The St. Thomas Hospice group is run by Chaplain Ed Partyka. They are a Christian-based organization that not only deals with hospice care, but also supplies healthcare. They were founded at our neighborhood Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish here in Darien 31 years ago. St. Thomas used the facilities here at the Carmelite Spiritual Center to train volunteers in hospice work and to explore issues of mortality. Their theme for this meeting day is Luau Day! This is the second time they have rented our facility and they love our offerings.

If you know of a group that might need meeting space or overnight facilities, direct them to our brochure or call Darlene at 630-969-4141 for more information.

Fr. Bob celebrates Mass in the desert.

Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. will once again lead a return to our spiritual and biblical home.

A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is difficult to explain. It is a journey of heart and spirit. It is not a tour. Ultimately, it is a call from God. Scripture comes alive in unbelievable ways when we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. It is a time of prayer and reflection on the Word of God, where it happened.

Just think of visiting Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Galilee where his public ministry was; Capharnaum, his headquarters, the Mt. of Beatitudes, Multiplication of the Loaves & Fishes, Mt. Tabor; the Sea of Galilee; the Holy City Jerusalem, site of so much biblical history; the Garden of Gethsemani, Mt. of Olives, Way of the Cross, a Passover meal, the Dead Sea, Massada, the Judean Wilderness, Qumran and so much more. Our biblical faith assumes deeper dimensions which only the heart understands.

Curious?  Contact Darlene Jindra at the Carmelite Spiritual Center (630)969-4141 to request a brochure, or download the Holy Land Pilgrimage Brochure (pdf) here.

If you would like to become a lay minister of care to those who are sick, suffering, or journeying through difficult life experiences, consider becoming a Lay Pastoral Care Minister. This course consists of four training sessions.

Instructor: Sr. Jane Schlosser RSM

Tuesdays and Thursdays
May 8, 10, 15, 17, 2012
7:00 – 9:30 PM

Cost: $45.00

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org

Faith: God’s gift to each of us

Samuel annointing David by Jan Victors

This quiet retreat offers the opportunity to deepen your experience of God’s presence in the silence of your hearts. Spiritual Directors are available for support and prayerful reflection. Or you may choose to have a private retreat, without direction. Eucharist and evening prayer are part of each day. The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing will be offered.

This retreat begins on Sunday at 7:00 PM and concludes Friday at 1:00 PM. Cost: $400.00 includes spiritual direction; or $350.00 for private retreats without direction. Private room with private bath; delicious home cooked meals. Non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is requested at time of registration. Fifteen spaces are available for directed retreats. And fifteen rooms are available for private retreats.

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org

The Communion of the Apostles by James Tissot

During the church’s year of Faith, we will look at the amazement of Jesus when dealing with people who believed and those who did not.
Each day includes two presentations, Eucharist, and Evening Prayer. Sacraments of Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation are also offered. These retreats begin at 7:00 PM on Sunday, and conclude at 1:00 PM on Friday.

Cost: $370.00 includes, private room with private bath, delicious home-cooked meals, snacks and all materials. Register as soon as possible, as space is limited. $100.00 non-refundable deposit is requested at registration time.

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org

Mary and Child by Antonio da Correggio

Mary is presented in Sacred Scripture as a ‘woman of prayer’ who leads us to Christ. In the spiritual landscape of Carmel, she is seen as ‘lady of the place.’ Celebrate the Marian Month with this special program focusing on Mary.

Cost: $40.00/includes Eucharist and Lunch. Register by May 8th.

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org

Portrait of a Warrior by Cavazzola

Archetypes are a way of reading reality and accessing the power of one’s soul. In this weekend experience we will unpack the meaning of the four primary masculine archetypes of king, lover, warrior and magician and speak to others as well. This process will involve story, embodied action, sharing, and personal reflection.

Cost $190.00/begins on Friday at 6:00 PM with dinner and ends Sunday at Noon. Please register no later than April 10th.

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org

The Passover by Jacopo Tintoretto

The Paschal Mystery is a cycle of rebirth involving death and Resurrected life within which the process of transformation gives both new life and a new spirit. Each of us, like Christ, lives a personal Paschal Mystery. Come find out how this mystery opens in our lives to new life and spirit.

Cost: $40.00/includes Eucharist and lunch. Register by April 7th.

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org

Jesus Before Pilate by James Tissot

On this day we remember and pray about the final journey of Jesus through those last hours and His Passover to God. We will walk the way of the cross, celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and celebrate a Communion Service to truly understand why this day is called “Good” Friday.

Cost: $45.00/ lunch included. Register by March 27th.

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org

Father Bob Colaresi, O.Carm., & Sister Jane Schlosser, R.S.M.

Seder Maror

This Passover meal weaves the Jewish roots of our own tradition into a remarkable drama of history, theology, culture and prayer. The celebration of Eucharist within the Seder Meal offers a profound experience of what it must have been like at the Seder Meal where Jesus shared the Passover meal with his friends the day before he suffered.

Cost: $45.00. Please note: arrival no later the 5:45 PM

Registration Form

Not ready to register?
For more information, contact the Center:
Phone: 630-969-4141
Fax: 630-969-3376
Email: retreats@carmelitespiritualcenter.org