2025 Rogation Day Information
Below are some notes regarding the upcoming Rogation Day Mass on Monday 26 May 2025 (Memorial Day) at Greg Jonic’s homestead farm, 652 Gardner Rd in Exeter RI. (If your phone can’t find it, try “Gardiner Road”.. Google Maps and maybe some others have it spelled this way.)
Look for a white mailbox clearly marked on the post with #652. Take it easy coming up the driveway, it is not paved and some of the more prominent rocks in the lane can best be avoided at slower speeds. The parking area should be pretty obvious or else you may be directed to parking.
Weather. Procession and Mass will be outdoors. Foul weather will cause us to either cancel altogether or else slide to the next day (Tuesday the 27th). The “nave”, where the congregation will be located, offers only a very few shady spots but most of it is in full sun; and there is no protection from rain [the one exception being a small canopy that I set up directly over the altar]. Please bring an umbrella if you think there is any chance of rain; and plan to be in the sun (hat/sleeves/sunglasses/etc). If you would like to bring more substantial beach sun gear (tents and umbrellas and things), please do! There is shade available for those needing it, but it just might not be super close to where the Mass is being celebrated.
Seating. There will not be very many chairs set up for guests so if you would like to sit in a chair, please bring one. A few camping chairs and beach chair type things will be available so if you don’t have a portable chair some accommodation will be made. Picnic blankets work too if you are comfortable with that.
Kneeling. We will be in an area of mown grass (which is occasionally grazed over by the goats). If you would like to kneel during the appropriate parts of holy mass, you may want to bring a towel or some other protection for your pants.
Clothing and Footwear. Check the weather and as stated above, plan to be in the sun. For those wanting to join the procession before mass, it will last ten minutes or so on easily walkable (but occasionally uneven) ground, so comfortable walking shoes would be good.
After Mass. We will have Blessing of the Animals (including two darling Alpine goat kid doelings born on Easter Tuesday) and a casual picnic. Bring games to play, and stay as long as you like!
Food. We will have a casual BYO/potluck picnic after mass. Please feel free to bring something to share.
Drink. Spring water and lemonade will be available. Adults desiring a beer or a glass of wine with their picnic are encouraged to BYO, there will be coolers set up with ice. There is also a spring on the property right near the house, and the spring water has been tested and is clean, cold, and delicious. Please bring a bottle and fill it up to enjoy during the picnic; and also feel free to bring some larger containers to take some home if you’d like.
Facilities. Anyone needing the bathroom or other indoor needs (mothers with little ones etc) will have access to the house. The old 1850 house is not large though, and we will plan on being outside for the day’s activities. If rain comes suddenly, we will probably head for the cars.
Games. Bring a frisbee, a football, whatever you’d like. It is not a huge place but there is plenty of open space for some recreation. I will have my baseball mitt and will be looking for a catch if there are any ball players out there!