High Tidings

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

April 2005 Vol. 2 Issue 4

THANK YOU, POPE JOHN PAUL II
As the world continues to grieve the death and prepares to celebrate the funeral of Pope John Paul II, many have praised the late pontiff as a tireless and most effective advocate for families in the modern world. Images of John Paul II hugging children, blessing married couples and enjoying himself at World Youth Days and other similar events are embedded in our minds and hearts. The pope’s vision of the vital role of the Christian family is eloquently expressed in his apostolic exhortation, Familis Consortio (1981). He wrote, “The family has the mission to become more and more what it is . . . a community of life and love that will find fulfillment, as will everything created and redeemed in the kingdom of God” (#17). The CFL center will observe a day of mourning for Pope John Paul II on Friday, April 8.

THE BEST MOTHERS’ DAY GIFT – A RETREAT AT CFL
Make this Mothers’ Day extra special by taking Mom and the whole family on a weekend retreat at CFL. Celebrate and affirm Mom’s love for your family and her unique role in your lives. Eucharist, free time on the beach, presentations and family activities, a deluxe chocolate social, and a few surprises will mark this singular weekend. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday, May 6, and ends with Mass on Mothers’ Day, May 8. Fr. Rich Kuhn and Bro. Ray McQuade will lead the weekend. More information and an application for the weekend are available on the CFL center Web site, www.christianfamilyliving.org, or by telephoning the center at (910) 328-1584.

SUMMER FAMILY RETREAT WEEKS ARE FILLING QUICKLY
Join “God the Builder” and his construction crew in assembling wonderful family lives through affirmation, improved communication skills, mutual forgiveness, and increased commitment. Spend a week with your family at the shore relaxing, having fun and nourishing your faith and family. Retreats begin June 12 and go through early October. Special weeks are planned for Spanish speaking, African Ancestry, and home schooling families. Many weeks are close to being filled. More information and applications are available on the CFL center Web site, www.christianfamilyliving.org, or by telephoning the center at (910) 328-1584.

HELP CFL TO “GET THE WORD OUT”
Want to help other families to experience the unique spirit and grace of a CFL Summer Family Retreat, but not quite sure about how to approach them? Contact Ed DeBerri at the center for ideas and more information (e-mail: cflcenter@charterinternet.com; phone: (910) 328-1584). We have extra brochures and posters, sample announcements for your parish bulletin, and talking points to help you describe CFL to your friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. We may also be able to provide volunteers to conduct information sessions for your parish or faith sharing group. Letting other people know about CFL may be your most significant gift to our ministry.

“TOPICS AT TOPSAIL” – YOUNG ADULT SUMMER WEEKENDS AT CFL
The Young Adult Ministry office of the Diocese of Raleigh is sponsoring two weekend retreats at CFL this summer for people in their 20s and 30s. “Being an Adult Child: Finding Your Way” is the theme of the July 15 - 17 weekend, and CFL director Ed DeBerri will be the retreat leader. “Why do Catholics do that?” is the theme of the August 4 - 6 weekend, and Chris Kitts, director of evangelization for St. Francis parish in Raleigh, will be the retreat leader. For more information, please contact the diocese at register@raldioc.org.

MARCH AT CFL
In March, the center hosted two weekend walks sponsored by Costal Carolina Emmaus and a meeting of the religious education coordinators of the Cape Fear Deanery. CFL sponsored a highly successful and well received Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday retreat in which the following families and individuals participated: the Schuetz’s of Raleigh, NC; the Stickney’s of Apex, NC; the Winner’s of Wilmington, NC; the Merriman’s of Alpharetta, GA ; the Chatelain’s of Cary, NC ; the Chiquito’s of Durham, NC; the Vayo/Leddy family of Wilmington, NC; the Scarzafava’s of Raleigh, NC; Larry Flannigan of New Bern, NC; Jim Rider of North Topsail Beach, Fr. Rich Kuhn of North Topsail Beach and Br. Ray McQuade of North Topsail Beach; and Ed DeBerri of Hampstead, NC. Special thanks, too, to Joyce and Tom O’Toole for their assistance at the center during the week of March 28.

(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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