Hundreds of stones—perhaps thousands—all individual—representing the hundreds/thousands of people—all individual who have come here over the years—seeking their “perfect place” in the world—just as these stones have all found their perfect place in this wall.

If any stone had been positioned one iota to the right or left—the wall would not be the same. And positioned one iota to the right or left of where we have been placed—the World—our world—would not be the same.

No two stones/people alike—not one stone could fit in any other spot on that wall—nor we in any other spot in life. Each one positioned by the artist/God who saw their shape and strength and placed them just where they belonged.

The wall is perfect—not smooth—but perfect because of its imperfections.

The convex shape represents a portion of the shape of the World. It symbolizes continuance and connection with the rest of the world.

Every single stone is VITAL to the wall—and every single one of us is VITAL to our world.

It is proof of God’s plan for us and of His active presence in our lives.

— written by Linda Pellino, OLC retreatant

OLC’s new retreat season has begun, and women have been “drawn into the mystery” of a theme weekend here at the Retreat Center.  As we came together to contemplate the holy ground upon which we stand, these walls were filled with prayer, laughter, tears, sacred silence, the sharing of stories, and a profound sense of wonder and awe at the marvels of God’s creation.  Here are some images from our first few retreat weekends.

Over 50 women gathered at OLC on Monday, September 14 to celebrate the opening of the 2009/10 retreat season.  Sister Mary Fahy, RSM presented a program called Seasons of our Lives, based on her book, The Tree that Survived the Winter.  In every season of the tree’s life a particular quality was in focus: awareness, sensitivity, compassion, uncertainty.  Our lives are characterized by similar changes and challenges.  We need to listen attentively to the voice of God within and around us to be attuned to our specialness and unique quality shared with the tree of life … faithfulness.  Sister Mary is a Sister of Mercy of the Americas. In addition to authoring two books, she is an educator, retreat and spiritual director, and Director of Pastoral Care at the McAuley, an interfaith, continuing care retirement community in West Hartford.  OLC’s retreat theme for this season is Drawn into Mystery.

A large crowd gathered for Sister Mary Fahy’s program, Seasons of our Lives.

Sister Mary autographs copies of her book – The Tree that Survived the Winter – for retreatants.

June 26th with a successful Golf tournament winding down, Farmington and surrounding areas was hit by a microburst… one step lower than a tornado.   Hail the size of golf balls, torrential rain, thunder and lightning also swept across the Retreat Center.  Three lightning strikes left trees and limbs down.  We are still working on a complete clean-up. Please say a prayer for our Insurance Adjusters!  God is good – all the time … no one was hurt and our building suffered no major damage!

July 10th brought more than 130 OLC fans to the Rock Cats Baseball game in New Britain!  The sun was piercing through the wispy clouds and the smell of hot dogs, peanuts and cotton candy filled the air.  One of the features of the night was Sr. Theresina throwing out the first pitch… some thought it was impossible for her to reach the catcher’s mitt … but they were proven wrong!  Her form left a bit to be desired but what a thrill!

Cheers and rolls of applause also filled the reserved seats of the OLC fans before the seventh inning when an enthusiastic youth group from St. Patrick Parish, Collinsville sang God Bless America. Their director, Ellen Bowdon a member of OLC’s Board of Trustees and an OLC Retreatant was beaming with pride.  If you were not able to attend this year, we’ll be taken out to the ballgame again next season…. Watch for details

Professional women from across the state of Connecticut are invited to attend an evening of networking at our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, located at 31 Colton Street in Farmington.  The Working Women’s Forum will be held on Monday, March 16 from 5:30 to 8:45 pm.  The evening features a keynote presentation by Bola Adelani entitled “How to Network and Build Profitable Relationships.”
Ms. Adelani is the founder of the Hartford-based Watered Garden Ministries, a non-profit organization she founded to reach and empower women through a variety of community-based outreach, benevolence and educational programs.  She is also founder of Royal Proclamations – a life coaching, corporate training and key-note speaking practice.

The Working Women’s Forum was inspired by Ms. Adelani’s observation that working women do not spend enough time networking as a way to promote their businesses.  “Tragically, most working professionals spend more time behind their desks and little time out there building relationships,” states Adelani.  The evening includes refreshments and the opportunity for mingling and facilitated networking.  Cost is $20 for registration in advance and $25 for admission at the door.  For more information, please call the Retreat Center at (860) 677-8519.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, 31 Colton Street, Farmington, CT 06032

Sister Ann Rodgers, Program Director, 860-677-8519

The following article appeared in the February edition of the Calvarian On-line, the Retreat Center’s new e-newsletter.  If you’d like to receive this monthly newsletter, call 860-677-8519 or visit our website at http://www.ourladyofcalvary.com to sign up.

Reflections on “One with the Vine”

As January draws to a close and I ponder this year’s retreat theme and the recent inauguration ceremony, I have a sense that we long for connections in the midst of disconnected lives-connections to ourselves, to others, to the world we live in. Most of all, we yearn to connect with the sacred. February is the month of “the feast of hearts,” Valentine’s day. It seems LOVE is in the air and yet we are journeying this winter with harsh cold winds and layers of frozen earth. I marvel at how brave the trees and living things must be to stand so well through wintertime. I marvel, too, at the people who have come to Our Lady of Calvary facing the winters of their lives with courage and hope.

As our theme so beautifully reminds us, courage and love are drawn from an inner source. Being “One with the Vine” enables us to know that we are not alone. It reminds us that we can-despite fear-risk and face the challenges of our lives. We are called to be fruitful branches, nurtured by our intimate relationship with God to be open to pruning and to bearing fruit in abundance. May you experience this winter the unfolding of spiritual growth and movement, and know that the presence of God is within and around us all.

Sr. Ann Rodgers, Program Director

Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center in Farmington offers the opportunity to start the year off right by providing a place to enjoy quiet, solitude and opportunity for prayer.  Those who yearn for a long weekend spent in a quiet and contemplative atmosphere are invited to a Silent Directed Retreat, February 5-8.  During the weekend, retreatants will have the opportunity to meet regularly with one of seven Spiritual Directors.  Weekend arrival begins after 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5.  Retreatants will depart on Sunday, February 8 at noon. All meals are included.
Spiritual Direction is appropriate for anyone with a personal commitment to prayer, but especially when you desire to deepen your relationship with God; when you have experienced a significant transition or loss; when you are discerning critical life choices; or when you feel a “restlessness” for something more in life.
The cost for the weekend is $250, and it is open to women and men.  Private retreats are also offered at $50 per day throughout the long weekend.  Available Spiritual Directors include: Sister Joan Bernard, OP; Mary Blume; Anne Burns; Sister Joanne Fahey, CP; Marguerite Janelle; Sister Ann Rodgers, CP; and Sister Pauline Semkow, RSM. Please call the retreat house at (860) 677-8519 for a brochure and registration form, or visit their website at http://www.ourladyofcalvary.com.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, 31 Colton Street, Farmington, CT 06032

Sister Ann Rodgers, Program Director, 860-677-8519
Sheri Dursin, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, 860-677-8519, sheridursin@comcast.net

Library at OLC

Women of all ages and walks of life are invited to attend one of nine weekend retreats at Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, located at 31 Colton Street in Farmington.  These retreats offer women the chance to take a step back to look at where they have been, where they are going, and how they are getting there.  The natural beauty of the grounds and the peaceful atmosphere of the OLC Retreat House can provide a much-needed break from the busy routine of life.  Retreat weekend activities include conference talks, Mass and Reconciliation, personal reflection time, prayer services, and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with retreat team members.  Themed retreats are offered on the following weekends: January 30-February 1; February 20-22; February 27-March 1; March 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29; and May 1-3.  A silent theme weekend will be offered on May 29-31.  Arrival time for all weekends is 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and departure follows the 11:45 a.m. Sunday Mass.
The theme for this year’s retreat season is “One with the Vine,” which is taken from John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches.”  Participants are called to ponder the reality underlying these words of Jesus, as they open themselves up to a deeper understanding of our union with Jesus and our dependence on Him.
Retreat weekends are offered on a sliding scale from $185-200.  To register, please call the retreat house at (860) 677-8519, or visit their website at http://www.ourladyofcalvary.com.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, 31 Colton Street, Farmington, CT 06032

Sister Ann Rodgers, Program Director, 860-677-8519
Sheri Dursin, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, 860-677-8519, sheridursin@comcast.net

Winter at Our Lady of Calvary

We dream of a future season in which our dormitories are air conditioned, our outdoor statues are refurbished, our grounds are beautified with gardens, a prayerful labyrinth, and walking trails through our peace-filled natural settings. We dream of a Conference Room equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-media system in order to diversify our programs. We always dream of a season in which scholarships are readily available for every guest who requests assistance.

Please consider a donation to our annual appeal.
http://www.ourladyofcalvary.com/Annual_Appeal.html

May the Blessings of the Season be Yours,
The Passionist Sisters

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Our Lady of Calvary