YOUR RETREAT IS WAITING...

MISSION STATEMENT

EMBRACING THE MISSION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY TO MAKE GOD’S LOVE VISIBLE IN THE WORLD,THE ST. JOSEPH RETREAT CENTER FOSTERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE TOUCHED BY THAT LOVE. THE CENTER AND ITS SURROUNDINGS CREATE A WELCOMING SACRED SPACE WHERE GOD CAN BE ENCOUNTERED. IN A SPIRIT OF PEACE AND HOSPITALITY, WE PROVIDE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES THAT ENCOURAGE RETREATANTS TO MAKE THE LOVE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD VISIBLE TO THE WORLD.

Advent

Week 2 Week 1

Week 2

Second Sunday of Advent Reflection:

Get on the Peace Train

Written by Anne-Louise DePalo

“From his roots a bud shall blossom”
Isaiah 11:1

“Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever”
Psalm 72

“…By endurance, and by encouragement of the scriptures, we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement to grant you to think in harmony with one another.”
Romans 15:5

“Produce good fruit”
Matthew 3:8

Today begins the second week of Advent. We light the candle, known as the Bethlehem candle or Peace candle. It represents the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem as we prepare for Christ’s birth and Second Coming. It serves as a reminder as we make our own journey to Christ in the spiritual life. Only Jesus can bring peace to each soul and the world as He is “The Prince of Peace.”

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church peace is defined as the “tranquility of order” as quoted by Saint Augustine, Catechism 2034. This is the “work” of justice and the effect of charity. “Christ reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of unity in the human race and of its union with God” Catechism 2304.

The readings today show us the way to peace and harmony and the “good fruit” it produces when there is order and love. John the Baptist understood the path to peace. Advent allows us to make our way to peace through prayer, penance, and charity.

“Advent is not Christmas- that penitential time leads to joy only if we heed it’s message – John the Baptist, who leaped for joy in his mother’s womb- is joy’s perfect messenger because he shows us, it’s necessary elements: repentance, humility, and sacrifice” Father Paul Scalia.

Peace is not the avoidance of conflict. But it is a decision to act in charity and harmony. Not demanding or fighting for peace; but seeking, witnessing, and proclaiming truth. John the Baptist models this for us. Truth produces good fruit.

We are to be instruments of peace as the hymn of St Francis of Assisi proclaims. During Advent, we cultivate, till, fertilize, and sow the soil of our soul so buds can form and flower. (Isaiah 11:1)

We can be peacemakers when we encounter conflict whether in our families, homes, workplace, communities, or the world at large.

One of my favorite songs is Peace Train by Cat Stevens. His lyrics capture the search and gift of peace beautifully:

Oh, I’ve been happy lately

Thinkin’ about the good things to come

And I believe it could be

Something good has begun

Oh, I’ve been smilin’ lately

Dreaming about the world as one

And I believe it could be

Someday it’s going to come

‘Cause out of the edge of darkness.

There rides a peace train.

Oh, peace train,

Come take me home again.

Yes, peace train holy roller.

Everyone jump on the peace train.

Get your bags together.

Go bring your good friend too.

Because it’s getting nearer.

It soon will be with you

Cat Stevens may or may not have realized the inspiration for these lyrics as he sings of the peace that everyone longs for, or that it can only be found in and through Jesus, Emanuel. Thankfully we know! As St. Paul tells us, “The mind of the Spirit is life and peace” Roman’s 8:6

My dear readers, what will you do this week as the peace candle burns in our Churches, to bring peace to your world? Each choice we make for peace creates harmony and produces the good fruit of discipleship and builds the kingdom of God. Follow the Prince of Peace. All aboard!

Week 1

NOVEMBER 30 – FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A NEW BEGINNING

“Let us walk in the light of Christ.”
Isaiah 25.

“Peace be within you.”
Psalm 122 (8)

“Stay awake!”
Matthew 24:42.

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. The word “advent” means arrival. It is a time of growth and possibility. St. John Henry Newman, recently named the latest Doctor of the Church, described the beginning of Advent in this way, “The year is worn out.” Many of us may feel the same as winter awaits

However, with every ending there is a new beginning. As the leaves fall from the trees, they become compost for new ground later. Advent is a time to cultivate the soil so there is spiritual growth and possibility as we prepare for the historical birth of Christ in our hearts and minds and contemplate the Second Coming of Christ. In today’s Psalm 122(8) we hear the words,” Peace be within you.”

Advent is also an opportunity to go deeper. The dark of the night, stillness, and silent pause of nature gives us the chance to renew and refresh. It is a time of relief, of letting go, of noticing what to hold onto, and what we don’t want to invest our energy in. What do you need to clear in your life and heart for Christ to enter more fully and completely?

As Catholics we are constantly called to conversion and the Church gives us the liturgical seasons to help us. In the Gospel today, Christ reminds us to “Stay awake!” Matthew 24:42. Jesus tells us we do not know when the Son of Man will return. We must prepare our hearts and souls. During Advent we prepare for two comings: Christ’s first coming as a baby and Christ final coming in glory.

There are four weeks of Advent, and they allude to the 4,000 years that were eternally attributed to the interval between the fall of Adam and the birth of Jesus. During the four weeks of Advent a candle is lit for each week. Today the first candle of Advent is the Prophecy candle. This symbolizes hope. We look back at Christ’s first arrival and anticipate His return.

Hope is defined in the Catechism as “the theological virtue by which we desire and expect both eternal life and the grace we need to attain it.” The other three candles are peace, joy and love. We prepare not just for a past event, but for a future one. Advent gives us that opportunity to find peace within our own souls. This Advent ask yourself, “Do I have hope? Do I believe in the promises of eternal life? Do I believe God’s grace will help me grow spiritually and reach eternity with Him?”

It is easy to become distracted during this time of year. We are often overstimulated and at times feel overwhelmed. So much to do, but what is the most important thing we must do for our souls? The time you spend with Jesus in prayer and prepare your heart receiving His grace and love is the most important thing. As Servant of God, Dorothy Day said, “The older I get, the more I meet people, the more convinced I am that we must only work on ourselves to grow in grace. The only thing we can do about people is to love them.” To love others as they should be loved during this season and always — one needs God’s grace. In the dark of the night, let us cultivate our soul and as the Prophet Isaiah tells us in the first reading, “Let us, walk in the light of Christ.” As we begin again.

Are you seeking to deepen your relationship with God through prayer?
Are you willing to devote an hour each day to prayer?
Would you be open to a companion on your journey of prayer,
to aid in discerning the movements of your heart and the voice of the Holy Spirit?

If so, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius may be for you!

Laura Parisi, LMHC Counselor and Spiritual Director, has been trained to accompany people through these experiences of prayer. St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote down these exercises after undergoing his own conversion and discernment. Originally given to others over a period of 30 days, there are now many possible adaptations.

The full Spiritual Exercises can be made over a period of approximately 30 weeks. During this time, the person undertaking this, prays with a specific exercise each day for approximately an hour. He or she records the course of the prayer in a journal as an aid to maximize attention to how God is at work. The journal is also helpful for the weekly meeting with one's director to share what has occurred in prayer.

Anyone interested in this experience may contact the center for more information. The stipend is somewhat negotiable, about $40 per weekly meeting, but all inclusive of 30 meetings and materials, the complete cost is about $1,200 which can be certainly be paid a little at a time.

For those unable to make a commitment to 30 weeks, there are other ways to experience parts of the Spiritual Exercises either individually or in a group.

For more information please contact the center or email Laura directly at [email protected].

Dear Friends of St. Joseph Retreat Center,

I hope and pray that all of you are well and refreshed after some quality summer rest and relaxation. As we progress to another beautiful autumn season, we are anxious to begin another grace- filled time here at St Joseph Retreat Center.

We hope to continue to create a welcome, sacred space where God can be encountered. To help us realize your personal and spiritual hopes and needs, we invite you to tell us what you would like to see presented at SJRC.

I'm sorry to say, we still can not offer any overnight accommodations but will do our best to enhance your spiritual experiences with short presentations, as usual, and perhaps longer days of reflection and prayers if you are interested.

Please help us meet your requests by filling out the attached questionnaire to the best of your ability, ASAP. Return your replies to Ronnie at [email protected].

Thank you for helping us to offer programs that will bring you closer to Christ and each other.

May Jesus, Mary and Joseph continue to bless each of you, your families, our country and our world in these crucial times.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Sister Josita DiVita, FDC

ST. JOSEPH RETREAT CENTER

QUESTIONNAIRE TO HELP US REALIZE YOUR PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL HOPES AND NEEDS
(Please fill out and return to Ronnie Keane at [email protected])

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St. Joseph Retreat Center