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A year of
transition for our diocesan retreat center
PRAISED BE JESUS
CHRIST!
(Now and Forever)
It’s a jewel hidden away on West McDonald Street in Hartford City.
Dedicated by Bishop Raymond Gallagher in 1966, the adult study center
and retreat house is the former home of Robert Cronin. I refer to John
XXIII Center.
When Mr. Cronin donated his home to the diocese, Bishop Gallagher saw
the possibility of a diocesan retreat facility. The bishop had just
returned from the Second Vatican Council and saw John XXIII Center as a
way to implement the spirit of the council in the diocese. He appointed
Father P. Keith Hosey director of John XXIII Center. Father Hosey,
ordained in 1956, had served as associate pastor at the Cathedral of St.
Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Lafayette, in Logansport, and then
at St. Joseph in Elwood. He oversaw the conversion of the Cronin home
into a retreat center. He’s been at John XXIII since the doors were
opened. Father Hosey was joined by Sister Maureen Mangen, C.PP.S., in
1971. The center has been expanded and after nearly 40 years of
operation has hosted more than 35,000 overnight retreatants.
Events specific to the clergy and laity of our Local Church are offered,
but a full schedule of spiritual opportunities are available to people
of all faith traditions. A random selection of some of the events
scheduled for the remainder of 2005 is illustrative: a book discussion
on Practicing the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle; a weekend on
“Understanding the Miracles of Jesus”; an Advent retreat on the
“Spirituality of Waiting”; and a personal directed retreat to end the
year and bring in the new year. Besides these weekend offerings, quiet
days away and personal spiritual direction are available, or you may
want to bring a group from your parish to make a specific retreat geared
to your needs.
In collaboration with Dr. Anne Roat, who heads the diocesan Ecclesial
Lay Ministry program, John XXIII will now offer a two-year spirituality
series titled “The Spiritual Traditions of the Church.”
In January of 2006, the spirituality of Jesuits will be explored; in
April, it will be Franciscan spirituality; in September, Benedictine
spirituality; and in November, Carmelite spirituality.
The series can help participants discern their own spiritual journey
while appreciating the rich, age-old traditions of the Church and is
geared toward ELM students, RCIA team members, and those in Church
ministry. Presenters are considered experts in their field. They include
Dr. Keith Egan, who is chair of the Department of Religious Studies at
St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind.; Father Murray Bodo, O.F.M., author
of 10 books on St. Claire and St. Francis; professor and international
retreat master Sister Maria Tasto, O.S.B.; and spiritual director Father
Michael Dorrler, a Jesuit and teacher of the spiritual exercises of St.
Ignatius.
In January 2007, the series will focus on Dominican spirituality
(sharing the word); in April, Precious Blood spirituality
(reconciliation and healing); in September, monastic spirituality (the
prayer of the Church); and in November, Cistertian spirituality (a
journey to contemplation).
2005 is a year of transition for John XXIII Center. Sister Maureen,
after 34 years of service to the center, is leaving the staff for a
well-deserved sabbatical. She will study Spanish in Guatemala. Sister
has ministered in our Local Church for 40 years, beginning as a teacher
at St. Augustine School in Rensselaer from 1954-1958. She then was a
faculty member at Central Catholic High School from 1969 until 1971,
when she began her ministry at John XXIII.
Father Hosey looks forward to “retirement” at the age of 75 next June.
This coming year will be spent mentoring his replacement, Sister Joetta
Huelsmann, a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ (PHJC) who has just joined
the center’s staff. Sister Joetta has a rich educational and spiritual
background. She has a master’s degree in social ministry and human and
religious studies from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minn., and is
available through June 2006 to visit parishes or meet with interested
groups to explore the possibility of new programs and additional
attendance at John XXIII.
Many people are workaholics who think they are too busy to pause and
reflect. They are not burned out. It’s just that daily life leaves
little time for regrouping. A spiritual retreat is an opportunity to
stop, to relax, to pray or learn how to pray, and to be spiritually
energized.
In its wisdom the Church directs that priests are to make an annual
retreat. No such directive is given to lay Catholics. No doubt that is
an acknowledgment that work and family obligations make “time away” a
major challenge. Yet, there is an old saying: “If you think you are too
busy to get away, you’re busier than you need to be.” A retreat can help
a person understand that and bring enrichment never thought possible.
If the idea of a retreat appeals to you but you don’t know how time can
be found to pull it off, check it out with the staff at John XXIII
Center (888-882-1391).
Finding time to make a retreat may not be as difficult as you imagine
and the bottom line may change your outlook on life. |
