never visited The Mountain before.
“Thanksgiving dinner was a low bar,” said Kriso. “We found that some students who came to Thanksgiving, who had not come to The Mountain before, felt more comfortable coming up for other events.”
The Nov. 14 RSVP deadline helps staff prepare for the number of attendees and plan transportation, food and scheduling. Students can drive themselves or request a ride in Mountain vehicles, which leave from Café La Verna and return to the same location after the event.
“We need to organize rides, make sure we have enough drivers, shop for food and take into account any allergies or dietary needs,” said Pronio. “Right now we have 36 people signed up, which is wonderful.”
Pronio said the dinner mirrors the mission and values of Mt. Irenaeus.
“Making and sharing a meal together represents community, hospitality and friendship,” said Pronio. “It helps us slow down, be intentional about what we’re eating and gives us the opportunity to get to know people we might not normally have conversations with.”
Pronio said people often leave feeling refreshed.
“Some people come to The Mountain to take a break from campus, others come to branch out and meet new people,” said Pronio. “Some don’t really know what they need until they leave and feel like their cup has been filled by their experiences. We always hope people will know that they belong at The Mountain whenever they would like to come up and see us.”
