The Gift of Henri Nouwen (The Focus of a New Retreat at Marygrove)

God always knows what we need. It seems that in every generation, God has someone waiting in the wings, ready to share with us a new take on our relationship to God, and a fresh word about our friendship with Christ. Over the past 30 years, our world has had the gift of Henri Nouwen (1932-1996).

Henri Nouwen was a Catholic priest and professional psychologist who wrote prolifically about Christianity, the experience of God in our world, and the nature of service. Though he was Catholic, he was deeply touched by other faith traditions, and wrote of experiences common to all people. Though he was a learned man, his writings were warmly human and accessible. Most people who have read any of Nouwen would tell you, what touches the reader most is that Nouwen made himself so open – he talked about his own fears, his own frustrations and misgivings, and all the searching and restlessness of his heart. Because he made himself so vulnerable, his readers are able to see themselves in his struggle to quiet his restless heart.

In his 40 books, Nouwen touched themes so basic to Christian living such as:

• In God’s Kingdom, our wounds become our greatest gifts. Our wounds, if accepted in the right spirit, can move us into beauty.
• We are all God’s prodigal children who have the potential to have our brokenness transformed simply by returning to our Father.
• Everyone is loved by God and so everyone can enjoy living “the life of the beloved.”

Henri Nouwen tried many forms of ministry as a priest. He tried to be a teacher, a missionary, a writer, a monk, a prophet for justice, a chaplain, a caretaker of this disabled. His restless heart searched for a home in many places. But through all his efforts at discerning God’s will in his life, which he so generously shared with his readers, he came back to faith. A faith that requires the disciplines of prayer and reflection, compassion and sacrifice. In the end, his life became a testimony which illustrates one of his most touching insights: our true Christian vocation is to give witness to the glimpses of God in our everyday life, that we have been privileged to see.

Marygrove is pleased to announce that Fr. Jamie Ziminski will be offering a new retreat on the spirituality and theology of Henri Nouwen, February 5-7.

It has been argued that of all the things Jesus asked his followers to do, there is only one thing that we have reliably obeyed. Christians often fall short of following Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and caring for the poor. We consistently disagree with one another and fail to turn the other cheek. But throughout the Church’s long history, with all our failures, Jesus’ command to “do this in memory of me” has been consistently and substantially obeyed. In spite of all our short comings, we seem to know instinctively that our spiritual lives depend on receiving Jesus in the Eucharist – if we don’t, we will spiritually starve to death.

This year’s parish retreat will focus on the great gift Jesus left us to keep us one with Him and one with each other; it is none other than His very own Body and Blood. We’ll examine how the Eucharist is at the center of the Church’s concern. It is the Church’s lifeblood and reason to be.

Join Fr. Jamie Ziminski as he uses Sacred Scripture, Church doctrine, pastoral experience, and common sense to explore the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church and every Catholic believer. Come away with a renewed love for the gift of the Eucharist and a heightened sense of awe in the presence of the Lord. “Do This in Memory of Me: A Eucharistic Retreat” will help any person to better understand the great sacrament that is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” ($105 per person, $175 for a married couple)

What to Expect on a Parish Retreat at Marygrove

• Morning and Evening Prayer
• Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and Confession
• Daily Presentations
• Periods of Silence and Reflection
• Excellent Meals
• Time to Visit with Friends
• Rest and Relaxation

Six Day Silent Directed Retreats January 31-February 5, June 6-11
Three Day Silent Directed Retreat April 30-May 2

A Silent Directed Retreat of six or three days is a concentrated guided experience of God in prayer. It is based on Sacred Scripture and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The retreat is designed for those who seek to listen and respond to the Lord in an environment of solitude and silence. Each participant meets daily with a spiritual director for guidance and discernment. The fee for the Six-Day retreat is $210 per person. The Three-Day retreat is designed for those who wish to get their feet wet before making a longer directed retreat. The fee for the Three-Day retreat is $105.

A retreat to surpass all retreats. The Triduum of Holy Week (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) and Easter Sunday is the high point of the Church year. This retreat is powerfully balanced between periods of silence, the Holy Week liturgies, Scripture study, a Tenebrae service, private and communal prayer, and one conference each day. This year, enter into the celebration of our Lord’s death and resurrection in a way that cannot be experienced except in a retreat setting. The retreat fee will be a free will offering.

SERENITY RETREAT: FOR THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE TOUCHED BY ALCOHOL OR ADDICTION - May 7-9

This 12-Step Retreat is for men and women who are in recovery for alcoholism/addiction or who are close to someone who struggles with alcohol abuse and addiction. Members of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al Anon are invited to participate in this retreat, recognizing that God can grant the serenity one needs to face the hardships of life. The cost of this retreat is yet to be determined. (Guest Director from Serenity International)

RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND - June 11-13

Retrouvaille is a weekend program for deeply troubled marriages. If you are separated, considering divorce, or experiencing other serious problems in your marriage, Retrouvaille may be your lifeline. Retrouvaille is conducted by a priest and three couples who present their stories of disillusionment and eventual healing. Attending couples are provided techniques that may enable them to see their spouses in a new light and start them on a path to rebuild and restore their marriage. Retrouvaille is not a retreat nor is it group counseling. Couples deal privately with the issues they face. For more information please visit or call us at 1-800-470-2230

In 1972, Fr. Henri Nouwen published With Open Hands – Pray to Live. This thought-provoking spiritual guide introduced this humble and gentle writer to the world. What followed was a string of 40 books, many of which are now considered spiritual classics. Nouwen wrote with comforting, ordinary language, communicating his experience of God’s presence in the world simply and beautifully. This new retreat springs from Nouwen’s spirituality and his perceptive writings including: The Wounded Healer, Heart Speaks to Heart, Reaching Out, The Return of the Prodigal Son, and many more. (Director: Fr. Jamie Ziminski)

CHARISMATIC RETREAT - February 12-14

Every year, the Charismatic Retreat is a most lively and Spirit-filled weekend. With dynamic prayer, vibrant music, and enthusiastic praise, this retreat is primarily for those in the Charismatic renewal; however, it is open to anyone who wishes to attend. This retreat fills to capacity quickly so make your reservation early.

QUEEN OF HEAVEN RETREAT - May 14-16

Join people of faith for three days of prayer and reflection in honor of our Blessed Mother on the Mary, Queen of Heaven Retreat. This year, we are fortunate to welcome our guest retreat director Deacon Robert Ellis. Deacon Ellis is from the Diocese of Green Bay and is the National Coordinator of the World Apostolate of the Fatima, USA. In addition to his work with the World Apostolate of Fatima, Deacon Ellis is very much in demand as a conference and retreat speaker. What a blessing it is for Marygrove to host this annual retreat in honor of our center’s patroness.

LESSONS FROM ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - June 4-6

St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints of Christianity, is now the focus of this popular retreat offered at Marygrove. Joy, humility, prayer, creation, service, peace – all virtues modeled in the life of St. Francis. This retreat is open to both Franciscans and others interested in the “Beggar Saint.” Learn from St. Francis how to bring simplicity and spirituality into your daily life.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION DAY OF REFLECTION - March 21 (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST)

For deeper, intense preparation for Baptism or Full Reception into the Church, catechumens, candidates and their sponsors are encouraged to make this one-day retreat. This special experience includes time for prayer, reflection on the history and theology of Christian initiation, and a presentation of the powerful Catholic symbols and rituals of joining the Church. The retreat fee is $10.00 per person, which includes the evening meal. (Director: Fr. Jamie Ziminski)

NON-ROMAN CURSILLO WEEKENDS

Non-Roman Men’s Cursillo - February 25-28
Non-Roman Women’s Cursillo - March 11-14

Simply put, the Cursillo weekend is an encounter with Christ. The two Cursillo weekends offered on this schedule are for Non-Roman participants. Through a series of conferences by clergy and witness talks by fellow Christians, the Cursillo weekend is designed to empower people to be more of a Christian leaven in their families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. On a Cursillo weekend, participants deepen their faith and learn how to better live it in society. The Cursillo weekend is part of the greater Cursillo movement, the goal of which is to make Christ the prime influence in society. Join Cursillo and watch your faith get set on fire!

YOUTH ENCOUNTER - March 26-28

Like the Cursillo experience for adults, Youth Encounter is an intense weekend of understanding and experiencing the Christian Faith for young people, ages 16-20. It is open to youth of all Christian faith traditions. There is a follow-up program which will help young people carry out at home what was learned on the weekend. For more information or for registration forms contact Craig and Lori Frendewey, 1991 Cosgrove Road, Florence, WI 54121 or phone 1-715-696-3737. Thanks to a generous donation, the fee for the Youth Encounter this year is $25 per person.

ROMAN CURSILLO WEEKENDS

Catholic men and women can begin now to plan to make a Cursillo Weekend in the fall of 2010. The next Men’s Roman Cursillo weekend will be September 23-26, 2010. The next Women’s Roman Cursillo will be October 7-10, 2010.

Every year, Knights of Columbus from all over the Upper Peninsula gather for this retreat, designed especially for the Knights. This retreat focuses on practical spirituality for men, lived out in the fraternity and service of the Knights of Columbus. This year, we are very privileged to welcome Fr. Douglas Osborn as our guest director. Fr. Osborn is from the Diocese of Lansing and has recently served as the Michigan State Chaplain for the Knights. Enjoy a remarkable weekend of fellowship, prayer and reflection on the Catholic Faith. It is open to all members of the Knights of Columbus.

Catholic college students from Northern Michigan University, Michigan Technological University and Lake Superior State University are invited to come to Marygrove for their annual spring retreat. This weekend is always an uplifting experience for college students. Interested students should contact their local Catholic Campus Ministry to register. (Director: Fr. Jamie Ziminski)

The Senior Citizens retreat emphasizes the value of age and wisdom, often not appreciated in society today. Fr. Jamie has designed this retreat to touch issues and concerns unique to those in the “gifted years.” This retreat begins with supper at 5:00 PM Tuesday and is open to both singles and couples. Fee: $80 for a single person, $140 for a married couple.

Four Family Retreats: - June 25-27, July 9-11, July 16-18, July 23-25

One of the best retreats offered at Marygrove is a retreat for the whole family. We have conferences together, but we also pray together, have games, do family projects, share good meals, and even enjoy a picnic at the beach. Over the past few years, the popularity of Marygrove’s Family Retreats has exploded! To accommodate the great number of those wishing to attend these retreats, a fourth weekend has been added to our schedule.

Some families bring a whole van-load. Other families are one parent and one child. Some families come with lots of little children. Others come with high school and college sons and daughters. Some families come with three generations. All the groups seem to fit in… and the cost is a free will offering and a dish to pass for Saturday evening dinner.

Perhaps your family could use a little time together at Marygrove. Last year, these retreats filled quickly. Please reserve your family’s spot early.

Register on-line