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’.
Today's post is a reflection from Fr. Michael Schleupner. Fr. Mike is a frequent presenter at our Center and we look forward hosting him next summer for one of our directed retreats. You can learn more about that retreat here. Let's take a few quiet moments to read Fr. Mike's words today. Dear Friends, I have often wondered about Jesus' words: "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." That is really challenging. Let's face it: we will never arrive at the point…
Today's post is shared by upcoming presenter Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, IHM. We are excited to be able to host her in 2022 for a Lenten retreat. Her blog 'Mining the Now: Uncovering the Sacred in the Dailiness of Life' features many inspiring reflections from nature like this. As the seasons are changing and we're noticing God's brushstrokes in the fall colors we thought you would enjoy reading this reflection about lessons from nature. The Expectations of Beauty Let’s hear it…
Our annual Women's Wellness retreat was held last weekend and although it was different with our face masks and social distancing, everyone really enjoyed their time together at the Center! Andrea Springer gave insightful and humorous presentations about the importance of being present and she shared how we can incorporate daily practices into our lives each day. Do you use meditation, purpose statements or prayerful practices like mandalas to remind you to be grateful for each moment, even during this…
Today's reflection honors the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Many of us have watched her public ceremonies this week, the first woman and first Jewish person to lay in state. We mourn this great loss, a legacy that will live on for many generations to come. Take a moment with us to read these traditional Jewish prayers with us. "… If I raise my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come? My help comes from ADONAI,…
The season is changing here at the Retreat & Conference Center. We have all appreciated the brisk mornings and cooler evenings as summer says goodbye. The fall leaves will display their glorious transformation very soon! It's a favorite season for all on our campus. Let's take a quiet moment in gratitude for the beauty of autumn. Golden Leaves We see signs of summer's passing in golden leaves, shortening days, misty mornings, autumn glow. We sense its passing in rain that…
Upon opening Sr. Joyce Rupp's "Anchors for the Soul" daily reflection book, this prayer spoke to us. This weekend, many ladies have been at the Center for our annual Women's Wellness retreat and have been invited to use a few special places for private prayer, as well as many beautiful spots outdoors. We hope that they received many blessings from the retreat and connecting with divine love... Connecting with Divine Love What happens in our prayer time will naturally affect…
Today's post is by a familiar face at our Center, Sales Manager Rainey Taylor. She offers a wonderful analogy that can be applied as we continue to face this time of uncertainty. Let's set aside a quiet moment to read her thoughts. Palms Up Way of Life by Rainey Taylor “The final forming of a person’s character lies in their hands.” – Anne Frank “So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands…
Today's post features an older blog from Dr. Angela Bisignano. Her website shared this blog several years ago and during tough times like this, we could all use more laughter in our lives, right? Let's read her advice about the spiritual benefits of laughter! The Spiritual Side of Laughter by Dr. Angela Bisignano Think of how you feel when you see someone laughing. I know it makes me feel good. Laughter has an infectious quality. I feel less stressed just…
The pandemic has certainly tested everyone and some may feel inadequate in various areas of their lives. The good news is that we can lean on God and Fr. James Martin explains how our weaknesses can be a gift. Let's take a quiet moment to reflect on this quote from him. “The beginning of sanctity is loving yourself as a creation of God. And that means all of yourself, even the parts that you wish weren’t there, the parts…
Many are experiencing a completely different type of new school year during the pandemic. Today's post shares a prayer from The Presbyterian Outlook. Let's take a few moments to pray for students, parents and educators as they navigate this new beginning. Lord, we know you hold the future and walk with us even now on this unpredictable path of the pandemic. We trust you work through the most difficult of seasons and never abandon us to navigate life’s challenges…
