Mary, Our Mellowness of Heart The season of Advent calls us to peaceful preparation, which is often difficult and contrary to the busyness of the holiday season. How can we find mellowness of heart and spirit in the midst of this contradiction? Mary, the Mother of God, offers us an example and guidance. As Elizabeth Johnson writes, “…this woman empowered by Holy Wisdom, challenges, consoles, and sparks hope in present-day…” Through exploration and prayerful reflection, we will encounter Mary as…
Take some time to celebrate the diverse heritage of the Mystics in our daily lives! Join us for a delicious lunch and dialogue as we consider their personal biographies and the incredible contributions they have made to contemporary spirituality, especially around encountering the Divine in everyday life. In this gathering, we will specifically explore their spiritual legacy on living with gratitude and how being grateful can serve as an entry point into mysticism and its transformative, empowering grace. While engaging…
Writer and retreat presenter, Mary DeTurris Poust, offered her latest blog for us to share too. It's a great reminder to notice the simply joys and miracles in life, especially during this month that tends to be so busy. So, let's take a few deep breaths and sit with this reflection in a quiet place. What everyday wonders will you notice today? Comment and share. Visio Divina: seeing with the eyes of love One warm-and-sunny weekday recently, I took advantage…
Mary DeTurris Poust shares a recent blog with us today. We're thrilled to have Mary back on our schedule for next year and will share those details in the coming months. Do you find yourself resisting quiet times? Let's read Mary's thoughts about how we can embrace a time for Sabbath. We all need Sabbath: Why quiet isn’t “quitting” As I sat in my beach chair late last month, toes in the sand and eyes fixed on an endless horizon…
Fr. Michael Schleupner, a favorite retreat presenter and spiritual director at our Center, offered the follow as a homily last Sunday. Let's see what we can learn from his insight about small talk and humility. On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the…
Today's reflection is another by Fr. Michael Schleupner, which he shared last week as he celebrated his 50th jubilee! Let's read about how he tied together readings from the gospel for his role as a priest and how we can use this within our own communities. We look forward to seeing more of Fr. Michael when he's here for our July and August Directed Retreats, serving as a spiritual director. Please comment below to congratulate Fr. Michael on an amazing…
Mary DeTurris Poust presented a virtual Lenten retreat last month and shared a beautiful guided meditation with the guests. We're happy to share this with our readers too. Please see below. So, let's take a deep breath and enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pWDC3iOYNU
Amy Kulesa will be guiding "On the Verge of Transformation," a special Lenten retreat on the weekend of Palm Sunday. Click here to learn more about the retreat. She is also the Director of the Sisters of Bon Secours Associates and recently shared this poignant reflection. How does it inspire and comfort you? Your Cross is You “Remember, you are only an instrument. Not yours to decide how or when or where you act. I plan all that. Make yourself…
Today's reflection shares some exciting news from retreat presenter Mary DeTurris Poust! We're happy to share that she'll have more time to presenter retreats at our Center in the future! How does her news push you to reflect on what you're born to do? Have you be quieting that 'still small voice' or are you actively listening? Knowing — and doing — what we’re born to do by Mary DeTurris Poust on January 7, 2022 Hanging on my office door…
Today's blog is written by retreat presenter Andrea Springer. She offers a great reminder to help us deal with things that get under our skin. What techniques do you use to cope with life's irritations? Andrea will be with us for a day retreat this August and it will be added to our website soon. Stay tuned to learn more about this inspiring day, which will be themed around 'courage'. Now, let's take a few quiet moments to read Andrea's…
