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February 2008
February Happenings at The Retreat Center
- Once again the observance of Lent at the Center commenced with a noon Liturgy in the main chapel on Ash Wednesday. The celebration was open to the public. Staff and guests who wished to participate joined in to prayerfully begin the Church’s season of renewal.
- Starting February 10th Sunday evening Mass moved from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for five Sundays of Lent with Msgr. John P. Zenz as the celebrant. The Eucharistic Liturgy is immediately followed by Theology Unplugged, for which Msgr. Zenz’s has developed the theme, “Bridging the Gap.” It is divided into five parts: Humpty Dumpty Fell Off the Wall, Taking the Long View, Mending the Harmony of the Church, Minimally Invasive: Enough?, and Accepting the Offer of Engagement. A brief presentation sparks interaction among 45-50 engaged participants. The program ends by 8:30 p.m.
- For a second season, on February 9 and 10 we sponsored conducted an event called “Tables for Two,” an opportunity for couples to enjoy some uninterrupted time together over a four-course dinner. It took place in the Mission Grille. Mr. Charlie Sears provided a brief reflection before each course and invited couples to discuss a question related to the theme.
- Also on February 9 and 10 The Retreat Center staff conducted the Covenant Love Retreat for couples preparing for marriage. A new emphasis was on “couple witness” and evaluations indicate that we were successful in meeting the needs of the young men and women who attended.
- Youth played a big role this month. No less than five Confirmation Retreats took place along with nine high school retreat days.
- World Wide Marriage Encounter conducted one of their weekends this month
- For a second year we hosted a group of individuals with a meditation practice who were here for a seven-day silent retreat.
- The Sacred Heart Major Seminary course continues along with Learning to Pray with the Bible.
- Two groups of the Good Leaders/Good Shepherds program spent time at The Retreat Center.
- Three Catholic parishes brought groups for retreat/prayer.
- Fifteen local Protestant communities spent time in prayer or retreat at St. John.
- Nearly 1700 individuals came to the Center as day-time or overnight guests during February 2008.
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