Sacraments
Transformation through the Eucharist: This evening or day of reflection will follow the Jewish tradition of manna from the desert to the present
day reality of Christ’s sacrifice at the mass. We will examine the deep invitation of love Christ
offers to us each day, and how this holy sacrament can serve as our new Spiritual Manna.
Sacraments of Initiation: This retreat, based on the Diocese of Rochester
Confirmation program developed by Carol Pickel, explores the sacraments of initiation through the symbols of
the sacraments. We will look at the scriptural basis of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist as we pray
our way to a deeper understanding of these sacraments and their symbols in our lives.
Sacred Occasions
The Birth of Christ: Over 2000 years ago, Mary was asked to be the bearer of Christ. In this Advent evening
of reflection, Christ once again invites us to open our hearts to Him. We are encouraged by the Christmas
message to experience the birth of Christ in our own lives.
Advent:
Retreats (or Parish Missions) based on the Advent role models:
Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and Zachariah who help us see our own journey toward the coming of the King.
Lent: Exploring the journey to the Cross. This Lenten retreat
explores the symbols and the liturgies of Holy Week. Through exploration of scripture and symbols rooted
in the Celebration of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil, we will journey in Faith to a deeper understanding
of Christ’s Love for us and His call to us.
Not Ordinary, Extraordinary! We will explore the richness of “Ordinary” time on our liturgical calendar.
We will journey through Scripture to find Jesus present in the “ordinary” of our lives.
Holy Heroes!! This retreat/ workshop
explores Saints and other Holy People in our world as messengers of God’s unfailing Love. We look
to them as guides, where-ever we are on our journey. We will meet St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa
of Avila, St. Francis of Assisi, Brother Lawrence, Mother Teresa and more. We can focus on individuals
of your choosing.
Saints
Mysticism for Dummies??
We will explore Saints who are often portrayed as so “deep” and
“distant” that we feel they cannot be modeled. We will look at Catherine of Siena, Theresa
of Avila, John of the Cross and Julian of Norwich as concrete models of intimacy with Christ. We will see
that it was their very simplicity that made them holy.
What’s with the Saints??
We will journey with others to a deeper understanding of what a saint is, and how we are all called to that same holiness.
We will explore myths about Catholic beliefs in saints and we will talk about the reality of models from medieval to
modern-day holy people.