MemoriesofMSBI2008 - Mark Seven Bible Institute

From Nancy McCormick-Kovachich

When I arrived at Camp Mark 7 in 2008, I was basically 50% Catholic. This was in spite of having chose the Catholic Faith and been very involve with my Parish for almost twenty years. I still was holding fast to my Protestant Roots. I was surprise to find I had even brought a Protestant Bible instead of a Catholic one. I still viewed many of the Catholic rites and tradition with steep suspicious and cynical views of it being superstitious behavior and smacking of improper teachings. The other part of me, however loved the way the service more fully involves the entire community and plenty of ways to serve one another. Protestant I most often felt like I was going to a religious theater, not church.

However, at camp, when it was over, I was now 97% Catholic. What could have changed me so deeply? First of all, the Teachers are all fluent in American Sign Language, and they know the word of God. These are teachers who know how to teach. Here is an example, they had the class split in half. One half was sent out of the room, the other was left in the room to 'Witness' what each person who came in alone, responded to the question.

Happenings on my way here from the Airport.

Every single person took the exact same route to the camp. So, should all say the same thing, right? No. Every single student responded in very different ways. Some things were the same, such as they got into the Van, and that the Van was on a Highway, and there were a lot of trees. Beyond that however, no two stories were the same. This was how they taught us happened when people who came to see and hear Jesus teach, could have also responded to the question.

What did I hear and see from Jesus?

No two people will have the exact same answer. Thus it is with the Bible. From there they went on to have many more inspiring and very eye opening lessons for us. Parts of the Gospel that remain veiled to me, were suddenly clear. The issues I have around traditions being taught, were misconceptions. Fact is, all churches have traditions, that explains how the Life of Christians is lived. Instructions on how to behave as a Christ follower etc. The Bible gives us the instructions manual, and the person with us, gives us the day to day hands on experience of how to do it. Issues with the Saints were, if you ever asked another person to pray for you, are you worshiping them? So it is with Saints. so on and so forth and all are Biblically based too.

In the end, it was not just the classes however, but the all night discussions on the Bible, the Word, the Cannon Law and so much more. I was in short, a bit of heaven and I did not wish to leave, even though I missed my family. It was then I realized, I really do belong in the vocation of Christian Ministry and in January 2009, I will be pursuing my M.A. in Pastoral Ministries. The Camp was 'only' seven days long, but it was seven days that has changed my life.

Mrs. Nancy Louise McCormick-Kovacich
San Francisco, CA
MSBI Class of 2008

Camp Mark Seven hosted its third annual Mark Seven Bible Institute in June 2008. Pictured above is our morning class featuring retreatants from Trinidad, India, Colorado, California, and Illinois. At MSBI 2008 the retreatants studied the Gospel According to Matthew and learned about the Petrine heritage of the Catholic Church.

Each year the retreatants enjoy an evening of s'mores, bonfire, and good Christian fellowship.

Mark Seven Bible Institute's chaplain and spiritual director, the Very Reverend Thomas Coughlin O.P.Miss. (right) shares a few words with the retreatants.

Making and eating s'mores is an acquired skill, as is reading the Bible. Above, one of our retreatants tries his hand at putting roasted marshmallows between graham crackers and chocolate.

A typical evening at Camp Mark Seven. Seen from the Camp's waterfront on Fourth Lake, the sun sets behind the Adirondack Mountains as the North Country prepares for another night's rest.