Applications are now being accepted for the 44th Gennesaret weekend retreat to be held in the Newark Archdiocesan Retreat Center, 499 Belgrove Dr., Kearny, Oct. 18 – 20 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.

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.

This year’s spiritual directors will be Father Jay Bowden and Mercy Sister Mary Simon Robb. Mary Ellen Strozak, R.N., will lead the medical team.

Since his retirement in 2006, Father Bowden has served as assisting priest in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. Mercy Sister Mary Simon currently serves in St. Pio Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, where she is director of the Elder Care Ministry. Mary Ellen Strozak, R.N., is from Riverview Hospital, Red Bank.

There is no charge for retreatants to attend the weekend. Fundraising is handled by the Gennesaret committee. Weekends are supported through donations.

To apply for the weekend, call Hilare Reinold at 732-371-1724 or email: [email protected].