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Kevin Cassidy, the Director of the Retreat & Conference Center, shared this reflection in our weekly planning meeting last week. Our staff takes the mission of bringing 'healing hospitality' to heart, so this really resonated with us. We hope that you find this same sense of welcome during your visits to the Center too! Let mutual love continue, and do not forget to offer hospitality to strangers, for by doing this some have entertained angels without ... Continue reading...

Fr. Michael Schleupner, one of our frequent retreat presenters and spiritual directors, offers an "Inbox Inspiration" on our blog today. Let's read about this practical story and the poignant lessons from Scripture that he shared last week. ...And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” ~ Luke 4:12 (taken from reading Luke 4:1-13) Temptation There is a story about a man who, let’s just say, had put on a few extra ... Continue reading...

Fr. Michael Schleupner shared the homily below last week and we think our readers will also enjoy his insights. How does it shed light on this passage from Luke for you? And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are ... Continue reading...

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, a day when we celebrate love and share it with others. Named after the many myths surrounding St. Valentine, the common theme is one of love and devotion. Many now refer to the day as a "Hallmark Holiday" yet why not use it as an excuse to share your appreciation for loved ones? Here are a few quotes, poems and a prayer that you may want to share with someone. Love ... Continue reading...

These words from Fr. Michael Schleupner resonate for many, especially as we focus on goals for the new year. Let's read more about the importance of being present in the moment. It is now the moment. ~Romans 13:11 On New Year’s Day, these words of Saint Paul reminded us to focus on the present. Sometimes we can get stuck in the past. We may find ourselves longing for the good old days when everything seemed just right. ... Continue reading...

Today marks the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. In a recent article* by Sr. Mary M. McGlone, SSJ, the meaning of this day was analyzed in scripture and made poignant when she says, "The reason the church should celebrate the solemnity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, is to call ourselves to account. Today's feast calls us to look at Christ the crucified servant and to ... Continue reading...

Fr. Michael Schleupner shared the following homily last Sunday and it's a wonderful example of the Gospel lesson. Let's read about a hero from history and Jesus' lesson of love. Gospel Reading: Mark 12:28b-34 Doing What God Demanded In the 1820s, a woman named Harriet Tubman was born here in Maryland. She was born into an enslaved family, and she herself was a slave. But, she became a hero. Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery and then helped many others ... Continue reading...

The phrase 'Fear not' and similar wording is mentioned over and over again in the Bible. Clearly this is a message that God wants to make sure that we hear! It's been very difficult not to have deep feelings of fear during the pandemic though, right? So, let's take time today to refresh our hearts and minds with the scripture below. Then, take a few moments of silence to unwind, close your eyes, take a ... Continue reading...

As summer winds down, many are feeling the crunch of a more hectic pace again. The constant news of the continued pandemic is very stressful too. How can we hear God's voice within the noise? Let's take a few quiet moments to be still...to listen. "Be still and know that I am God."  ~Psalm 46:10 A Modern 23rd Psalm... The Lord is the shepherd of my thoughts; I shall not want for divine ideas. He makes me rest in the ... Continue reading...

Fr. Michael Schleupner offers today's reflection. It is from a homily given during Mass a few weeks ago and shares a powerful example. It begs to ask, "how am I being inclusive within my everyday life?" Let's take a few quiet moments to learn from scripture. Readings:   Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22 ; Matthew 8:1-4 Jesus has just finished speaking – the rather long Sermon on the Mount. Now, according to Saint Matthew’s gospel, he immediately puts into ... Continue reading...