April at OLC

We have a full and exciting April ahead here at OLC.

Special Event - Western Barbecue and Comedy Night

The Retreat League Committee (RLC) will hold their Annual Fundraiser on Wednesday, April 18th @ 5:30 - 9:00 pm at OLC. The theme for this year’s event will be Western Barbecue.

Menu: The menu features Pulled Pork, Chicken, Homemade Corned Bread, sides and dessert with a complimentary glass of wine.

Entertainment: There will be Musical Entertainment and Comedy Improvisation Performance by Sea Tea Improv

Raffle Prizes: Mystery Credit Card Envelope with the purchase of Raffle Tickets and Raffle Prizes

Retreats for Women

Theme: Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace
Dates: April 6-8, 2018 and April 13-15, 2018

Our theme this year, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, is both powerful and timely. It comes from one of the most popular and well-loved prayers in the world: the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis.

Peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith. Time and again, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. Faith intensifies our desire to address the questions of our times, precisely, in the light of the gospel:

During our retreat, we will explore how we can place ourselves in the center of the storm and be an instrument of peace.

Confirmation Retreat

Confirmation Retreat

What does getting your driver’s license have to do with Confirmation?
Presented by Shawnee Baldwin

What car part would you be as a disciple? What is the plan to get a car and ensure its safety and maintenance? Come to this interactive confirmation retreat and find out.

The offering per person for this retreat is $35. If you are a DRE interested in bringing a larger class, please call OLC at 860.677.8519 to talk with us about a group rate.

The program includes dinner.

Movie Night at OLC – “Babette’s Feast”

April 11 @ 6:60 - 9:00 pm

Babette's Feast, Pope Francis' favorite film, challenges us to look outside of ourselves in service to mercy. The Pope even referenced it in his encyclical Amoris Laetitiae.  View this classic film with us and let us together discover the spiritual lessons Pope Francis would like us to learn. A basket supper will be provided for each attendee to enjoy during the movie.  The evening will be facilitated by Sister Mary Ann Strain, CP, OLC's Program Director.

Faith that Asks Something of Us

Faith That Asks Something of Us: Doing the Truth in Love

April 14 @ 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

To act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God…these words of the prophet Micah were actualized in Jesus’ living. He showed us over and over again that no one is outside the inclusive love of God and called us to ensure the dignity of all people and their inclusion at the table of life – in our homes, our communities, and in our structures that often prevent or deny their participation. He did the Truth in Love. How might we capture his passion for justice and compassion in our own living? How might we develop the virtue of solidarity – a firm and persevering commitment to the common good – and orient ourselves to enacting God’s expansive love and care for all in our society? We will explore together how God invites us to live an engaged spirituality for our time.

This program will take place upstairs in the Blue Room and is limited to 15 participants. Includes lunch.

Presenter: Annemarie O’Connor, a member of Our Lady of Calvary’s Retreat Team

 

Making the Insights of Thomas Merton Accessible

Making Thomas Merton’s Insights on Contemplation and the True Self Accessible

April 25, 2018 @ 7:00 -9:00 pm

Thomas Merton is one of the most important spiritual writers, teachers, and prophets of modern times.  Merton's Christian Contemplative spirituality was grounded in his formal Religious studies as well as his experience of living his Trappist Monastic vocation for 27 years.

This workshop makes the core of Thomas Merton's Christian spirituality accessible. Participants will get an understanding of  Merton's spirituality with a particular focus on its foundational elements of Contemplation and the True Self.  The objective of the workshop is that those participating will begin to see how Merton's insights may apply to their own spiritual lives.

Mike Smoolca, coordinator of the North Central CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society, will present this workshop.

Happy Easter from all of us at OLC!