Due to unforeseen circumstances, this retreat has been canceled. Our next retreat is on Saint Francis de Sales on April 26-28. If you’re interested, see Devout Life
Kindle in Me the Fire of your Love
A Retreat with the Holy Spirit
One Night, April 19-20, 2024
“Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful. Kindle in them the fire of your love.” This begins one of the beautiful prayers of the Church to the Holy Spirit? How often, however, do we really pray to the Holy Spirit and let this spirit translate our inexpressible groanings? This retreat offers a unique way to get acquainted with this divine person of the Holy Trinity. In the middle of the retreat, you’ll have an opportunity to summon the creative powers of the Holy Spirit and make your own chaplet for the Holy Spirit from clay. The pottery creation will be finished with the fire of a kiln to provide a beautiful and lasting finish.
Thoughtful Reflections on the Holy Spirit
As part of the retreat, Deacon Scott will offer several reflections on the Holy Spirit to help you deepen your relationship with this sometimes overlooked part of the Trinity. Through these talks, the hope would be to make the Holy Spirit the foundation from which to grow your spiritual life. There will also be some time to understand your own spiritual gifts (charisms) and appreciate how God may be calling you to use these gifts in your life and ministry. Other reflections will introduce colloquy (an extended conversation with the Holy Spirit) and an Examen based upon the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Inspired Crafts on the Holy Spirit
A portion of the retreat will have a unique activity for those who are interested. Debra and Dale have a gift for guiding novices and experts alike toward making beautiful and treasured keepsakes. This workshop promises to be one of the most memorable. Making a chaplet for to pray to the Holy Spirit. The chaplet will be yours to keep. You’ll be able to choose between seven beads if you want a chaplet to meditate on the Gifts of the Spirt; or nine beads if you want a chaplet to meditate on the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The chaplet could be adorend with a cross, a dove, or a heart.
New Ways to Pray to the Holy Spirit
Throughout the retreat, there will be opportunities to pray and reflect: Evening Prayer, Morning Prayer, Adoration and for those who prefer, a quiet walk in the woods. At the end of the retreat, you’ll also learn a few ways to make the Holy Spirit part of your daily prayer and some ways you can use your newly fashioned chaplet to the Holy Spirit each day.
Retreat Schedule
| Friday, April 19 | |
| 5:00 PM | Evening Prayer, Deacon Gilfillan |
| 5:30 PM | Director’s Reception |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Introduction to the Holy Spirit |
| 9:00 PM | Night prayer |
| Saturday, April 20 | |
| 7:00 AM | Morning Prayer, Hour of Adoration; Deacon Gilfillan |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | What are spiritual gifts? And what are mine? |
| 11:00 AM | How can I pray to the Holy Spirit |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Spirit-inspired craft activity – make your own chaplet |
| 2:30 PM | Colloquay with the Holy Spirit |
| 3:00 PM | Blessing and Final Dismissal |
About the Session Presenters
Debra and Dale Zimmerman
Shortly after moving to the area in 2012, Debra and her husband Dale began their journey into this age-old craft and haven’t looked back. Their art is displayed throughout the Hickory area and at regional pottery and craft shows and Debra teaches classes in their home studio and at local community colleges. She operates Groovy Girl Art Studio which specializes in mosaics, stained glass, pottery, and crafts. She and her husband have been highly praised as presenters for past retreats at the Catholic Conference Center.
Deacon Scott Gilfillan
Deacon Scott D. Gilfillan was ordained in 2001. He has a wide range of experience in pastoral care, prison ministry, and leading retreats. He shares some of his reflections on his blog, My Morning Reflections. He has met all of the certification requirements as a spiritual director through Divine Mercy University, an institution of higher learning specializing in educating Catholic psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and spiritual directors. He is the director of the Catholic Conference Center.
Registration
This will be a highly focused retreat and limited to 25 people to make sure all get the individual attention they need to fully unleash their creativity. Register now before it sells out.
The price is $175 per person (shared room); $215 per person (private room). This includes overnight lodging, three full-course meals prepared by our own chef, all materials, and fees for our expert presenters… plus access to our beautiful facilities, trails, and meditation areas.
Extend your retreat by staying an extra night at a discounted rate of $75.
Please follow the link to our registration form. Should you decide to cancel, a full refund will be given if we receive at least two week’s notice. Within two weeks, no refunds will be granted.
For more information, call 828.327.7441 or email info@catholicconference.org