Couple’s Evening Retreat

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.

Spring Labyrinth Day: Walking the Walk

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.

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Music Ministers Evening Retreat

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.