Poverty: The Ordinary Path to Sanctity On this special Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi we take a close look at the evangelical counsel of poverty. How do we properly understand poverty in the context of our state of life? What does it mean and how can we all strive to live it? There is a power to poverty and a blessing to be "poor in spirit". The lives of Jesus and St. Francis also point us in a…
Your Presence Matters! Our presence is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Being present — not just physically, but with our full attention — is a gift to others. It is a gift to ourselves too! When we are fully present, we are aware of what is happening around us and what we are experiencing internally in our thoughts, emotions, and body. Being present to our experiences helps us to see God in our lives. This awareness allows…
Held in person on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1-2pm and on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 7-8pm. For these in-person sessions, registration is required in advance, due by the Monday before each in-person session. (Virtual Zoom sessions will be the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 1-2pm. Register by emailing facilitator Amy Kulesa at amy.kulesa@bonsecoursusa.org.) Centering Prayer is a form of Christian contemplative prayer, in which one abides in the Presence of God in…
Retreat guests are going to enjoy the "To Practice Wonder - A Day of Contemplative Writing" retreat today, presented by Debra Donnelly-Barton. Some of those guests may find inspiration from the beautiful grounds around the Center, grounds that are bursting with new green leaves and blooms! We thought it was the perfect time to share these spring poems and offer gratitude to our Creator. For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song…
Several retreat guests will arrive today to begin their 3-night or 6-night Directed Retreat. These retreats are offered periodically throughout the year and offer a time of silence for guests. They meet with a spiritual director for one hour per day and attend Mass, if they'd like, but otherwise spend time reflecting, praying, reading and writing on their own within an environment of silence. Many seek this retreat annually to reconnect with the still, small voice within and they leave…
Amy Kulesa, Director of the Sisters of Bon Secours Associates, presented a retreat recently around a gratitude theme. She shared a few inspiring videos with these guests and we thought that you would enjoy this one. This video is a reminder that even if we are burdened, life gives us so much to be grateful for...gifts from the only Source of all our blessings. May this video resonate with you as you pray with us, providing inspiration for this Thanksgiving…
Author Mary DeTurris Poust offers today's post, shared from her blog (click here to read more). The topic was born while she was at our Center to present a weekend retreat this summer. Her "Broken, Beautiful and Beloved" retreat was so inspiring and guests were already asking about her return to our Center before it was even over! Due to our need to schedule so far out, she's returning in 2023. So, Mary is occasionally sharing inspiration in written form…
Today's blog comes from our Guest Services Coordinator and a gifted artist, Tara Mulder. She reflects upon a recent virtual retreat that she attended through our Center and how it inspired another beautiful piece of art! Lazarus and the Light This little number started as a sketch during a spiritual retreat with poet Kathy Staudt, offered by Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center. The Center, where I have the most wonderful day job, hosts a variety of in-person and virtual retreats…
It's the first day of the New Year. Happy 2021! Today's post comes from the Director of the Retreat & Conference Center, Kevin Cassidy. He reflects on 2020, a very different year than we expected, and focuses on the gratitude that we all share for our friends of the Center! What are you grateful for as you begin the new year? Happy New Year! Is it “happy” because we are so glad that 2020 is behind us, and we survived…
Today's post comes from Tara Mulder. Tara is one of the friendly faces you may have seen in our Welcome Center. She serves as the Guest Services Coordinator and assists with conference group and retreat reservations. Tara is also a very talented artist. She'll be sharing a follow-up 2020 Christmas card post next week. Let's read about her creative process and Scripture insights used with her Christmas cards. With Every Christmas Card I Write, Part 1 For Christmas 2019, I…
