Center Connections – September 2019 – Catholic Conference Center

Rainbow: God’s Sign of Hope

Dear Friends:

As with many, we’ve got a lot going on this Fall. I hope in the midst of it all, you’ll find some time to notice the little reminders God sends us of His love – the breeze, the sunset, the change in seasons… Or as in the case of Judy Stewart, a little rainbow. As part of the training taking place at the center for Cornerstone Counselling, she happened to go outside to sit in one of the rockers during one of the breaks. God placed a bow in the sky directly above our Saint Francis Retreat House. Nice.

May God continue to send you little reminders of His love, and may you in the flurry of your Fall activities hear the Lord quietly speaking to you in each one of them.

Deacon Scott D. Gilfillan

Director, Catholic Conference Center
PS 113: From the rising of the sun to its setting may the name of the Lord be praised.

Gift Shop gets a new a name and a new look!

The Gift Shop is getting a make-over. We’ll still have the treasured religious items from Carolina Catholic Corner. Adding to these will be some unique items from local artisans and non-profits. We hope this will enhance your experience when you spend some time at the center. We’ve also given our little shop a name: The Crossing. The shop is in a little crossover space between the rest rooms and the meeting rooms, plus features a number of crosses. ‘The Crossing’ seems to capture both.

Youth Workday Scheduled September 28

Is your youth group or confirmation class interested in helping out during our Fall work day? Please contact Karen Reinhardt if you’re interested. We already have commitments from St. Aloysius and Holy Family in Clemmons. We have a lot of work to do, and need your help.
Photo is from some of the volunteers last Spring from Holy Family Parish.

Horshoe Pits Ready for Action

Thanks to the efforts of an amazing volunteer, our Horse Shoe Pits are ready for action. The Top Ten Health Benefits of Playing Horseshoes include mindfulness, better mood, and stress relief – sounds like just what the center tries to provide all of our guests.

We need your help to renovate the field

We’ve just opened up a fund-raising project to renovate the field. There is a travelling softball team that would like to make The Center their field of choice for games and practices. There is also enough room in the outfield to make it a dual purpose field for sports like soccer and ultimate frisbee. Please consider making a donation to this project by following this link: Field Renovations

Bonfire Benches Restored
Who’s Going to Bring a Little Spark?

We’ve replaced the bences around the fire pit, plus have a nicely built rack for additional wood. Several groups have discovered this area as a wonderful way to spend the evening reflecting upon the moments during the day, and now they’ll have some wood in a handy bin and a nice place to sit.

26-Sep-19
Faith Formation In-Service Training
Especially suitable for catechists, youth group leaders, faith formation directors, deacons and priests. Click here to register.

Women’s Walk With Christ Weekend
13-15 Sep-2019
An intense, life-changing weekend designed for women to learn more about themselves and to receive healing from Christ. Visit the website for more information or to register.

Domestic Church: Couple’s Evangelization Retreat
26-29 Sep 2019

The retreat is focused on learning to utilize the graces of the sacrament of matrimony in your daily life in order to help you, your spouse and family on your path to heaven. Time for prayer, mass, spiritual talks, and “wasting time together” with your spouse. Come strengthen your marriage with a program designed by a priest from Poland who was friends with Saint JPII.

Click here for more information on the Domestic Church, or contact Jessica Kelty at 828-244-6659 with any questions.

Deposit needed by July 21st.

Spiritual Retreat for Women
27-29 Sep-2019

Do you feel like your soul is tired and out of shape? Join other women in the area for a 3-day spiritual recharge. Detach from daily distractions while you reflect on your spiritual journey. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, encounter a deeper intimacy with God and your call to holiness through daily Mass, guided meditations, confession, adoration, spiritual direction and interior silence. For more information, contact Kate Boschini or visit website for more information, or click here to register.

15-22 Sep-2019
The Center is pleased to be the host site for the East coast for the four week Renovaré spiritual formation program. The Charlotte Institute is completely filled. There are still slots for 2019 in Phoenix and maybe a second Charlotte institute if there is enough interest. Click here if you would like more information.

Above photos are from last year’s Fall Day of Reflection, presented by the Elder Ministry of Catholic Charities. The Center looks forward to this event every year. Register before October 7 by contacting Sandra Breakfield.

25-Oct-19 to 27-Oct-19
Enrichment Weekend
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
A weekend for married Christian couples who value their relationship and desire a richer, fuller life together. Attend a Marriage Encounter weekend and learn the tools needed to keep your marriage strong.

For information about this weekend, contact Mark Romanik
For more information about Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends, visit their website.

11-13 Oct 2019
The Deacon Couple: Friends of the Bridegroom
Hearing, Celebrating, and Sharing the Word of God
The conference center always looks forward to hosting the annual retreat for deacons in the diocese and their wives. This year the participants will hear a powerful message from the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, Father Benjamin Roberts. Contact Deacon John Martino for more information.