Francis House of Prayer, Westampton, which seeks to offer programs, prayer and retreats that promote spiritual growth and foster a deepening relationship with God, self and others, is offering a series of one-day evening and daylong retreat programs in September.
Each asks for a small monetary donation. The retreats are as follows:
The Passion and the Cross: Sept. 11, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. • Everyone has crosses to bear. This evening retreat will help all find meaning in suffering and patience in the struggle. Participants receive “The Passion and the Cross,” a book by Father Ronald Rolheiser, to further understanding, comfort and strength. Donation: $25.
Personal Retreat Day: Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • Take a day away from the busyness of life to rest in the Lord. Come for silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer together. Requested donation is $10; $40 with spiritual direction. Bring a bag lunch.
“Pivotal Players” Liturgy, Dinner and a Film: Sept. 16, 5 to 8 p.m. • After liturgy and dinner, view one segment of “Pivotal Players,” a multi-part film series by Bishop Robert Barron, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, featuring saints, artists, mystics and scholars who not only shaped the life of the Church, but also changed the course of civilization. The film also features G.K.Chesterton. Limited to 12 people. Register early. Donation: $25.
Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop: Sept. 19 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. • What is centering prayer? Is God calling you to this form of prayer? Do you have a desire for union with God that seems unfulfilled by other types of prayer? Is the fact that you can’t quiet your mind a problem? Come and see. Donation: $25.
Sunset Retreat: An Evening of Prayer with Teilhard: Sept. 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m. • Spend an evening connecting with God through the wonder of nature, the Word of God and the words of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jesuit priest. Donation: Love offering
What Is Spiritual Direction?: Sept. 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. • Come with all your questions about spiritual direction. How is a spiritual director different from a counselor or a confessor? How does a person find a spiritual director? What kind of training do they receive? A sample session is included. Donation: Love offering
Choosing Hope in Troubled Times: Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • Do you believe that hope is both a gift to ask for and a virtue to practice? St. Ignatius of Loyola offers many tools for living peacefully within while trouble prevails. Use his Rules for Discernment coupled with a daily discernment practice to help choose and safeguard hope within during troubled times. Donation: $25, includes lunch and materials.
Register for all programs by calling 609-877-0509. Include your full name, phone number and the title of the program on our voice mail. Registering by phone is preferred.
Francis House of Prayer is located at 39 Springside Road, Westampton. Use this address for GPS directions only. For more information, visit www.fhop.org.