St. Alphonsus Retreat House extends invitation to Lenten Reflection Days

The St. Alphonsus Retreat House, located at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in New Ulm, is accepting reservations for three Lenten Days of Reflection. All of the Days will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. Lunch is included and participants also have the option of spending an overnight at the Retreat House on a Friday or Saturday evening. An overnight stay also includes breakfast on the following morning. The cost for each day is $15 and each overnight stay is an additional $25.

Saturday, February 28, 2004:

This day of reflection focuses on the significant losses which have impacted our lives and may have left strong imprints. Ways of dealing with loss and grief issues in a practical and spiritual way will be presented. The day will help to identify and to describe the path to recovery and the true meaning of the promise of resurrection in our own lives.

Presenter: Sr. Joyce Iten, OSB is a staff member at the Benedictine Spirituality Center, St. Joseph, MN. She is a certified chaplain at St. Cloud Hospital and currently also serves part-time as a parish minister in Sauk Rapids, MN. Her background is extensive as a grief facilitator and as a presenter on loss and grief.

Saturday, March 6, 2004:

A look at the scriptural readings for the final weeks of Lent will allow participants to experience Holy Week in a whole new way. The day is planned to include insight from Biblical scholarship with reflection on the impact of the message for each participant’s life.

Presenter: Sr. Justin Wirth, SSND served in the Diocesan Office of Worship and Spiritual Life and also as a Pastoral Administrator in Milroy.

Saturday, March 13, 2004:

This day will explore movies and videos as a way of teaching us about faith. The symbolism and imagery of film will be examined and numerous clips from classic films will be studied and discussed. The day is designed so that participants will learn to view film "with the eyes of faith" and consider "film festivals" for a small group or the parish.

Presenters: Sr. Mary Charles Mayer, R.S.M. received her S.T.L. in Social Communication from the Gregorian University, Rome and is the Diocesan Director of Communications. Mark Kemmeter, D.Min., is a former lecturer in Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, WI and serves as the Coordinator of the Diocesan Staff.

Reservations for the Days of Reflection will be accepted by contacting the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073, (507) 359-2966.