"Prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." ~St. Therese of Lisieux “The labyrinth literally reintroduces the experience of walking a clearly defined path. This reminds us that there is a path, a process that brings us to unity, to the center of our beings. In the simple act of walking, the soul finds solace and peace.” ~ Lauren…
Today’s reflection is the fourth in a series by Debra Donnelly-Barton. Debra continues to inspire with these "Litany of the Living Earth" reflections. She has presented several retreats at our Center and we look forward to hosting her again in the future. Let’s take a few quiet moments to read about her lessons from the garden. A Liturgy of the Living Earth Praying the hours in tune with nature Summer Meditations, 2020 Sabbath, Mustard Seeds and Zucchini “The kingdom of…
Today’s reflection is another spiritual lesson from Fr. Michael Schleupner. Fr. Mike will be with us in August for our Directed Retreat and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Center. Let’s take a few quiet moments to reflect on this lesson from scripture. Active Listening Recently I heard it said that hearing is a passive activity, while listening is active. That distinction is very helpful in appreciating today’s gospel. Jesus tells the familiar parable of the sower…
Today's reflection is the first in a series of posts that will share recent photos from around the beautiful grounds of our Center. Quotes for reflection also follow the pictures. We hope that you enjoy these and are able to let your mind wander and reflect on memories from your last visit or on your hopes for a future visit. Take a walk with us... …
As we celebrate the summer season, many of us have been spending more time outdoors. Many have spent part of the quarantine working in gardens and are now enjoying the fruits and flowers of that labor! Some of us have been enjoying the beautiful grounds around the Center too. Even before we reopen, you're welcome to come and walk around our outdoor sanctuary...alive with blooms! If you venture outdoors today, take a quiet moment to give praise to our Creator…
As many of us feel weighed down by this time of uncertainty and turmoil, let's take a moment for prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to wash over us with peace. A Prayer for Inner Peace Lord, please put Your peace in my heart. I'm worried and anxious. My mind races and obsesses. I can't help thinking about my problems. And the more I think about them, the more depressed I become. I feel like I'm sinking down in quicksand and…
Today, we share the most recent "The Pope Video". Let us prayerfully consider this message from Pope Francis and offer compassion to the world, especially during this uncertain time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IMpy05pccM&feature=emb_title
Fr. Michael Schleupner offers today's reflection about spirituality. Let’s take a quiet moment to read Fr. Michael's insights. Dear Friends, I have decided to do a few posts on the topic of spirituality. In Catholicism and much of Christianity, and, I think, in other faith traditions also, this has become a major focus over the past fifty years. And it should be! Why? Because we all have a spirituality, whether we know it or not. What is spirituality? The place…
A Sabbath Prayer We cannot merely pray to you, O God, to end war; For we know that You have made the world in a way that people must find their own path to peace within themselves and with their neighbors. We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation; For You have already given us the resources with which to feed the entire world, if we would only use them wisely. We cannot merely pray to You,…
In addition to serving as the Director of the Associates for the Sisters of Bon Secours, Amy Kulesa also leads some of our retreats at the Retreat & Conference Center. She oversees and often facilitates our weekly Centering Prayer sessions and this December she'll be leading a Centering Prayer weekend retreat during the Advent season. You can click here to learn more about her. Let's take a quiet moment to read this reflection by Amy. The Call to Sabbath In…
