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…
Today's reflection is a homily shared by Fr. Michael Schleupner. We're so grateful to Fr. Michael for sharing his reflections with us! He can also be seen frequently at the Center, serving as a spiritual director during many of our directed retreats. Click here for his next retreat. Let's take a few moment now to read about his practical approach to forgiveness. Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church[a] sins against me, how…
Many of our guests return to the Center each summer for an annual silent retreat. We currently have 25 guests checking in today for a 7-Day Directed Retreat There are individuals who are dedicated to this practice of setting aside a week each year to disconnect from their daily norm and to reconnect to what lies under the surface, tuning into God's voice by 'listening with the ear of our hearts'. If you can't find the time to come out…
Do you find yourself seeking quiet time for spiritual reflection? Have you ever considered taking a silent retreat? As many begin to make their summer retreat plans, today's post may help you decide if a silent retreat is a good fit for you. Or, maybe you just need time set aside in the quiet of your home or a favorite spot in nature? Let's read more about how a silent retreat can help as you seek to hear the voice…
One of our frequent retreat presenters and spiritual directors, Joanne Cahoon, recently suggested this beautiful song meditation. It's a reminder that we are all God's beloved creation! May you feel this sincere blessing today. Friends, it's time to own your belovedness... Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ~Ephesians 5:1-3 For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by…
Have you been following Fr. Michael Schleupner's spiritual wellness series on our blog? Today, he concludes the series by summarizing his recipe for wholeness. These key points make it easy to locate the explanation of each within our blog too. Simply type the ingredient name into the search bar. We're so grateful that Fr. Michael will be with us for two week-long directed retreats this summer too. He still has a few openings in the August retreat and it's a…
We're finishing up our Winter Directed Retreat tomorrow and many of our guests have already shared on their evaluations how grateful they have been for this time of spiritual direction, silence and stillness. Are you able to take a few quiet moments, listening to God's voice today? In the Stillness by Katy Kauffman In the stillness when it’s just You and me I can be candid, I can be free To express what I’m feeling and going through I…
Today's post is an inspiring message from Fr. Michael Schleupner. This seems to be a lesson that most took to heart during the pandemic, but as life has returned to normal, our value of the present moment may get buried in the busyness of our schedules. This may be just the refreshing message we all need! Please take a few quiet moments to read and reflect. *If you are seeking a special time of retreat, Fr. Michael will be serving…
