Today, we continue on the Good Samaritan theme from Sunday, sharing Fr. Michael Schleupner's homily. Let's read about a modern day example that can inspire each of us to do our part in the world. NODA Last December, the Washington Post Magazine carried an article that I find very inspiring: One night several years ago, nurse Sandra Clarke was making her rounds at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. An elderly, frail patient made a request. His organs were…
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 is God Eternal. “I pray…
Today's post comes from Fr. Michael Schleupner. Fr. Mike offers mass regularly at our Center and just finished serving as a spiritual director during our August Directed Retreat. We're so grateful for him! Today he reminds us to keep God's love at the forefront of our lives. Hatred versus Love? Dear Friends, At Jesus’ baptism and again at his Transfiguration, the voice of God from the heavens declares: “This is my beloved Son.” I believe that God speaks these words…
We're catching up a bit on blog posts from Fr. Mike. Today is the 2nd in a series about repentance during this Lenten season. Are you focused on who you can become? Let's read Fr. Mike's thoughts about the heart of repentance. Repentance - 2 Dear Friends, My thoughts today follow those in posted on the blog February 21. (Click here for that post.) Yes, at times we all do some things that are wrong. These are sins of commission.…
Today's post is another great reflection by Fr. Michael Schleupner. Let's read his thoughts, the first in a series about repentance, as we begin this sacred season of Lent. Repentance - 1 Dear Friends, A few days ago we observed Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the season for repentance. What is repentance? Often, we have been led to see this as focusing almost solely on myself, as doing a serious examination of conscience and seeking God’s forgiveness. The emphasis…
Today's post was shared by Amy Kulesa, the Director of the Sisters of Bon Secours Associates. Amy is a frequent retreat presenter at our Center too and will be with us for a special Advent weekend retreat in December. You can learn more about it by clicking here. Now, let's take a few quiet moments to read these words from Henri Nouwen about God's love. Knowing God’s heart means consistently, radically, and very concretely to announce and reveal that God…
The pandemic has certainly tested everyone and some may feel inadequate in various areas of their lives. The good news is that we can lean on God and Fr. James Martin explains how our weaknesses can be a gift. Let's take a quiet moment to reflect on this quote from him. “The beginning of sanctity is loving yourself as a creation of God. And that means all of yourself, even the parts that you wish weren’t there, the parts…
Today's post comes from the Catholic Health Association of the United States. You can click here to read more about their important organization. Let's take a moment to reflect on the prayer below and then watch a short meditation video. Pray. Pause. Breath. Heal. Prayer for a Pandemic, by Cameron Bellm May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the…
Many of us have heavy hearts during this time of great uncertainty. Let's take a moment to lift up this prayer together. May you feel God's presence today and always. Overcoming Life's Hardships O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow, that You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while…
Today's reflection is a poem by popular retreat presenter, Edwina Gateley. She will be with us at for her "Call to Personal and Global Transformation" women's retreat, July 24-29. There are still a few reservations available. Click here if you'd like to learn more. Now, let's take a few moments in silence to slowly read the words of this poem. Let Your God Love You Be silent. Be still. Alone. Empty Before your God. Say nothing. Ask nothing. Be silent.…
