A Message from the Director

Greetings and Blessings to all of you during this Lenten/Easter Season,

The world has witnessed history in the making with the inauguration of our first African-American President. In his inaugural address, there was an emphasis on the serious issues preoccupying America and the world; there was a call to unity, hope and faith capped with a challenge to hard work and sacrifice on everyone’s part so that renewed growth can be effected for all.

We recognize that these sentiments are in parallel with St. Paul’s call to all the members of the Body of Christ – unity, hope and faith capped with hard work and sacrifice from each for the good of all. Let us answer the call with hope, trusting our waiting hearts, listening to God’s gentle call to come…come to Him and sit with Him, letting go of whatever keeps us from his loving heart. Let us be united in prayer attending to one another with courage and hope during these seasons of self-denial and re-birth.

Lent is upon us. Let us remember little guideposts on the footpath of peace. Let us pray with St. Catherine of Siena as she expressed in her Dialogues:

• Christ tasting the bitter vinegar allowed Him to give the sweetness to us.
• Christ’s sadness allowed Him to give you consolation.
• Christ’s nails and cross allowed Him to release you from sin’s deadly chains.
• Christ’s servanthood allowed him to rescue you from every slavery to the devil.
• Christ let Himself be sold so that He could ransom you with His own Blood.
• God chose death for Himself to give you life.

We are so very grateful to all those who have so far generously responded to our Wish List requests with gifts and donations. Some few items remain fervent “wishes” as you can see on the enclosed up-dated listing and we’re hoping for benefactors’ continued generosity to help complete the List. These are very difficult economic times and we are doing all we can to keep our operating costs in check. We can pledge to you that we will freeze any increases in retreat fees beyond the modest ones that were already budgeted for 2009. Retreats have to remain within financial reach especially in times when discretionary monies are in short supply for everyone.

What’s new at Immaculata?

Married Couples’ Retreat – September 25-27, 2009 presented jointly by Fr. Ron Meyer, OMI, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Cawley, Mr. & Mrs. David Eddy and Mr. & Mrs. William Melican

Get-Away Package for Priests – opportunities for priests singly or in groups to come to the “Quiet Corner” on weekdays – Sacred Space for a day or several days to rest, relax and recharge.

Lenten Series with Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI – DVD presentations of this noted spiritual writer moderated by Oblate Fr. Chava Gonzalez of Immaculata’s Staff: basically reflections on the Passion and Cross of Jesus.

NACORRC Conference – May 24-27, 2009. The 32nd Annual Conference for all Oblate Retreat House personnel (USA & Canada). The Theme: “Gathering in Spirit and Sharing Oblate Mission” – how the charism of St. Eugene deMazenod is a gift to the Church that radiates throughout the world.

Golf Tournament – Monday June 15, 2009 to benefit Immaculata at the Willimantic Country Club with banquet and festivities here at the Retreat House.

Have a Blessed Lent and a Glorious Easter!

Paulette