|
An Auspicious E-vent
This first E-mail message from the Jesuit Retreat Center has been a long time in the works, since one of the retreat captains first suggested it. (Thanks, Frank, for waiting so patiently!) We now look forward to sharing with our constituents more regularly Retreat Center news, updates on our retreats and days of prayer, and thoughts for (and about) prayer, both in written form and (soon!) in Podcasts. These e-mail messages will complement our regular newsletters.
Journey
to Bethlehem
As we have traveled the road to Bethlehem during this Advent,
the memories of this challenging and remarkable year have filled
our consciousness. We have seen our world burdened with conflicts
and concerns and fears, yet we have also seen human hearts
renewed in patience and hope. In the midst of our complex experience,
we are graced to contemplate now, with Ignatius, the scene
of Christ’s birth, and we are drawn again into wonder,
that God has chosen to dwell with us, and into gratitude, that
God is yet among us.
Our guests often share with us their experience that they
find the Jesuit Retreat Center a sacred place, a place where
they easily sense that God is yet among us. In a world that
can often be hectic and distracting, such a refuge as ours
is a welcome grace, offering opportunity for renewal of our
spirits and for nurturing our lives of service. Those of us
who are blessed to share in this ministry each day are grateful
for the community of faith—including each of you—that
continually sanctifies this place and sustains this ministry
through the support of your prayers.
Centennial
of Service  The
California Province of the Society of Jesus will celebrate
its 100th Anniversary through 2009. Please join us in thanking
God for the opportunity and achievement of this century of
service, and pray that the Spirit continue to sustain us, Jesuits
and lay partners in ministry alike, in caring for God’s
people. Please visit www.jesuitscalifornia.org for
an overview of the activity of the Province and its sponsored
ministries.
A
Year for Hope
Major transitions in government, such as the upcoming inauguration
of Barack Obama as our nation’s president, often inspire
people’s hope for our nation and for the world. Even
as we share the hope occasioned by such events, we Christians
ground our hope in the love of God revealed to us in Jesus
Christ. Do join us, during the coming months, for a time of
grounding your own hope through an Ignatian
retreat! |
