How Did He Open Your Eyes? - John 9:26
Offered to Catholic Parishes Throughout the Season

Seeing is believing. I see what you mean. You just don’t see, do you?

Do you ever notice how much we use the image of seeing in the place of understanding? We intuitively make a connection between sight and insight. The same is true in the Bible. All through the Gospel, there are stories of light and darkness that become a way of expressing comprehension or delusion. Jesus healed people with physical blindness, but the gospel writers are not content to simply tell us about such physical healings without adding another layer… without using the story of blindness as a metaphor about understanding.

Christianity is meant to change the way we understand our world… how we see things. What some people discard as “stuffy old doctrine,” has the purpose of allowing us to value our world differently than those around us. What we believe about Jesus is meant to change our vision. This year’s Parish Retreat responds to the question asked the blind man in John’s Gospel: How did he open your eyes? Jesus did it for the man in the Gospel; He does it for us today!

With a focus on Christ, scriptural and theological reflection, wonderful stories, and good humor, Fr. Jamie will make deep theological teachings accessible to all. ($110 per person, $185 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 29–February 3 and June 3-8

THREE DAY SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT: April 27-29

EIGHT DAY SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT: July 29-August 5

The name says it all: “Silent Directed Retreat.” With very few exceptions, there is no talking during the retreat. Meals are silent. No emails or television. Power down that cell phone. Even verbal greetings between participants are discouraged. During a silent retreat, participants live by a different set of rules designed to bring rest and peace, and to heighten one’s awareness of God’s presence.

There are exceptions to the “no talking” rule. Silent retreats include Mass and communal morning and evening prayer. And the cornerstone of the retreat: each participant has the opportunity to visit with a spiritual director (that’s the directed part in Silent Directed Retreat). The spiritual directors are there to accompany the participants – listening, encouraging, challenging and helping retreatants see God working in their lives.

So consider taking a break from your Ipad and Facebook. Even the most skeptical participant on a Silent Directed Retreat comes away refreshed and renewed. Three Day: $110, Six Day: $215, and Eight Day: $290 (reflects the July 2012 increase)

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 among periods of silence, the Holy Week liturgies, Scripture study, a Tenebrae service, private and communal prayer, and one retreat 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.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS RETREAT: January 6-8

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. Enjoy a remarkable weekend of fellowship, prayer and reflection on the Catholic Faith. This year’s retreat director will be our brother knight, Bishop Alexander Sample.

Bishop Sample is the bishop of the Diocese of Marquette. Before being ordained bishop, he served in several parish assignments and earned a degree in Canon Law in Rome. He also served as a member of the Marriage Tribunal, director of the Department of Ministry Personnel Services, director of the Bishop Baraga Association, and the diocesan chaplain to the Knights of Columbus. He is a much sought after speaker, both in the Diocese of Marquette and around the country. Knights of Columbus will want to register early as the number of spaces will be limited. ($110 per person)

Lent is a time when most Christians simplify. We give something up in order to make a good preparation for Easter. Ironically, those who serve the Church often have the opposite experience. For priests and deacons, there are often more Bible Studies, Christian Initiation commitments, extra confessions, and Stations of the Cross. This year, get ready for the holy season of Lent immersing yourself in holy silence as a way to give even better service to God’s People.

This new retreat, offered for Catholic Priests and Deacons, will be a silent retreat. Bishop Alexander Sample will present one conference each day. Priest-Spiritual Directors will also be available for participants who choose. The retreat will begin before dinner on Monday and finish Wednesday after lunch. The fee for this retreat will be $125 per person.

CHARISMATIC RETREAT February 10-12

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. Good fortune once again smiles on Marygrove because we welcome Msgr. Michael Steber as director for this retreat. Msgr. Steber is the Diocesan Director of the Charismatic Renewal. This retreat fills to capacity quickly so make your reservation early. ($110 per person or $185 for a married couple)

CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY RETREAT March 23-25

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.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION DAY OF REFLECTION
March 25 (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 $15.00 per person, which includes the evening meal. (Director: Fr. Jamie Ziminski)

SERENITY RETREAT: FOR THOSE TOUCHED BY ALCOHOLISM OR ADDICTION May 11-13

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 or 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)

SENIOR CITIZENS RETREAT May 22-24

The Senior Citizens retreat emphasizes the value of age and wisdom, often not appreciated in society today. This retreat has been designed 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. $85 for a single person, $150 for a married couple.

“JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU”
A RETREAT ON THE DIVINE MERCY April 13-15

“There is nothing we need more than Divine Mercy.” Pope John Paul II spoke these words at the grave site of St. Faustina Kowalska, the great apostle of Divine Mercy in our time. St. Faustina was a humble Polish nun who became God’s humble servant and great instrument of divine love. This retreat will take up the story of St. Faustina’s life, explore the power of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the importance of the institution of the Feast of Divine Mercy, and the significance of the popular Divine Mercy Image. For men and women, $110 per person or $185 per married couple (Director: Fr. Jamie Ziminski)

An Interview with our Director, Fr. Jamie Ziminski:

Q: Fr. Jamie, you have said that St. Faustina’s life story inspires you. In what ways?

Fr. Jamie: St. Faustina was one of ten children in a poor family. She only had three years of formal education, and yet God revealed great wisdom through her. She was given holiness and knowledge to accomplish her mission. It just goes to show that when God wants to use you as an instrument, God gives you special gifts to do what needs to be done.

Q: What touches you most about St. Faustina’s life?

Fr. Jamie: She was a cook, baker, gardener, and door keeper – all worldly jobs. And what is she known for today? Her friendship with Jesus. Whatever you do in life, holiness can be what you are known for.

Q: What about St. Faustina’s life is helpful for our spiritual life today?

Fr. Jamie: Even though St. Faustina was prayerful and holy, she often questioned the inner voice she heard and the visions she saw… she was often suspicious that it was not Jesus. She turned to her spiritual director for help. That tells me that even saints need help sorting out what is authentic in faith and what is truly God’s will. It is not wise to go it alone.

Fr. Jamie Ziminski is the Director of Marygrove Retreat Center and has offered this retreat on Divine Mercy once before.

MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN RETREAT: May 4-6

Three days of prayer in honor of our Blessed Mother. This year, our Marian Retreat will be presented by Fr. Corey Litzner and Fr. Jamie Ziminski. Fr. Corey is a priest and pastor from the Diocese of Marquette and is a diocesan Chaplain for the World Apostolate of Fatima. Fr. Jamie is the Director of Marygrove Retreat Center. For this retreat, Fr. Corey and Fr. Jamie will examine the many facets of the Blessed Mother’s care for us, as they explore the various Scripture stories and Church Teachings celebrating Mary’s special role in God’s plan for our salvation. For men and women, $110 per person or $185 per married couple.

An Interview with One of Our Retreat Directors, Fr. Corey Litzner:

Q: Fr. Corey, what is your earliest memory of special devotion to Mary?

Fr. Corey: I would walk in the room and catch my Grandma off guard, praying her rosary. I wanted to know the rosary because of my love for my Grandma.

Q: Of all the experiences you’ve had in devotion to the Blessed Mother, what has touched you the most?

Fr. Corey: I made a pilgrimage to Fatima. I saw in the children of Fatima and their response to Mary’s direction, a guidepost for my life. They were only children, and they responded to God’s will… with the help of Mary. As a priest, I have to be like those children. I need help knowing what I have to do and the courage to do it.

Q: What do you most hope to share with the people who attend this retreat?

Fr. Corey: We often take those truths of our faith for granted. On this retreat, I will try to unpack the power behind them… like for instance, the Annunciation and Mary’s “yes.” It teaches us that the essence of our Christian faith is giving our “yes” to God’s will every day.

Fr. Corey Litzner is the pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Stephenson, MI, and Holy Redeemer in Birch Creek, MI.

LESSONS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI June 1-3

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints of Christianity. Joy, humility, prayer, service, peace – all virtues modeled in his life. This retreat is open to both Franciscans and others interested in the “Beggar Saint.” We are so very pleased to welcome back Sr. Anne Marie Lom, OSF, as director. Learn from St. Francis how to bring simplicity and spirituality into your daily life.  For men and women, $110 per person or $185 per married couple.

An Interview with our Retreat Director, Sr. Anne Marie Lom:

Q: Sr. Anne Marie, this will be the fifth year you’ve presented a “Lessons of St. Francis Retreat.” What’s the best part about being director?

Sr. Anne Marie: Seeing the retreatants faces as they learn about God's great love for them and to know God is very powerfully at work during the retreat. 

Q: St. Francis lived in the 13th Century. Where does his life speak most directly to people today?

Sr. Anne Marie: There are many similarities between the society and Church of the 13th century and today. Both society and the Church were going through huge transitions. St. Francis' life speaks most directly to fidelity to the Church while using innovative prayer for inspiration.

Q: When people attend this retreat, what do you hope they leave with?

Sr. Anne Marie: I hope they will leave with a love of St. Francis and a deeper understanding that Franciscan spirituality is Gospel spirituality. St. Francis' rule is "to live the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ". 

Sr. Anne Marie Lom is a Pastoral Associate at St. Raphael Parish in Oshkosh, WI.  She is a trained Spiritual Director and has led our retreat the past five years to high praise.

NON-ROMAN MEN’S CURSILLO: February 23-26

NON-ROMAN WOMEN’S CURSILLO: March 8-11

Simply put, the Cursillo weekend is an encounter with Christ. The two Cursillo weekends offered on this schedule are for Christian participants from congregations other than Catholic. Through a series of conferences by ministers 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. If you haven’t made a Cursillo Weekend, give Marygrove a call today for more information. Join us for a Cursillo and see your faith life take-off.

ROMAN CURSILLO WEEKENDS IN AUTUMN

Catholic men and women can begin now to plan to make a Cursillo Weekend in the Autumn of 2012. The next Men’s Roman Cursillo weekend will be September 20-23, 2012. The next Women’s Roman Cursillo will be October 4-7, 2012.

CURSILLO FOURTH DAY OVERNIGHT: February 4-5
For those who have made a Cursillo
Roman and Non-Roman, Men and Women

This new Fourth Day Overnight will be offered twice each year at Marygrove, beginning on a Saturday afternoon and ending with Sunday lunch. There will be singing, praying together, and the sharing of close moments with Christ. We will also have excellent presentations about how Cursillo works in our area, why the three-day weekends are structured as they are, how Cursillistas can better serve on team, and how to offer leadership in the Christian community. The cost will be minimal and open to all who have made their Cursillo.

This Fourth Day Overnight is for Cursillistas…

• who have been in the movement for years and want to share some of their enthusiasm, insight and gratefulness with others.
• who are new and struggle to find others to group with or an ultreya to attend.
• who have been out of the movement for a while and hope to rekindle the fire they experienced being part of Cursillo.
• who have served Christ in many capacities and are looking for new ways to offer service.
• who want to know more about Cursillo.

YOUTH ENCOUNTER: March 30-April 1
For Young People ages 16-20

Like the Cursillo experience for adults, Youth Encounter is an intense weekend of understanding and experiencing the Christian Faith for young people. 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. To learn more about Youth Encounter, there is an informative video on this web site. To access the Youth Encounter video online, simply Click here and then click on the video icon.

For more information or for registration forms contact Craig and Lori Frendewey, 1991 Cosgrove Road, Florence, WI 54121 or phone 1-715-696-3737. Check out the special website for Youth Encounter by clicking the link at marygrove.org or by going directly to youthencounterchrist.org. Thanks to a generous donation, the fee for the Youth Encounter this year is $25 per person.

YOUTH ENCOUNTER OVERNIGHT: August 10-11
For All Those Who Have Made a Youth Encounter Weekend

Youthencounterites! Plan now to attend the Third Youth Encounter Summer Overnight!
There will be singing, group prayer, and the sharing of our Christian faith. And if the weather is nice, whoever wants to go, can head to the beach at Fayette State Park. The cost of the overnight will be only $20 per person.

RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND: FOR TROUBLED MARRIAGES June 8-10

• Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage?
• Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse?
• Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down?
• Have you thought about separation or divorce?
• Does talking about it only make it worse?

During the weekend, the team gives a series of presentations and shares a technique of communication that enables participants to take a good look at most areas of their marital relationship. The team does not provide .  The team provides practical tools for improving marriage.  After each presentation participants will have a chance to reflect on it by themselves, then discuss it in complete privacy with his/her spouse.

The weekend is not a ‘miracle cure'; therefore, post-weekend sessions have been designed to continue the marriage renewal begun on the weekend. During the post-weekend sessions, the technique learned on the weekend is further developed and is used to explore additional areas of the marriage relationship.

The cost of this weekend is yet to be determined. However, no couple is ever denied the chance to heal and renew their marriage because of lack of funds. For more information please visit or call us at 1-800-470-2230.

FAMILY RETREATS: June 22-24, June 29-July 1, July 13-15, July 20-22

It is true that one of the best retreats offered at Marygrove is a retreat for the whole family. We have our conferences together, pray together, have games, do family projects, share great meals, and even enjoy a picnic at a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan.

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 age 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. Because these weekends fill so quickly, it is recommended you contact Marygrove soon to reserve your family’s place for Summer 2012.

Spaces Still Available for…

SOMETHING WONDERFUL IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN: December 17-18
An Advent Overnight Retreat for Men and Women
(Saturday afternoon to Sunday lunch)

Have you ever felt like your celebration of Christmas was a big, spiritual flop? Often the problem is not with Christmas; the problem is that Advent preparation has been shoddy. This year, get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth by spending an overnight at Marygrove. Study the Scriptural stories of Jesus’ birth, sing the songs of the season, and enjoy holiday tales that warm the heart. Before the Christmas celebration gets underway, take 24 hours to rest and pray at Marygrove. (Director: Fr. Jamie Ziminski)