An individually directed retreat focuses on the way God is active in the individual’s life, and each retreat follows a uniquely personal path. Retreatants meet with a spiritual director once a day to reflect on God’s presence and movement in their life as revealed in prayer, the events and relationships in their life, and the response to God that is being made. The spiritual director may make suggestions (prayer forms, Scripture, reading materials, etc.) to support and deepen the retreatant’s…
New in 2026: The 8-Day Ignatian Silent Directed Retreat will be the only group in-house at the Retreat Center during these dates! The Ignatian Directed Retreat will be privileged time for you to deepen your relationship with God. You will be assigned a trained spiritual director with whom you will meet briefly each day to discern the movements of God in your life as revealed through your prayer. The “direction” of directed retreats is that of discovering and exploring your…
So often we imagine that in order to be loved, we must become better, different, perfect. But what if the things we think need to be “fixed” to make us more lovable — flaws and weaknesses, mistakes, and sins — are the very things that make us beautiful in our own way? In this retreat, we will use Psalm 139 as a touchstone and will learn to see our brokenness as a beauty mark instead of a scar. We will…
Amy Sorensen Kulesa shared this poem with us, originally from ordinary on purpose. All of these are the perfect reasons to call out to God in prayer. GOD HEARS! More Hope... God hears. God hears our fancy, formal, memorized prayers, fingers slipping over beads. God hears our bitter, angry prayers. Why, God??? How??? What am I supposed to do now, God??? God hears our tiny, whispered pleas. Every single word. Please. Help. Be near. Or even… God???? God hears through our…
This week's blog post is written by Sr. Sara Dwyer, a regular retreat presenter at the Center. She will be leading a week-long retreat in August and this post is a little snapshot of what the week will hold. You can learn more about the retreat and Sr. Sara by clicking HERE. Whispers of Grace I chose “Whispers of Grace” as the title for a weeklong retreat because that’s how I generally experience grace in my life. Grace is the…
In Maryland, March 13 is recognized as Good Samaritan Day. Today, we celebrate those that act as Good Samaritans, serving, caring, and loving those in need. Let's take a moment to remember the story of the Good Samaritan: The Parable of the Good Samaritan On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He…
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 we are sharing a prayer from Prayers for the People: Things We Didn't Know We Could Say to God, a compilation of prayers written by Rev. Terry J. Stokes. This book has prayers for nearly every one and every experience. It even shares Rev. Stokes' process for writing a prayer and provides a how-to for us to write our own! It's poignant but will also make you smile. Join us in today's prayer about winter... For the Winter O God…
Snow is covering the grass and trees in Marriottsville - our first significant snow in a couple years. It is majestic! Below is a prayer about the winter months, reminding us to look for the beauty of God's handiwork. Gracious Lord, as winter blankets the land with its beauty, I am reminded of your majesty and creativity. Help me to see your handiwork in the glistening snowflakes, the frost-covered trees, and the quiet stillness of the season. Lord, I…
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…
