Each Friday of February, we are celebrating Black History Month! Today we are sharing about the life and ministry of Sr. Thea Bowman. Sr. Thea was the first black sister of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, an active part of the Civil Rights Movement, a singer, an educator, and an Evangelist. Sr. Thea spoke often about being Black within the Catholic Church and she was prolific in sharing her culture, heritage, customs, and joy with the Church and all…
Today's Ash Wednesday prayer is brought to us by Pastor Jenny Smith. Rev. Dr. Jenny Smith is the Lead Pastor at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church in Sykesville, Maryland. Please take a few moments to quiet your heart and mind and then join us in reading... The ashes on my head are a reminder of God’s love for me. God promises that nothing can separate me from God. As you see my ashes, remember I am a child of God! …
With Lent approaching, we are taking today to focus on what we can do to deepen our faith. Often people will give something up for Lent but this poem challenges us to give something up AND take something up, too. What will you FAST from and FEAST on this season? Share in the comments. The Fast Life Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them. Fast from fear of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.…
Today we continue our Black History Month series with inspiring pieces from the beloved Maya Angelou. She was not only an incredibly gifted writer, but a civil rights activist too. "Equality" was written in 1990, yet that dream of equality is still yet to be fully achieved. The 2nd poem we're highlighting was written in 1995, entitled "Touched by An Angel" and focuses on something that can make her vision of equality possible, love. We hope you enjoy these beautiful…
Our labyrinth was installed in 1999 through Nature Sacred (formerly the TKF Foundation). Nature Sacred's mission is to create green spaces for all to enjoy and share the positive effects from spending time in nature. Our labyrinth is a fixture on our property with many guests building time for a labyrinth walk into their retreat schedule, or others coming here with the sole intention of journeying through the labyrinth. It is a blessing to so many and we are grateful…
Today is the International Day of Human Fraternity, a day recognizing the importance of embracing others of different races, cultures, religions, and castes. It began in early 2019 with Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayyeb drafting the "Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together" in response to growing discourse between people worldwide. The document sparked the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, which was comprised of international religious leaders, cultural leaders, and scholars, all…
In December, the Congregation of the Sisters of Bon Secours welcomed Simone Blanchard as the Director of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Simone shares with us a beautiful reflection of finding her place within the legacy of Bon Secours. Please join us in welcoming Simone! The photo included is Simone and her lovely family. Sometimes, we must look back to see the way forward. On November 1, 2024 (All Saints Day) Sister Rose Marie Jasinksi, Congregation Leader…
Today's post is a shared video from YouTube. This is a great way to begin your day! Take just 10 minutes to sit quietly and listen prayerfully. We hope you feel the peace and love of Jesus through this short meditation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R53ZF9jBjNA
As the new year still settles in, we are taking a little time to remind ourselves to live this year with great intention, to remain focused on God, and to be gentle with ourselves and others. “As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends. Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us live…
This week we are recognizing and celebrating Spiritual/Pastoral Care Week. Have you be touched by the gifts of a spiritual director/companion, pastor or chaplain? These special individuals offer hope and healing so we pause to offer this blessing for continued connection to God's presence in all that they do. A Blessing for Presence May you awaken to the mystery of being here And enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. May you have joy and peace in the temple…
