THE BLOG OF THE BON SECOURS RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER
Retreat with Us
Welcome to the Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center’s blog! This blog will extend our retreat ministry by bringing prayers and reflections into your home ‘retreat’. Many of our presenters and staff share their homilies, favorite prayers and reflections through this medium. We encourage you to comment, pass it along to friends or simply take a moment to pray with us. We hope that this will serve as a moment during your day when you can ‘retreat with us’.
Joanne Cahoon, D.Min. holds a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, master’s degree in Religion/Pastoral Ministry, graduate certificates in spiritual direction and in spirituality studies, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where her specialization was spirituality and practical theology. She has graced us with today's post on Dark & Light - Live All Fully. “To go in the dark with a light is to know the light. To know the dark, go dark,…
We are thrilled to introduce to you a new retreat presenter at Bon Secours. Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil offers a special environment to women who attend her guided retreats, given her cross-cultural lived experiences in several countries in Africa, Europe, and North America. The ministry of presence in noticing, affirming, and honoring God's image in all who attend her retreats is a cornerstone. Here are some testimonials which express sentiments from former retreat participants: "I have participated in Rev. Dorsainvil's Women…
Debra Donnelly-Barton, MA has led pilgrimages, workshops and retreats across the country for several Christian denominations. She has a private practice in Spiritual Direction, which informs all her ministries, emphasizing deep listening with others for whispers of the Spirit. Debra is a seminary trained Spiritual Director with 30 years of experience. Enjoy this poem from Debra Donnelly Barton. EPIPHANY IN WINGS I cannot say what epiphany is other than to notice each day shining with its own revelation-uncovering its own…
The lore surrounding the Magi has fascinated generations of believers and seekers for countless centuries. 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 Epiphany (or “Little Christmas” as it is known) for a mini retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. During our gathering together via Zoom, those present…
Enjoy this excerpt as we head into the New Year from Mary DeTurris Poust, a writer, retreat leader, and spiritual director living in the Capital Region. A World of Endless Thresholds By Mary DeTurris Poust We stand on the cusp of a new year, another threshold, which, oddly enough, tends to get us thinking not about where we are standing at that moment but about where we’ve been or where we might be going. Caught between regret and fear, we…
Lorie Conway has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual companionship, contemplative small groups, and spiritual retreats. As we get ready for a silent retreat weekend with Lorie we hope you enjoy this message from her. “Holding Space is what we do when we walk alongside a person or group on a journey through liminal space. We do this without making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact…
Sr. Bernie Claps, CBS, shares the following Christmas reflection from an unknown author and invites us to ponder the following question: "What are you going to give of yourself to the baby Jesus this Christmas?" In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage. About 100…
Joy Aker, MA is a spiritual director, labyrinth facilitator, and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She has a master’s degree in Spirituality from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore. She was also trained in Ignatian spirituality and the Ignatian Exercises at Ignatius Jesuit Center in Guelph, Ontario. Her focus is on helping others to develop a holistic spirituality which looks to wholeness in body, mind and spirit. Joy also has a great interest in assisting others as they deepen their relationship with God through individual spiritual direction…
The following reflection by Fr. Richard Malloy was originally published in The Catholic Review in December 2020. Fr. Rick will facilitate a weekend retreat called Experiencing God in Christmas Movies at the Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center from December 13-15, 2024. A few spaces remain, so register today for this unique retreat! Do You Want to Hold Him? A Christmas Prayer By Father Richard Malloy, S.J. What’s the best Christmas prayer you have ever experienced? A mystical…
While It Is Still Dark A Poem for the Beginning of Advent by Kathy Staudt As Advent begins, the days are getting shorter, and we are more aware of darkness and of longing for light — the spiritual light of growing discernment and openness to the gifts that God is always offering us. I love the Taize chant, "Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord: Keep watch, take heart, which invites us into a season…
