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 reflection has been submitted by our Guest Services Manager, Rose Kurtz. She has been missing the hustle and bustle of the normally busy Welcome Center. Like many of us, Rose has been spending a lot of the extra quiet time organizing things. Let's read about something special that she found. Faith & Hope During this Pandemic, I find myself cleaning, organizing and setting free many things in my home. I am not sure who this is from, but I…
Today we are sharing a wonderful post from another blog by Ignatian Spirituality. As the pandemic weeks have continued to add up, far beyond what most of us realized that we would be enduring when this started, we thought these reminders would be helpful. You can care for yourself and your spiritual life by applying these spiritual strategies to your daily life. Please take a few moments to read this important blog. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/seven-spiritual-strategies-for-a-time-of-pandemic/
Today's reflection is brought by Fr. Michael Schleupner. We're so grateful for all of his shared wisdom through our blog! Let's take a few moments to read his thoughts about something many of us are missing and something we've had to add to our daily lives. For the Common Good Closed churches and masks – my focus for today! The governors of Maryland and of many states have significantly limited the number of people allowed at worship services during this…
Today's post is another insightful reflection and meditation from retreat presenters Susan Boruff and Kathy Anderson. We're so grateful for all of their submissions for our blog during this pandemic and look forward to being able to host them at the Center again soon. Let's take a few quiet moments to read this reflection by Susan and then watch the video at the end by Kathy. God In All Things By: Susan Boruff “We were born to manifest the glory…
Linda Culp is the friendly face that you see in the bookstore at our Center. In addition to helping guests select books and gifts, she also enjoys working in her home art studio where she paints in watercolor, acrylic and oil. She says, "Art has always been an important part of my life. My love for art prompted me to take workshops over the years to learn different techniques. As a child, all I ever wanted for Christmas was a…
Today, we remember the brave men and women who have given their lives throughout the history of our country. We honor them and pay our respects to those who miss them. Let's take a few minutes in prayer to remember them today... Hear Our Prayer This Day In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts, let each of us name and call on the One whose power over us is great and gentle, firm and forgiving, holy and healing ...…
You may have seen this story on the news or via social media. Fr. Michael Joncas is using his songwriting gifts during the pandemic. He previously composed the popular song "On Eagle's Wings" and now offers his new composition, "Shelter Me". Click here to watch a short news story about Fr. Michael. Here is a video of "Shelter Me", a beautiful performance by Paul Weisenburger. Let's take a few moments to listen to the words and music of the song.…
Maybe during the quiet of today, you're finding yourself drawn to prayer during this uncertain time. Sometimes we can feel so overwhelmed though that we may be at a loss for words. The following prayer can help you get started. Litany of Solidarity and Hope During a Pandemic For those who are sick. For those with chronic illnesses and underlying health concerns. For all those who are suffering. For those who are lonely. For those who have no one to…
Fr. Michael Schleupner will be serving as a spiritual director this August during our Directed Retreat. If you'd like to learn more about him or the retreat, please click here. He offered this reflection on Sunday, for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. A Comfort for Loneliness Gospel: John 14:15-21 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit…
Kathy Anderson and Susan Boruff are frequent presenters at our Center and have offered another inspiring reflection and meditation today. We're so grateful for all of their contributions to our guests! Let's take a few quiet moments to read and listen as we try to find a holy moment. Practice Holy Moments “God is calling you to great holiness. It is not something that you have to earn. Jesus already did that for you. Just accept it and run towards…
