The Beacon.Com
Marianist
Family Retreat Center E-News – April 2007
(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.
Inside this issue:
- Director’s Message – “A Different Work Life…”
- Single-Parent Summer Week Openings
- Summer 2007 Volunteers still needed!
- Women’s Spirituality Retreat
- Dining Room Expansion Variance Approved
- Upcoming Retreat Information
- **LAST CHANCE*** A Retreat for Young Married Couples
- Marianist Volunteer Weekend
- Marriage Moments & Parenting Pointers
Dear Friends,
For the last 7 years, I have been part of a network of retreat house directors up in Philadelphia. The “different” thing about this group is that all of the retreat house directors are nuns. So when I attend these meetings, I tell the staff here, it’s me and a bunch of nuns! To be sure these are women who are as deeply devoted to their respective retreat centers as they are to their religious vocation. I am awed at what is being asked of these women by our Church, most over the age of 65, and how they respond!
Well, at our last meeting we had a special prayer service because the Dominican Retreat Center in Elkins Park (a suburb of Philly) is closing after 75 plus years. Too much work, not enough money and not nearly enough sisters. Throughout the entire prayer service I could not help but think about our own Center and how abundantly we have been blessed over the years - blessed with human as well as financial resources to keep our ministry healthy. Please pray for the Domincan Sisters as there is a tremendous amount of pain and sorrow over the loss of one of their beloved ministries. And, of course, continue to keep us in prayer as we continue God’s work here at Mary’s House.
2007 Single-Parent Family Retreat
All of the Summer Family Retreats, with the exception of our Single-Parent Family Week, are just about filled. If you are a single-parent family or know of a single-parent family who could benefit from our Summer Family Program please consider this retreat. We have over 30 new families signed up this summer and the number one way (by a long shot) that they heard about the retreat was by word of mouth.
2007 Summer Family Program Volunteers
We have most of our volunteers in place, but we do have some openings on several of the weeks. Here is an idea of when we could use some help:
Week 1 – Young
Adults & Superstars
Week 2 –
Kitchen
Week 3 –
(Single-Parents) – Adults
Week 4 –
Adults & Kitchen
Week 5 –
Music
Week 6 –
Music
Week 7 –
Music, Superstars & Pre-teens
Week 8 –
Music
Week 9 –
Music, Adults, Teens, Pre-Teens and Superstars
Women’s Spirituality Retreat
“Sacred Circles” was the theme of the Spring Women’s Spirituality Retreat and the experience was exceptional for all who attended. This retreat included a variety of creative activities, including a drum circle, which according the participants was one of the many highlights of the retreat. To see photos from this retreat click here.
Mark Your Calendars! The earliest sign-up date for the Autumn Women’s Spirituality Retreat (October 19-21) is July 16th.
Other recent retreat photos:
Widow-Widower
Retreat
Black
Catholic Family Retreat
Dining Room Expansion Variance Approved
At the recent meeting of the Cape May Point Zoning Hearing Board our application for a Use Variance was approved. This was the final hurdle we had to meet in order to move forward with construction of our Dining Room Addition. While this is great news – it does push the timeline for the project back a bit. We now plan to begin construction the first week of September.
Other
Renovation Projects that are complete or in-progress:
The
first floor hall was completely remodeled by Brother Ed over this past
winter.
The 2nd Floor (Main
House) Men’s Bathroom is currently being remodeled and will be complete
in time for this year’s Summer Family Retreats.
Upcoming Retreat Information & Critical Dates
***LAST CHANCE***
A Retreat For Young Married Couples
This retreat is intended for couples who are under 40 years old. We will explore issues that challenge young couples in today’s ever-demanding world. We will also look at our faith lives and how we can keep God in our marriage. Our time will include small group sharing, Eucharist, special liturgies and time for fun. June 8 –10 Cost: $220 per couple
Marianist
Volunteer & Friends of the Center Reunion
& Fair Trade Sale
Memorial
Day Weekend
This Weekend is intended
for past Volunteers and friends of the Center (aged 18-?),
who are looking for a weekend to be with their friends (and meet new ones…)
in a relaxing environment. There will be no set program,
which means you can spend your time however you please. We will have “pick-up”
type meals and a special breakfast to order on Sunday!
May
25-27
On
May 26th – we will host our second annual Fair
Trade Sale. In partnership with Catholic Relief Services,
we will be selling one of a kind hand made products (including coffee,
teas and chocolate) from around the world. These are the products made
by artisans living in developing regions around our world. You get a wonderful
high-quality product and they get to earn a living wage.
Marriage
Moments and Parenting Pointers
Contributed by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net
On Marriage…
If
you’re too busy to pray, you’re too busy. Pick a specific
and regular time each day to say a prayer for your spouse such as, “Dear
God, bless _____ today.” It might be when you start the car, wash
your hands, brush your teeth, etc. It’s short, doesn’t take
any extra time, just extra awareness of your beloved and entrusting him
or her to God’s care. This works for kids too.
On Parenting…
“Children
need time and space, attention, affection, guidance and conversation…They
need jokes, play and touching. They need to have stories told to them
by adults who know and love them in all their particularity and who have
a real interest in their moral development.” (Mary Pipher, The Shelter
of Each Other) Which one are you best at giving? weakest?
Blessings to All!
The Marianists
Cape May Point
Anthony Fucci
Marianist Family Retreat Center
Center Director
609-884-3829
609-884-0545 (Fax)
www.capemaymarianists.org