Center Connections The monthly newsletter of the Catholic Conference Center
In this issue
– Holidays and Holy-days
– News from the center
– Upcoming events
– Other news and activities
Holidays and Holy-days…
Did you know the word ‘holiday’ originated from the words ‘Holy Day’? Although they both came from the same root word, there is a difference in the way the words are used today. A Holy Day by definition is a day set aside for a religious observance. A holiday in contrast is used to describe any special day of rest or relaxation away from ‘normal’ days of work and school. December is a month where you frequently hear both terms. The holiday season gives people a chance to step outside of their normal routine to rest and relax. The holiday season is also anchored by Holy Days of great religious significance.
Perhaps the meaning of the two words is not that far apart. The conference center is the venue of choice for what might be considered both little holidays and holy days, not just during the month of December but throughout the year. With a wide variety of retreats, weekend getaways, training apart from the daily grind, and renewal weekends, each provide the participant a ‘holiday’ – a time to get away from the normal routine. Most also offer a holy-day, a time set-aside for a unique religious and spiritual encounter. In the events listed below, maybe you’ll find one that will allow you to do a little bit of both throughout the year.
Desserts from last week’s Foundation Board luncheon.
News from the center…
Still some availability at the Center for your group: Is your group looking for a Lenten Retreat? Is your group looking for an Easter Retreat? If so, there is still some availability on April 6 and April 27. Inquire here for more information.
Conference Center offices will be closed for the holidays from December 19 through January 2.
Looking for an individual or small group retreat? The center might be able to structure something that is perfectly suited to your needs. Consider a Lenten Weekend Getaway on March 8-10, March 29-31, April 5-7, or April 12-14. Or a Easter-Mystagogia Experience on April 26-28 or May 10-12? Contact Deacon Scott Gilfillan for more information on how the center can become your place of re-creation and renewal.
Upcoming events…
Wed 12-Dec; 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Local Coordinator Training. Click for more information
Thu, 3-Jan: Regular weekly meeting at Conference Center, with tour to follow breakfast.
Thu-3-Jan-2019
Consider starting the new year with “an INTENSE experiential weekend where in the Light of Christ and with the Holy Spirit as our Guide” participants explore their wounds.” Register now.
Thu-24-Jan In-Service Training Involving Parents, Engaging Families Open to all, especially for catechists, youth group leaders, deacons and priests
Click here to register
Fri 01-Feb
Order of Malta
Charlotte Region Retreat
For more information about the Order of Malta or the retreat, email here
Sat 9-Feb: 25 Hour Marriage Getaway
Click here for website or flyer
Fri 15-Feb: Give your Heart Away | A weekend of service
The Catholic Conference Center will provide the jumping off point for college students all over Western North Carolina to perform various words of service. Click website for more information.
Fri 1-Mar Men’s spiritual exercises silent retreat Fri 22-Mar Women’s spiritual exercises silent retreat
For more information or to register, click here.
Secrets of Motivation
Runs February to May. The third session is at the center 21-Feb. The program is designed for clergy and ministry professionals seeking to improve skills around motivating and raising commitment levels of those they lead. Limited to 20 participants. Program is sponsored by the the WNC Leadership Development Team of the United Methodist Church.
Click here for information
Fri 1-Mar-2019
The mission of Worldwide Marriage Encounter is to proclaim the value of Marriage and Holy Orders in the Church and in the world. “One weekend can change everything!” Click here to register
Thu 14-Mar In-Service Training Save the date Open to all, especially for catechists, youth group leaders, deacons and priests
Tue 19-Mar: ParishSoft
Financial Training Workshop
For information, click here.
Sat 30-Mar Marriage Preparation Workshop
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Charlotte
For more information, click here.
Volunteer day scheduled 16-Feb
Attention all groups looking for service projects
Knights of Columbus, confirmation classes, campus ministry…
We’ll have plenty of work to do when our next volunteer day arrives 16-Feb.
Contact Karen Wilson if you’re interested.
Season Greetings…
The Catholic Conference
Center wishes you many happy holidays and
Holy Days in the upcoming year.
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Catholic Conference Center.
“Come away to a secluded place and rest awhile.” Mk 6:31
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