We have been enjoying the recent sunny days in Marriottsville! We hope that you have also been enjoying this late spring source of brightness and warmth. It is easy to cast our eyes downward as we count the blessings of beautiful blooms and green grass during this time of year, but we cannot forget the sun, and thank the SON for this amazing gift too! “May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you…
We are enjoying glimpses of autumn amongst the trees on the beautiful grounds of the Retreat & Conference Center. Are you seeing signs of God's brushstrokes around you? Remember, our grounds are always open to visitors. You could spend a quiet afternoon reflecting by our pond, in the Peace Garden or at the labyrinth soon. Why not read this poetic prayer outdoors today? Autumn Months O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons. As…
Tessa Newton, Sisters of Bon Secours Program Manager of Fundraising (and former Sales & Marketing Manager for the Retreat & Conference Center), attended the sister's blessing of trees around our labyrinth last week. She shares about this circle of life on today's blog... When you have 313 acres of mostly wooded land, it comes as no surprise when a tree or two needs to be cut down. We have regular site visits from a local tree company to inspect, prune,…
Today's blog is written by retreat presenter, Andrea Springer. Andrea will be presenting a retreat that corresponds with this theme on Saturday, August 27 and you can click here if you'd like to learn more. Now, let's read her incredible insights about the courage we can each find within! Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ~ Winston Churchill Winston Churchill really gets my attention with…
Summer is upon us and the grounds around the Retreat & Conference Center are bursting with color! We are so grateful for the beautiful creation God has given us during this season of longer days. Will you take a few quiet moments to pray this summer prayer with us? Breath of Summer Creator God who breathed this world into being, who is discernible within the harmony of nature, the perfection of a butterfly's wing, the grandeur of a mountain…
In anticipation of tomorrow's holiday, we are offering a few prayers that you may find helpful in your celebration. The first prayer can be used if you are gathering with loved ones and another that can be used even if you are marking the occasion alone. No matter what the holiday looks like, God has given us abundant blessings! May you be able to focus on those gifts today and always. Crowded With Gratitude Lord God, Our hearts are crowded…
Sr. Ji Choi shares today's blog, focusing on Pope Francis' encyclical and a mission that we should all share. Let's prayerfully read, watch a beautiful video and let God guide us to take steps of our own to care for our home. Our common home, the creation of God Every creature belongs to the Earth community and the entire community belongs to our Creator. A Greek word for this Earth community is oikos…. Our common home, the Earth belongs to…
Let's take a few moments to center ourselves with prayer and a (virtual) walk through the forest. Many of the scenes in this beautiful video could be from the woods around our Center. May you have a deeper appreciation for the simple vine wrapping around a tree in the sunlight or the diligent ant making it's journey home on your next walk in nature. Pray with us. Creation Prayer God our Father, you created the world and sent your own…
Today's post comes from Fr. Michael Schleupner. Fr. Mike offers mass regularly at our Center and just finished serving as a spiritual director during our August Directed Retreat. We're so grateful for him! Today he reminds us to keep God's love at the forefront of our lives. Hatred versus Love? Dear Friends, At Jesus’ baptism and again at his Transfiguration, the voice of God from the heavens declares: “This is my beloved Son.” I believe that God speaks these words…
Amy Kulesa, Director of the Sisters of Bon Secours Associates and frequent retreat presenter here at the Center, shared this beautiful poem with us. Never forget that there is only one you! Among the billions of people on this planet there is only one YOU. There is not another soul on earth who can make the unique contributions that you can. The most wonderful paradox is that the more I choose authenticity-- the truer I am to being myself-- the…
