On this last Sunday of Advent, we offer another important lesson from Fr. Michael Schleupner's 'Getting Ready' series. Although this was presented for the 3rd week of Advent, it can lead us right into today's focus on love as well. Let us know your thoughts as you reflect on the hope, peace, joy and love of the season. The week has arrived! Jesus is coming soon! Getting Ready - 3 Dear Friends, Last week I recommended that we get in…
Advent Oratorio Paul Spicer & N.T. Wright Come, Lord, and cleanse us from our sin; Your new, glad work in us begin. Remove our idols from our sight; Let us in you alone delight. Prepare us for your coming reign By washing us from every stain; Make known to us your holy Name; Let us no more turn back to shame. Call us to you from every land, And guide us with your powerful hand; Show us the path that…
Our faithful friend of the blog, Fr. Michael Schleupner, offered this homily a few weeks ago. It gives his personal reflection about his relationship with Jesus, providing a beautiful way to embrace our connection to Jesus too. Let's take a few quiet moments to prayerfully read and reflect on our own journeys with God. Who do you say that Jesus is? Mark 8:27-35 Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus teaches that those who would follow him must…
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…
For Courage to Do Justice O Lord, open my eyes that I may see the needs of others Open my ears that I may hear their cries; Open my heart so that they need not be without succor; Let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong, Nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich. Show me where love and hope and faith are needed, And use me…
Sr. Ji Choi is a Novice with the Sisters of Bon Secours and is working within our retreat ministry. She is offering several retreats in the coming months around this year's theme of "The Heart of St. Joseph" (You can read about the next one by clicking here). Let's read her thoughts about today's feast day. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This solemnity encourages us to devote ourselves to the love of the…
Today's post is a continuation of the series about the power of our words from Fr. Michael Schleupner. We are happy to have Fr. Mike back this summer for a week-long directed retreat where he will offer daily spiritual direction to his group and also offer daily Mass. You can click here to learn more. Let's take a few quiet moments this Valentine's Day to read these inspiring words about sharing our love through words. Words - 2 Dear Friends,…
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
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. ~Matt. 1:20-21 Pope Francis has declared this as the year of…
Today's post comes from retreat presenter, Susan Boruff. She shares insight from scripture about focusing on the love of God, even during the darkness of the pandemic. We hope that this will inspire and reassure you today. Love Wins “Love said to me, there is nothing that is not me. Be silent.” ~Rumi If the battle between good and evil has already been won, why don’t we act like winners? Winners for love. If we can take the words of…
