Weekend Reflections for 11/27/15

How do I respond when I see violence in the world? How do I feel when I see sin and injustice? Angry? Sad? Confused? More importantly-what do I do?

I could hide. Some hide literally. Many more hide behind technology, busyness-- and even their own sin. Others want to fight. How do I respond?

Most importantly-how does God respond? He sends His Son, His Most Beloved, His only begotten. God does not run from us, but rather runs toward us as a Father searching for His wounded sons and daughters amid the rubble.

Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat. Literally "Saw Mountain" -- aptly named. Here Ignatius laid down his sword before the ancient statue of Jesus and Mary.
 

In the Spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius invites us to, "hear what the Divine Persons are saying, that is, 'Let us work the redemption of the human race... and bring about the most holy Incarnation.'" The entire salvation of mankind will hinge on the response of a poor young woman from Nazareth. Her name is Mary and she is full of grace. She is not full of power and strength-at least not in the way we usually understand those words. She knows herself, and who God is. In her heart, she ponders the angel's invitation: bear the Son of God and be the Mother of God? She speaks with trust and hope: "How can this be?" All the angels, all sinners, all the victims, all of creation leans forward-waiting for her response. Mary answers, "Fiat! Yes, let it be done to me according to your word."

What is the Father's response to our sin and the sins of the whole world? Jesus. God gives us a greater love, a greater gift than we dared to ask. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel, Jesus prophesies about the violence and fear that we will witness. He is right, of course. The effect of sin and disobedience is always destruction, whether big or small. He also promises that we "will see the Son of Man coming," and that our "redemption is at hand." He comes as the tiny child in the womb of Mary; this is the King of the Universe. He is God's 'Yes' to mankind, and Mary's 'Yes' to God.

-Fr Joe Laramie SJ
 

Weekend Reflections for 11/20/15

St Ignatius was fighting for the King of Spain when he was hit by a cannonball. The French soldiers admired his courage, so they helped him onto a stretcher. His companions carried him back to his family’s castle so that he could die at home.

As he lay in bed, Ignatius asked for a few books to keep his mind occupied. He hoped for adventure books about knights and dragons and damsels in distress. All they had was a book about the lives of the saints and another with meditations on the life of Christ.

Slowly, powerfully, Ignatius questioned his loyalties. Why serve the King of Spain when he could be serving the King of Kings? Why battle against the French when he should be fighting for the salvation of souls?

Ignatius offers us the Call of the King meditation in the Spiritual Exercises. There, he describes Christ calling all people to join Him under the banner of His Cross. “Whoever desires should come with Me and labor with Me, that following Me in the pain he may also follow Me into glory.”

This Sunday is the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Jesus is Our Lord and Savior. He has given us everything-- even pouring out His Life for us. There is no higher king. There is no higher cause than His Kingdom. We fight for His Kingdom not with gunpowder and cannons but with prayer and labor and sacrifice. Spain might win one battle but lose the next. But the saints fight for a Kingdom that will never end. Jesus does not want to defeat His enemies, but beacons them to join Him—and to live with Him in Heaven forever.   

The call of Christ captured the heart of Ignatius. The King’s call still stirs the hearts of those who have the courage to follow Him. “Whoever desires should come with Me…into glory.”

AMDG, Fr Joe Laramie SJ 

Loyola Basilica at night.

Loyola Basilica dome.

Weekend Reflections for 11/13/15

I want to tell you about 2 shrines: St Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Coopertown, NY.

I'm a lifelong Cardinals fan. A few years ago, I was thrilled to visit Cooperstown, NY. At the Hall of Fame, I loved seeing the bronze plaques so many of my boyhood heroes-Ozzie Smith, Stan Musial, Lou Brock, and more. These men excelled on the field-breaking hitting records, exciting fans and winning championships. Looking closer, I noticed that some men excelled on the field-but not off the field. While Babe Ruth set homerun record-few parents would want their boys to emulate his drinking and carousing in the bars of New York City. The Detroit Tiger's Ty Cobb was known as one of the meanest, cruelest players both on the field and off. Others, like Stan Musial and Roberto Clemente were known for their lifelong generosity, hard work, and faith . Looking at the collection of plaques, overall it's a mixed bag. In general, these men are enshrined because they were successful at a sport, but not necessarily at life.

St. Peter's Basilica

In October, I visited St Peter's Basilica. Walking around, there were certainly tourists with maps and cameras. There were also people praying and lighting candles. A procession of African bishops chanted as they walked down the center aisle toward the altar for Mass. This church is not a museum. It is a school, a gym, a place where you DO something. You don't watch highlights of people praying-you pray, you process, you grow in faith. The bronze and marble statues crowd around you. These are saints who are alive in Christ. They want me to join them in Heaven. They do not point at their records, but point to Jesus. St Ignatius prayed here himself, while the Basilica was still under construction. His statue now points upward, while he dramatically steps on a demon's head! 

I will never hit like Babe Ruth nor be as fast as Lou Brock. But I can love like Ignatius. I can follow Christ in faith like St Paul and St Louis. I receive the same Christ in the same Eucharist, just like St Therese, St Peter, and millions more. They want to help me and will help me if I ask.

In the first reading on Sunday, we hear, "the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead many to justice shall be like the stars forever."

Yes, the Stars of our Faith lead us to shine like them-in this life and the next.

-Fr. Joe Laramie, S.J.

Weekend Reflections for 11/6/15

Francis Xavier met Ignatius as a student at the University of Paris. Xavier was on his way to a successful career. Xavier was smart, wealthy, athletic, and good looking-and he knew it. Ignatius drew Xavier into conversation over a period of weeks and months. Gradually, Xavier made the Spiritual Exercises under Ignatius' direction. Xavier slowly watched his dreams crack and crumble. During the retreat, he saw his own pride, vanity, sin, and superficiality. But the cracking and crumbling was like the shell of a perfect egg breaking open so that the bird within could emerge, stand erect, and fly. During his retreat, Xavier wept over his sins-but these were cleansing tears, and a renewal of his baptism. Christ had broken open Xavier's heart to reveal a heart like His Sacred Heart. 

Xavier became the greatest missionary of his century. He saw lands in Asia that most Europeans only dreamed of. He learned foreign languages and cultures, and came to know and love the people in these lands. He baptized thousands, even tens of thousands. Xavier wasn't even Ignatius' first choice for this mission. The other Jesuit was too sick to board the boat for India; at the last minute, Ignatius asked Xavier to go instead. Xavier said, "I'm ready now," grabbed his prayer book and boarded the ship. 

In the second reading at Sunday's Mass, we hear that Christ is the Great High Priest who offers Himself to the Father as the perfect sacrifice. Francis Xavier offered himself to Christ as a Jesuit, priest and missionary. Like Christ, Xavier still intercedes for us. Like Christ, he wants us to join him in heaven.

-Fr. Joe Laramie, S.J.

"Smiling Christ" located in the chapel at Xavier Castle.  Circa 1200 a.d.

Weekend Reflection for 10/30/15

I write this on a plane, over the Atlantic. I am returning from an Ignatian Pilgrimage to Spain and Rome. During the last two weeks, I visited Loyola castle where St Ignatius was born. I hiked the hills of Francis Xavier's hometown. And I prayed in the ancient chapel in Rome where these men first took their vows as Jesuits. 

Sunday is the feast of All Saints. The saints lived in the past. But they are alive with Christ now, in the present. And we pray that we may join them, with Christ, in the future. Ignatius and Xavier really lived. As young men, they asked the same questions that young people ask today: What should I do with my life? Who is Jesus? Where is He calling me? 

The saints inspire us. The Church has marked certain men and women as enduring examples of true love and holiness. Jesus calls us to love God and others. The saints did this with heroic virtue and generosity.

In the first reading at Mass on Sunday, we will hear of St John's vision of 144,000 and a great multitude of saints from every tribe and nation. The saints help us. They are alive. Their prayers are powerful. Thousands of saints are waiting to help me follow Jesus if I just ask them.

God is still making saints. He wants me to be a saint. St Ignatius and St Francis Xavier want to help me; they want me to join them in heaven.

--Fr Joe Laramie, SJ

Loyola Basilica in the afternoon. It is in a small town with sheep and farms nearby.
 

Weekend Reflections for 10/23/15

The Yelling Man 

"Bartimaeus, a blind man, began to cry out and say, 'Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.' ... Jesus said to him in reply, 'What do you want me to do for you?' The blind man replied to him, 'Master, I want to see.'" (Mk 10:47, 51)

When Jesus walked this earth, the Jewish religious authorities believed and taught that anyone suffering from a physical or mental disability were already judged and condemned by God.  They were driven from the community and forced to live outside the towns in the cemeteries and garbage dumps.  Jesus taught and demonstrated through his miraculous cures that in fact such drastically needy persons were favored by God because they had no one else on whom to call and depend.

Jesus invites Bartimaeus into relationship and asks what it is he wants. Jesus knows; anyone could see that this poor beggar was blind. He wants him to reveal himself, to name and own his reality. In the Spiritual Exercises Ignatius instructs us to be very specific in our prayer, to tell the Lord what grace we feel we need, to reveal ourselves and own our reality as we know it. Jesus gives Bartimaeus his sight and the first thing he ever sees is the face of Jesus. Let us ask the Lord to remove our particular forms of blindness so that we, too, might see the face of Jesus more clearly, especially in those most needy in our lives.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

ADVENT DAYS OF PRAYER

We have limited space remaining on our Advent Days of Prayer scheduled for December 14 & 15.  Each day begins at 9:00am and includes 3 talks, lunch, Mass and the opportunity for Reconciliation.  Fr. Joe Laramie, S.J. will lead both days.  The cost to attend is $25 per person.  To register by phone, call 314-416-6400 or you can mail a check along with a note indicating the date and names of those attending to: 

White House Retreat

 7400 Christopher Dr.

  St. Louis, MO 63129

Weekend Reflections for 10/16/15

True Greatness

"Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

 (Mk 10:43b-45)

Some people have chosen professions and careers that involve service of others, e.g., medical professions and teachers; but all of us are called through our baptisms to share in Jesus' life of service for others. When James and John ask to be the greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus points out that they don't understand. Greatness in the Kingdom is not a matter of accomplishments, talents and skills but the lived realization that all is a gift from our loving God and we are to share our gifts with those in our lives.  Jesus came to share his life with all of his sisters and brothers and gave that example when he washed his apostles' feet at the last supper.  We pray that we might grow in our desire and willingness to give loving service and help to those God has put into our lives, especially those most in need.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

ADVENT DAYS OF PRAYER

We have limited space remaining on our Advent Days of Prayer scheduled for December 14 & 15.  Each day begins at 9:00am and includes 3 talks, lunch, Mass and the opportunity for Reconciliation.  Fr. Joe Laramie, S.J. will lead both days.  The cost to attend is $25 per person.  To register by phone, call 314-416-6400 or you can mail a check along with a note indicating the date and names of those attending to: 

White House Retreat

 7400 Christopher Dr.

  St. Louis, MO 63129

Weekend Reflections for 10/9/15

Worldly Riches

"Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, 'You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.'" (Mk 10:21)

The rich young man fails not in having riches but in his attitude towards them. They have become his security, his identity, his purpose in life. He no longer owns them; they own him and he is not free to choose otherwise. Ignatius calls that an "attachment" when we give power to something and forget or fail to recognize that everything is a gift from God's loving hand. We are to make use of His gifts, our riches, in so far as they help us to praise, reverence and serve Him. Our riches are so much more than what shows on our financial statements and bank balances; they are our time and talents, our abilities and willingness, our love and shows of affection for others, the smile freely given.  All of our gifts are to be shared with others, to enrich them as well. It's not the one who has the most who is happiest but the one who needs the least.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men: 10/22, 10/29, 11/5

Women: 11/16, 1/1

First Responder's Retreat: 11/2 - 11/4

(This retreat has been approved by the MO Dept. of Public Safety for 8-POST continuing education credit hours!)

www.whretreat.org

314-416-6400

Weekend Reflections for 10/2/15

Marriage and Family

"Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate."(Mk 10:9)

"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ... Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them." (Mk 10:14,16)

God is love and the couple who are joined in love are joined in God. St. Ignatius in the Spiritual Exercises stresses that love and God show themselves in deeds and actions not just words. Married love is a commitment that is lived out in daily fidelity wanting the best for the beloved through shared hopes and dreams, work and struggles, sacrifices and celebrations. Marriage is a sacrament and in faith the spouses become Jesus Christ for each other and a sign for all of us of God's commitment to His people.

Sunday's Gospel tells us that parents were bringing their children to Jesus that he might touch them. I am reminded of the little ones brought to Pope Francis that he might kiss them during his recent visit. He was living out this scene again reminding us that children are often capable of spontaneous love in simple ways that adults have so often lost.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY  

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men: 10/12, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5

Women: 11/16, 1/1

Weekend Reflections for 9/25/15

Many of the readings for the final days of September continue to focus on the demands of discipleship. However I believe for many of us our focus has been on the example of discipleship that we've seen in Pope Francis as he makes his visits first Cuba and then to the United States. He meets with our president, he speaks to our government leaders and then has lunch with the ordinary people and the very poorest of people Washington DC

Probably never before have the people in our country been so fascinated by the unassuming manner of our religious leader and in the way he lives out his understanding of his discipleship of Christ. It seems that people of all faiths embrace him and his manner of doing this. Many of other faiths even referred to him as "our" Pope.

We are blessed with a living example of what discipleship means when lived out and how it can transform one into an apostle of Jesus love, mercy and joy. May we be so blessed that each of us in our own way in our own circumstances can embrace and live out the example of Pope Francis.

Weekend Reflections for 9/18/15

THE CHALLENGES OF BEING JESUS' DISCIPLE

In this week's Gospels Jesus continues to spell out the challenges of being one of his disciples. To be his follower they will have to renounce themselves (whatever exactly that might mean) and take up their own cross; to be his follower means to have a leader who will be handed over to suffer and die at the hands of his own religious leaders; to be his followers they will have to be self-sacrificing and serve one another putting the needs and priorities of the others above their own.

For these men and women, not surprisingly, these words were often confusing and upsetting and yet at the same times they hesitated to ask him what it all meant. But despite all of this they placed their trust in him and stayed with him. They were in a word blessed with faith.

These are the problems and issues which have confronted Jesus followers down to the ages. Let us pray for one another as well as to these first followers and to Jesus that we too will trust him, stay with him and be blessed faith.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men:  9/21, 9/28, 10/12, 10/15

Women: 11/16, 1/1

First Responder's Retreat: 11/2 - 11/4

Weekend Reflections for 9/11/15

The Women Journeying with Christ and Caring for His Needs (Luke 8, 1-3)

This week's Gospel on Friday, (Luke 8, 1-3) briefly and almost offhandedly refers to the different groups of women who were with Jesus as he carried on his public life with his disciples and friends. It is so easy to pass over these verses and not realize what extraordinary women they were. Some were among those he had cured; but there were "several others who provided for them out of their own resources." These women, in other words, enabled Jesus and his followers to get the food and drink and shelter they required; and they paid for this out of their own resources. Reference is also made to these same women present at the crucifixion. So they had remained faithful to Jesus throughout his public life and even during the terrible times and agonies of his trial and crucifixion. But there is even more, they watched to see where he was buried and on the morning of the Resurrectionthey went to the tomb to anoint his body.

Thus we see how from the very beginning the important role women have had in supporting and carrying on the ministry of Jesus and his followers. We need always to remember this and be grateful for it

NEW VIDEO!

Please enjoy this new video about White House.  Share it with a friend!  The direct link is https://vimeo.com/138745106
 

Weekend Reflections for 9/4/15

The weekday gospel readings for September taken largely from Luke's gospel, chapter 4-9, are mainly about the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. It begins in the province of Galilee, in his home territory. In his preaching Jesus elaborates what it means for him to say that "the Kingdom of God is at hand," and this is revealed in the person of Jesus. The Kingdom is open to everyone: women as well as men, the outcasts of the Jewish community, even public sinners and tax collectors, the Gentiles even those considered unclean or demented.  Thegoal of the Kingdom is quite simple: to restore men and women to wholeness, to be at one with their God.

How do the questions/issues/challenges of the Jesus' ministry resonate with me? How does Jesus proclamation of the Kingdom withhis invitation to labor with him and his many different followers attract me, appeal to me? How is Jesus inviting you to labor with him in the work of the Kingdom?  You may wish to converse with him about this.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men:9/21, 9/28, 10/1, 10/8, 10/12

Women: 10/5, 11/16, 1/1

First Responder's Retreat: 11/2 - 11/4

Weekend Reflections for 8/28/15

Jesus' words are challenging. He calls us to honor the Lord every day in every way: 360°, 24-7, 365. He is grieved by the pharisees who are so close to God, and yet so far away. They know the Scriptures better than anyone else; they follow the Jewish laws more faithfully than anyone else-- and yet they miss the whole point.

In Mark's Gospel this week, we see that Jesus is the True Way to the Father. From the hearts of the pharisees "come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder." From the Heart of Jesus flows holy thoughts, chastity, generosity, and Life. Those far from God commit "adultery, greed, malice and deceit." Whereas Jesus lives in faithfulness, giving, goodness and truth.

Jesus sets a high bar, no question. The Holy Spirit must reign in our minds and hearts, and this should be visible in our actions. Let us also recall the Gospel readings from the last five Sundays: Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life. Jesus points the Way forward, and gives us food for the journey. This spiritual food Himself, present in the Eucharist. He doesn't just give us a set of rules, but incarnates the Law in His own Way of Life.

To live like Jesus, we need a Heart like His. And He even gives us that, in His own Sacred Heart. Jesus gives us everything we need to live His message of Life.

-Fr Joe Laramie SJ, White House Jesuit Retreat

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY  

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men:9/21, 9/28, 10/1, 10/12

Women: 10/5, 11/12, 11/16, 1/1

Co-ed (2-day): THIS COMING FRIDAY!  9/4

Weekend Reflections for 8/21/15

"Take, Lord, receive all my liberty..." These are the opening words of the prayer of St Ignatius Loyola SJ--also called the 'Suscipe' [pronounced 'SUE-ship-ay']. In the prayer, we offer all that we have and are to the Lord. We are invited to mirror the action that Jesus has already performed for us: "Take this, all of you-- this is my Body, given up for you." Christ has given Himself to us and for us. Moved by wonder and gratitude, we want to do the same: "Take, Lord, and receive me!"

When we have given ourselves to God, He never injures us. He may stretch us, purify us, and strengthen us-- which may feel painful at the time. But His goal is always to make our hearts larger, purer, and stronger.

In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus continues His discourse on the Bread of Life. He is the Bread of Life, given to us. He speaks to us words of eternal life-- for He is the Eternal Word, and He is Life. His words may challenge me. I may need to change things about myself and my life so that I live the way He lives. We must subordinate ourselves to Him-- always recalling that He loves us and gives Himself for us. His life is for me, His death is for me, His resurrection is for me, and the Eucharist is for me. Moved by wonder and gratitude, He calls me to offer myself, too: "Take, Lord, and receive me!"

-Fr Joe Laramie SJ, White House Jesuit Retreat

Weekend Reflections for 8/14/15

We learn by doing. A young boy watches the big kids play soccer. He sees them running, kicking, sliding, and scoring. He wants to play, too. He sees a ball and starts to run and kick and and run some more. His friend joins him. True, they aren't so fast and skilled as the big kids; but they have fun, and build their skills as they play. Eventually, a parent can teach the boy: 'Son, here is how you pass the ball. Here is how you can kick it better.' The explanation makes sense to him only after he has tried it. We learn by doing.

We learn faith by 'doing' faith. "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord." Taste, then see. Do, then understand. Try it. Sing and pray, and see what happens. Certainly our Catholic faith has an intellectual component-- we can study the Scriptures, learn about the saints, and discuss Church teaching. But all of this makes sense only after we've had an encounter with Christ in the Church. Faith is caught, like a holy virus. The actions teach us. Many of us enter the Church as children and join the worship before we can speak. A boy can taste before he can speak. Prayer and study helps us to understand the worship and enter it more fully.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that when we "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood," then we truly have life-- even eternal life. A relationship with Jesus is something we 'do.' He goes first, then I respond. We drink in His Word in the Scriptures. We consume His Body in the Eucharist. These actions form me and inform me. Taste then see. Do then learn. Christ teaches me by feeding me.

-Fr Joe Laramie SJ, White House Jesuit Reteat

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY  

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men:8/20, 9/10, 9/21, 9/28, 10/1

Women: 10/5, 11/12, 11/16, 1/1

Co-ed (2-day): 9/4

Register for your next retreat by calling 314-416-6400.

Weekend Reflections for 8/7/15

Where are you from? It's a common question that we ask all the time. "I'm from South County," or Chicago or New York. We ask because we're looking for a glimpse into the person: her background, his environment, her family. Even more importantly, I can ask: Where am I from?

Yes, I'm from a certain place. And my true home is in heaven. Yes, I love my family. And God is the Father of All--and my Father. He made me (with help from my parents!). I'm from God, and by his grace I am returning to Him.

In Sunday's Gospel, the crowd wonders where Jesus is from. Yes, Nazareth-- but truly he's from Heaven. His mother is Mary and God is His Father. Jesus leads us back to Our Father in Heaven. He guides us and feeds us on this 'earthly pilgrimage'-- one fraught with joy, wonder, sorrow and adventure. The food that He gives us for this journey is Himself. The Eucharist is Jesus, the Bread of Life. He is the food from Heaven that leads us Home. 
 

-Fr. Joe Laramie SJ, White House Jesuit Retreat

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men:8/20, 9/10, 9/21, 9/28, 10/1

Women: 10/5, 11/12, 11/16, 1/1 

Co-ed (2-day): 9/4

Co-ed Recovery: 8/13

Register for your next retreat by calling 314-416-6400.

The Feast Day of St. Ignatius Mass @ SLUH

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the Feast Day with us on Friday July 31st!  

Weekend Reflections for 7/24/15

Apparently God has always intended that part of being a prophet (one who communicates God's mind and heart) involves feeding those who hunger. The prophet Elisha (850 B.C.) proclaims the desire of God : that "they shall eat and there shall be some left over."

The crowd that follows Jesus and flocks to him does so because they want to see him work more signs . (The sign they get is a "mighty work" that will reveal an even deeper part of God's desire for them.) Jesus sees them coming and his first thought is: how shall we feed them? Jesus takes, blesses and distributes more than they can eat. And they say "This is truly the Prophet, the one who has come into the world." The greatest sign Jesus works is handing himself over to us as the Bread of Life, his total gift of self . What wondrous love is this...!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH OPENINGS:

Men:7/30, 8/6, 8/20

Women: 10/5, 11/12, 11/16, 1/1 

Co-ed (2-day): 9/4

Co-ed Recovery: 8/13

Feast Day of St. Ignatius- July 31, 2015

You are invited to join us as we celebrate the feast day of St. Ignatius on Friday July 31st.  We will be having a mass that morning at 7:30 am in SLUH's chapel (4970 Oakland Ave).  All are welcome and we will be serving coffee and donuts following mass.