By David Karas | Correspondent

Between the demands of work, family obligations and other commitments, it can often be difficult to set aside time for true reflection and spiritual development.

With these challenges in mind, women’s cornerstone retreats are being planned for the fall, seeking to provide a space and time for reflection, renewal and the strengthening of one’s faith – all while meeting and interacting with other members of one’s parish and faith community.

The 26-hour spiritual retreat program invites women to share stories and life experiences. Organizers say it provides the opportunity to set aside daily routines and examine one’s relationships with God, family and neighbors.

Such retreats, while they might take on various themes depending upon a host parish or ministry and can be designed for either gender, are led by a team of past retreat participants. Talks are intended to spark discussion, and the casual atmosphere allows guests to share as much or as little as they would like.

St. James Parish, Pennington • Oct. 23 and 24

St. James Parish, Pennington is preparing for an overnight retreat Oct. 23 and 24, and the theme is “Seek and Share the Risen Love.”

Parishioner Carmel Thanapalasingam spoke of having participated in a similar Cornerstone experience in her former parish, and wanted to bring the retreat concept to St. James when she entered the parish community there. The first experience in St. James was held in October 2013.

The program, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23, and concludes with the celebration of Mass at 8 p.m. Oct. 24, will be held in the St. James Family Center. While the suggested donation for the weekend is $50, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

While the program is primarily open to women in St. James Parish, organizers do welcome a few participants from other parishes who could potentially bring the experience back to their own faith communities with them.

Registration forms are available on the parish website, www.stjames-nj.org, under “Prayer & Spirituality.” For more information and with questions, contact Carmel at 609-333-8669.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach • Nov. 13 and 14

The St. Francis Cornerstone Women’s Retreat, facilitated by a team of parishioners in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, will be held Nov. 13 and 14 in Maris Stella Retreat House, Harvey Cedars. This year’s retreat marks the 14th year the program will be offered.

“It is simply ordinary people sharing stories and experiences of trying to live the Gospel amidst the challenges of the modern world,” according to the parish website. “There will also be a number of opportunities to examine your relationship with God, your family and others in your life.”

“Testimonies abound from past participants on the surprising results of this retreat,” said Deacon Bob Cunningham. “I have witnessed many men in my parish here at St. Francis become more involved in all aspects of parish life, as a natural response to a close encounter with Our Lord.”

He added, “I would highly recommend any parish giving Cornerstone a shot.”

All women are welcome to attend the November program, even if they are not members of St. Francis Parish.

For more information, contact Lauren Finelli at [email protected].