John 23rd Retreat Center

Calling All ARTISTS to John XXIII”s Art Fair June 29!

Beth G. Adams — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:26:45 +0000

If you are an ARTIST in any media, we welcome YOU! Please go to our Center”s home page and click on the slider that is a picture of people enjoying an art show/fair. From there you can download our vendor brochure. Many Art Fairs charge Artists for participation. Here at John XXIII we are not charging an up front fee but a percentage of what you do sell. Send in your form today!

Take a Vacation with God!

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC — Wed, 29 May 2013 14:14:25 +0000

As we approach the summer months many of you are making plans for vacation. Hopefully you have also thought about a vacation with God.

Why not carve out a day, or two to come to John XXIII Retreat Center for your own private time with your Creator. Our back yard has so much to offer. You can walk our labyrinth; sit in the Gazebo and commune with the birds and squirrels on our deck.

Spiritual Direction is available or you can find a good spiritual reading book in our library. Our air-conditioned chapel will also give your time alone with God. Make your reservation with us soon and we will be here to welcome you.

Another event that you will not want to miss is our Art Fair on June 29 from 10am to 4pm. Come enjoy the beauty of John XXIII and shop with the Artist that will be featured here.

Blessings during this Easter Season!

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:36:41 +0000

The following quote is from one of my favorite writers, Henri Nouwen. “What counts in your life and mine is not successes but fruits. The fruits of our life are born often in our pain and in our vulnerability and in our losses. The fruits of our life come only after the plow has carved through our land. God wants us to be fruitful. Solitude, community, ministry – these disciplines help us live a fruitful life.”1

During this Easter time and spring time we see new blossoms and flowering trees and plants all around us. It is because they were lying dormant in the dark earth over the winter they can now bear fruit.

The same is true of our lives. During the dark times much is happening below the surface. Hopefully you too, may blossom like the Easter Lily has.

We need occasional solitude and community to make our lives become fruitful again in ministry. Both of those can be found here at John XXIII Retreat Center. Come join us soon for an opportunity in your life to nurture your soul.

1. An excerpt from THE HENRI NOUWEN SPIRITUALITY SERIES, A Spirituality of Living by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Copyright 2011 The Henry Nouwen Legacy Trust. Published by Upper Room Books. Used with kind permission of The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust.

Patrick Cleary-Burns is Returning in May!

Beth G. Adams — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:59:23 +0000

Good news travels fast! We are so happy to welcome back Patrick Cleary-Burns here at the Center…we decided another post would be in order! Sometimes you get to meet a person who is very special in the way he or she relates to others by sharing new insights and making this journey we call life more meaningful. Isn”t that what God promised us–Abundant Life? Well, just like the garden that needs nuturing, our spiritual life must be tended to renew, grow, and blossom. Patrick can facilitate that spring awakening! Come and see as the earth awakens from dormancy and revives its greenery…see what is next for your spirit as the Easter season advances toward Pentecost. Let the Spirit lead you. We look forward to welcoming you on May 16th!

What IS next at the Center?

Beth G. Adams — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 06:34:36 +0000

Lent…Holy Week…the Triduum…Easter…all these days were inspirational and spirit filled here at the Center! Our “Fast & Feast” Lenten Luncheons were especially popular! Thank you for joining us during these times!

Patrick Cleary-Burns will be joining us next month for a very special retreat: “What Is Next, Lord?” This retreat will help you prepare for the Feast of Pentecost! Yes, Pentecost seems far away, almost 50 days! But it takes some time and prayer to discern whether a coming retreat is for you and then, of course, planning. We are happy to offer you this splendid spiritual opportunity!

Patrick, a nationally known retreat facilitator and Spiritual Director, last presented here on St. Patricks Day 2012 to an overflow house! He is very happy to be returning to John XXIII ! Patrick is a graduate of the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University, Bachelors degree in Theology and an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College, and is on the faculty of the School of Spiritual Direction in Pecos, New Mexico. For more information about Patrick: www.patclearyburns.net The retreat will begin on May 16 – 19, Thursday 5:30pm – Sunday 1:00pm. Center # for more information: toll free 1-888-882-1391 and locally – 765-348-4008. We look forward to welcoming you in May!

Rejoice! Alleluia! He has RISEN!

Beth G. Adams — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:21:04 +0000

Happy Easter Season to all as we enjoy the Octave days of Easter!!!

Early Easter Sunday morning it looked a little iffy…

but by afternoon the SON was shining!

What an awesome season…Easter…New Life…Metamorphosis…Spring! Aren”t we lucky to have these 50 days between Easter and Pentecost to rejoice in Jesus” ressurection and celebrate God”s love for us!

God Bless You and Enjoy life abundantly!

From Sr. Joetta, Beth, Cindy, Carla and Linda — your John XXIII Staff

Coming up soon: April 14th Strengthening Our Faith, April 19th Spiritual Companion 3, April 25th Memorial Mass 6pm, April 26th Spiritual Companion 2 Reunion, May 4 Praying with the Images of Mary, May 10th Growth in the Spirit, May 16 Patrick Cleary-Burns presents: A Pentecost Retreat

(1-888-882-1391 or john23rd@sbcglobal.net for more detailed information)

Where will YOU be Holy Week 2014?

Beth G. Adams — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:20:23 +0000

Holy Week leading up to Easter was very eventful here at the Center! Natural egg decorating was Wednesday evening with Vicki Peterson; some amazing works of art came forth! Holy Thursday included sessions with Fr. Al Naseman and Sr. Joetta sharing Jesus and the apostles” day including the Eucharist and the Last Supper. At 5:00, 15 people shared the Traditional Seder or Passover Meal which includes readings that explain the sacred meal as you eat it! Holy Thursday Liturgy followed at 7pm. with foot washing as Jesus did for the apostles. The Chapel was filled! On Good Friday, retreatants went deeper into Christ”s Passion and shared the Stations of the Cross — the events prior, up to, and the Crucifixion of Jesus — in the morning. In the afternoon Good Friday Sevices included veneration of Jesus crucified and time for reflection on his sacrifice. Saturday, March 30, the last session was,”Waiting by the Tomb”. We hope that next year YOU might be able to join us on retreat during HolyWeek — some come for just a session or two, others spend a few days. Either way, this is a beautiful, holy, and peaceful place to prepare for Easter! We hope to see you next year; your room will be ready!

Many Opportunities during Holy Week! Take a LOOK!

Beth G. Adams — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:23:29 +0000

Holy Week Events March 27-March 30

Come to John XXIII Retreat Center in Hartford City and take this special walk with Jesus during Holy Week to prepare for new life at Easter! Fr. Al Naseman and Sister Joetta Huelsmann will be facilitating your retreat days. Spend “A Day with Judas” from 11:00-6:00pm on Wed. March 27. Also, join us 6:30pm Wed. for “Natural Egg Decorating” with Vicki Peterson. On Thursday, March 28, 8 am – 4pm “Eucharist & Holy Thursday” will be followed by the Seder Meal at 5pm and Holy Thursday Liturgy. Friday, March 29, 8 – 6pm, “Go Deeper into the Passion of Christ” which includes Good Friday Stations of the Cross. The retreat will close on Saturday March 30, with “Waiting by the Tomb” from 8 – 1:00pm. Please call 765-348-4008 or 1-888-882-1391 to register. Go to: www.john23rdretreatcenter.com for more information and a full brochure.

Calling ALL Men!

Beth G. Adams — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:08:46 +0000

It is time to give yourself a present! Fr. Keith Hosey, Dr. Dave Jolliff and Rick Wilson invite you to a retreat at John XXIII Retreat Center in Hartford City. They will present, “The Gift of Mindfulness”. A Men’s Retreat, April 5-7. Friday 6:30pm. – Sunday 1pm. During this weekend you will receive training and experience in: living mindfully, being fully present to the moment, and living a peaceful life devoid of judgments. Mindfulness has been found to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety and binge eating. It has been found to increase tolerance for distressful situations, relaxation and coping skills. Fr. Keith will be coupling mindfulness with Contemplative Prayer which can result in leading one from being a a human doing to a human being! The weekend will include lecture, active exercises, meditation and time for sharing. The three presenters enjoy working together and with men’s groups very much! Please call 1-888-882-1391 for more information or go to www.john23rdretreatcenter.com and click on the hands!

Dorothy's Party only TWO Days Away!

Beth G. Adams — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:14:19 +0000

Angels will be watching over Dorothy as she retires…but this is a special one given to the Center by Maggie Heston! Dorothy and Maggie are long time friends through John XXIII. Maggie worked at John XXIII many years ago and still often volunteers as a hostess for retreats. Maggie hopes to see YOU on Wednesday!

Could this be TRUE? It doesnt seem possible that this is Dorothy”s last week here at John XXIII Retreat Center, does it? We are having a party for her on Wednesday from 6:30 – 8:30! We hope you can come by the Center then…if you can not, please send a card, note, photo, whatever you wish, in care of Beth, for Dorothy”s memory book! Dorothy”s last day will be February 28…but wait a minute…she will still be an integral part of John XXIII ! Dorothy will still be involved as she will be coming in once a week to take care of the finances of the Center. We are very blessed that she will still be continuing to serve and work here at the place she has loved over the past 13+ years. Look for pictures from her party, on the website, in the next few weeks!