Applications are now being accepted for the 45th Gennesaret weekend retreat to be held in the Newark Archdiocesan Retreat Center, 499 Belgrove Dr., Kearny, May 16 to 18 for those with life-changing illness.

Gennesaret provides for the spiritual and physical needs of participants and includes on its staff both a spiritual director and medical team. 

This year’s spiritual directors will be Father Anthony Carotenuto, a retired diocesan priest and Mercy Sister Mary Simon Robb. Registered nurse Mary Ellen Strozak will lead the medical team.

The retreat concept centers around the Gospel message in Mark 6:53, where Jesus landed on the shores of Lake Gennesaret and people brought their sick to him.

Much of the planning for the retreat is centered on the physical well being of the retreatants. This includes a preliminary consultation conducted by a medical staff member in order to assure proper care for the Friday through Sunday retreat. The weekend schedule includes periods of time for rest, reflection, daily Mass, the administration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and talks by the spiritual directors to enable one to continue their journey.

There is no charge for retreatants to attend the weekend.  To apply for the weekend or have a speakers group available for any parish or medical group who might be interested in learning about Gennesaret, call Hilare Reinold at 732-371-1724 or email [email protected].

The retreat will be repeated on Oct. 17-19.