Virtual Epiphany Retreat - January 6th, 2023 The lore surrounding the Magi has fascinated generations of believers and seekers for countless centuries. For, couched in the mystique of the Christmas story, the role of these wise astrologers has evolved over time for individuals and communities as their personal meaning and contributions have been explored. Join us on the evening of Epiphany (or “Little Christmas” as it is known) for a mini-retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the Holiday…
Retreat presenter and spiritual director, Fr. Michael Schleupner, shares another inspiring homily with us today. What will you learn about these words that you've likely said over and over during your life? Thank you Fr. Michael! He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom…
During our staff planning meeting this week, Rainey Taylor, Sales Manager, shared this beautiful reflection from Joyce Rupp's "Anchors for the Soul". As our July Directed Retreat finishes up tomorrow, we hope that this has been a special week of Sabbath Time for the guests. Maybe this reflection will inspire your quiet time at home, work or outdoors too? Sabbath Time The only sounds breaking the immense quiet are crickets humming and the first yawns of robins and cardinals. My…
Today's Gospel lesson comes from Luke 10:25-37, the familiar lesson of the Good Samaritan. What can you draw from the modern poem that we're sharing, based on this passage from Scripture? Where have you seen injustice? How are you helping those in need? How does the poem paint a picture of Jesus as the Good Samaritan for you? Share with us! We'd love to learn more from you. The Good Samaritan How kind the good Samaritan To him who fell…
Today's post is a homily that Fr. Michael Schleupner shared on Sunday and we think it's a perfect fit for our blog today. We're also looking forward to welcoming Fr. Michael back to the Center in a few weeks for our July Directed Retreat, where he will be personally leading a small group of retreat guests on their spiritual journey. Let's reflect on his insights from Scripture that can be applied in three steps within on our own journeys. A…
Last week we highlighted a few poems about nature by famous authors as we celebrate spring. Today we are sharing poetry by women authors that provide inspiration for our Creator's beautiful sanctuary outdoors at this time of year. Are you familiar with these poems too? Do you have other favorites that you'd like to share? Please let us know in the comments. Christina Rossetti, ‘Spring' There is no time like Spring, When life’s alive in everything, Before new nestlings sing,…
Today's inspiration comes from famous poets who eloquently express our gratitude for spring. We hope that you have a beautiful view of spring today as you read these poems. Say a prayer of thanks for the sun, the rain, the flowers, the breeze, the light. Share about it with us in the comments. For Flowers That Bloom For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For…
As we quickly approach Holy Week, we are offering a week of prayers for this 5th week of Lent. We hope that you'll have a few moments to slow down and find quiet time each day to reflect on this phase of your Lenten journey. May these prayers enrich your experience. The Fifth Week of Lent Sunday My loving Lord, it's so hard to love the world sometimes and to love it the way Jesus did seems impossible. Help me…
For today's blog, we're catching up on two recent writings within a Lenten series from Fr. Michael Schleupner. Fr. Michael is a favorite retreat presenter and spiritual director here at the Center and we really appreciate how he shares his writing with our blog audience! We hope that you're blessed from his words of inspiration during this sacred season of Lent. Lent Musings - 2 Dear Friends, My March 13 'Temptation' blog concluded with my saying that fasting from food…
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 pounds. At…
