The following retreat houses and spiritual centers throughout the four counties of the Diocese of Trenton will hold the following retreats and/or programs:
Rancocas, Francis House Diocesan Spiritual Center, located at 30 Springside Road, will hold the following retreats and/or programs:
Advent Retreat • Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • This retreat will travel through Advent with Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Annie Dillard’s “Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas” as our guide. The book includes an essay for each day of the Advent/Christmas season. Donation is $35 and includes book and lunch.
Contemplate the Mystery of Christmas • Dec. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Spending this time with God makes a huge difference in the final days before Christmas, as we continue our preparation for the feast. Donation is $20 and includes lunch.
End of the Year Retreat • Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • This retreat offers time, space and quiet for naming the graces of 2016 and expressing gratitude to God. The afternoon will focus on our goals, hopes and desires for 2017. Bring a bag lunch. Free will offering.
To register, call 609-877-0509 or email FHOP@verizon.net.
Harvey Cedars, Maris Stella Retreat and Conference Center, located at 7201 Long Beach Boulevard, will hold the following retreats and/or programs:
Advent Holy Hour for World Peace • Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & 14 – 3 to 4 p.m. • Holy Hour will provide an opportunity for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and silent prayer for world peace. No registration required.
To register, call 609-494-2917 or pdotzauer@comcast.net.
Mantoloking, St. Joseph By the Sea, located at 400 Highway 35 N, will hold the following retreats and/or programs:
Advent Silent Weekend • Dec. 2, 6:30 to 7 p.m. • Dec. 4, 1 p.m. • This retreat offers time for reflection, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass. Cost is $210.
Stirring the Story of Christmas in Our Hearts • Dec. 8 and 15, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. • This day we will hear the “Stirring Story of Christmas” as our hearts are waiting at a time where words of assurance, balm for a despairing heart and the Christ is born again in the power of hope and the candle of compassion. Presenter will be Sister of Mercy JoAnne Jones. The cost is $45 and includes lunch.
The Beauty of Forgiveness • Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • The sessions explore Rembrandt’s painting as a basis for forgiveness and healing in prayer. Personal sharing and quiet time will be available and Mass is included. Presenter will be Filippini Sister Lucy Battistuz. The cost is $45 and includes lunch.
Quiet by the Fireside • Dec. 14, 5 to 8 p.m. • This evening will provide the busy person an opportunity to contemplate Jesus, the Incarnate Word, through reflection in a quiet and prayerful environment. Following the program will be a Christmas sing-along and refreshments. Presenter will be Filippini Sisters Brunilda Ramos and Dolores Bianchi. Donations accepted.
To register, call (732) 892-8494 or visit www.sjbsea.org.