Retreats 2016 - 2017 to light your fire!

Pro Sanctity Retreats coming up…2016-2017

1) October 14-16, 2016 - open to all

St. Benedict Center, Schuyler,Nebraska  - Three T's: St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese, and St. Teresa of Calcutta. Msgr. Andrew Vaccari, National Spiritual Advisor for the Pro Sanctity Movement and Teresa Monaghen, AO will conduct this silent retreat, with talks, silence, and personal direction

2) November 3-6, 2016 - for women

BroomTree Retreat Center in Irene, South Dakota - Silent Directed Women's Retreat, (Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon) You may carpool from Omaha with Teresa Monaghen, AO who will be directing this retreat along with a team of priests.

3) January 13 - 15, 2017 - for women

St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, Nebraska - “I Came that They Might Have Life and Have it More Abundantly.” (John 10:10) Women's Silent Directed Retreat, Schuyler, NE - Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB and Teresa Monaghen, AO will be leading this retreat.

4) January 20-22, 2017 – for men

St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, Nebraska - "Men, Stand Firm, For Christ Has Set Us Free" (Gal. 5:1) Men's Silent Directed Retreat, Schuyler, NE - Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB, Br. August Schaefer, OSB and (behind the scenes female)Teresa Monaghen, AO will be leading this retreat.

Plus!!Let us know if you would like to schedule a personal retreat!

You can always make a personal, quiet day of prayer at one of our two centers: 1) Pro Sanctity Center in Elkhorn, NE or in 2) Pro Sanctity/AO Bethany in Omaha, NE. Come away for a mini a retreat with some direction if you wish. 

Write to us and we will send you more information:  psm@prosanctity.org

or teresamonaghen@gmail.com  - 402-651-9652

I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

A day or weekend away is a perfect way to stay on fire for the Lord and in joyful service for the others.

www.prosanctity.net

Retreats 2016 - 2017 to light your fire!

Everyday saints
In difficult moments in history, Pope Francis said, we hear it said that “our country
needs heroes – and this is true, this is right.” But, he asked, “what does the
Church need today? It needs witnesses, martyrs”:
“These are the witnesses, that is, the saints, the saints of everyday, of ordinary life,
but life [lived with] consistency; and also the witness ‘to the end,’ even to death.
These are the life blood of the Church; these are the ones that carry the Church
forward, the witnesses, who attest that Jesus is Risen, that Jesus is alive, and they
bear witness through the consistency of their life, with the Holy Spirit they have
received as a gift.” Pope Francis
April 2016

Reflection 3-27-16 Easter Sunday

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed

Alleluia, Alleluia,  Jesus is risen!  Sin and death have no power over us who believe. Glory and honor and praise forever to the lamb that was slain. 

Jesus, renew in us the wonder we felt when we first truly understood and believed that you died and rose again for our salvation.  Give us the courage to share with others this glorious good news! 

Reflection 3-27-16 Easter Sunday

Lenten reflection 3-26-16 Easter Vigil

Tell the Israelites to go forward.  And you, lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea, split the sea in two, that the Israelites may pass through it on dry land. 

I am choosing to reflect on the third reading of the Easter Vigil rather than the gospel.  Having had the privilege of attending the Easter Vigil Mass for the past several years, I marvel at it every time.  Starting with the act of creation itself, and continuing through all of salvation history, the vigil shows us quite literally that God has not for a moment removed His hand from the care of His people.

Lord thank you for your constant and abiding care.  May we thank and praise you forever.

To aid in your prayer, I am attaching a favorite song El Shaddai written by Michael Card, sung by Amy Grant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lh5IxRmgcY

Lenten reflection 3-26-16 Easter Vigil

Lenten reflection 3-25-16 Good Friday

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished”.  And bowing his head he handed over his spirit

It is impossible in just a few words to reflect on the complete self giving of Jesus for our sins.  He spent His life teaching and healing and doing good, and in the end gave everything He had for our salvation. 

Lord, there is nothing I can do or say to merit in any way shape or form, the priceless gift of eternal life you have won for me.  Give me the grace this day just to sit quietly with tears of gratitude for  your extravagant love.  

Lenten reflection 3-25-16 Good Friday

Lenten reflection 3-24-16 Holy Thursday

If  I, therefore, the master and teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash  one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. 

There are not many clearer examples in all of scripture of service.  Jesus Christ, the creator of the universe, bending down to wash the disciples feet, and telling them as well as all of us to follow His example.  What does service mean to you?  It may mean doing the family’s dishes after a meal, writing a letter to a friend who needs encouragement, or serving at a soup kitchen among countless other examples.  God has given each of us unique gifts that we may serve one another in a particular way for the benefit of the Kingdom. 

Lord,  lead me to people and places that need a touch from you, that I might serve you in gladness with my words and my actions.

Lenten reflection 3-24-16 Holy Thursday

Lenten reflection 3-23-16

One of the twelve who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”  They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

I read that thirty pieces of silver was not the price for a wealthy man, but rather what was paid for a common slave.  As I ponder this I wonder if I treat the Lord in this manner.  I know that Jesus wants to have a relationship with me and to be my friend, but sometimes I focus on this too much and fail to remember that He has the title of King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I also know many times I ask Him to do things for me as a slave owner would.

Lord I know that you want to have a relationship with me and be my friend, but I also know  that you are the creator of the universe, and I am your servant and not the other way around.  Forgive me for the times I have failed to acknowledge this and help me to honor you as you deserve.  

Lenten reflection 3-23-16

Lenten reflection 3-22-16

Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you.”  Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me?  Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

All of  us have denied the Lord at some point, either by overtly saying we do not know Him as Peter did, or by not speaking in His defense when others have maligned Him.  It is comforting to know that even though Peter did deny Him, Jesus still made him the head of His Church.  The mercy of God is so vast that we cannot fathom it.  Even though He knows our humanity and that we will fail, He still wants to use us to spread His message of love

Lord, thank you for this jubilee year of mercy.  Give me the courage to stand up for You, and when I fail give me the humility to ask for forgiveness.  

Lenten reflection 3-22-16

Lenten reflection 3-21-16

Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 

Mary knew Jesus well.  She loved Him deeply and listened closely to His teaching and felt His love for her personally.   She did this to express her love for him.  As I read these words I realize my love for him is not as lavish.  Many times I have felt his love for me and been moved to tears, but I also must acknowledge there are days when I barely speak to you at all. 

Lord, help me to realize that my love for you will only deepen if I spend more time with you, in prayer,  in your word and in the sacraments.  Remind me that I owe my very life to you, and help me to lavish you with the love you deserve.  

Lenten reflection 3-21-16

Lenten reflection 3-20-16 Palm Sunday

They proclaimed:  “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”  Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”  He said in reply, “I tell you, if they kept silent, the stones would cry out!” 

As I read these words about the stones crying out, the Holy Spirit again convicts me.  I am perfectly comfortable talking about my faith with other parishioners after Mass or in a group of Christian friends, but too often in other places I keep silent. 

Lord, give me the courage to speak your name in the public square,  knowing that if my faith doesn’t cost me anything, it is hard to prove that it exists at all.

Lenten reflection 3-20-16 Palm Sunday

Lenten reflection 3-19-16

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 

Today we celebrate the solemnity of Saint Joseph.  He was an honorable and compassionate man chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus.  Also from the quote above we know he was quick to obey the instruction of the angel

Lord thank you for Joseph’s holy example.  Help me to be honorable, compassionate and quick to obey as he was.  

Lenten reflection 3-19-16

Lenten reflection 3-18-16

Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.”  And many there began to believe in him. 

Sometimes I wish I could have lived at the time of Christ and been among those who got to see and hear him face to face.  I am blessed to have many friends and family however, that make his existence and presence undeniable.  I believe in Him because of their witness and love in my life

Lord,  help me realize the privilege I have in helping others to believe.  Help my words and actions be a witness to Your love.  

Lenten reflection 3-18-16

Lenten reflection 3-17-16

“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”

To never see death, what an amazing promise.  As I ponder this quote I wonder if Jesus is talking about more here than just physical death.  People in a period of darkness emotionally and spiritually can feel dead inside.  We as His followers can bring life to others with something as simple as a smile and a kind word.  I don’t think we realize how powerful this truly is.

Lord, help me keep Your word and share it with others so that together we can bring life to the brokenhearted.  

Lenten reflection 3-17-16

Lenten reflection 3-16-16

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many years ago, I made a friend who wrote me letters every week for an entire summer.  I could hardly wait for the mail.  I read and reread every word.  I was completely astonished by the  sweetness in the pages.  As I think back on that time, I feel convicted by the Spirit.  My relationship with God through His word, is not nearly as alive.  Sometimes I read His word, most often I do not, or do so only half heartedly.  The love that gave to the point of death for me deserves everything from me in return. 

Lord, give me a love for Your word that I might be completely free to do your will with joyous abandon

Lenten reflection 3-16-16

Lenten reflection 3-15-16

The one who sent me is with me.  He has not left me alone, because I always
do what is pleasing to him.

We are not alone because Jesus, and the Father and the Holy Spirit are always with us.  I know how often I fail, I know I do not always do what is
pleasing to Him.  This lenten journey of fasting and prayer and almsgiving is meant to bring us closer to God and help us remove ourselves from the things that do not please Him.  We may not have lived up to all of our resolutions for the season, but we can never tire of starting over.

Lord thank you for this season of lent.  Help me to draw closer to you so I can know what pleases you and how to act on it

Lenten reflection 3-15-16

Lenten reflection 3-14-16

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

There is so much darkness in our world, hatred and confusion and loneliness and violence seem to be ever increasing.  As Jesus' followers we are called to work with Him to banish these things and bring His love to our brothers and sisters

Lord, help me to follow you more closely and listen to your voice so that I know what you would have me do to increase the light and the love in my community.  Lead me to specific people today whose lives I can brighten

Lenten reflection 3-14-16

Lenten reflection 3-13-16

"Woman where are they? Has no one condemned you? She replied, "No one, sir."  Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you.  Go, and from now on do not sin any more."

What an incredible picture this paints once again of the mercy of God.  This woman must have been so frightened, literally in fear for her life.  Jesus sent her human judges and accusers away, and even though as God he did have the right to condemn her, he chose to forgive instead.   We often feel like we should be condemned, due to something from our present or our past, but Jesus longs to forgive us.  All we have to do is admit our failings and ask.

Lord, thank you for always being willing to forgive.  Give me the courage to thoroughly examine my heart and life for those things that displease you and ask for forgiveness

Lenten reflection 3-13-16

Lenten reflection 3-12-16

Thanks to Anne Harsh for this contribution 

“Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him

and finds out what he is doing?”

They answered and said to him,

“You are not from Galilee also, are you?

Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”

Have you ever skipped a workshop with a compelling theme because you knew the speaker? I have. Even within our Catholic Community we tend to look upon others based on categories to discern their holiness. Charismatic or dogmatic, Home school or public school, early morning Mass goers or "lazy Mass" attendees, people who go to the same retreats as me or those who don't. It is so much easier for me to accept the word of God from those I don’t know because I am not familiar with their flaws. I have not categorized them in one of my boxes. But in this attitude I am convicted of my tendency to see the “good” as being generated by the person rather than the work of God through them. Jesus said “Why do you call me good, no one is good but God alone”.

Jesus, bless me with the eyes to see the potential in every person to be an instrument of your grace, knowing that all good and perfect gifts come from You.

Lenten reflection 3-12-16

Lenten reflection 3-11-16

Thanks to Anne Harsh for this contribution 

Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?

But we know where he is from.

When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”

So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from.

Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”

They didn't recognize Jesus among them because He was familiar and not what they expected Him to be.  They avoided him because He didn't make them feel comfortable. This brings to my memory a recent experience, but one of many like it in my life, where an unfamiliar person was placed in my path.  Someone who on the surface looked unassuming and not of interest to me.   I made small talk long enough to meet the minimum requirements of being a good Christian then proceeded to ignore him the rest of the evening, instead looking for those people I knew and felt comfortable with.  Later in prayer God brought this person to my recall, gently but truthfully chastising me asking, "Why did you overlook me?"  How many opportunities to look into the face of God have I missed?  How many interactions with God through all kinds of diverse people have I passed over?

Jesus, grace me with the desire to find you in all the hidden gems that you place in my path.  The beautiful opportunities to look beyond the simple everyday exteriors into the radiance of you dwelling inside all of your beloved children.

Lenten reflection 3-11-16

Lenten reflection 3-10-16

Thanks to Anne Harsh for this contribution 

I do not accept human praise;

moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?

Work without love is like a noisy gong ?  But if someone who doesn't  love gives a starving person food, isn't it still good?  If  the love of God is not in that giving, the  prisoner is still in their cell with their food.  But if that giving is done in God's love rather than the giver's self love, the prisoner will be set free. How often do I do good works with motives corrupted by my desire to be loved and provide that love for myself?

Jesus, please give me the grace to open my heart to your divine flashlight.  Let it shine not just on my wicked deeds but on the impure motives in my good deeds.  Purify my motives for all the good deeds I do so that only your perfect love that casts out all fear is the fruit. Your love that sets the captives free.

Lenten reflection 3-10-16