Direction of retreats and missions is available by contacting Deacon Richard Boileau, sfo. Please state the location and dates proposed as well as the nature of the group involved (religious organization, church, etc.)
Topics include (1) Advent: A Journey Other topics include (1) The Historic Francis Advent: A Journey is a retreat program or parish mission designed for presentation during the holy season of Advent. It invites believers to set aside time during that busy period to make a clear decision about the meaning of their lives and to understand the nature of Peace and Joy that is the promise of the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our objective is to help people to open the priceless gift we have already received from a Savior who understands our human condition and teaches a way to transform darkness into light; anxiety into peace; and sadness into joy. It is also to experience the goodness of God who so loves us that he sent his Son, who entered our world in such incredible simplicity and humility to rescue us from fear and illusion. Mary and Joseph journeyed. The shepherds journeyed. The wise men journeyed.
We too journey. We are pilgrims…persons who journey to a sacred
place …to a place deep within ourselves …a place where we
might see in our soul the likeness of God …a place of encounter
with Christ …a place of free and full union with our brothers and
sisters …a place of perfect joy. It is a long journey. It is a journey
into the light of day, then into the darkness, and finally to the Light
that inhabits the darkness…a Light that can never be diminished
by darkness. The journey outward …Community: We fulfill our Christian identity in otherness. The journey home …Joy & Peace: And this experience of God’s love transforms us. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, we become distracted by innumerable tasks. Come away to quiet moments of prayer, music, and spiritually nourishing reflections. Embark on a journey of discovery, walking with the Lord. During this special time, the divine gifts of love, peace, hope and joy will be revealed to your heart so that they can be shared with others. Comments “ I loved the sharing, the unity, and the focus on Christmas…I believe that this will help me with my surrounding in celebrating Jesus’ birthday…Thank you for this beautiful Mission.” “ So much care in preparing for this sacred time. I thank you; the Holy Spirit speaks to hearts through you.” “ An intelligent, well thought out, well organized presentation, a very meaningful message.” “ I enjoyed the time I took to attend this mission, to be quiet in prayer during this busy time of year and to listen to the beautiful teachings we heard each night of the mission.” “ I retain the concept of a “Journey”: that we each are on our private journey of discovery with the Lord. I found this a most thoughtful and provocative lesson.” “ I loved the variety, lectures, reflections, prayers and music. I also enjoyed the analogy of the Bible: Road map. I have been reading it and I believe this book (this Word “this Word”) is making changes in my life.” “ The journey outward was very powerful, leading to enthusiastic discussion after-sharing over coffee and then sharing beyond over community… excellent.” “ I most appreciated the planning of the Mission and the build-up to our last evening of reconciliation; the obvious deep thoughts and dedication to the material; the historical information and putting us in the setting of the time.” “ I learned a lot about the different forms of prayer a lot about St. Francis and also the word “simplicity” that really stayed with me. You speak so well, your timing is perfect, not too long; you truly have a gift to “speak” to others. Thank you.”
Advent: Epiphanies in our Lives Epiphanies in Our Lives prepares participants not only for the feast of the Nativity but also the feast of the Epiphany, which reminds us that from the very beginning Jesus was someone to be personally experienced. Epiphany also points to other encounters that have the potential of rearranging our ways of relating to him, and even our understanding of the purpose of our life. The feast of Epiphany is a call to think about all of the mysterious and wonderful ways in which God appears in surprising forms. Indeed, if the God of the universe can be manifest in a helpless baby in a poor stable, then we better be ready for God just about anywhere and in anybody. We had better open our eyes and heart wider, and brace ourselves for something wonderful at the most unexpected moments and in the oddest of places. This mission has been planned to appeal to parishioners but also to friends and family who do not come to church regularly. Christ is for everyone and we urge you to extend this invitation widely among the people that you know. The format consists of three evenings with a mix of teaching, witnessing
and a variety of musical styles. Christ is the model for full and wholesome human existence, much of which is summarized in the Paschal Mystery: His victory over evil. At Gethsemane, we are aware of the pervasive presence of darkness and anguish in human existence. At Golgotha, we are reminded of the constant presence of loss and the need for faith in a higher purpose. At the tomb, we see how no transformation is sudden and frequently it is shrouded with uncertainty. Finally, at Easter we reap the joyous fruits of hope and the difficult but necessary discernment that leads to Light.
First Part: Journey to Gethsemane
Second Part: Journey to Golgotha
Third Part: Journey in Darkness
Fourth Part: Journey into Light
Comments “ These four evenings enforced the fact that I want to be closer to the Lord.” “ My attention and spirituality was completely immersed in the Mission. Wonderful and with deep feelings and love.” “ Thank you so much. You are sent by God to enlighten my cross.” “ The entire journey was enjoyable and inspirational.” “ I appreciate your sharing and will continue my journey of faith with the knowledge of your wisdom ringing in my thoughts.”
is designed to help people involved in ordained or lay ministry fortify or regain energy and motivation on their apostolic work. We focus on the sources of joy, strategies to maintain it and the attitudes needed to serve with a renewed spirit.
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