RETREATS FOR PRIESTS
Retreats Around the Country...All Year Round
Sponsored by the Legionaries of Christ
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola are a precious gem in the Church’s storehouse of spiritual treasures. The dynamics of the exercises offer retreatants a unique opportunity to make a deep, personal and lasting recommitment to Jesus Christ, to the priesthood, to personal holiness and to the pastoral ministry. Directed meditations will be coupled with spiritual conferences intended to serve as a genuine school of prayer and growth in the ways of the interior life. The daily schedule includes Eucharist Concelebration, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic adoration with Benediction, and Evening Prayer in common. A spirit of silence is encouraged, and there is plenty of time for personal prayer and reflection. There will be ample opportunities for general confession as well as for personal spiritual direction. The retreats are for Roman Catholic priests and deacons preparing for the priesthood.
The starting date of these retreats is considered the arrival day, with dinner at 6 p.m. followed by an introductory talk. On the morning of the ending date, there is a concluding meditation, the closing Mass and a special closing luncheon; departures should be scheduled any time after 2:30 p.m.
Individual variations may occur at each center. Please check for details.
•EAST
New York City area
Our Lady of Thornwood Retreat Center
582 Columbus Avenue
P.O. Box 158
Thornwood, NY 10594
2010
April 19-23 (4-day)
July 22-30 (8-day)
October 11-15 (4-day)
Cost:
4-day retreats: $350, including $50 registration fee
8-day retreats: $480, including $50 registration fee
30-day retreats: $1,440, including $200 registration fee
Note: We would be happy to bring you to and from the following airports: Westchester County Airport/White Plains (15 minutes); LaGuardia airport (45 minutes); JFK or Newark airports (75 minutes).
•WEST
San Jose, CA area
Our Lady of Santa Clara Retreat Center
22840 Mercedes Road
Cupertino, CA 95014
2011
January 10-14
Cost: $450
$100 non-refundable deposit required to reserve spot
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Daily Schedule
Includes concelebration of the Eucharist, directed meditations with time for private prayer, conferences, Stations of the Cross, Benediction, and the opportunity for confession and spiritual direction.
Words of Praise
“The Sacerdos team has raised the bar for priest retreats and offers a welcome change from the typical retreat.
The essential elements—solemn liturgy, prayerful silence, challenging scripturally-based talks—are thoughtfully in place at Thornwood to help ensure an edifying, memorable experience.”
-Fr. Doug Crawford, Archdiocese of New York
“The demands of the priesthood today tempt us to feel we cannot spare time away for a retreat. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Sacerdos spiritual exercises are an excellent means to renew yourself spiritually. With daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, meditations, conferences, Rosary and Stations of the Cross, there are numerous opportunities to feed your soul and strengthen your priesthood.
The warm hospitality makes you feel welcome. There is abundant time for personal prayer, guided by a spiritual director, if desired.
Those whom we serve deserve having their priest deeply in love with Christ, His Blessed Mother, and the Church. The Sacerdos retreats help us to be the good shepherds Christ wants.”
-Fr. Stephen Savel, Diocese of London, Ontario, Canada
“The retreat was excellent. The directed meditations by the retreat director gave material that was well suited for personal prayer, focusing on Jesus Christ, His Church, and priestly life. Having some of the common prayers together with the Legionary brothers contributed to the prayerful atmosphere.”
-Fr. Walter Werbylo, CSB. St. Augustine’s Seminary, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“It was an extraordinary, uplifting experience of the soul. I was reminded once again of the incredible gift that was bestowed on me—and on all priests—on the day of ordination.
We priests are true apostles, sent by God to heal, teach and sanctify His people. We are not alone in this holy endeavor; we can rely on Jesus’ help all the days of our lives. I hope that my other brother priests can take some time from their daily duties to participate in a retreat offered by the Sacerdos Institute.”
-Fr. Jose A. Sequeira, Archdiocese of Chicago
“To my fellow diocesan priests: I will now return to my parishes and communities, renewed and full of vigor to serve the people of God with a stronger sense of service; to serve Christ and His people through the “breaking of the bread.”
-Fr. Keith P. Morrison, Diocese of London, Ontario, Canada
"I highly recommend the retreat with the Legionaries of Christ at Thornwood. I participated in the spiritual exercises and found them to be everything I had hoped. The setting was inspiring; the retreat reflections were very suited to the group of priests, and the time for silence, private and communal devotions. and the support of the community was of great benefit. As a diocesan priest I usually make the 4 day retreat with the priests of our Archdiocese at one of our summer retreats but I find it beneficial to join with priests from various parts of the country on occasion. I have been ordained thirty-seven years and the retreat at Thornwood was one of the best by far."
-Fr. Mike Fitzpatrick, Archdiocese of Omaha, NE
"I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity of making 2 retreats at Thornwood and I have found them to be an excellent means of renewal for my priesthood. The Ignatian method, combined with the atmosphere of silence, I find gives me a great opportunity to deepen my personal relationship with God. The presence of so many young men in formation and the opportunity of sharing in some of their spiritual exercises really gives me a sense of hope for the future. After 37 years of priesthood it is great to be surrounded by so many young people who are enthusiastic about priestly ministry. I would recommend Thornwood to anyone who is interested in renewing their own spiritual life and their commitment to ordained ministry."
-Fr. Kevin Maloney, Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
"The retreat was diligent in its time commitment for conferences and prayers, but flexible with opportunities to rest, read and experience a true renewal."
-Msgr Patrick E. Brown, Diocese of Paterson, NJ
"The Legion retreat has helped me to grow in gospel charity, priestly fraternity and personal holiness."
-Fr Richard Mullins, Diocese of Arlington, VA
"I would recommend these retreats to priests from all over the world. In my work and travels I intend to tell my fellow priests about the retreats and how much I benefited spiritually. I pray that they will one day all come and have a great experience with God."
-Fr John Zilimu, Newman Center, University of Illinois
"I give praise to God from my priestly soul for this experience, and as the days are unfolding since coming home on Friday, I realize where I was and where I am now. The fruits are already coming and the people could tell on Sunday!!"
-Fr Luis Rodriguez, Diocese of Harrisburg, PA
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