The Beacon.Com - Marianist
Family Retreat
Center E-Newsletter
December 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.
- Director’s
Message
- Advent
Family Retreat #3 LAST
MINUTE openings
- Help
with promoting our retreats
- Men’s
Spirituality Retreat Recap & Photos
- Advent
Family Retreat #1 Recap & Photos
- Jessica’s
Baby Shower Photos
- Upcoming
Retreats
- Marriage
Moments & Parenting Pointers
Dear
Friends,
Last
weekend Erin and I were sitting in our living room with our oldest son, AJ
(he’s 4) watching the fire in our fireplace. For the longest time AJ
just stared at the fireplace (he usually doesn’t sit still for that long!)…after
a while Erin said to him, “What are you thinking about?” And he
replied, “Mom, Santa cannot possibly fit through our fireplace!”
Wow, when I heard those words my own childhood questions about Santa came
rushing to mind. It’s a wonderful blessing to watch a child grow and at
times like this I am in awe of God’s ways.
As
we all prepare for the birth of our Savior, whether as a child or with the
wisdom of age, I extend to you and your families all of the blessings of this
most holy season. I pray that you are able to take some time to relive your
childhood wonder while you navigate the ‘traps’ that our society
seemingly sets for us during this time of year.
God
calls each of us to prepare for Christ’s coming – even if
it’s with the innocence of a child.
Happy
Advent to you and your families!
Anthony
***LAST MINUTE OPENINGS FOR ADVENT
FAMILY RETREAT #3; Dec. 19-21 ***
Due
to some last minute cancellations we have space for two smaller families or one
larger family for Advent #3. The retreat begins Friday the 19th and
concludes on Sunday the 21st. If you are interested please call our
office at 609-884-3829.
Help With Promoting our Retreat Programs
Over
the past several years many of you have agreed to help promote our retreats and
for that we are grateful. If any others would be willing to help we would
greatly appreciate your help. Essentially, we would ask you to promote our
retreats in your parish, local diocesan papers, by word of mouth etc. We will
supply you with all of what you need – 2009 brochures & flyers,
sample bulletin ads, sample articles, etc…If you are interested please
email me at afucci@capemaymarianists.org
Men’s Retreat Recap
Last
month 35 participants and 6 staff joined us for our 10th annual
Men’s Retreat. The theme of the weekend was Beyond Happy & Normal: A
Retreat on Male Spirituality. The retreat was a time of community, sharing of
stories and tons of laughter! As one participant put it, “The inclusive
atmosphere and hospitality of Mary’s House was fully demonstrated by the
team.”
Click here to see some photos.
Advent Family Retreat #1
This
year’s Advent theme is “Making Room for the Light” and this
past weekend at Mary’s house, families discovered how to make room in
their hearts and homes for the light of Christ amongst their “spiritual
clutter”. With the help of Cece Nash and our skit family, each family
learned to set aside their own tasks and focus on Christ’s presence in
the routine encounters with individuals that would normally seem distracting.
Each moment spent together was a prayer for families to grow closer during this
very blessed time, by bringing Christ into their everyday lives.
Jessica’s Baby Shower
On November 23rd
many of Jessica’s family and friends gathered here at the Center to
celebrate her (and her husband Dave’s) baby! The day was a wonderful
expression of how people feel about Jessica and Dave. And in typical Marianist
Retreat fashion there was a creative activity involved – go figure.
Everyone was asked to decorate a onesie with a personal message.
“Trouble is my business and business is good” “Got
Jesus?” “Peace love and baby” and “Take me to
Tony’s Hot Doghouse” were some of our favorites! Click here to see some photos
Upcoming
Retreats & Critical Dates
To print an application please click here.
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.
2009 Young Adult Retreat – Feb 27th
– March 1
This weekend is for young adults (age 22
-35) who wish to examine their personal faith in relation to God, self,
co-workers and others. There will be a time for Eucharist, prayer experiences,
faith sharing and social interaction. Fr. John Thompson, SM will lead this
retreat!
This retreat tends to fill quickly so
please send your application in as early as possible.
2009 Retreat for Young Married Couples
– March 13-15
This
retreat is intended for couples who are under 40ish +/- 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.
Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers
Contributed by Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net
On Marriage…
Don't let the chaos that often accompanies the rush to
Christmas disturb your calm and your love. If you find you've spoken harshly or
impatiently to your spouse or child, ask God for increased peace and your
spouse or child for forgiveness.
On Parenting…
Christmas
is close but it's not here yet. Although meeting the needs of the extended
family sometimes means celebrating Christmas before Dec. 25, to get the full
value of Advent, one must wait - expectantly if not patiently. Waiting is an
important life skill and Advent is a good time to learn it.
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