The Beacon.Com -
November 2008
(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
- 2009
Brochures mailed November 10th
- Women’s
Spirituality Retreat Recap
- Crones
Retreat Recap ~ What is a Crone
Anyway? Photos
- October
Teen Retreat Recap ~ Photos
- Marianist
Lay Formation Initiative
- Marianist
On-Line Courses
- Marianist
Volunteer Program
- Upcoming
Retreats
- Marriage
Moments & Parenting Pointers
Dear
Friends,
At
this time of year I think it only appropriate to send a note of gratitude to
all of you who are so supportive of me and more importantly this ministry.
While it is impossible to name all of the blessings for which we are thankful,
I can tell you this one anecdote that encapsulates the kind of folks we have
supporting us.
Last
week I sent an email out to about 25 people asking them to make phone calls on
our behalf to some of our benefactors. One might think that this type of
request would be difficult to say yes to – I mean who really likes to ask
for money? Well, 22 of those 25 people said yes – even though some
expressed some hesitancy they still said yes, because “it is for Mary’s House.”
Our
entire staff is so grateful for all of you out there supporting us –
for your giving so generously, for your work planning retreats, and especially
for your prayers. We are blessed and we are thankful.
Happy
Thanksgiving to you and your families!
Anthony
***LOOK OUT***
2009 Program Brochures
Mailed
Keep
an eye out the next few weeks for our new 2009 program brochure…We have
many great retreats and programs scheduled – truly something for
everyone!
If
you would like additional brochures to share with families and friends just
email us at mfrc@capemaymarianists.org
Women’s Spirituality Retreat Recap
Imagine
40 women gathering on Friday night for the fall retreat. Imagine many of
them coming "bent over" with life's burdens, barely able to walk like
the woman in Luke's Gospel. Bringing rocks and stones to symbolize these
burdens they crossed a bridge and learned to transform them into Hildegarde von
Bigen's "Feathers on the Breath of God". They started gratitude
journals and shared their thankfulness for God's mercy and for
the many people who helped them along the way. Then on Sunday led by our
scriptural sister Miriam, now standing straight and tall and free, they
surprised even themselves with joyous singing and dancing of praise to God
which shook the rafters of the chapel. Imagine.
Crones Retreat Recap ~ What is a Crone
Anyway?
When
the work of raising children and/or taking care of aging parents is finished,
it often leaves women asking, "Who am I now?
"Crone,"
a word that may hold negative connotations in our youth obsessed culture, is a
title used in Art and Literature throughout the Centuries to honor older women
for their wisdom, feistiness and skills.
Recently, Pam Laurenzi
and Madge Hempsey - who also give retreats for widows and widowers here at the
point - presented an original retreat for Crones. Ten women attended
not knowing what to expect.... They drew and wrote and shared and
danced while a Nor'easter blew around the house.
The
"oldish" women who came on Tuesday left on Thursday richer in Spirit
and with the awareness that with age comes many reasons to celebrate themselves
and each other........At the Marianist family retreat Center........ the Crones
have arrived!
To see photos from this retreat click here.
43
high schoolers joined us for this year’s Autumn Teen Retreat. The theme
of the retreat was Who Are You?
This question prompted great discussions covering topics such as who we
actually are versus how we may behave in certain situations or around certain
people. A highlight of the retreat was mask-making. Each of the teens got to
make a mask as well as help someone else make theirs. Of course our Saturday
night beach walk was a blast – especially since it was about 50 degrees.
To see photos from this retreat click
here.
Marianist Lay Formation Initiative
Ready to deepen your relationship with the Marianist
Charism?
Not sure where to
start?
Consider an
invitation to join the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative. The MLFI is a one-year
program designed to help people build, reenergize and sustain Marianist Lay
Communities in their home towns. We meet face-to-face twice – and keep
in touch during the year online. For more information go to www.marianist.com/mlfi or call Pati
Krasensky at 215-634-4116
The next formation group will begin Mar 27-29, 2009
Marianist Volunteer Program
The Marianist
Volunteer Program (MVP) offers individuals the opportunity to serve those in
need, live in community and reflect on the volunteer experience with the
Marianist Family. Individuals can volunteer with a variety of agencies in
Upcoming
Retreats & Critical Dates
To print an application please click here.
Men’s Spirituality Retreat
*** 4 only spots remain…
November 21-23
This weekend, open to men from all walks of life, focuses on unique
male issues on the spiritual journey. The retreat will consist of Eucharist and
other prayer, input, quiet time, small group sharing, socializing, and fun
within a supportive, intentional community of men.
Cost: $115pp
2009 College-Age Retreat
January 2-4
Come join
young people your own age (18 - 22, 2009 HS
Seniors are welcomed) and experience a weekend retreat designed just
for you and for where you are at during this time in your life. Renew your
spiritual life, deepen your relationship with God and enrich your friendships
with your peers. Our time will be filled with prayer, special liturgies,
peer group discussions and Eucharist. Cost is $110.
2009 Cleaning Weekend
January 9-11
Come join us for the weekend working with a
community of dedicated volunteers keeping Mary’s house clean…This
weekend tends to fill quickly and we limit attendance to 30. Call our office
to sign up 609-884-3829.
Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers
Contributed by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net
On Marriage…
As you prepare for Thanksgiving this week, thank God for your
spouse. Tell your spouse a specific quality endears you to her or him.
Remember, there are many people in our world still looking for love, still
looking for a soul mate.
On Parenting…
The
day after Thanksgiving has been dubbed "Black Friday" by merchants
since it's the start of the Christmas shopping season. It's also called
"Buy Nothing Day" by those who are trying to reduce consumerism. Sure
you're going to buy presents some time but buy less, save yourself the stress
of fighting crowds, spend the time playing with your kids today. That's the
most meaningful present you can give.
Blessings to All!
The
Cape May Point