Retreats are times set aside to provide for spiritual rejuvenation by reflection, prayer, discussion and quiet. Individual or group retreats may be arranged.
Encounters are times for couples to come together in an environment conducive for communication and prayer. Communications and problem solving skills are taught. Encounters are not "large group sharing." They are times for individual couples to dialogue about matters important in their life and marriage and to hear from other couple facilitators.
The Cursillo movement asks each person to center on the teaching and the person of Jesus Christ. Cursillo is a weekend experience held Thursday evening through Sunday. Those attending receive a living understanding of basic Christian truths and a desire to serve the Church by developing spirituality that is lived and shared in all areas of human life. The parish has a support group which offers follow-up for those who have attended a weekend. Contact Ken or Tricia Aurand (630) 232-9305.
Retrouvaille: the word simply means "rediscovery." The program offers the chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship in your marriage. Tens of thousands headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending. Retrouvaille is not a spiritual retreat, not a sensitivity group, not a seminar, not a social gathering. We invite you to read some of the success stories on the website.
Many judges, lawyers, and counselors send couples to Retrouvaille prior to rendering final decisions, as a prerequisite to filing for divorce, and as a prerequisite to counseling. They have learned that the tools of communication taught in the program are what the couples needed more than a divorce, legal advice, or counseling. Get more information at www.retrouvaille.org or the Rockford Family Life office (815) 965-5011.
Engagement Encounter is a weekend experience for couples planning to get married. It helps couples examine areas of their relationship that may not have been looked at, simply because they never came up. It is far better to share important thoughts and expectations before getting married, rather than waiting to discover serious disagreements in vital areas after the wedding. Refer to www.engagedencounter.org or the Rockford Family Life Office for more information, (815) 965-5011.
From time to time, there are retreats specifically for those who have lost their spouse through death. These focus on healing, renewal and rebuilding a life that can return one to joy. It is suggested some grieving time pass before attending this type of retreat. Call Annette Buffington (630) 232-2421.
This weekend retreat offers married couples a chance to deepen their sacramental relationship with each other and with God as they learn how to improve their communication with each other. Held at Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford, the weekend consists of a series of presentations followed by reflection time where couples share privately between them about the topic presented. Contact the Rockford Diocese Office of Family Life (815-965-5011). See the website for more information and schedules: www.alifetimeoflove.org. Rockford Diocesan contacts: Bob and Merlene Bundy (815) 759-0619.
From time to time, retreats are offered specifically for the divorced and separated that focus on helping one enter into peace and harmony both spiritually and emotionally. (E.g. Bishop Lane Retreat House's Life's Healing Journey retreat). Call one of the Retreat Houses listed at the end of this section to find a retreat.
A few times a year, our Youth Ministers lead retreats for the Senior High or the Junior High students of the parish and their friends. The retreats are both faith-filled and fun. These weekends are geared toward helping our teens see what it means to live a Christian life in today's world. Teen retreats are filled with opportunity to grow closer to Christ, deepen their faith, and bond with other Christian youth in the community. Senior High: call Laurie Brown (630) 232-0124 x113. Junior High, call John Lamperis (630) 232-0124 x118.
Call to find out the current retreats offered.
Bishop Lane Retreat House, Rockford, IL at (815) 965-5011
Nazareth Retreat House, Batavia IL at (630) 879-1248