Our Lenten journey corresponds to the spring season of rebirth after the long winter. In this program, Br. Michael will combine his experience of focused attention as an artist with the thought of the 20th century philosopher and mystic Simone Weil to suggest an approach to a more contemplative stance towards Lent. Using Weil's metaphor of the labyrinth, we will explore how God uses beauty, be it nature, the arts or another person, to hook us, and then draws us to himself to consume us. Day retreat includes lunch and evening retreat includes dinner.

Br. Michael Moran, C.P. is a Passionist Brother of the Eastern Province of the Passionist Congregation. He professed his vows in 1974, and has served in a wide variety of ministries, including the preaching of retreats, hospital ministry and work as a visual artist. His art can be seen online at: www.angelstudiostore.com

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

The work of firefighting is intense and dangerous. It takes a toll on the human spirit and the families of those who serve. This retreat explores how firefighters can cope with the stress, trauma and fear involved in firefighting. We will discuss how to take care of oneself in mind, body and spirit in the midst of the demands of work and family life. Discussion topics will include: spirituality, finding balance in life, dealing with compassion fatigue and dealing with trauma. The retreat is open to people of all backgrounds, religions and cultures; it will include presentations, home-cooked meals, free time for rest and relaxation, and honest conversation. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes around noon on Sunday.

Leo F. Flanagan, Jr., Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in NYC specializing in working with firefighters, other first responders, and military members/veterans and their families. For more than 30 years he has taken a practical approach to helping people recover from trauma. Leo was at the World Trade Center during the attacks and volunteered with the rescue and recovery effort in the months to come. Leo is on the team at The Center for Resilience, whose mission is Helping People Create a Rewarding Life in the Aftermath of Stress & Trauma. Click here to read a blog post by Leo.

John Mancini, M.A. is a professional firefighter with the City of Hartford, CT. His career in the fire service inspired him to enroll in a graduate degree program in Community Counseling. He received that degree in 2010 from Saint Joseph College. He is passionate about exercising his Catholic faith and finds great value participating in various spiritual activities. He believes that achieving a balance of mind, body and spirit is important in living a healthy and fulfilling life.

Deacon Marty O’Connor - Martin O’Connor has served as a firefighter, fire chief, attorney, and campus minister. He is currently professor at the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. He is an ordained deacon in the Roman Catholic Church and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University.

Register below or click here for mail in registration form.
 

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

Holy Family-Spiritual Life Center Collaborative Retreat. From Zen and the Birds of Appetite to The Asian Journal, Merton wrote about and studied Zen Buddhism extensively. What did he find so appealing about Zen and how did it influence his own spiritual point of view? What do Christians today continue to find compelling about Zen? Program includes lunch.

The Rev. Robert Jingen Gunn, Ph.D. is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a psychotherapist in New York City, and a lecturer in Psychiatry and Religion at Union Theological Seminary. He is the author of Journeys Into Emptiness: Dogen, Merton and Jung and the Quest for Transformation, Paulist Press, 2000. He has studied and practiced Zen for over 20 years and is a Senior Student at the Village Zendo in New York City under Roshi Enkyo O’Hara.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This workshop will explore the definition of "depression," distinguishing between normal periods of sadness that occur for most people at some points in life, and clinical depression, a defined, treatable condition. Once defined, we will discuss ways to deal with clinical depression, including biochemical and pharmacological treatments, psychotherapy, both individually and in groups, spirituality and faith, including focusing on the “inner strength” that often is present during depression, and alternative treatments, such as mindfulness meditation, movement therapies, exercise, etc. Some of these will be experiential and others will be described and discussed. It is hoped that participants will leave the day feeling that they have some understanding of the causes of depression, the symptoms of depression and what to do when or if it occurs. Program includes lunch.

Mary Lou Costanzo, an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), has worked in the field of clinical social work for 35 years, specializing in work with families dealing with addiction and mental health problems such as depression and bipolar disorder. She has also worked in the field of problem gambling for fifteen years, specializing in working with family members of problem gamblers. Mary Lou has had extensive experience in clinical social work, both as an inpatient therapist and in private practice. She is currently the Clinical Director of Problem Gambling Services in Connecticut and has a private practice in West Hartford.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

As we live our busy lives, we sometimes lose our sense of connection to God. Lent is a perfect season to take the time to pause and listen to the spirit. During this day, we will use breathing exercises, yoga postures, meditation and journaling to help in our listening and reflection. Use this time to help discern if you are fulfilling your whole potential. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a journal/paper and a yoga mat if you have one. Mats are available for purchase in the bookstore. This class is appropriate for people at all levels, including beginners. Program includes lunch.

Nancy C. Murray is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher who has been practicing for over 10 years. She is also a professional level teacher in Pranankriya Yoga. Nancy is a member of the Kriaplu teachers association and yoga alliance. She has sung in the choir at St. Peter Claver Church for over 20 years! Her unique style of yoga teaching incorporates themes into each of her classes. Before becoming a yoga teacher, Nancy was a CPA for eight years in the audit division of a large accounting firm and for ten years working on her own. Nancy is the mother of Helena, 16, and George, 13.

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It is so easy to gripe and complain about getting older, but once in a while it is refreshing to use our memories to recall the blessings of aging. We “are the music while the music lasts,” so this morning we will celebrate the moments we’ve had and are having, so we can anticipate the future with hope and humor. The afternoon includes lunch.

Sr. Colette Hanlon, S.C. is a Sister of Charity of Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA. In addition to being a cancer survivor/thriver, she has been involved in a variety of ministries: teaching the deaf and the blind, formation, community leadership, spiritual direction and retreats. For the past 30 years she has been a Director of Pastoral Care and a Chaplain in hospitals in WI, NJ, TN, CT and MA. At present she is a Chaplain at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA and also offers seminars, retreats and spiritual direction. Her Master’s degrees are in Education of the Deaf (Smith) and Spirituality (Duquesne University) and she is a Chaplain Advanced in the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

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This retreat will give women of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to reflect on how we can grow in gratefulness no matter what is going on in our lives. Gathering together in prayerful reflection will offer opportunities for input and discussion on increasing our capacity for living in an attitude of gratitude.The evening begins with a buffet dinner from 6 to 7 p.m.

Colette Hanlon, S.C. is a Sister of Charity of Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA. In addition to being a cancer survivor/thriver, she has been involved in a variety of ministries: teaching the deaf and the blind, formation, community leadership, spiritual direction and retreats. For the past 30 years she has been a Director of Pastoral Care and a Chaplain in hospitals in WI, NJ, TN, CT and MA. At present she is a Chaplain at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA and also offers seminars, retreats and spiritual direction. Her Master’s degrees are in Education of the Deaf (Smith) and Spirituality (Duquesne University) and she is a Chaplain Advanced in the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

BOGO offer for March weekend ONLY!

For the March weekend, we are again offering Bring One, Get One. If you have attended one retreat already this season, and you come again in March and you bring a new overnight retreatant, (can be a person who has attended our day programs, but not an overnight of any type), you attend at no cost!! This only applies to the March weekend.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This program will explore the notion that knitting can be a spiritual practice and that creativity is a way to live out our human legacy of being created in God's image. Our discussions throughout the day will be focused on the past, present and future of knitting. We will begin by exploring our personal histories with knitting and spend time sharing in small groups the connections that participants have made through knitting. Next there will be time for journaling with an option to write a blessing for someone whom you have connected to through knitting in the past. We will also explore knitting as a contemplative practice and some of the wisdom that we can learn through knitting. There will then be free time for contemplative knitting and individual prayer. We will conclude our day together with a prayer service in the chapel where we will bless both the hands of the knitters and their work. Program includes lunch.

Rachel Valente is an instructor and designer at Yarn Tree Studio in Raleigh, NC. She is a graduate of Yale Divinity School and a longtime retreatant at Holy Family.

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This silent retreat for both men and women offers an opportunity to grow closer to God through a deeper contemplative prayer life, strengthened by the presence of others. The retreat is open to persons of all religious and non-religious affiliations; it includes zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), chanting, dharma talks and daisan (one on one interviews with the teachers) and beginners’ instruction. Easy on and off shoes are recommended. Dinner is on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Mandatory beginners’ instruction at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening. For returning retreatants, the retreat begins at 8:00 p.m.

Fr. Michael Holleran was raised on Long Island, graduated from Fordham University, and spent five years as a Jesuit. He then transferred to the Carthusian Order, where he spent 22 years as a monk in Vermont, France (La Grande Chartreuse) and England. In 1994 he returned to New York where he has worked as a diocesan parish priest in Greenwich Village, the Bronx, and currently in midtown Manhattan. In 2009, he was formally received as a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, and also became a Sensei in the Soto Zen tradition, at the hands of his longtime mentor, Roshi Robert Kennedy, S.J.

Timothy St.Onge, Ph.D. has been an educator and pastoral counselor for over 25 years and has been engaged in the practice of psychotherapy since 1995.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

Experience the peace and power of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection at Holy Family. This retreat offers solitude and peace to enter deeply into the most sacred days of the Christian year. Silence is optional. Our retreat, which will center on the liturgical celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, will include presentations by members of the retreat team, time for private prayer and reflection, and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This retreat for men and women begins with a buffet dinner on Holy Thursday, April 21, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. It ends on Holy Saturday around noon. Retreatants are welcome to remain at Holy Family for the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday night at 8:00 p.m.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

Holy Thursday Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
All are welcome. Free-will offering.

Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
All are welcome. Free-will Offering.

A reception follows. All are welcome. Free-will offering.

One of the most beloved and powerful preachers in the northeast, Fr. John will explore how Christ invites us to participate in the divine life. The all-powerful God who is well able to care for his creation has made himself dependent upon his creatures. Together we will explore the summons God issues to us to work with him for the fulfillment of the prayer Jesus taught us, “‘thy kingdom come….on earth as it is in heaven.” Day retreat includes lunch and evening retreat includes dinner.

The annual St. Paul of the Cross Lecture at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center is given annually by someone whose prophetic vision and courage echo the mission of the Passionist founder, St. Paul of the Cross, to share God's love with the world. The St. Paul of the Cross Lecture seeks to empower others to become agents of peacemaking, justice and change in the world.

Fr. John Baptist Pesce, C.P. has been a Passionist priest for over 50 years. He is best known for his passionate and inspiring preaching, which has touched the hearts of countless people who have come to pray with him in his daily celebration of the Eucharist each morning at 7:00 a.m. at Holy Family. Most recently he was awarded the Bishop Joseph Donnelly Memorial Award from the Archdiocese of Hartford for his tireless advocacy of social justice.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

One of the most beloved and powerful preachers in the northeast, Fr. John will explore how Christ invites us to participate in the divine life. The all-powerful God who is well able to care for his creation has made himself dependent upon his creatures. Together we will explore the summons God issues to us to work with him for the fulfillment of the prayer Jesus taught us, “‘thy kingdom come….on earth as it is in heaven.” Day retreat includes lunch and evening retreat includes dinner.

The annual St. Paul of the Cross Lecture at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center is given annually by someone whose prophetic vision and courage echo the mission of the Passionist founder, St. Paul of the Cross, to share God's love with the world. The St. Paul of the Cross Lecture seeks to empower others to become agents of peacemaking, justice and change in the world.

Fr. John Baptist Pesce, C.P. has been a Passionist priest for over 50 years. He is best known for his passionate and inspiring preaching, which has touched the hearts of countless people who have come to pray with him in his daily celebration of the Eucharist each morning at 7:00 a.m. at Holy Family. Most recently he was awarded the Bishop Joseph Donnelly Memorial Award from the Archdiocese of Hartford for his tireless advocacy of social justice.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

In our fast paced, increasingly technological culture, meditation and mindfulness are more needed than ever. For many, this contemplative stance towards life is becoming a lost art. Yet there has always been a direct connection between the meditative process and the artistic process. This retreat will explore the relationship between the focus used in meditation and that employed in the creative process. There will be talks on correct looking as prayer, the place of surrender in prayer, the place of the “wild” in prayer, and openness to mystery, and how each of these elements of a spiritual life relate to the artistic process as well. Each participant will also paint a small still life, to experience the focus that is the basis for all creativity and mindfulness. No artistic experience is necessary. This retreat for men and women begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes around noon on Sunday.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

Br. Michael Moran, C.P. is a Passionist Brother of the Eastern Province of the Passionist Congregation. He professed his vows in 1974, and has served in a wide variety of ministries, including the preaching of retreats, hospital ministry and work as a visual artist. He currently resides at the Passionist Residence in Riverdale, NY where he has his studio. His art can be seen on his web site, www.angelstudiostore.com.

Words are an artistic medium close at hand. They invite you and me to be co-creators. Many spiritual writers describe our soul as our essential wildness. This Wild With Words (WWW) writing retreat for men and women will explore spiritual practices in general through a particular writing practice. WWW taps creative expression, wholeness and wellbeing, community building, and intentional spiritual rhythms. WWW provides opportunities to surrender to the leading of your pen, to remain rooted in the present moment, to pay attention to God’s presence, and to entertain surprise and spontaneity. This retreat for men and women begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes around noon on Sunday.

Rev. Martha Brunell has been a pastor, teacher, chaplain, and writer in the United Church of Christ for over 30 years. Her journey has wound its way into urban churches, interim ministry, non-profit administration, domestic violence, end of life care, community education, seminary classrooms and spiritual formation. Wild With Words is one aspect of the ministry she calls Bricolage. Bricolage is a mosaic of spiritual programs, practices, rituals and resources for piecing together beauty and meaning. Martha’s M.Div. is from Andover Newton (1978) and her D.Min. in preaching is from Aquinas Institute (2002). She loves to read, write, hike, cook, travel and compose life with all sorts of people. And she finds great joy in her two young adult daughters. She is currently the pastor of Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

Celebrate the beauty and joy of the Easter season at Holy Family. Our Easter concert features an adult choir, chamber choir, instrumentalists, handbell choir, soloists and children’s choir. A reception follows.

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Experience praying as a whole and embodied person. Prayer can be so much more than a mental activity. In corporate worship, people stand, sit and kneel because these various actions align the body with the mind and heart. The postures of yoga offer new ways to open yourself to God in prayer. We will link a variety of postures into a harmonious flow that gives holistic expression to classic prayers and psalms set to music. We will also practice a method for meditation drawn from the Christian tradition. The more we learn to pray as a whole person, the more meaningful prayer becomes, and the more it can serve as an instrument of transformation in our lives. Beginners welcome. Please bring a yoga mat with you. This retreat for men and women begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes around noon on Sunday.

Fr. Tom Ryan, C.S.P. directs the Paulist North American Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations and is the author of a dozen books, including Prayer of Heart and Body and Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality. Visit his website at www.tomryancsp.org.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form. Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

What is male spirituality? What is the importance of a spiritual elder, and how can we benefit from an experience of initiation? Based on the work of Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. in male spirituality, Bill Walsh will address these issues and talk about the importance of male spirituality not only for men, but for the sake of our society.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

During this retreat we’ll explore what acceptance means both in the body and in our lives. Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Things happen that we can’t control and can rarely anticipate. This sometimes causes great stress and pain. We often feel alone and suffer from the illusion that we are separate from God. Acceptance is about seeing things as they are in the present moment whether we like them or not. Learn how to see things as they are without judgment. Discover how to build your resilience to stress. Create your own personal philosophy of wellness. Learn ways to improve your level of self-care. Develop a spiritual practice that will keep you close to Spirit. Our time together will include mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, group discussion and journaling. No previous experience is necessary. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

Known best for her book/CD Mindful Exercise, former celebrity fitness trainer Cheryl Jones is one of the most credentialed wellness coaches in the nation. She holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut and a Certificate in Spirituality from St. Joseph College. She has completed extensive training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Regarded as an enthusiastic and compassionate expert in mind-body-spirit wellness, Cheryl has been a presenter at hospitals, businesses and retreat centers throughout Connecticut. She is currently the Wellness Program Clinical Design Lead at Aetna.

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Celebrate Mother’s Day with a special Mass for mothers and families, and then enjoy a delicious brunch prepared by our chef Joe Ethier.

Adult Menu

Appetizer and Salad Station
Complimentary Mimosas and orange juice
Baby arugula, shaved fennel and orange salad
Watermelon, mango and kiwi salad
Imported cheese, fruit and grilled vegetables
Chilled shrimp cocktail
Smoked fish and seafood

Main Buffet
Carved roast pork loin with brandied apple sauce
Carved angus rib-eye with tomato horseradish sauce
Tuscan seafood stew
Roasted corn, spinach and rock shrimp quiche
Fresh asparagus and asiago egg bake
French vanilla toast with fresh berries
Baked potato au gratin

Dessert Station
Assorted mini cheese cakes
Freshly baked pies
Jumbo chocolate-covered strawberries
Chocolate tower
Assorted fresh rolls, muffins and Danishes

Children’s Menu
Baked three cheese pasta
Waffles with berries
Scrambled eggs
Hash browns
Ice cream sundaes
Chocolate cake

Register below or click here for mail-in registration.

At Holy Family, we invite people in recovery into a peaceful atmosphere where you can rest, renew your spiritual life, and deepen sobriety. Our Matt Talbot weekends are open to ALL people, from ALL backgrounds, regardless of whether or not you are a member of a church. The retreat begins on Friday with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and concludes on Sunday around 11:00 a.m.

Register below or click here for mail-in form.

In this retreat for men and women we will examine the many ways we can live our daily rounds consciously. Sensing more fully how God is everywhere present acting through us and with us, our ordinary days can be full of light. Together we will explore how to turn seemingly menial tasks into prayers, how to embrace simplicity and beauty in our homes, how to nurture our bodies and honor rest. When even the simplest of our tasks can be understood to have meaning, our lives will naturally be sanctified. We will not only be at prayer, our lives will be prayers. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes around noon on Sunday.

Gunilla Norris is the author of six books on the spirituality of the every day. She has been a psychotherapist in private practice and has led meditation classes for more than 30 years. Her special love is giving spiritual retreats and accompanying people in spiritual direction. Gunilla lives in Mystic, CT. Visit her website: www.gunillanorris.com 

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

The father and son relationship is one of life’s most defining relationships. This retreat is for fathers and their sons who are 15 years or older and will provide opportunities to deepen their relationship with each other while exploring questions of spirituality. The following themes will be addressed: attaining balance in life between work and family, managing stress, connecting with God and finding forgiveness. There will be time for presentations, discussion, guided meditation, relaxation, free time and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday after the conclusion of a Vigil Mass.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This program will be given by two couples who have walked this journey together as parents & grandparents. The evening will focus on finding the Spirit in both the “oatmeal stirring” of the first half of
marriage (establishing a home, jobs, child rearing, struggles/successes) and the “twilight” of the second half (empty nest, retirement, grandparenting, etc).

Christian and Janet Cashman have been married for 16 years. Their four sons range in age from 6 to 14 years old. Janet received her B.A. in Psychology from Fairfield University and her M.Ed. from Xavier University. She has worked as a teacher of English, Writing and most recently as the Librarian of St. Thomas the Apostle School. Christian received both his B.A. in Philosophy and his M.Ed. from Xavier University. He has taught Theology and English at the high school level and has directed Campus Ministry programs and served for six years as a Catholic middle and high school Principal in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Christian is currently on the Theology faculty at Fairfield College Prep in Fairfield, CT where he also assists with the Music and Campus Ministry efforts of the school. The Cashmans have been involved with ministry and music at Holy Family since 2003.

Jim and Beth Malley have been married 44 years. Jim is an Associate Professor Emeritus in Counseling and Family Therapy at Central Connecticut State University. Beth received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Western New England University and spent over 20 years in the financial service industry in Marketing and Communication. She is currently volunteering at Grace Academy, Hartford’s only tuition free middle school for girls. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

BOGO offer for March weekend ONLY!

For the March weekend, we are again offering Bring One, Get One. If you have attended one retreat already this season, and you come again in March and you bring a new overnight retreatant, (can be a person who has attended our day programs, but not an overnight of any type), you attend at no cost!! This only applies to the March weekend.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This retreat explores how we can move through life grounded in God’s presence no matter the situation in which we find ourselves. Sometimes it is easy to see God’s presence in the world; feelings of peace remind us that we are not alone. But there are times when we experience the absence of God, and we may lose our grounding in the faith that has been our source of strength in times of challenge and doubt. Becoming agents of hope in a world of distraction, pessimism and busyness takes great courage. Together, we will explore how God’s presence, hidden in every moment of life, equips us to be courageous and hopeful for ourselves and others. Click here for retreat theme materials including our theme preview video.

The retreat includes presentations from the retreat team, discussion, free time, inspiring music and prayer. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, includes all meals and concludes with a brunch around noon on Sunday. New to the retreat experience? Click here for details.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

Spend a day transforming the ordinary movement of walking into an extraordinary prayerful experience. The labyrinth at Holy Family is an ancient symbol of wholeness and a metaphor for life’s journey to God. For centuries, pilgrims have convened at labyrinths created in stone on the floors of Gothic cathedrals. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path leading from its entrance to its center and back out, albeit a winding route. The labyrinth walk reminds us to trust that the winding path of our lives truly leads to God, the center of our lives. This retreat will focus on the three stages of the labyrinth walk: Purgation (Emptying), Illumination (Receiving), and Union (Returning). Walkers enter the labyrinth releasing the cares and concerns of their lives; the center is a place of prayer to receive God’s gifts; the return walk out of the labyrinth reminds us that we are joined with God’s healing power at work in our lives. Lunch is included.

Known best for her book/CD Mindful Exercise, former celebrity fitness trainer Cheryl Jones is one of the most credentialed wellness coaches in the nation. She holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut and a Certificate in Spirituality from St. Joseph College. She has completed extensive training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Regarded as an enthusiastic and compassionate expert in mind-body-spirit wellness, Cheryl has been a presenter at hospitals, businesses and retreat centers throughout Connecticut. She is currently the Wellness Program Clinical Design Lead at Aetna.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

We know that faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration. Good celebrations foster and nourish faith but poor celebrations may weaken or destroy it. (MCW #6) What constitutes a good celebration of the liturgy? Music is one essential element that enables the full meaning and impact of the liturgy to shine forth clearly. This evening retreat will provide some important materials for creating meaningful celebrations. Music Directors, Pastoral Ministers, Choir Members, Church Musicians, Liturgy Directors and Pastors are welcome to this reflective time of prayer and discussion. The evening will include dinner, an address by Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P., and a festive Eucharistic liturgy. We hope that you and your parishioners can join in the celebration! The evening begins with a buffet dinner at 6:00 p.m. and concludes at 9:00 p.m.(NPM members cost is $25. per person. Please note membership in comment section when registering online).

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

We know that faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration. Good celebrations foster and nourish faith but poor celebrations may weaken or destroy it. (MCW #6) What constitutes a good celebration of the liturgy? Music is one essential element that enables the full meaning and impact of the liturgy to shine forth clearly. This evening retreat will provide some important materials for creating meaningful celebrations. Music Directors, Pastoral Ministers, Choir Members, Church Musicians, Liturgy Directors and Pastors are welcome to this reflective time of prayer and discussion. The evening will include dinner, an address by Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P., and a festive Eucharistic liturgy. We hope that you and your parishioners can join in the celebration! The evening begins with a buffet dinner at 6:00 p.m. and concludes at 9:00 p.m.(NPM members cost is $25. per person. Please note membership in comment section when registering online).

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This two-night retreat offers interested teens of high school age opportunities for growth in personal faith, community building and leadership training. The retreat provides a sacred and restful atmosphere to support teens in the understanding of their Catholic faith. It enables teens to share their creativity and vitality while fostering spiritual growth in each other. The retreat begins on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and concludes with a family mass on Sunday which begins at 11:00 a.m. Refreshments will follow.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

Enjoy the solitude and tranquility of Holy Family during this quiet retreat. The weeklong contemplative experience will include daily spiritual direction and daily Eucharist. Directed retreats invite participants to quiet the mind, body and soul to become open to the movement of the Spirit within. The retreat will begin on Sunday evening with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and Mass at 7:00 p.m. The retreat concludes 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration form.

This preached, quiet retreat for women religious of all communities will address issues faced by women religious today. There will be conference time, shared prayer, optional discussion groups, workshops, beautiful music, the option of personal time with the director and time for private prayer. The retreat will be led by Holy Family's retreat team: Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P , Fr. Terry Kristofak,C.P., a religious sister and Brandon Nappi. The retreat will begin on Sunday evening with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and Mass at 7:00 p.m. The retreat concludes 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

Register below or click here for mail-in registration.

So what's the best part of the day?  Is it watching Fr. David fish his ball out of the water hazard or chowing down on Executive Chef Joe Ethier's steak and swordfish?

Come enjoy the 12th Annual Gerald Kristofak Golf Tournament.  This is an incredibly fun time and the event helps fund Holy Family's ministry.

To register for this event, please click here.