High Tidings

E-news from the CFL Family Retreat Center
Sponsored by Marianist Family Ministry

February 2005 Vol. 2 Issue 2

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and . . . CFL??
There are still a few spaces left for families and individuals who would like to spend Presidents’ Weekend, Feb. 18 to 21, at CFL working with new and old friends to spruce up our center. Projects will include painting; roof repair; some carpentry, electrical and plumbing work; cleaning and organizing; computer and office work; meal preparation; and child supervision. To reserve a room, please contact the center by e-mail at cflcenter@charterinternet.com or by telephone at 910.328.1584. There is no charge for this weekend, but donations to cover food costs are always appreciated. Also please mark our Easter Work Week, March 27 to April 3, on your calendar. This week will be crucial to completing the renovations on the middle building.

End Lent, start Easter at CFL
Come to CFL for the holiest weekend of the year. Join Fr. Rich, Bro. Ray and the gang for the Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday Family Retreat, March 24 to 27. Explore the most important Mysteries of our Christian faith and reflect on their meaning for our lives. Learn more about and celebrate the liturgies of these days as well as join in adoration, Stations of the Cross on the beach, and the solemn Easter Vigil. The retreat starts with the Holy Thursday Seder Supper and concludes with an Easter egg hunt and festive breakfast on Easter morning. This weekend will be a unique opportunity to introduce children to the centerpiece of the Church’s liturgical year. More information and an application are available on the CFL center website, www.christianfamilyliving.org, or by telephoning the center at 910.328.1584.

Building with God in summer 2005
Reservations are now being accepted for the 2005 Family Week Retreats. Join “God the Builder” and friends in constructing sturdier family lives through affirmation, improved communication skills, mutual forgiveness, and increased commitment. Spend a week at the shore relaxing, having fun and nourishing your faith and family. The retreats begin June 12. More information and applications are available on the CFL center website, www.christianfamilyliving.org, or by telephoning the center at 910.328.1584.

Visitors from Rome
The center was blessed by a visit from the Marianist Superior General, Father David Fleming, and his assistant, Bro. Jose Maria Alvira, at the end of January. The two Marianists are visiting Marianist communities and apostolates in the United States. Father Fleming celebrated Eucharist at the center, and he and Bro. Alvira were guests of honor at a dinner the center hosted. The two men met with the members of the Marianist community on Topsail Island and also with Center director Ed DeBerri.

Join the Marianists at World Youth Day in Germany
The Marianist Province of the United States is sponsoring a trip to World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany! The tour will leave the U.S. on
Aug. 14 and return on Aug. 22, and anyone who has participated in a CFL retreat is eligible to join in. MFM Board member Bro. Jack Ventura is the trip leader. More information on schedules, costs, and financial assistance is available from Donna Tucker in the Marianist Office of Religious Life. Contact Donna by e-mail at dtucker@sm-usa.org or call 314.533.1207.

January at CFL
During January, the center hosted a group of teachers and counselors from the Duplin County school system on a study retreat to prepare for the Master Teacher certification examination; the Chrysalis youth retreat; and the members of Prof. Ann Somers’ Sea Turtle class from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Many thanks to the following volunteers who spent time working at the center during the month: Tanya, Jim, Kristina, and Nicholas Rupp; Jim Keck; Carol Weiss and Jim Morris.

Please pray for . . .

• The successful recovery of Ed Lally, a long-time CFL support and the father of Sharon Wiegner, from cardiac catherization . .
• The recovery of Jo Musick, CFL cleaning coordinator . . .
• The repose of the soul of David Brantley, a CFL friend and Kairos: Outside volunteer who died on Jan. 7.

Please telephone the center at (910) 328-1584 or e-mail prayer requests and other items for High Tidings to cflcenter@charterinternet.com.

High Tidings is edited by Ed DeBerri, CFL Center director.
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