Those with life-changing illness are invited to apply to attend the May 20-22 Gennesaret weekend retreat in the Newark Archdiocesan Retreat Center, Kearney.  The weekend will include time for prayer, the celebration of Mass, Sacrament of Reconciliation, talks by spiritual directors and periods of rest. Spiritual directors will include retired Diocese of Trenton priest, Father Anthony Carotenuto, and MaryEllen Strozak, R.N., who will lead the medical team.

This spring marks the 49th Genessaret retreat, a program held once each spring and fall for those residing in the Dioceses of Trenton, Paterson and Metuchen and the Archdiocese of Newark. The retreats provide for both the spiritual and physical needs of participants and center upon the Gospel message in the Book of Mark where Jesus tends to the sick on the shores of Lake Gennesaret. Over the course of two decades of ministering to retreatants, Genessaret weekends have drawn more than 700 participants in groups of 15 to 20 per session.

Father Carotenuto has ministered at several Gennesaret weekends, and three family members have attended in the past. Henoted the commonalities on these retreats as on others, but stressed, “There are medically skilled personnel there, and these serve as a grace-filled opportunity for people with serious medical conditions. Disabled people are able to benefit from the joy of community.”

Father Carotenuto continued, “It makes such a difference when caring people take the time to offer their gift of time away, of comfort. [The retreats] are so simple, so grounded in our Christian faith. God is sharing in and giving meaning to our suffering, and you can give back to the community in witness.”

There is no charge for retreatants to attend the weekend, but a meeting with retreat personnel must be scheduled in advance.  To apply for the weekend, call Hilare Reinold at 732-566-7237 or [email protected].