Mar 18, 2018
By Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S.
“Sometimes the most difficult person to forgive is ourselves,” was one of the many thoughts that were shared and reflected upon during this year’s Lenten Discernment Weekend, March 16-18 at Drexel Square Formation House in Chicago.
Sr. Donna Liette, C.PP.S., Br. Juan Acuña, C.PP.S., and Fr. Dennis Chriszt, C.PP.S., shared and led our discussions throughout the day Saturday focused upon The Mercy of God, Forgiving Others, and Forgiving Ourselves. Through the sharing of stories, videos, and discussion, we engaged our inquires in Precious Blood Spirituality and community life. Each inquirer was invited to reflect upon his own person life and understanding of forgiveness and mercy.
On retreat with us were inquirers: Travis Burns from Chickasaw, OH; Michael Orengo and Matt Carner from Dayton, OH; and Elliot Rich and Tony Sorgi from Chicago, IL. We were joined by members, Fr. Steve Dos Santos, Fr. Lac Pham, and candidate, Matt Perez. We ended our wonderful weekend with Mass at St. Ambrose and brunch at Mellow Yellow.
May we continue to pray for vocations to religious life as well as the next steps for these men as these discern God’s calling in each of their lives.
Mar 18, 2018
By Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S.
The “Daring Disciples” of St. Francis Xavier Parish in St. Joseph did indeed Deliver! On March 12-15, students in grades 1-8 participate in this year’s Lenten Retreat led by Fr. Timothy Armbruster.
Our retreat theme captured both the school theme of “Daring Disciples Deliver” as well as the parish theme of “Welcome, thru the Waters of Baptism.” With the help of four saints, St. John the Baptist, St. Mother Teresa, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Teresa of Little Flower, we captured the story of faith and how we live it beginning with the welcoming water of baptism. We shared the stories of each of the saints and how those saints connect with us today and we ended our week with an All School Mass on Thursday.
Each year, a different symbol is chosen to capture the week’s retreat. This year a giant raindrop tree was chosen. Each student was given a raindrop on which to write an act of kindness he or she could do. The raindrop was attached to the larger drops and now the raindrop tree stands in Gaspar Hall for all to witness what the school and School of Religion have promised to do for the remaining time of Lent.
—pictured above is Fr. Timothy Armbruster along with Robin Shalz who assisted with the week.
