OUR LADY OF CALVARY RETREAT CENTER
31 Colton Street • Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 677-8519 • olcretreat@sbcglobal.net
I hope your summer has been filled with quiet, peaceful moments, fun times with family and friends, and many, many adventures as you journey life’s pathways. My summer was well designed but then the God of surprises refocused my plans…. My new road was certainly not as well mapped out, but led me through exciting challenges, gifted me with unexpected treasures and united me with new and exciting fellow travelers. This journey was, without a doubt, much more sacred and special than the one I planned. Isn’t God our best and most supportive friend and life navigator!
This year’s weekend retreat theme, Blessed~Broken~Shared, is a unique and wonderful opportunity to reflect on God’s navigational hopes and grace-filled challenges for each of us as we develop into His image as ministers of loving hope. Like the grain of wheat and the insignificant caterpillar, each of us is destined to travel in Jesus’ footsteps of transformation and grace. Are you ready to take a pilgrimage in faith and accept the gifts and challenges God has ready for you…and through you, others in need? Then register now for your weekend retreat at OLC, your home away from home, and please bring a companion on this sacred journey.
Like my summer journey and probably many of your own, the well-planned and familiar does not always lead us to our charted destination. This year’s retreat experience will unfold with some gentle surprises… new faces, new music, new activities and an adjusted schedule; and yet, the familiar hospitality and feeling of being at home will fill our sacred space and time together. We are anxious to welcome you home!
Each page of this program guide is a road map of new experiences that will enrich your journey of spiritual development. Kathryn Stockett’s The Help is our book club choice; Fr. Frascadore will explore Autumn’s Serenity; Fr John Powers will introduce us to Joseph, a tremendous influence on Jesus’ early life and ours; and the OLC Staff will open the question, Are you a “Mary” or a “Martha”? A diverse and very talented group of presenters will speak about topics such as gratitude, healing in our brokenness, holistic health, Advent, understanding life into death, and the music of our sacred journey. From the paper craft of iris folding to Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Life... as always, our programs offer something for everyone! We are very excited to offer a brand new retreat weekend for young adults (ages 18-25), as well as an Advent weekend, a weekend dedicated to Thomas Merton, and a Beginning Experience weekend. As you browse the pages of this Program Guide, you'll find many reasons to visit OLC this fall and winter.
May the God of Surprises fill your heart each day with hope and joy!
Sister Theresina Scully, CP
