The Beacon.Com -
Marianist Family Retreat
Center
May 2010
(Be sure to visit our web site at www.capemaymarianists.org for a complete
schedule, retreat photos and application)
To find out more of
what is happening in the greater Marianist Family – click here www.marianist.com/fol for Marianist
Family Online - the Province E-Newsletter.
·
Director’s Message
·
A few Summer Weeks still have openings – call
609.884.3829 for information
·
2010-2011 (10 month) Volunteer Internship Resumes now
being accepted
·
Spring Retreat Recaps & Photos
o Widows
Retreat
o Black
Catholic Family Retreat
o
o May
Teen Retreat
·
40th Anniversary Celebration
·
An Invitation from the
·
Online Marianist Courses
·
Other Upcoming Retreats
o Spring
Spiritual Get Away Dates
o June
Midweek Cleaning Days
o Celebration
of Marriage Retreat
·
Marriage Moments & Parenting Pointers
Dear
Friends,
A few
weeks ago we had our Widows Retreat (see recap & photos below) and
during the welcome social I spotted a woman who I had never seen before so I
approached to welcome her and find out a little bit about her story.
One
of the many blessings of working here is hearing and sharing in the stories of
those who come seeking peace and in some cases answers. This woman, who lost
her husband to cancer at a young age a few years ago, was ready and willing to
share her story with me. As she spoke to me, the tears began to form in her
eyes (and mine) and all I could do was listen and offer a few words of welcome
and understanding. I encouraged her to be open to what God was offering her on
the retreat.
When
I arrived back on Sunday to greet the widows before Mass, I spotted the same
woman. I asked how her weekend was and she was absolutely glowing and went on
and on about her experience!
A
transformation had occurred in her that seems to happen here often –
going from uncertainty and questions on Friday evening to joy and energy for
life & what God has in store on Sunday morning.
What
a gift this ministry has been for so many…
God’s
Peace to you all,
Anthony
A Few Summer Family Retreats still have
openings...
Please
consider joining us or encouraging a family you know to join us this summer for
what promises to be a special experience. We are currently in the planning
process for the Summer Family Retreats and all I can say now is that the
retreats will be incredible!
2010-2011 Volunteer Internship Resumes Now Being
Accepted
We
are now accepting cover letters and resumes for our 2010-2011 Internship
(October – July). The successful candidate will become a member of our
Center Staff and work primarily with our Program Director. The intern will
receive a nominal weekly stipend as well as health benefits. To
find out more click here.
Interested persons should send their resume and a cover letter to Anthony Fucci
at
Spring Retreats Recap & Photos
We
continue to be so blessed this spring with many wonderful retreat experiences.
This
retreat, focusing on processing grief, was facilitated by Madge Hempsey, Pam
Laurenzi and Ree Six.
Through honoring the memories of their husbands,
prayer, meditation, personal sharing, journaling, and laughter, the women found
solace and community. They were a comfort and source of inspiration to each
other.
Half of the attendees had come to previous widows'
retreats and each time they return it is obvious that they are moving closer to
the light of acceptance and delight in life.
A tradition has developed at Mary's House. Each fall
there is a mid-week reunion retreat for widows who have attended a previous
widows' retreat. They come together to remember and celebrate possibility. (This year's retreat will be September 21 through 23.)
To see photos from this retreat click here.
The Black Catholic Family Retreat was full of
joy and many great families participated in the experience. Watching the
families grow and transform over the course of the weekend was a true blessing
for us all.
Using
our theme “Are We There Yet?” the families explored the themes affirmation, forgiveness, and commitment.
To see photos from this retreat click here.
Brother
Jesse O’Neill, SM along with Hannah Williamson (Marianist Young Adult
& 8th Grade teacher) and Sr. Joan _______ (Daughter of Charity) brought the
8th grade class of Mother Seton to our retreat themed “Go Make a Difference in God’s
World.” As the 8th grade class of
Mother
Seton is a grammar school in
One
of the ways this retreat is funded is through donations received at our annual
Young Adult Retreat here at the Center. To see photos from this retreat click
here.
This
year’s first Teen Retreat focused on the theme of Unlikely Heroes. Using
biblical figures such as Gideon, Saul, Peter, Timothy and many others we
explored how the lives of these unlikely heroes apply to the life of teens in
2010. A highlight of this retreat was the Saturday evening panel of 5 teens
who presented on who are the heroes in their lives and how they have been
heroes in the lives of others. The authentic sharing that took place in that
room was inspiring. As one teen put it, “If we are the future, then the
future is bright!”
To see photos from this retreat click here.
Come Celebrate With Us!
Come and join us for a
special celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the
Date: November 13, 2010
Time:
Mass
will begin at 12:00pm followed by a reception ending by 4pm.
Cost: We are
respectfully asking $25 per person age 12+, $15/pp age 5-11; under are 5 free
with a $75 per family max to help defray the cost of this event.
RSVP:
mfrc@capemaymarianists.org
or call 609-884-3829
An Invitation from
the
Want to hold onto that Marianist spirit
from the
Online Marianist Courses
Click here to view the next series of on-line
courses being offered.
The
North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) provides online virtual
learning courses (vlc) on Prayer, Social
Justice, Our Marianist Founders,
Charism, and Leadership.
Other
Upcoming Retreats & Critical Dates
To print an application please click here.
Spiritual Getaway Days are
a great way to “escape” from your daily realities to come and join
us for a time of rest, prayer and catching your breath! Your time with us is
self-directed – there is morning Mass and evening prayer, if you wish to
join our Marianist Community. All of your meals are provided.
Spring Dates: May 18-20, June 1-3 and
June 8-10.
The
cost is $105 for 2 nights/6 meals
June
Mid-Week Cleaning Days – June 22-25
Come
join us for 1, 2 or more days to help get the Center ready for our busy Summer
Family Retreat Program. Our days will be spent cleaning for half the day and
then free time the other half to enjoy the beaches, a stroll or a bike ride.
We will have pick-up style meals with dinners on your own – there is no
charge for these days.
Celebration of
Marriage Retreat – Sept. 24-26
This weekend is intended for couples
married at least 10 years. It honors and celebrates the commitment of
marriage. Presentations and small group discussions address (1) how we got to
this point in our marriages, (2) where we are now and (3) what the future might
hold. We strike a deliberate balance among participation/reflection, liturgy,
free time and fun and plenty of "couple time." The cost for this
retreat is $240/couple
**Financial Aid is available – please do not let the cost of a
retreat be the obstacle that prevents you from joining us...***
Look us up under
“Mary’s House MFRC” send us a friend request!
Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers
Contributed by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net
On Marriage…
To serve country, spouse, or God is to give your life because of
your love. Dying for country, spouse, or God is a great sacrifice, but
sacrificing time and spending energy in the service of your beloved counts too. Serve your
spouse in an unexpected way today.
On Parenting…
It's planting season in most of the northern hemisphere.
Plant something with your child this week. Watch it grow. Watch your son or
daughter grow. Do you mark their height each year on their birthday? If, not,
start a custom.
Blessings to All!
The Marianists
Cape May Point
Anthony Fucci
Center Director
609-884-3829
609-884-0545 (Fax)
www.capemaymarianists.org