John XXIII Retreat Center

Taylor U. and John XXIII: We’re Connected!

Beth Adams — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:26:41 +0000

Earlier this spring Anna visited from the Bahamas with her mother Emily to enjoy Grandparents’ Day activities at Taylor University in Upland, IN. We all relished their time here so much! It was hard to see them leave! We wished we could have traveled back to Nassau with them to the blue waters and tropical breezes.

Speaking of Taylor, they are having Graduation this weekend at the University so we are happy to host some of the graduates’ families! Taylor students have come and helped us with service projects over the years and we really have appreciated the connection; Thanks, Taylor!

Book Sale now until June 12th!

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:59:24 +0000

Hello! Summer time is a time to curl up or sit at the beach with a good book. Why not shop at our bookstore for one of our Spiritual Enriching books. We have various topics available. And from now until June 12^th many of our books and bookstore items are on sale. Take advantage of this spring sale to freshen up your library. You might also want to prepare for Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr’s Oct. Retreat with us by reading either of these books which she is using on Oct. 5-7^th Retreat: Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God or Seven Sacred Pauses, Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day. Sr. Macrina’s Retreat will be very popular so we encourage you to reserve your space ahead of time!

Who is your Director?

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:59:18 +0000

Welcome! Here is where you can find out….

A Directed Retreat

You might look at our calendar and wonder what a directed retreat is, and question who the director is. The answer is that it is a time of quiet to listen to God, who is the director of your life and to hear more clearly what God wants of you, or what gifts God wants to give to you.

This is facilitated by another person who meets with you daily, both you and they listen for the direction of God in your life. We have this opportunity available to you in June and again in October. We suggest taking at least three days or more. It takes that amount of time to slow down and be present to the God within. From the evening of June 3^rd to 1:00pm on June 8^th we have Fr. Steven Janoski and I am available to journey with you. Fr. Janoski is from St. Louis, MO originally but now works in Springfield, IL as the Director of Campus Ministry at Benedictine UN.

Each day you will have the opportunity to participate in liturgy, share one-to-one with a spiritual director and have ample time for quiet. The Scriptures are the basis for your prayer time, so it’s important to bring a Bible and a journal.

Another opportunity is available for you again in Oct. from the evening of the 14^th until the afternoon of the 19^th. Fr. Al Naseman, a Missionary of the Precious Blood who does full time retreat ministry will also be available her. If these dates do not work for you, other days can be arranged by calling our center.

If you haven’t taken the opportunity to be steeped in the quiet alone with your God, you will be amazed how God works in the silence of your heart. Don’t miss this opportunity to be available for this graced opportunity.

Where Will “Catch the Spirit” be Held?

Beth Adams — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:08:01 +0000

You are invited to “Catch the Spirit”, on Saturday, October 27, which will be held at Taylor University, beginning at 6pm. That is exciting news! Why? Because many people in the East Central area of Indiana are already acquainted with the superior job Taylor does in the hospitality/restaurant category! It will be an evening to remember for sure! Mark your calendar now, so you can spend the evening with us at the John XXIII Retreat Center’s fundraiser dinner!

Catch the Spirit!

Beth Adams — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:23:13 +0000

You are invited to: “Catch the Spirit!”

Please save the date: October 27, 2012 so you can enjoy a lovely and inspirational evening while helping John XXIII Retreat Center continue its mission!

Sr. Pauline presents Wed. Day of Renewal!

Beth Adams — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:50:34 +0000

“Calmness & Serenity” will be the topic for the Day of Renewal Series Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012–9:15 AM– 2:15 PM. at John XXIII Retreat Center in Hartford City. Our Presenter: Sr. Pauline Bridegroom, PHJC, asks, “What thoughts can Pope John XXIII give us on attaining calmness and serenity in our own personal lives? His life was anything but smooth sailing! Yet, he always tried to live calmly and serenely. How did he do it? Come and see what he has to say!” You will become more attuned to these qualities in your own life by attending this day retreat. Get acquainted in a deeper way with the Spirituality of Pope John XXIII. He spurred the ecumenical movement that created a renewed interest in the Church’s social teachings. His view of spirituality was to be at home with the wisdom of the ages. He believed that whatever identifies us with the loving and humble Christ belongs to all spirituality! As always, everyone is welcome at John XXIII Retreat Center. Please register by NOON Tuesday, April 10! The fee includes the retreat, materials, and a delicious lunch: $21.00.

He Has Risen!

Beth Adams — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:00:23 +0000

Happy Easter from John XXIII Retreat Center! This is such a marvelous day as we too go to the tomb and realize that He is alive! Our faith is real and living due to his sacrifice and resurection. Come and visit us! Check out our website soon!

IT WORKED!

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:41:22 +0000

Recently I watched for a second time the Cotton Patch Gospel. It’s a musical play that retells the Gospels of Matthew and John in southern style. The story takes place in the cities of Atlanta, Valdosta and Gainesville, Georgia. The music is toe-tappin, hand-clappin music written by the late Harry Chapin.

As I watched, I was struck by the words that Jesus proclaims on the Resurrection-“It Worked!” These words might seem very trite, but they were very profound for me. They summed up the whole of the Paschal Mystery. They tell the amazing story of Holy Week that brings us to the resurrection and the Easter season. All of the suffering and dying that Jesus experienced takes on meaning in the resurrection. Through the death and resurrection of Christ we too find new life. And through our own suffering and little deaths we too experience resurrection.

It might be waiting for the right job to come along if we are unemployed. Or perhaps, we come through an illness or surgery and find good health again. Or maybe a relationship is healed by our courage to talk through the difficulties with someone. All of this works as we cooperate with grace and the strength and power of God in our lives. Jesus had to surrender His will to the Father’s will in the agony of the garden. Through His openness to that will, He suffered much for each one of us. And by being obedient to God’s will he comes to experience the resurrection.

We too are asked at different times in our life to surrender to God’s will for us. It may not always be what we want or hoped for. But it is in the letting go, in the surrendering, that we too can experience new life. Sometimes God’s plans for us are much better than our own plans.

What is it that God wants to give to you in the joy of this Easter season? Can you surrender to God’s will for you, so that you too can experience the joy and happiness of the resurrection. And then maybe you can say with the “Jesus” figure in the Cotton Patch Gospel, “It Worked!” If we have the trust and confidence in God’s plan for us, maybe much more would work in our lives, as we do our part and leave the rest to God and cooperate with His grace. Let us all be Easter people as we share what has worked in our lives because of Christ who we have put our hope, trust and belief in.

Spiritual Opportunities during Lent at John XXIII

Beth Adams — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:28:53 +0000

Sister Joetta just shared with you, yesterday, in her Window blog, “Lent, a time for slowing down”, an invitation to come away from your busy life and visit with the Lord. The amazing thing about Lent is the myriad of spiritual opportunities it presents to us. Although you can look around on our website for more information, I thought it might be helpful to list, in brief, what is happening at John XXIII until Easter. Call us anytime at 348-4008, toll free 1-888-882-1391 or www.john23rdretreatcenter.com for information or to register for a retreat or program. All are welcome at John XXIII Retreat Center!

Lenten Lunch Series (4)- Feb. 22, 29 Mar. 14, 21 Weds. Noon-1pm
Quilting Retreat- Mar. 2-4 (Stack-n-Whack design) with Catherine Diekemper
Writing for the Soul- Mar. 4 2:30-5:30 Centering Prayer 5:30-6pm
A Retreat with Pope John XXIII- Mar. 7 9:15-2:15pm Simplify Your Life
Couples Retreat- Mar. 10 1pm. – Mar.11 Noon Time Together… Fr. Keith Hosey will celebrate Liturgy
Women’s Lenten Retreat & Spa- Mar 17-8am-3pm with St. Patrick & Patrick Cleary-Burns
Memorial Mass Association- 4th Thursday-Mar. 22 6:00pm with our celebrant Fr. Sean Pogue
Finding Grace thru Grief & Loss-Mar. 23 6:30pm -Mar. 24 4:00pm- Counselor Laura Morgan & Sr. Joetta
Men’s Lenten Retreat- Mar. 30 6:30pm-Apr1,11:30am Men of the Gospel with Fr. Donald Halpin
Holy Week Directed Retreat- Apr. 2-8 with Fr. Al Naseman, Sister Joetta & the Holy Week Liturgies.
Decorative Egg Making- Apr. 4 7-9:00 pm with Vicki Peterson
Schedule a day or more away for yourself here at the Center
John XXIII also offers 30 day Retreats and At Home Retreats

Pencil in some time with Jesus in the coming days of Lent; resting with the Lord is an appt. to look forward to in your future!

God bless and keep you close, Beth

Lent, a time for Slowing Down

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:14:07 +0000

Besides fasting, praying and almsgiving I believe that Lent is also a time for slowing down the pace of one’s life. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert and I am sure he did not do this at a hurried pace. It seems as if our society today is in a hurry about everything and for what purpose? I share with you a quote from one of my favorite writers, Henri Nouwen who also values slowing down the pace.

“In our contemporary society it often seems that not money but time enslaves us. We say, ‘I wish I could do all the things that I need to do, but I simply have no time’. Just thinking about all the things I have to do today-writing five letters, visiting a friend, practicing my music, making a phone call, going to class, finishing a paper, doing my meditation-just thinking about these makes me tired. Indeed, it seems that many people feel they no longer have time, but that time has them. They experience themselves as victims of an ongoing pressure to meet deadlines, to be ready on time, or to make it on time. The most frequently heard excuse is, ‘I am sorry, but I have no time.’” Clowning in Rome (New York: Doubleday Image, 1979), pp.94-95.

Lent is the season to take the time for yourself, your family, your friends and for God. Can you spend more time with God this Lent by enjoying a walk in nature with our Creator? Can you put aside some time to make a retreat? What is really important in your life? Time does pass by too quickly. Can we examine this Lent how we are spending our time and give some quality time to those we love and to the God who loves us?