Beloved Retreat
Periodically it is so important to stop and reflect on life. Reflecting in a spiritual manner often gives us clarity, rest and a new perspective. More than any denomination of Christianity the Catholic Church values such reflection. We have retreat houses all over the world that are a wonderful resource for people of any faith to prayerfully step back and reflect by participating in a retreat. Perhaps the word is intimidating to some of you. It may conjure up images of touchy-feely rituals or forced, intense personal sharing, or even extended time doing nothing but contemplating your naval.
Perhaps you think that a retreat is for people who are holy, and only “religious” people participate in them. Perhaps you just don’t have the time for an extended period of time stepping away from your routine. If any of those are barriers for you to even consider a retreat, you may need the retreat experience more than you think. Particularly if you just can’t make time. If you are that busy, you may really need to go on a retreat.
Retreats vary in style and length and offered to fit a busy lifestyle.
Each year we offer a Beloved Retreat for adults in conjunction with our partners at Soul Play and Old St. Pat’s who helped us in our Adventures in Grace pilgrimage last year. This year the Beloved Retreat will be held:
Friday Evening December 9-
early Sunday afternoon, December 11
on the grounds of nearby Mundelein Seminary.
The beauty of this 900-acre campus is very conducive to reflection and prayer. Beloved is unique because it is based on very basic elements of our faith and is led by other adults and a team that has led many such retreats. There will be fellow Holy Family participants as well as people from some other parishes. Much like the Kairos retreat experience for our teens, it is often transformative for people in a very healthy, spiritual manner. Ask anyone who has participated in one of the Beloved Retreats and you will get a flavor for how impactful it can be.
If you are interested in obtaining more information, or to sign up, please contact Mary Whiteside in our Adult Faith Office at
mwhiteside@holyfamiyparish.org
Looking Back
Last week’s Gospel had Jesus telling us a parable about prayer. The Pharisee started his prayer with “I.” The Tax Collector started his prayer with “God.” Which one do you find yourself starting prayer with?
Reconciliation Time Change
Beginning Monday, November 7, we will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in church from 5:30-7:00 pm. This is a slight change in time because some people have told us that starting at 5:00pm was too early. We hope that you appreciated the fact that we took your feedback seriously and made an adjustment to accommodate your needs for this very important Sacrament.
Please also know that you can call any of us priests to arrange the Sacrament of Reconciliation to fit your schedule. Also, please know that we offer an All Parish Reconciliation Service each Advent and Lent. THESE SERVICES ARE THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION. They include Gathering with Song, Scripture Reading, a Homily, an Examination of Conscience, then INDIVIDUAL Confession, and Absolution with one of several priests present. This form of the Sacrament is fully sanctioned by the larger church and is NOT General Absolution that was offered from the mid-1980’s to mid-1990’s. There is often confusion as to exactly what these services are and if they are indeed the Sacrament. They are indeed the full Sacrament of God’s forgiveness and grace. If you have not experienced one of these services, please come on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00pm in church.
Tenderness and Prayer
Please join us on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00pm in church for an evening of Contemplative Prayer with Bill and Joanne McElroy. Contemplative prayer is not just for monks or hermits. Please come to learn and experience something that will definitely expand your prayer life.