Mothers Retreat
In 1993, a group of eleven St. James moms saw a need for experienced women to share their hard-won wisdom, and especially their faith, with the new moms of the parish. It took a year of planning before the first Moms’ Retreat started in April of 1994 at St. Mary’s Abbey, Delbarton. It was held on Palm Sunday weekend, from a Friday to a Saturday. The team felt this would be a perfect lead-in to Holy Week for these young mothers.
Since that time, hundreds of women from St. James and elsewhere have participated in this inspiring and refreshing time away. Women of ALL ages come, as a time of quiet and renewal is needed for everyone no matter what season of life you are in.
What happens on the retreat?
Three foundational talks are given by women of the parish: The Call of Motherhood, The Catholic Woman in the World Today, and Prayer. We break into groups and talk about what we have heard. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday and we celebrate Eucharist together.
The atmosphere on the retreat is one of warmth, love and acceptance. Together we laugh, sing, pray and share; many friendships begin and still more are renewed. It really is a weekend you have to experience yourself!
In this time of uncertainty and anxiety, many have taken advantage of this ‘respite’ to renew, rejoin, rejuvenate, and refresh. Won’t you join us? The next Mothers’ Retreat is March 18th and 19th, 2005.
Registration and information:
St. James Mothers’ Retreat
March 6th – March 7th, 2009
“Be strong; be courageous, do not be afraid. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
DEAR _________________________________,
You have expressed an interest in the St. James Mothers’ Retreat to be held Friday March 6th at 7:00 pm to Saturday March 7th ending at approximately 8:00 pm.
The retreat will be held at the Quellen Center in Mendham. This overnight retreat will offer you an opportunity for some quiet time, prayer, reflection, female camaraderie and fun. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Due to limited space, we need to know whether or not you wish to attend. If you would like to participate in the retreat, please send a check for $95 (additional donations are welcomed and appreciated) made payable to St. James Church. Checks should be mailed to Joan Rosenberg at 65 Summit Dr. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Let us know if financial assistance is needed and we will confidentially make those provisions. Please complete and return the enclosed Information Sheet with your payment.
The team of women have been working and praying diligently to make this weekend spiritually fulfilling for all of us. We hope and pray this retreat will bring us closer together through our faith. Please pray for your fellow retreatants and the team.
After your check has been received, you will receive a letter of confirmation and more specifics regarding the weekend. If you have any questions, please call Joan Rosenberg at (908)903-0233.
Prayerfully,
The St. James Mothers’ Retreat Team
Jeannine Agugliaro Beth Altonji Kelly Bordiuk
Alexis Carola Terry Coughlin Regina DePrima
Dolores Durso Bernadette Grabowy Cathy Homan
Helen Johnson Vivian Jordan Margo Kelker
Jackie LaRocca Ann Molnar Christine Roberts
Joan Rosenberg Kathy Wasilewski Cathy Zavaglia
Cecille Zalamea
St. James Mothers’ Retreat March 6th to March 7th, 2009
“Be strong; be courageous, do not be afraid. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
DEAR _________________________________,
We are so excited you are participating the The St. James others’ Retreat. We hope and pray that the retreat will enable you to enjoy time with other St. James others, share your mothering experiences, have some quiet time for reflection, grow closer to your faith and find a sense of peace within you and especially within your heart.
With regard to the particulars: Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You do not need to bring sheets, they will be provided, please bring your own towels. If you have a bible, please bring it. We would appreciate it if you would bring a snack for the sharing table (fruit, chips, cookies, cheese, etc.) The retreat will begin promptly at 7:30 pm on Friday March 6th. Thus, we ask that you arrive by 7:00 pm in order to get settled. Please use the entrance by the flag. The retreat will close on Saturday March 7th at approximately 7:30 pm. There will be a table with books and tapes for sale so you may wish to bring some money with you. In case of any emergency, the phone number at the Quellen Center is (973)543-6528
We will have an opportunity to go to the Sacrament f Penance on Saturday morning and mass will be offered with the Sisters of Christian Charity at 8am Saturday.
We are looking forward to spending this time with you. The team is praying and fasting for each one of us to have a rewarding experience. Please continue to pray for the team and retreatants.
Enclosed are directions to The Quellen Center. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call Joan Rosenberg at (908)903-0233.
Prayerfully,
The St. James Mothers’ Retreat Team
Jeannine Agugliaro Beth Altonji Kelly Bordiuk
Alexis Carola Terry Coughlin Regina DePrima
Dolores Durso Bernadette Grabowy Cathy Homan
Helen Johnson Vivian Jordan Margo Kelker
Jackie LaRocca Ann Molnar Christine Roberts
Joan Rosenberg Kathy Wasilewski Cathy Zavaglia
Cecille Zalamea
St. James Mothers’ Retreat
March 6th– March 7th 2009
“Be strong; be courageous, do not be afraid. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Information Sheet
Name________________________________________Age_____
Address_______________________________________________
Home Phone___________________Cell Phone______________
Email address__________________________ok to use?_______
Emergency Contact Person______________________________
Phone___________________________Relationship__________
Allergies______________________________________________
Other Medical Info. ____________________________________
Spouse (if applicable)___________________________________
Children’s names and ages ______________________________
Employment/Occupation (if applicable)___________________
Current Status ___________full time_______________part time
The Quellen Center offers single rooms and dorm rooms sleeping 8 retreatants. If you would prefer a single room, please specify a reason_________________________________
Please indicate a possible roommate______________________
Page ½
Name________________________________________________
Is this your first time attending a retreat?___________________
Is this your first time participating in a share group?_________
List any hobbies or interests_____________________________
Please write a brief (1-2 paragraphs) description of yourself, where you are in your “mothering role” and what your expectations are for this retreat.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you! Your responses will greatly help us prepare for the retreat. We look forward to seeing you on March 6th.
The St. James Mothers’ Retreat Team.