The Beacon.Com - Marianist Family Retreat Center E-Newsletter

December 2009

(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

·        National Catholic Youth Conference

·        Men’s Spirituality Retreat

·        Advent Family Rituals

·        Our Secretary, Diane

·        Upcoming 2010 Retreats

·        Marriage Moment & Parenting Pointer

 

Dear Friends,

 

Happy Advent to all of you! 

 

A few years ago after attending an Advent Family Retreat (before working here full-time) our Marianist Staff Family made a pledge to wish people a “Happy Advent” up until Christmas.  I can vividly remember walking into work that following Monday morning and seeing one of our corporate accountants with whom I had a casual friendship. Well, I thought, here goes…and I said, “Good Morning, Bob – Happy Advent!”  After an awkward silence – he smiled and said, “Happy Advent to you, Fooch.”

 

That small step was the beginning of one of my closest friendships of my corporate career.  From that moment on we were able to share our faith with one another openly.  At times in my life I tended to downplay my faith for fear of “coming on too strong” or “not being sensitive to where others are at with their faith” – but in that instant, in that small statement of my faith – a whole new deeper relationship was opened up to me.

 

In many ways that is what Advent is about – taking time to reflect on our faith, make ourselves vulnerable to others in hope that our lives will make a difference in the life of another.

 

God’s Peace to you all,

Anthony

On the weekend of November 18-22, four teenagers (Rollie Malfitano, Emily Matthias, Nick Fucci) along with Ashley Kleist (Marianist Intern) and Anthony Fucci attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in Kansas City, MO.  Below is part of a reflection submitted by Bridget Pollicino, age 17.

 

There were 25,000 people walking the streets of Kansas City in a procession of adoration. What caught me off guard was not the hundreds of priests and bishops leading the march, or the thousands of teens, young adults, and youth ministers standing on their toes in an attempt to see the size of the crowd processing after them. It wasn’t even the photographer prostrated on the road in a desperate attempt to get a memorable shot, rather it was the people in the adjacent stores and restaurants who came out onto the street and dropped to their knees as the monstrance passed them.

 

 

 

 

No one objected to this passionate, bold statement of faith; no one argued we were being politically incorrect. Instead all those around us regarded us w ith a respect that one does not often come across today. I watched as people knelt on the cold, cement sidewalk in a state of reverence so inspiring I couldn’t get these strangers out of my thoughts. If everyone gave that kind of respect to others I think the world would be a much better place.

 

The sense of unity at a conference as vast as this one was overwhelming. Despite the almost constant presence of 25,000 people all around, there were moments of complete and absolute silence. No phones were ringing, no people were whispering. It was in that silence that we all understood the true meaning of community. It’s a given that we can all sing and dance and clap to a beat. What isn’t so guaranteed, however, is that while sitting

in a room with 25,000 people, in complete and utter silence, you gain an understanding of people’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions. That’s what NCYC was all about; we were heard yet didn’t even have to speak a word.

 

 

Men’s Spirituality Retreat Submitted by Bro. Tom Redmond, SM

 

During the weekend of November 20, 21 and 22 the Marianist Family Retreat Center hosted the men's retreat for the eleventh year.  The theme "Radical Forgiveness and Freedom" was a uniquely appropriate theme especially for this weekend as Sunday, November 22 was the feast of Christ the King.  One of the last words that Jesus spoke from the cross was "Father, forgive them" and the first words the Risen Jesus spoke to the Apostles was "Peace be with you".  I believe these two words of Jesus (forgiveness and peace) were experienced on the retreat.  Through large and small group sessions, a Saturday morning prayer on the beach and a Saturday evening prayer ritual on forgiveness the group came to know forgiveness and peace on several levels: personal and professional, in the family and the neighborhood, and even globally.  Our thanks go out to Ray McCracken, John Bowie, Dave Gotha and Mike Wasno for a job well done in organizing and leading this retreat.  To see photos from this retreat – click here.

 

 

 

Advent and Your Family

 The “church year” begins on November 30, St Andrew’s day (because he is considered the first apostle).  The Sunday closest to this feast is then the beginning of Advent (“four Sundays before Dec 25^th” works too).  Christmas is also the greatest secular feast of the year so this is a good time to begin being more intentional.

 

First recognize the traditions you already have.  Most parents are surprised at how many traditions they already have established when they start writing them down.   Older parents often marvel to hear their grown-up children saying, "In my family we always used to..."  The older parents blush because they don’t recall being that consistent doing that every single year.  But it does not take that much repetition too make a tradition. So, how to celebrate Advent? 

 

·                    One family we know uses an advent wreath on their dining room table, complete with four candles.  Each Sunday night after church they invite a group of friends of all ages to their house for a time of fellowship and sharing.  Before a snack, all gather in a circle around the table, sing carols, share some thoughts on what Christmas means to them.  Then they light one of the candles.

 

·                    Another family, with younger children, begins their Advent season on Thanksgiving Day by making a paper chain representing the days between then and Christmas.  After dinner each day one child removes a link off the chain and part of the Christmas story is told.  The children's excitement grows as the length of the chain shrinks. This same family heightens the celebration the last seven days by allowing each child to open an inexpensive gift after the paper link is removed, reminding the children of God's gift to us.

 

·                     Another family dresses up in costumes and acts out the Christmas story each year on Christmas Eve. 

 

·                     Still another family sings carols for all their neighbors, then leaves a small box of cookies. 

 

·                    Yet another family we know sets aside a special shopping Saturday which begins by the reading of the Bible story of the Magi's gifts and an explanation of the idea of gift-giving at Christmas.  Then the entire family drives to a large nearby city for a shopping day focused on giving.

 

Sure, few families can establish all of these traditions, but each family can begin some practices which reflect Christian values during this great season of the year.  What does your family do?

 

 

Please pray for Diane Read

Diane, our Office Secretary, underwent major surgery 2 weeks ago.  Diane is doing well and recovering at home – she will be out till late December.  So if things seem a bit late or slightly unorganized you now know why - we are treading water without her!

 

 

Upcoming Retreats & Critical Dates

To print an application please click here.

 

 

College-Age Retreat (ages 18-21) – January 8-10

 

Cleaning Weekend (open, limit 30) – January 15-17

 

*** EARLIEST DATE TO SEND IN YOUR SUMMER FAMILY RETREAT & MAY H.S. TEEN RETREAT APPLICATION IS FEBRUARY 1 ***

 

Young Adult Retreat (ages 22-35) – February 19-21

 

Latino Family Retreat – March 12-14

 

Women’s Spirituality Retreat #1 – March 19-21

A Retreat for Young Married Couples – March 26-28

 

 

***Financial Aid is available – please do not let the cost of a retreat be the obstacle that prevents you from joining us...***

Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers

Contributed by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net

 

On Marriage…

"Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come." (Mk 13:33) Although death comes most often to the old, don't put off words and acts of love for later. We don't know how much time we have. Love your spouse today.

On Parenting…

As we wait for Christmas, it's a good time to develop the virtue of patience as a parent. Focus on being patient with your children this week, whether they are infants who don't want to sleep when you planned, toddlers who break things, teens who think they know everything, or young adults who are far away.

Blessings to All!

The Marianists

Cape May Point