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This weekend retreat focuses on the spiritual wisdom of the Franciscan tradition. We will explore the insights of Francis and Clare of Assisi, Bonaventure, and Angela of Foligno, among other Franciscans, each of whom provides us with resources for renewal and prayer during this season of Lent. The retreat will feature presentations, group discussions and time for personal reflection. Fr. Dan will also celebrate Mass on Saturday and Sunday. Check-in begins at 3pm on Friday. The ... Continue reading...

When most folks think “What’s God’s will for me regarding such and such a situation?” they are asking a direct question and looking for a specific answer from God, as in, “To do or not to do.” There is, however, another equally good way of knowing for certain God’s will for you. It’s called “Discernment of Spirits.” It involves prayer, yes, and it also involves noticing what’s going on in your daily life that can ... Continue reading...

Begin the new year by focusing on your path ahead and tuning into God’s voice. Our winter directed retreat consists of five whole days (6-night stay) of spiritual direction. Retreatants will meet with a spiritual director daily (or less if you desire) to reflect on God’s Presence and movement in your life as revealed in prayer, the events and relationships in your life and the response to God that is being made. The spiritual director ... Continue reading...

Nurturing Restless Hearts What is in your heart? Are you seeking some change of heart? St. Augustine reminds us in his Confessions that “our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Drawing on Scripture and other sources, this day will explore different aspects of a discerning heart: the restless, searching heart, the forgiving heart, the grateful heart. The prophet Joel reminds us “to return to the Lord with our whole heart” (Joel 2:12). Come away ... Continue reading...

"Fratelli Tutti": Blueprint for a Spiritual Life Pope Francis is a pope for our times. He’s taken on so many of the evils and pitfalls we face as a global village. In his recent encyclical he presents a path for how we might deepen our own spiritual life. It begins with our struggles of isolation and darkness and moves on to how we might open our hearts in relating to others. We will explore this theme together. ... Continue reading...

Fr. Michael Schleupner offers his next post in the series about the Ignatian Examen today. Please refer to previous blog posts to learn more and the preceding three steps. Let's spend a few quiet moments learning more about the 'action' phase of the Ignatian Examen. Ignatian Examen Step 4 – Being Contrite Dear Friends, This fourth step of the Examen follows from the third which was 'Looking Back'. In that step, we review the prior day or the day ... Continue reading...

Today's reflection is the 3rd in Fr. Michael Schleupner's series about the Ignatian Examen. For previous posts, please click here to review all of our blogs. Let's take a few quiet moments to read through Fr. Mike's thoughts about this phase of the Examen. Ignatian Examen Step 3 – Looking Back Dear Friends, After Seeking Light and Giving Thanks, we move to Looking Back. In this third step of the Examen, we review the prior day or the day ... Continue reading...

Fr. Michael continues his series on the Ignatian Examen today. Let's read about Examen's practice of gratitude. How can you incorporate this important task into your life? What are you thankful for today? Ignatian Examen Step 2 – Giving Thanks Dear Friends, After beginning the Examen by Seeking Light, we move to Giving Thanks. Ignatius saw gratitude as central to the spiritual life. He felt this so strongly that he said: “Ingratitude is the cause, beginning, and origin of ... Continue reading...

Today's post is another powerful reflection from Fr. Michael Schleupner. We're so grateful that he regularly shares these inspiring thoughts with our Blog! Let's take a few quiet moments to read about a deeper meaning of the Eucharist. A Rabbi’s Embrace There is a story about a six-year-old Jewish boy named Mortakai. Mortakai was refusing to go to school. Each day, his mother would take him to school, but as soon as she left, he would run ... Continue reading...

Fr. Michael Schleupner shared this on Palm Sunday, but it's a poignant message to carry throughout Holy Week.  Our last post painted the picture of Palm Sunday and today we can visualize more details of the crucifixion, analyzing our own personal role as we journey to "The Raising of the Cross". Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16 Jesus enters Jerusalem as the crowds shout, “Hosanna!” Isaiah 50:4-7 The Lord’s servant will stand firm, even when persecuted. Psalm 22:8-9,17-18,19-20,23-24 A cry for help ... Continue reading...