2021 Events
St. Teresa of Avila – Day of Reflection
October 11, 2021 – 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. – Fr. Jack Welch, O. Carm.
A Retreat Day Saint Teresa of Avila, a 16th century Carmelite nun, is the first woman to be declared a Doctor of the Universal Church. Her teaching about prayer is included in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
This retreat day will rehearse the dynamic life of Saint Teresa of Jesus, and themes in the spiritual life treated in her major writings: Life, Way of Perfection, and the Interior Castle. The outcome of the spiritual journey traced by Saint Teresa is a person who is truly humble, fully human, free of idols, generous in spirit, wanting what God wants.
Cost: $45 (includes Mass and Lunch)
Facing Suicide-Offering Hope in Moments of Darkness: A Spiritual Perspective
November 3, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Kevin Keller
This workshop and mini-retreat will begin with a presentation tracing some paths of those who have survived to tell the story. We will see the hopeful expereiences of people today and the Carmelite figures: Prophet Elijah and St. Therese of Lisieux. Next, we will workshop our own experiences whether firsthand or as a support to a suicidal person. We will conclude with a religous ritual — a contemplative firelit prayer vigil — in memoery of the deceased.
Kevin Keller, a native of Chicago’s southside, is a former EMT, High School Educator, and Hospital Chaplain. In professional and personal settings, Kevin counsels and assists people suffering the effects of suicide. In scholarly pursuits, he investigates suicide prevention and awareness.
Cost: $45 (includes welcome packet, snacks, and beverages)
A Christmas Program and Banquet
November 28, 2021 – 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Fr. Robert Colaresi, Sr. Jane Schlosser, Mrs. Julie McKee and her a cappella choir of Mother McAuley High School
Christmas celebrates that God chose not to be separated from us. God became one of us in the Baby born in Bethlehem. It is a great reason to celebrate. We are hosting a celebration of new and renewed life with necessary safety protocols. Let us safely and joyously celebrate the human birth of this Divine Child and our own inner child and enjoy a delicious meal.
Cost: $40 – please note that our program begins with a wine and soft drink reception, so be here on time so as not to miss!
Advent: Waiting for God – Day of Reflection
November 30, 2021 – 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. – Fr. Robert Traudt, O. Carm.
This Advent season is filled with joyful expectation of God fulfilling His promises of a Savior for a people who know their emptiness and need. These four weeks of Advent occur during the busiest time of the year as people prepare for Christmas rather than simply join in the chorus to shop, run around to have the best Christmas possible, Advent urges people to be still and wait upon God. We have spent a lot of time waiting, but for what? During this morning of Recollection, Fr. Rob will open those promises and help people focus on what is essential for the Christian, faith-filled life during the four weeks of Advent.
Cost: $45 (includes Mass and Lunch)
Bethlehem: Places of Miracles, New Life and Nurturing Love
December 9, 2021 – 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.-Fr. Robert Colaresi, O. Carm.
Fr. Bob Colaresi will lead us in a reflection on the biblical meaning of Bethlehem and how it influences what Christmas means in our faith tradition. Meaning “house of bread” in Hebrew and “house of meat” in Arabic, Bethlehem is always a place of nourishment. Exploring its biblical significance through Rachel, Ruth, David, Judges, Micah and Jesus, we will reflect on its signficance in our own lives and world. So let us come to biblical Bethlehem to stir our souls to understand the Mircale of God’s great unitive love, the new life of freedom and transformation, and the nurturing love that Christmas celebrates, as God becomes one of us.
Cost: $45 (includes Mass and Lunch)