Days of Renewal with Fr. Jack Welsh, O. Carm.

Event Phone: (630) 969-4141

A series of four days for renewal, reflection, and prayer with the inspiration of the Carmelite doctors of the church.

Presenter: Fr. Jack Welch, O. Carm.
Taking place at the Carmelite Spiritual Center, 8419 Bailey Road, Darien, IL.
Call 800-431-8720 for more information.

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Day One: Saint Teresa of Avila

Thursday, February 27, 2020
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Carmelite St. Teresa instructs the church in prayer. Her definition of prayer is in the catechism of the Catholic Church. She understands prayer to be an intimate sharing with one who loves us, or conversation with a friend. The goal of prayer is conformity with God’s will; to want what God wants. In her classic work, The Interior Castle, Teresa charts her deepening relationship with the Lord through seven stages. St. Teresa was convinced that our lives are a story of God’s mercies.

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Day Two: Saint John of the Cross

Friday, March 20, 2020
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

CANCELLED due to closure of the Spiritual Center until May 31, 2020.

This event has been cancelled in light of the continued concern surrounding the coronavirus, and in a spirit of caring and love for the friends of St. Therese and our community.  Please contact the Carmelite Spiritual Center at 630-969-4141 with any questions or concerns about this day of reflection.

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Day Three: Saint Therese of Lisieux

Saturday, April 25, 2020
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

CANCELLED due to closure of the Spiritual Center until May 31, 2020.

In telling the story of her life, Carmelite St. Therese said she was singing the mercies of the Lord. In her Christmas conversion, she learned to let go of herself, and to think of others. She said Jesus was able to extricate her from “narrow circle in which I was turning.” St. Therese was convinced that God is not looking for people to punish; God is looking for people who will open their lives to God’s transforming love. The saint’s ‘little way’ is a way of confidence and trust in God.

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Overnight Retreat: Mary Mother of God, Our Sister in Faith

May 8-9, 2020
Arrive Friday, 5:00 PM – Depart Saturday, 3:00 PM

CANCELLED due to closure of the Spiritual Center until May 31, 2020.

Vatican II situated Mary within the community of believers, not above it. Mary is the preeminent saint within the community of saints. We pray that what God’s grace did in Mary’s life, God is doing in our life. In celebrating the work of the Spirit in her life, we have to celebrate that same work in our life. She is blessed, and we are blessed. Her memory challenges us to cooperate with God’s grace and promote the reign of God through deeds of compassion and justice, including justice for women.