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, CBD oil 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…
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 »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
Movie Matinee – Unplanned
Unplanned is the inspiring true story of one woman’s journey of transformation. All Abby Johnson ever wanted to do was help women. As one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the nation, she was involved in upwards of 22,000 abortions and counseled countless women about their reproductive choices. Her passion surrounding a woman’s right to choose even led her to become a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, fighting to enact legislation for the cause she so deeply believed…
Find out more »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 »Deacon Art Miller at OLC
“You can’t climb a mountain if it’s smooth” - Ancient African Proverb. We hope you will join Deacon Art Miller at OLC for this inspiring morning of reflection. We’ve read and accepted that “we walk by faith and not by sight.” But what happens when tragedy happens and we’re confronted with terrible choices? How strong is our faith when everything and everyone falls apart. How do we walk with faith when all we see is calamity? There is an answer, a reservoir of faith…
Find out more »Chase Away Your Moody Blues
Moody Blues in winter is very common, affecting over 10 million Americans. Spend a morning with Marie Di Benedetto and learn how you can beat the blues with laughter and maybe an attitude adjustment. Laughter reduces stress and helps us override other emotions. It is hard to be sad while you are laughing! So, why be sad when we can learn simple techniques that can help us raise our serotonin levels and feel better This program includes lunch. Marie Di…
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 »Annulment Workshop
Do you have questions about the annulment process in the Catholic Church? Do you or a family member need an annulment, but are unsure how to proceed? Annulments are not well understood, even by Catholics. This workshop will consider what annulments are, when they are needed and why, and what the process entails. There will be time for both input and discussion. This is an upstairs Blue Room program, so seating is limited. The workshop includes lunch. This workshop will…
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
Lenten Retreat Day – The Seven Last Words
Our tradition has provided us with a number of different ways of thinking about and meditating on the Passion of Jesus. These include the Stations of the Cross, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, The Seven Sorrows of Mary, and the Seven Last Words. The Seven Last Words are unique because more than any of the other devotions they take us inside the experience of Jesus. They offer a point of connection between the historical event of the crucifixion of…
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 »World Religions – The Way, The Truth, The Life
Too often we have learned to see the religions of the world in competitive terms of differences and divisions. Let's ponder together the common ground, the wisdom and spiritual treasures that underlie them. We shall consider the ancient religions of India, China, and Japan. We shall look to the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Together we shall take an eagle's eye view in a one day workshop This workshop is an upstairs Blue Room program. Seating is limited.…
Find out more »Movie Matinee – The Shack
Join us for a Movie Matinee featuring The Shack. After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep depression that causes him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform…
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 »Family Recovery – Freedom from Another’s Addiction
Family Recovery - Freedom from Someone’s Addiction through Grace No one comes into this world knowing how to deal effectively with the addiction of a loved one. Fortunately, a process of recovery is also available to the family members and significant others of addicts to promote their own health and healing. This process involves becoming consciously aware of the specific ways in which addiction affects families and relationships and learning a new set of skills that must be practiced on…
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 »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 spiritual awareness through art. Presenter: Dell Kasinkas - Dell is…
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
Why is Easter Called Easter?
Join us for a fun exploration of Easter. Learn why the celebration of Christ’s resurrection is called Easter and about the origins of many of our Easter traditions. We’ll take a look at dying Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny, Easter Baskets, Hot Cross Buns and more! This program will include a presentation by Sister Mary Ann followed by an egg decorating workshop led by Cheryl Pietrycha and an Easter themed lunch. Register for this program by calling (860) 677-8519 or use…
Find out more »Mary Not So Gentle
Most of the events of Mary’s life are well known to us as the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation and Finding Jesus in the Temple. Mary Not so Gentle will reflect on these and other Scriptural events to consider what qualities, in addition to peace and gentleness, Mary presents to us for our admiration and imitation. This program includes lunch Presenter: Sr. Elissa Rinere, C.P. has been a Passionist Sister for over 30 years. She holds…
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 »Come Paint Lilies with Emer!
Come and join Emer Gearhart...a local artist...out of Branford...to paint one or two or maybe three, day lilies, if you are feeling confident. We will capture this lovely flower in acrylic. Lilies come in many colors but all maintain the same shape and their beauty lasts but 24 hours. But mostly think of how much joy these lovely flowers have to offer..... No experience is necessary and all are welcome. All supplies will be provided. This is a Saturday morning…
Find out more »Movie Matinee – The Heart of Nuba
The Heart of Nuba is an incredibly moving documentary, directed by Kenneth Carlson and executive producer Maria Shriver that tells the story of Dr. Tom Catena, the only doctor at the only hospital for a million people in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. Catena, whose brother is a priest in the diocese of Albany, New York, played football for Brown University and graduated in 1986 with an engineering degree. After changing course and deciding to become a doctor, Catena got his…
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 »Western Barbecue
Western Barbecue and Sing-Along Delicious Western Barbecue- Pulled Pork, Chicken, Homemade Corned Bread, sides and dessert with a complimentary glass of wine Musical Entertainment - Sing-Along Gift Card Envelope with the purchase of Raffle Tickets and Raffle Prizes Bring your Friends and Family and join the fun while supporting OLC! Dinner Seating is limited so reserve your table of 4 or 6 today! Make your reservation by calling (860) 677-8519 ou use the form below. You may also download print…
Find out more »May 2020
Liturgical Dance Workshop
How Can I Keep From Singing with Moving in the Spirit Have you been enjoying the opening prayer service for the themed retreat weekends this year? Here’s your opportunity to come learn the movements to the themed retreat opening prayer service liturgical dance with Moving in the Spirit. Come experience a “moving” way to pray this sacred and well-known song, How Can I Keep From Singing, as we share a gestural prayer that is an outward expression of our inner Holy…
Find out more »Spirituality and Art: Eaten by God
As an artist and one who takes time every day for mindful Centering prayer, I’ve come to see the connection between the meditative, contemplative process and the creative process. Simone Weil, the 20th-century French philosopher, and mystic summed it up in a particular passage about going to the center of the Labyrinth and being eaten by God. In our day together we will explore this metaphor and talk about the relation between art and prayer. I will then give some tips…
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 »Merton on the Invitation to Non-Violence
Thomas Merton on the meaning, insights, and invitation to non-violence applied to our polarized world. Thomas Merton was one of the foremost Catholic Spiritual writers of the late 20th Century. His Contemplative Journey led him to deep spiritual insights which he applied to the pressing social issues of his time. Thomas Merton came to see non-violence as the normative way Christians are called to engage the world. Merton's view was revealed to him through his reading of and reflections on…
Find out more »June 2020
Essential Oils of the Bible
This class is based in part on the book The Healing Oils of the Bible by Dr. David Stewart. Bible verses that reference essential oils and their use will be shared. Discussion includes the significance of holy incense and aromatherapy in Biblical times as compared to how the same oils are used in modern times. Essential oils have been an integral part of the daily lives of people for over ten thousand years. They have been used to support the body, mind,…
Find out more »Directed Retreat – Full Week
A directed retreat is a personally guided prayer experience in which the retreatant listens for God’s personal word spoken through the Sacred Scriptures. Each retreatant is assigned a director with whom the retreatant meets daily for reflection and spiritual discernment. Retreatants may request specific directors, although it may not be possible to comply with these requests. The Summer Directed Retreat at Our Lady of Calvary will begin at 7:00 pm on the evening of June 28, 2020. Please plan to…
Find out more »Directed Retreat – Long Weekend
A directed retreat is a personally guided prayer experience in which the retreatant listens for God’s personal word spoken through the Sacred Scriptures. Each retreatant is assigned a director with whom the retreatant meets daily for reflection and spiritual discernment. Retreatants may request specific directors, although it may not be possible to comply with these requests. The Long Weekend Directed Retreat at Our Lady of Calvary will begin at 7:00 pm on the evening of June 18, 2020. Please plan…
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 »Silent Weekend Retreat for Women
The theme for our Silent Weekend Retreat for Women 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 I keep from singing? Through all the tumult and the strife,…
Find out more »Dreaming of the “Ideal Church”
Dreaming of the Ideal Church is a retreat for lay ministers and others who are asking, "if everything was running smoothly, what would the Catholic Church be like?" We will consider the realities we face as a Church - the decline of parishes (merging, etc) fewer vocations to the priesthood and religious life declining Mass attendance in many areas young people leaving the church in relatively high numbers and ask, "What can the laity do to make some of the…
Find out more »August 2020
Awakening Our Creative Self in Recovery
Awakening Our Creative Self in Recovery, a Serenity Retreat for Recovering Alcoholics is about being willing to make the 12 step program of recovery our own. Each participant will walk through the steps while creating a language that works for their recovery, setting aside language that is a barrier to recovery and creating a new language that resonates with their heart. There will be a discussion of how to live creatively and spiritually in the here and now, looking at…
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