October 2019
Simplicity: Clearing the Clutter in our Lives
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…
Find out more »OLC Book Club – Focusing on Spirituality
Our OLC Book Club is returning for a second season! It is a different kind of book club because the focus is on spirituality. 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, are the moderators. Long-time retreatants will remember Sister Anna Marie, whom we are happy…
Find out more »Movie Matinee – Bridge of Spies
Bridge of Spies Staring Tom Hanks A Soviet spy is caught in the U.S. during the heart of the Cold War. A hesitant U.S. attorney then is given the task of representing him. It’s a movie full of scriptural themes. Every life matters – even guilty ones. In fact, all of us need a defense. The movie ends with a prisoner exchange that has biblical parallels. Tom Hanks stars as the attorney in Bridge of Spies, which is based on a true story…
Find out more »Exploring the Roots of Halloween
Is it Even Christian? Exploring the Roots of Halloween Come explore the true origins of Halloween and its roots in the Celtic tribes who lived in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany. For ancient people, November 1 marked the beginning of a new year and the coming of winter. Many of our contemporary Halloween traditions date back to the ancient Celts belief that the souls of the dead including ghosts, goblins, and witches, returned to mingle with the living. In order to…
Find out more »November 2019
Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »Paint Escape to Grass Island
Come and enjoy a morning of painting! Escape with Branford artist Emer Gearhart. We will be painting an oasis site for shoreline artists officially titled, “Grass Island” located in Madison, CT. No need to bring any supplies, all will be provided. Experience not needed! Beginners and all levels of expertise are welcome. We will dive into acrylics, working from selective photos and will break for lunch at 12:30. No frets if you need extra time to finish! We look forward…
Find out more »Autumn Inspiration – Prayer, Music and Watercolor
Let’s be inspired during this autumn season and stir the light within us through prayer, music, and watercolor. Bring an inspirational quote and you’ll leave with a beautiful watercolor expression to remind you of what those words mean in your life. No experience is necessary. We will use simple watercolor and mixed media techniques to create a lovely personal painting. Join Kathy Irr, a member of our OLC retreat team, for a morning of relaxation and creativity. This program includes…
Find out more »Confirmation Retreat
What does getting your driver’s license have to do with Confirmation? 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 $30. 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. Snacks will be served. Presenter:…
Find out more »Spirituality of Women for the Future of the Church
Join us for a reflection on Women and the Church sixty years on from Vatican II. In an impromptu press conference on the return flight from the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis said “… all we say is they can do this, they can do that, now they are altar servers, now they do the readings, ..but there is more! We need to develop a profound theology of the woman.” Where is the Church in relation…
Find out more »OLC Ministry for Catholic Young Adults
Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center is launching a ministry for Catholic Young Adults. The initial focus of this ministry will be Community and Worship. The group may decide, in the future, to add a service component. Our monthly gatherings will begin with dinner, served between 6:00 - 7:00 pm. This will be a time to build community by getting to know one another and making new friends while enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by OLC’s chef Bill Bridges.…
Find out more »OLC Book Club – Focusing on Spirituality
Our OLC Book Club is returning for a second season! It is a different kind of book club because the focus is on spirituality. 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, are the moderators. Long-time retreatants will remember Sister Anna Marie, whom we are happy…
Find out more »December 2019
Advent Retreat Day – O Antiphons
Join us for an Advent Retreat Day at OLC! “O come, o come, Emmanuel…” The most familiar Advent hymn, and every verse is actually based on an “O Antiphon.” During the final days of Advent, praying with these antiphons provides us with a novena for Christmas. Although 1000 years old, their rich imagery and history speak to us now, inviting us to peace and prayer in preparation for Christmas, and not to haste and hurry. Our Advent Retreat Day will…
Find out more »OLC Ministry for Catholic Young Adults
Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center is launching a ministry for Catholic Young Adults. The initial focus of this ministry will be Community and Worship. The group may decide, in the future, to add a service component. Our monthly gatherings will begin with dinner, served between 6:00 - 7:00 pm. This will be a time to build community by getting to know one another and making new friends while enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by OLC’s chef Bill Bridges.…
Find out more »January 2020
Wellness Day at Our Lady of Calvary
OLC's Wellness Day is the perfect gift to give yourself or a special woman in your life. OLC's Wellness Day will begin with a class on Women's Health Issues by Alicia Clendennin with recommendations regarding wellness support through the use of essential oils and supplements. Alicia’s talk will build on last year's discussion, but you need not have attended last year’s presentation to benefit. Alecia Clendennin holds a Master's Degree in Nursing from Southern Connecticut State University and a post-graduate certificate in Holistic…
Find out more »Retreat Day – Gospel Portraits
Join us to explore the four Gospel Portraits of Jesus. Have you ever wondered why the Gospels are different? Because each of the four Evangelists had different goals when they wrote their Gospels, is this why we have four distinct Gospel portraits? Portraits of the same person can look very different but still be honest portrayals. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each paint four different Gospel portraits of Jesus. This presentation will consider parallel passages from the Gospels. We will grow in…
Find out more »Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »Creating Space for Grace: A Retreat for Busy Women
Come and see how you can create space for grace! Today’s woman is pulled in a million different directions. Always on the go, we are doers and nurturers. This hectic pace can make it difficult to listen for the voice of God. Women need time. We need quiet. We need a safe, sacred space free from distraction. We need to stand still long enough to be found. God’s grace is our gift for the taking if we can only make…
Find out more »Movie Matinee – Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British historical drama film. It tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. The film was conceived and produced by David Puttnam, written by Colin Welland, and directed by Hugh Hudson. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay.…
Find out more »OLC Ministry for Catholic Young Adults
Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center is launching a ministry for Catholic Young Adults. The initial focus of this ministry will be Community and Worship. The group may decide, in the future, to add a service component. Our monthly gatherings will begin with dinner, served between 6:00 - 7:00 pm. This will be a time to build community by getting to know one another and making new friends while enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by OLC’s chef Bill Bridges.…
Find out more »Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »Wire and Beaded Jewelry Workshop
Join us for our Jewelry Workshop. We will offer two sessions with a limit of 10 students for each Making wire and beaded jewelry is a fun and relaxing way to create something beautiful and unique. No experience is necessary! In this class, you will learn basic wire wrapping skills to make beautiful wire wrapped rosary or beaded bracelet that you can wear home or give as a gift for someone you love! Tools, beads, wire, and other materials will be…
Find out more »Wire and Beaded Jewelry Workshop
Join us for our Jewelry Workshop. We will offer two sessions with a limit of 10 students for each Making wire and beaded jewelry is a fun and relaxing way to create something beautiful and unique. No experience is necessary! In this class, you will learn basic wire wrapping skills to make beautiful wire wrapped rosary or beaded bracelet that you can wear home or give as a gift for someone you love! Tools, beads, wire, and other materials will be…
Find out more »Confirmation Retreat
What does getting your driver’s license have to do with Confirmation? 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 $30. 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. Snacks will be served. Presenter:…
Find out more »OLC Book Club – Focusing on Spirituality
Our OLC Book Club is returning for a second season! It is a different kind of book club because the focus is on spirituality. 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, are the moderators. Long-time retreatants will remember Sister Anna Marie, whom we are happy…
Find out more »February 2020
Retreat for Men
The retreat for men at Our Lady of Calvary will be presented by Fr. Warren Savage. The theme of the retreat is Go in Peace, Glorifying the Lord with your life! “God’s word, listened to and celebrated, above all in the Eucharist, nourishes and inwardly strengthens Christians, enabling them to offer an authentic witness to the Gospel in daily life (EG, n. 174).” These words are taken from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel, remind…
Find out more »Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »OLC Book Club – Focusing on Spirituality
Our OLC Book Club is returning for a second season! It is a different kind of book club because the focus is on spirituality. 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, are the moderators. Long-time retreatants will remember Sister Anna Marie, whom we are happy…
Find out more »Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »March 2020
Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »OLC Book Club – Focusing on Spirituality
Our OLC Book Club is returning for a second season! It is a different kind of book club because the focus is on spirituality. 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, are the moderators. Long-time retreatants will remember Sister Anna Marie, whom we are happy…
Find out more »Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »April 2020
Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »OLC Book Club – Focusing on Spirituality
Our OLC Book Club is returning for a second season! It is a different kind of book club because the focus is on spirituality. 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, are the moderators. Long-time retreatants will remember Sister Anna Marie, whom we are happy…
Find out more »May 2020
OLC Book Club – Focusing on Spirituality
Our OLC Book Club is returning for a second season! It is a different kind of book club because the focus is on spirituality. 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, are the moderators. Long-time retreatants will remember Sister Anna Marie, whom we are happy…
Find out more »July 2020
Women’s Retreats at OLC
How Can I Keep from Singing is the theme for our Women's Retreats. The theme for our 2019-2020 Women's Retreats is inspired by an old American hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing? This hymn and our retreat are all about perspective. In spite of all the troubles of this life and our world, the song proclaims, No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can…
Find out more »