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’.
During yesterday's Advent retreat with Sr. Bernie Claps, she began with the following scripture, prayer and song. We share it with the hope that you'll be able to take a few moments to sit in the silence today so that you may feel the renewal of God coming into your life during this Advent season. (Stay tuned: Sunday's blog will feature another meditation from this retreat.) Opening Prayer "Lord, open my heart to hear your word for me today. I…
During this 2nd week of Advent, we focus on peace. What does that mean to you? This prayerful meditation by Lindy Thompson inspires us with the many layers of peace that the upcoming birth of Christ can provide. See if you can visualize the image that the prayer closes with... As one flame, shared candle to candle, can fill a sanctuary with light, so be it with your peace, from one heart to another, one interaction at a time, until…
In this season of waiting, breathe in life. Life of the One who created all things, whose image we bear. In this season of waiting, breathe in love. Love of the One who gave a precious Son to live as one of us. In this season of waiting breathe in peace. Peace of the One who calmed the sea and quiets the tumult of our souls. In this season of waiting breathe in hope. Hope that the One for whom…
Candles and Christmas lights are beginning to shine all around us now and the 1st candle of Advent has been lit. As the sun sets earlier, it's often a joy to light up the darkness with the glow of candles as we prepare for the birth of Jesus during Advent. This can be more than purposeful light though. There are many analogies that can be drawn from the candle. Let's prayerfully read this cute, but poignant story about our Advent…
During this season of Thanksgiving, we continue to reflect on gratitude. Take a quiet moment to read and reread these quotes of wisdom. Then, enjoy this popular, but very inspirational video below. We've found that even if it's the 10th time you've watched, the message is profound. May you be filled with gratitude for the gift of today. In happy moments, PRAISE GOD. In difficult moments, SEEK GOD. In quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. In painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK…
Today's post is an inspiring message from Fr. Michael Schleupner. This seems to be a lesson that most took to heart during the pandemic, but as life has returned to normal, our value of the present moment may get buried in the busyness of our schedules. This may be just the refreshing message we all need! Please take a few quiet moments to read and reflect. *If you are seeking a special time of retreat, Fr. Michael will be serving…
O Holy Spirit, give me stillness of soul in you. Calm the turmoil within with the gentleness of your peace. Quiet the anxiety within with a deep trust in you. Heal the wounds of sin within with the joy of your presence. Strengthen the faith within with the awareness of your presence. Confirm the hope within with the knowledge of your strength. Give fullness to the love within with an outpouring of your love. O Holy Spirit, be to me…
Gordon Creamer presented a retreat for caregiver's on Saturday. These retreats are needed so desperately for guests who give so much to loved ones in their daily lives. The retreats offer time to focus on their spirituality and to receive resources to help them better navigate through their journey. Gordon shared the blessing below during the retreat and we're sharing in hopes that it blesses other caregivers reading the blog today. Or, maybe you have a friend or family member…
The United States Sisters of Bon Secours held their fall Assembly at the Center last week, gathering as a community for ministry updates and inspiration. As we gathered with sisters and caught up in casual conversations in the hall, we were reminded of the privilege we have to work through their Retreat & Conference Center ministry, continuing their legacy of Good Help. From an ancient flower, A new sign springs forth; Comes now, freed of ornamentation, Bearing anew In the…
In recognition of Veterans Day, we pray for all of those who have served our country. Let us recognize their great sacrifice and hold onto our hope of peace for the future. Prayer for Our Veterans Loving God, We ask for blessings on all those who have served their country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the Veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. We pray especially for the young…
