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June 2008
June Happenings at The Retreat Center
- A highlight of June was the third annual Retreat Center program called The Great Schools of Spirituality. This year the focus was Dominican Spirituality, lead by an outstanding team of Dominican preachers, scholars and authors. The program and presenters attracted participants from all over the U.S. and a few from outside the country. The event, woven together with prayer and celebration, provided opportunities for networking across many congregations.
- Following upon The Great Schools, we hosted the Castelot Summer Scripture, a program with a long history at St. John’s presented by the Office for Pastoral Ministries. Participants were enriched by the insights of four exceptional scripture scholars. Social time, morning and evening prayer and Eucharist were integral to the experience.
- The Retreat Center program for marriage preparation, Covenant Love, was conducted on the first weekend of the month.
- There was a workshop for people who have suffered a loss through death, divorce or separation. The mission of the group indicates that they hope to enable those who grieve to once again love themselves, others, and God.
- Several national organizations made their way back to the Center for meetings to conduct business in the unique environment of prayer and community that The Retreat Center offers.
- A group of men and women spent two weeks in a program preparing for final commitment in their various religious communities.
- Additional Archdiocesan programs included leadership training for clergy, a youth ministry convening, an ordination class reunion and a small parish retreat.
- Two large spiritual renewal groups spent time in prayer and conversation.
- Seven Protestant communities chose St. John for their June retreat, many of them having had previous experiences at the Center.
- At the end of the month we welcomed a congregation of religious priests and brothers for their assembly and chapter.
- More than one thousand guests graced our house during June.
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