March: In like a Lion; Out like Simba

 The old saying about the month of March: "In like a lion, out like a lamb" is not coming true this year. Today and the next few days will be quite cold in Boston. It makes training for the marathon less joyful to run in this blustery weather. The wind was whipping in Dorchester Harbor this morning, and when I went to Cambridge to say mass, it felt quite balmy because there was an absence of wind. It would have been pleasurable to train in the Cambridge microclimate.

As I pulled into the church parking lot, I saw a distraught woman topple over the statues of children near the Mary, Fatima, statue. I rolled down the window to take a photo of her as she was destroying the placement of the statues. I asked her to stop and she yelled, "My daughter had died." I informed the parish staff who said the woman was sitting there on the church steps with only one shoe. Certainly, I don't want to see those statues destroyed, but the poor woman is filled with such pain. I can imagine she is angry with God for taking her daughter away from her.

Mass was just what I needed and I think I hit the right notes in the homily because many people wanted to speak after mass. Next week, we will speak about the 20th anniversary of the Dallas Charter in which the US Catholic Bishops laid out standards and compliance issues for priests and bishops. Also, I mentioned that as Catholics were are to pray for both Ukraine and Russia as they are at war. The Pope on Friday consecrated the two countries to the Heart of Mary.

At the studio, I had a number of interesting conversations with all sorts of people passing through. As studio artists, we see a whole range of people with various behaviors and levels of social engagement. It is really fun when people stop, ask questions, engage, and speak about what they find intriguing. Well, I was sitting down on a sofa as I felt a little sluggish and I must have dozed off in the chair because the lighting was much different than when I sat down. I tidied up and went home to help prepare the evening meal and to get a run in before dinner. 

Tonight, the Celtics have a chance of taking over first place; St. Peter's in Jersey City plays in the Elite Eight, and the Academy Awards are on. I just want a slow easy night before the week begins.

And so I went out for a run. I hated the thought of doing it. My legs were sluggish, the winds were whipping, and I had little time to get everything done. I could find every reason in the world not to run. I simply did not want to do so, but my first steps were refreshing, and I was glad I was on my way. I am noticing how many nice runners there are. By that I mean, they seem to be nice people. They are friendly, they wave and smile. Many times walkers can look as if they are angry or the world is bearing down upon them, but runners seem to have a connection with one another. I'm kind of enjoying that. I like nice people, and nice people make me nicer. I like being nice. 

So, once I'm running, the weather doesn't seem to be as bad as one makes it out to be. I like those days when it is 60 and sunny, but even today wasn't so bad. It is not quite like Tony, the Tiger, who says, "They're Great." And may I'm a little like Simba who is growing into his ability to run, but I know I have to rely upon Aslan, the Johannine figure of the Narnia Chronicles. I guess March can stay as long as I have those companions with me. 

• For Fundraising:
• A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

Join us for Trivia

 

The Boston Marathon is back in April! This year’s stellar Team BHCHP includes: Father John Predmore, S.J (top, left)—running his first race ever, Keirsa Johnson (bottom right)—running her second marathon with us (her fifth overall), and our newly-appointed Medical Director (but long-time colleague), Dr. Peter Smith (top right)-—running for Team BHCHP for the second time! To learn more about Father Predmore, Kerisa, and Peter and how you can support Team BHCHP and their races, please click here. Be sure to sign up for the virtual trivia night supporting our Marathon Team (Thursday, March 31 at 7pm). We can’t wait to cheer them on! Register for trivia now! Other Ways to Help Show someone you appreciate them by making a donation in their name and sending an e-card! Host a virtual fundraiser for us. To find out how, click here. Submit your Words of Hope for our Staff Purchase Stories from the Shadows as a personal or corporate gift Are you an Emerging Leader? Check us out here.  Advocate for us, share our news with your family and friends Make a planned gift Boston Health Care For The Homeless Program Inc. 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118 | 857-654-1044 Stay in touch  ‌  ‌  ‌

Am I a runner?

 I'm sitting in my bedroom and it is Friday night. The week is over and I'm sitting with a heating pad around my knee. It feels very good as it comforts the pain and allows me some self-care time. Heat has become a constant companion. St Peter's, a small Jesuit university in Jersey City, a school that serves mostly first-generation college students, won against #3 seed Purdue in the NCAA basketball tournament. This is excellent news for the university. With that contentment, I turned on Turner Classic Movies Channel because they have all the Oscar nominated and winners shown during the month. 

Earlier today I visited a high school classmate in Worcester as he tragically lost his 22 year old son last week. We spent a couple hours together catching up and just sharing news of our lives. It was good to be with him.

When I came home, I suddenly needed a nap and I had planned to get in a run before dinner. I needed a nap. The other thing I needed was a lot of food. I want to eat a hamburger, hard boiled eggs, and lots os salty things like potato chips. I don't know why this craving has come upon. Last week I hardly wanted to eat. Now I want to eat everything that I can bite into and chew. What a strange sensation. 

It would have been okay to eat meat today even though it is a Friday in Lent because it is the solemnity of the Annunciation, so the obligation was lifted, but I stayed with baked haddock for dinner. It was great, and the roasted cauliflower and garlic spinach were tasty. I guess I can be satisfied with those vegetables in place of a burger. 

As I wanted to go to the studio tonight, I squeezed in a five mile run before dinner. The weather was just perfect at 60 degrees with no wind. Yesterday was rainy, the day before was cold and windy. I guess I have to run in all weather, but as I was running there were many people also running. Most of them are trim and fit, and I am not. However, as I was running, I was noticing how others ran, and I began to question myself, "Am I a runner?" I'm running each day, but what makes a person a runner? Do I see myself as one or when does one become a runner? I know I will do my best to run in the marathon, and I hope I am enjoying it enough that I will want to run when I am finished. There is something that is aligned when one runs and breathing is easy. Perhaps I would feel like a runner if I did not carry so much weight.

I'm just pleased that I am able to sustain running each day, and I'm not content unless I get some of that movement into my day. 

• For Fundraising:
• A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

Stressed? No

 This morning I took a stress test on a treadmill to see if I had anr coronary artery disease as I prepare for the Boston Marathon. The doctor said I passed, and then he asked, "Do you want to go more?" I said, "Of course," so we went an extra few minutes at an increased incline and speed. He was happy. I was happy. We had a few good laughs along the way.

He and my doctor, Dan Driscoll, are amazing. They go to Haiti several times a year to work with the St. Rock Foundation https://saintrock.org/ to provide dignified health care for the people of Haiti. Haiti is one of those countries often beset my natural disasters and political instability. 

Haiti has an interesting history. Upon declaring independence, Haiti has a singular place in world history. In 1804, it became the first independent nation in the Caribbean, the second democracy in the western hemisphere, and the second black republic in the world. 

• 
  
• For Fundraising:
• A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

A New Goal Reached

Today, I reached a goal that once seemed elusive. Through your generous support and great care, we have reached $25,000 for the homeless. I cannot thank you enough, and you are included in my prayers each mass. You have made this possible. Now, with under a month before the marathon, I have to get back onto the trails of Dorchester Bay 

A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

It feels like a miracle

 I was able to run 8 miles on Friday, a beautiful afternoon in Boston with temperatures in the high 60's at the coast. I was pleased to increase my mileage, though it pales in comparison to 26.2, however, it felt like an accomplishment. I am tired at the end, but I'm not out of breath and I could push myself if I needed to, but I'm in this for the long haul, and slow and steady wins the race. 

And I won't win. I'll be among the last place finishers.

The miracle was that the sharp pain out the outskirts of my knee seemed to lessen. I think all the stretching and the heat helps. I'll never quite know, but I didn't feel much pain on Saturday and even less on Sunday. I could only do the minimal amount of walking on Saturday because I gave a poetry retreat on Zoom in the morning, I had some errands and baking to do, and then I was going to travel to Cohasset to say mass before going to the Venezia restaurant for a fundraiser for the Boston Archdiocesan Choir School. 

This morning I did two masses in Cohasset, then did a little painting in the studio. It was slow there because the St. Patrick's Day parade was being held in South Boston - a lovely day for it - and then I went out for a run. I was very pleased with today's run because I went all around Dorchester Harbor, hugging the coast, up to Pleasure Cove and back. The running seemed easy. I hope it becomes even easier as I begin to lose weight. My knee was not hurting, which is the miracle, so I cooked dinner for the brethren - corned beef hash, put on some fish chowder, and made some over-easy eggs with toast. 

And now I'm putting heat on my knee, which feels great. All is good.

A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

Discouragement followed by Encouragement

 Training is quite a challenge because one day is not like another. I was so happy when I was able to run on Friday with my new brace. It seemed to help and then I stiffened up for the weekend. I was only able to walk and I could feel valuable time slipping by without a daily training regimen. I did leg strengthening and many stretching exercises, but I was trying to hide my limp and my discouragement. 

I felt like I was writing a thesis because every time someone saw me, she or he would ask, "How's the training going?" It sounded a lot like, "How's the writing going?" I didn't want to hide the ups and downs, and I wanted to be truthful. 

Inside I was discouraged, but I was persistent in doing whatever I could. 

I have received lots of supportive statements and words of encouragement from friends. Today I received an email from a friend who told me that the pain that he was suffering a month ago is now gone after losing ten pounds. I have to keep on that trajectory. I know that being overweight makes it much more difficult for me, but even if I can take off eight more pounds before marathon day, I'll be that much more able to compete and to be pain-free.

By the time I received his email, I had already walked 4.5 miles in the beautiful sunshine. Afterwards, I used a foam roller to help with stretching, and I was determined to try to run in the evening. Much to my surprise, I was able to run 4 additional miles. I went back to the foam roller, which seems to release some level of stress. I felt like I have confidence restored because I am back on track. 

Let's see how I feel tomorrow.

A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

Training with a Maturing Body

It is the first part of March, a time in which I need to be training my body for long-distance running. Oh! I am trying, and I am learning about my body.

I always tell people in prayer that they have to breathe deliberately and when they do so, their bodies will tell them something that needs to be considered. Well, I'm listening, and I know I need to listen to my body.

I have put pressure on myself because I have not been able to run as I would have liked, but I have supplemented it with walking and leg and knee strengthening. I have felt like I am falling behind because of the pain in my knee. However, I have to work on leg strengthening.

Many people will recommend the RICE method of dealing with a sore knee: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. I spoke with a trainer today who then said that the prevailing wisdom has changed on this method because heat will help the blood circulate better, while cold stops the blood and should be used when there is immediate injury. 

There are often many contradictory opinions.

I did find a method today that seems to fit well. A trainer at the school recommended it. One has to strengthen the muscles around the knee so that the pain subsides once and for all. This method is to drag weights on a particular machine backwards. I can feel that it addresses my weak spot immediately and I feel the needed muscles being worked upon. I'm going to try this for a week to see if it helps.

The other thing that is necessary is to do all the exercises we learned in high school. Daily, I bless Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Collins, Mr. Austin, and Mr. Byers as I do leg lifts and all the other boring stuff we learned in high school. The fact is those exercises are essential.

I had been able to doing some jogging today, much long-distance walking, and leg strengthening exercises and I feel rather good about it. I have to let the expectations of others for my training be just that - their expectations. I'm in this for the long-haul and the leg strengthening will protect me and give me the best shot. I have to learn what and who to trust with this, and my body is a good indicator.

I had a physical examination with my primary care physician and my lab results showed good numbers. I have a stress test planned for next week to make certain that I have no coronary artery disease that would affect my long-term running, but he is rather confident that I am in good shape.

So, it is onward and upward. I will strengthen away and hope that the weather gets better so I can get outside to run and train. 

The marathon is only six weeks away. Pray for me.

A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

THE SOCIETY OF JESUS COORDINATES SUPPORT FOR CRISIS IN UKRAINE

THE SOCIETY OF JESUS COORDINATES SUPPORT FOR CRISIS IN UKRAINE

•  03 Mar 2022
•  Communications Office
•  Stories

After six days of conflict in Ukraine, UNHCR estimates that nearly875,000 refugees have already crossed the border in search of shelter in the surrounding countries. Since the beginning of the crisis, the humanitarian and international cooperation organizations of the Society of Jesus have been in contact with the Jesuit network in order to coordinate a possible humanitarian emergency.

The Society of Jesus in Ukraine is part of the Southern Poland Province and is present in Lviv, Kiev, Khmelnytsky and Chernivtsi. With 12 Jesuits in the country, the Society runs two residences, two parishes, a retreat house, and a house for refugees. One of the Jesuits is a military chaplain.

The Jesuit Refugee Service Europe is currently coordinating the design of a response for the reception and accompaniment of the refugee population by JRS national offices in the countries bordering Ukraine. Xavier Network and JRS with offices Headquarter (Rome), Europe office (Brussels) and USA office (Washington) are activating their emergency appeals through the NGOs and Mission Offices of the Society of Jesus in Europe, Australia, Canada and USA. At first, work is expected both inside Ukraine to support Internal displaced people (IDP), as well as in countries that are receiving refugee populations: Poland, Romania and Hungary, and in a second line, if necessary, responses are being prepared from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Serbia, where JRS is also present.

On Saturday, the Polish Provinces called on the Jesuits of its territory to be ready to welcome refugees from Ukraine in all their houses. The communities of Slovakia are also ready to receive refugees. The Provinces of Poland (PMA and PME), Slovakia (SVK), and Hungary (HUN) have appointed coordinators for this emergency who are already coordinating with the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Xavier Network, under the umbrella of the Conference of European Provincials and the accompaniment of the Assistant for Central-Eastern Europe.

Right now, there are many possibilities to support the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service and the various Jesuit Provinces involved in the mission in and around Ukraine.

Focus of the SJ community inside Ukraine until now has been to provide shelters, which are now mostly used by IDPs on the move who leave the country.

Action in neighboring countries such as Poland, Romania, Hungary or the wider South East Europe countries will focus on renting houses as refugee accommodation bases. It will also imply the renting of warehouses for storing food and non-food-items, renting vehicles to transport people and food/NFI items, collaborate with open information and food distribution centers at the border, provide individual housing rental assistance, legal and administrative assistance, psychological assistance to refugees, medical escorts to health facilities, and to undertake advocacy and monitoring missions at borders to provide support to asylum seekers.

All the donations through these links are in support of the integrated Jesuit response to this emergency:

• Australia - Jesuit Mission
• Austria - Jesuiten Weltweit
• Belgium - JRS Europe
• Canada - Canadian Jesuits International
• Germany - Jesuiten Weltweit
• Italy - JRS International
• Portugal - JRS Portugal
• Spain - Entreculturas and Alboan
• UK - Jesuit Missions
• USA - JRS USA

This list will be updated as the different international organizations will open their emergency appeals for the Jesuit response on Ukraine. 

Ups and Downs

 For training, this was a challenging week, and the week has come to an end. It is 64 degrees in Boston and the sun is shining with its setting at 5:40 p.m. It feels like the bulk on winter weather is behind us and that spring is nearing.

I have to say that I am proud of the work that I did this week. I brought my car in for service on Monday and collected it on Friday. Ace Auto in Dorchester does a great job and they are a BC High family. If there was a week to be without a car, it was this week.

An aunt of friends had her funeral on Monday, the day of her birthday, and the family was extremely kind to pick me up and return me to the Jesuit Residence. I was ready to take the train so I did not make it difficult for them. Their aunt was the last of their parents' generation to pass and this was a significant moment. I was able to spend a lovely time with family for a luncheon afterwards. Since it was so late when I was able to get around to training, I just walked for an hour between 8:30 and 9:30 and since it was cold outside, I stayed indoors.

On Tuesday, I had a funeral in Melrose and I was able to beg a ride there and back. Before I went there, I had to prepare for my Vatican II class, which always goes so well. I enjoy being with these great students of theology. When I returned, I had to write Sunday's homily, which I post on Tuesday night for the blog, and for some reason, this was an easy homily to write because it was about the start of Lent and aligning our prayers with the people of Ukraine by going back into the memories of our ancestors and remembering the suffering they faced. That meant I was able to do my laps between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. so I stayed indoors because of darkness and coldness. 

After dinner, I had to prepare for the start of a new class on Wednesdays during Lent about Ignatian Spirituality for the contemporary world. I wanted to make sure I had enough materials prepared for the session, and it went very well.  

I also had the Compassionate Communications class on Wednesday night in which we spoke about mutuality in relationships and how to restore the balance if it has gone too far to one direction. Also, it was Ash Wednesday and we celebrated the Liturgy with the school. So, I ran directly after the session, around 7:45 so I could wind down before I went to bed.

I was able to run on Thursday after dinner, and my day was filled with coming up with a presentation and prayer for Ignatian Volunteer Corps in Providence, Rhode Island. Because gas prices were so high, we made sure to carpool to save on expenses.

On Friday, when I returned from Providence, I made sure to put finishing touches on an online retreat I was giving to a Worcester parish on (1.) looking at the ways we must mourn because of the stoppage that COVID caused, and (2.) to examine the blessings that came our way during these past two years. In April, we will look to the future to see what possibilities we can dream of for the way we do church. By this time, my knee was acting up, so I decided just to walk for an hour with an occasional lap of running. 

After the Saturday retreat, I took a two hour nap, then did an hour and a half of walking because my knee was in such pain. It gets that way when I do not rest enough. I also need to ice after each run. I expect that when I begin to lose weight, the knee won't hurt that much. Then I went to say Mass in Cohasset, which is always a meaningful experience. People seemed moved by the homily, especially the part about remembering the suffering of our ancestors.

Last night, I slept well and rose early enough, feeling well rested. My knee hurt less, and I went to the studio to paint. It was a good day of painting. Since it was 64 degrees, I left early and came home to run, so I mostly ran today with some walking and I finished about 5.5 miles. Tomorrow, I should be back to 6 to 7 miles. 

The marathon is only six weeks away. Pray for me.

A number of people asked me the best way to donate, and I give them these options in rank from best to least desirable.

1.  The Best Way to Donate.

Click on this link to the online donation form. You will see two big red buttons with the word "Donate" on them. Click on the link and follow the easy instructions. This will add your total to my fundraising page and it will generate a tax donation form for you.

https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/      

2. The next best way to donate.

Send a check made out to: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

to this address: 

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, 

Boston, MA 02118

In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"

Lenten Ignatian Series

                                               Online Jesuit Studies

If you are reading this, join us.

 

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Wednesdays

 

Father John Predmore, S.J. is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

 

Topic: Lenten Ignatian Series

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://bchigh.zoom.us/j/81870877216?pwd=ZjFPMU9RNi9FU3JDSWJJQ2FBOUloQT09

 

Meeting ID: 818 7087 7216

Passcode: 962075

 

 

            During Lent, we will hold online sessions for our BCH community to discuss contemporary issues in our shared Jesuit mission. The worldwide church is in the midst of a two-year synod in which we dialogue and learn how to walk together. Taken from the major themes of Father General Arturo Sosa’s book, “Walking with Ignatius,” we will examine the Jesuit themes given to the Society by Pope Francis. It encourages and invites all people to become involved in the dealings of the world as contemporary Jesuits and our colleagues live out the renewed mission. 

 

            All are welcome. Bring a friend. Come once, or come for the entire program. The program will begin with a prayer and end with a reflection, and the majority of the time will be discussing contemporary events that are crucial to our building up the Kingdom of God on earth. The program begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at noon with times for questions and dialogue.

 

Walking with Ignatius Today

A Lenten Series

 

 

March 2 – Bold Living in Today’s World: Globalization, the pandemic, and a loss of vision to the common good has created cracks in our fragile social structures and creates new visions. 

 

March 9 – A New Dream for the Church – Solidarity: At Vatican II, the authority of the People of God has been emphasized, and dialogue is necessary as discern the signs of the times.

 

March 16 –  Showing People to God – The Spiritual Exercises and Discernment are fundamental to the spiritual life and offers freedom to people as they make life’s decisions.

 

March 23 – Walking Alongside the Poor, the World’s Outcasts – A concern to walk alongside the most needy has always been central to our understanding of our religious life.

 

March 30 –  Growing in Awareness of Our Common Home – Ecological awareness does not come readily in our society, and is a sensitive but necessary topic to consider. 

 

April 6 – Jesuit Education, A source of Freedom and Hope; Accompanying Young People – Enlightened Ministry involves a tension between a deep spirituality and developing the resources available to us. Holding that tension is part of the Jesuit charism. 

 

April 13 – Shared Mission, Dialogue and Openness – We are partners on a mission that is not ours but belongs to Christ. What shared mission looks like in a time of synodality.

 

 

 

Saturday, March 19th

Lenten Poetry: Steps on the Journey to the Cross

Director: John Predmore, SJ

Allow God to form and inspire your words as we reflect upon Lenten poems with exercises to creatively express the movements of our individual Lenten journeys. This two-day prayer experience begins on Saturday with a follow-up on Tuesday. 

 

 

Saturday, April 23th

Easter Glory Fills the Page

Director: John Predmore, SJ

Christ’s victory reigns. Creatively express yourself through hearing and creating poems of Easter triumph and joy. This two-day prayer experience begins on Saturday with a follow-up on Tuesday.