Join us for a Movie Matinee at OLC! Paul, Apostle of Christ Where Sin Abounds... Grace Abounds More Paul, Apostle of Christ is the story of two men. Luke, as a friend and physician, risks his life when he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul, who is held captive in Nero’s darkest, bleakest prison cell. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians and does not flinch from executing them in the grisliest ways possible. Before…

Catholics are interested in the Bible, but most of us didn’t learn much about it. This interactive workshop will provide a basic overview of the structure and formation of the Scriptures, including the historical context that influenced their composition.  You will learn which books belong to which parts of the Bible and when scholars believe they were written. We will discuss how to pray with the Scriptures and suggest some resources for further exploration. Participants will have the opportunity during…

I don’t know how to pray” “I can’t pray anymore now-days” “What’s the use? God doesn’t seem to hear my pleading!” “I talk to God all the time, yet I long for something more, something deeper” Sound familiar? Want to explore this deep need within your heart? Want to re-imagine prayer in your life? Come and see! There may be treasures hiding in plain sight. This program will be presented by Maria Decsy. She is a member of the retreat…

OLC Book Club: New this Season OLC Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am to 11:30. Our selection for January is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Future titles will be selected on a monthly basis, with the help of suggestions from participants. If you have not attended in the past you are very welcome to join us this month! Sisters Mary O’Brien, CP, and Anna Marie Becker, CP, will act as moderators.  Long-time retreatants…

Intentional Living - The Art and Practice of Discernment Among the many effects of the fast-paced world in which we live is the loss of the ability to be self-reflective, to practice discernment. There is no time for taking time to ask the core questions: What am I doing? Where am I going? What is this event, circumstance telling me? This program will offer an overview of the ancient Christian process of discernment particularly the model developed by St.Ignatius of…

At mid-life, somewhere between the ages of 35 – 65, you can expect to experience changes in your career, personal and spiritual life.  Father Jim Kelly will discuss each of the six crises often encountered during mid-life and hopefully put your mind at ease by the end of the day as to how to navigate through these changes. Father Jim Kelly is a Franciscan Friar and a member of the OLC Retreat Team. He spent the majority of his priestly career…

Movie Matinee – Thérèse: The Story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Experience Theresian spirituality with the award-winning motion picture Thérèse. Film Synopsis: The mesmerizing story of a young girl’s romance with God. Her faith, trials, and sacrifices reveal a way of life based on love and simplicity. A contemplative film based on the true story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the most popular saint of modern times. The story of an ordinary girl with an extraordinary soul. Watch the trailer…

According to Joan Chittister “Simplicity is an attitude of mind that enables us to stand unimpeded by the seductiveness of the unnecessary and the cosmetic.” Simplicity is about the task of removing the clutter from our outer and inner lives so that we may move more gently through life. Whether we are “pack-rats” or “neat-freaks”, this statement, is easier said than done. It is a life-long journey, accomplished one step at a time. During our time together we will spend…

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. You learn one stroke at a time. Anyone can learn this method and find inner creativity and a mindful focus. Experience the wonder of creating three-dimensional abstract art on a flat surface. An art background is not necessary. This class will introduce the Zentangle Method: its concepts and history; and provides for the creation of a work of art. Program fee includes…

Laugh Away Your Winter Blues The holidays are over and the days are dark and cold. Chase away those winter blues with laughter and maybe an attitude adjustment. Laughter reduces stress and overrides other emotions in the moment. Why carry that stress? We can raise our serotine levels and feel better. This program includes lunch. Marie DiBenedetto is a former retreat team member here at OLC. She is also a Passionist Associate, a member of the OLC Board and a…

The Family Disease of Addiction - We Do Recover This day will cover the experience of addiction from the addict or alcoholic as well as the family and friends involved in a relationship with the person who is addicted to alcohol or drugs. Addiction is a family disease that stresses the family to the breaking point, impacts the stability of the home, the family’s unity, mental health, physical health, finances, and overall family dynamics. There will be three presentations -…

OLC Book Club: New this Season OLC Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am to 11:30. Our selection for January is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Future titles will be selected on a monthly basis, with the help of suggestions from participants. If you have not attended in the past you are very welcome to join us this month! Sisters Mary O’Brien, CP, and Anna Marie Becker, CP, will act as moderators.  Long-time retreatants…

Give yourself and/or someone you love the gift of creativity! Making wire and beaded jewelry is a fun and relaxing way to make something beautiful and unique. No experience is necessary! In this jewelry workshop, we will learn two beading techniques—wire wrapping and bead embroidery, by creating your choice of two to three projects. Make a Celtic Cross or a beaded cross that can be use incorporated into a beautiful pendant, bracelet, or earrings that you can wear home or…

Lent: Stir Up the Spirit that is in You! Each Lent the Church calls us to evaluate and renew our Commitment to following Jesus. Pope Francis’ recent apostolic exhortation Rejoice and be Glad is a practical, down to earth and very readable guide to doing just that. This Saturday morning program will use the Pope’s reflections as a tool to open us more fully to the Spirit’s leading as we journey through Lent and through life. This program will take…

Lenten Retreat Day - Forgive As We Have Been Forgiven?? The road to forgiveness and reconciliation may be the most difficult we will ever travel. Yet Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of those who would be his followers. Why is it so hard to forgive? Can we walk with Jesus into a ministry of reconciliation.? Take some time during this Lenten season to reflect on your understanding and living of forgiveness and reconciliation…

OLC Book Club: New this Season OLC Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am to 11:30. Our selection for January is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Future titles will be selected on a monthly basis, with the help of suggestions from participants. If you have not attended in the past you are very welcome to join us this month! Sisters Mary O’Brien, CP, and Anna Marie Becker, CP, will act as moderators.  Long-time retreatants…

Lenten Evening of Reflection - Memory and the Cross Is the Christian community developing Alzheimer’s? When someone has Alzheimer’s not only do they forget who they are but the people around them begin to forget too. The illness has a way of making everyone start lowering their standards. Is this happening to the Christian community? This Lenten Evening of Reflection will focus on three questions. 1. What as a Christian community do we remember of the Passion of Jesus? 2.…

Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer: Moving from Work to Wonder Do you feel drawn to contemplative prayer but are somewhat uncertain about what it really is? Are you overwhelmed by the many voices teaching meditation under its many names: Mindfulness, Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Buddhist and Zen meditation, among others? Have you experienced enlightening and elevating group Centering Prayer workshops or Lectio Divina gatherings, only to experience confusion and uncertainty when you try either of these by yourself? And have…

It’s time to joyfully awake from our winter hibernation and celebrate the beauty and joy of the Springtime praising all that God has created. Come experience a “moving” way to pray as we share a gestural prayer that is an outward expression of our inner spirit. No previous experience is necessary – just a willing spirit and an open heart. Dress comfortable – looser clothing is recommended. Moving in the Spirit was conceived by Karen Donahue Rossignol and Lisa Muscanell-DePaola.…

Dell Kasinkas returns to OLC to present her traditional Pysanky Workshop! Come, enjoy the traditional art of Pysanky, presented by Dell Kasinkas. A pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using a wax-resist method. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, “to write” or “to in scribe”, as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax.  No artistic talent is required to create your own beautiful egg – just enthusiasm for learning and…

OLC Book Club: New this Season OLC Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am to 11:30. Our selection for January is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Future titles will be selected on a monthly basis, with the help of suggestions from participants. If you have not attended in the past you are very welcome to join us this month! Sisters Mary O’Brien, CP, and Anna Marie Becker, CP, will act as moderators.  Long-time retreatants…

Julian of Norwich (1342-c.1416) “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.” Hermit, theologian, mystic, spiritual guide, author, visionary, woman of God.  This presentation will consider the world of Julian of Norwich, her life, her visions, her writings, and what wisdom she still speaks to us today. This program includes lunch. Sr. Elissa Rinere, C.P. has been a Passionist sister for over 30 years. She holds a Master’s degree in education…

Shot on location in Assisi, The Assisi Underground shows the work of Father Ruffino, one of the "Righteous Gentiles," in sheltering Italian Jews and transporting them to safety during the Nazi occupation. Unlike many World War II melodramas, this one rings true because it is true, and its good acting and simple direction add to the authenticity. Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/pZy6A3om4F4 Attendees will receive a boxed lunch to enjoy during the film. A short discussion will follow the screening. This day…

Join us for a movie night featuring Temple Grandin! Emmy winner Claire Danes stars as Temple Grandin, a brilliant young woman coping with the stigma of autism at a time when it was misunderstood. With the support of her loving family, Temple dedicates herself to learning and becomes a famed animal behaviorist. Her passion for animals gives her a unique ability to understand them, and she fulfills her love of education by teaching about autism and the most humane ways to…

Brother Michael Moran will present Praying with Art at OLC. As one who is an artist and who has meditated daily for a number of years, I have experienced the deep focus that is a part of the creative process and the mindful, prayerful process. Add to that the popularity of adult coloring books over the last several years, and you have a practical experience of creating something beautiful and quieting the mind to allow ourselves to be receptive to…

OLC Book Club: New this Season OLC Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am to 11:30. Our selection for January is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Future titles will be selected on a monthly basis, with the help of suggestions from participants. If you have not attended in the past you are very welcome to join us this month! Sisters Mary O’Brien, CP, and Anna Marie Becker, CP, will act as moderators.  Long-time retreatants…

A Monk’s Insights on Love - Thomas Merton’s realization on the core of the Spiritual Life Thomas Merton’s evolving and deepening insights on Love are woven throughout his writings. At the core of his Christian Spirituality, God and our true nature are identified with Love: To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true…

Explore how moments of crisis shaped the Church we know today. The history of the Church is long, complex and not without problems. Sister Mary Ann will offer an interactive presentation that will open up three windows into the past to look at three moments of crisis that have relevance for us today. In each instance, we will ask four questions. What happened and why? How did the Church respond to the crisis? How has that historical response shaped us…