Turning toward God with the help of St Joseph
– A retreat day for all who seek to live the Christian life
Postponed owing to unforeseen circumtances.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Donamon Castle
Donamon
Co. Roscommon
F42 YE13.
10.30 am – 4 pm
Wednesday 19th March (Feast of St. Joseph) 2025
A joint initiative of the Elphin Diocese and Divine Word Missionaries, Donamon Castle.
ALL WELCOME
Introduction
As we progress through life it is good to take time-out periodically to reflect on God’s loving presence in our lives, and upon the responsibilities God entrusts to us. Doing so carries many advantages, not least in helping us maintain a positive outlook, and in adopting objectives and life-styles that increase our happiness.
Sadly, these are dark times for many people. Despite all the advances in technology, medical science, education, nutrition, transport etc., many women and men encounter diverse forms of poverty and related difficulty. Whether this be material, physical, psychological or spiritual, we do well to draw close to God and one another through events such as this, and to discern our loving God’s word to us today.
Mindful that it will be St. Joseph’s feast day, this retreat day will take as it’s starting point St. Joseph’s experiences as presented in the Gospels. And as the day progresses our thoughts and prayer, as prompted by our engagement with Gospel passages, will be complemented by a sharing of reflections pertaining to the Church’s vision of St Joseph’s role in God’s plan today.
In his 2020 Apostolic Letter Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes St. Joseph as a beloved, tender, loving, obedient and accepting father, as well as a creatively courageous working man familiar with the shadow side of human existence. In him we have someone who not only withstood the narcissistic tendencies of his time, but who lovingly dedicated himself to God’s divine plan.
Will you join us? We hope that you will and that the details that follow will answer any additional questions you have.
Ours is a beautiful but fallen world. The individualism, relativism and subjectivism of modern life is such that all of us do well to come together periodically with fellow pilgrim Christians, to listen and talk with one another, to pray and share a times of hospitality.
Retreat Day Presenter and Facilitator
Fr Bart Parys SVD, Rector, Donamon Castle, looks forward to welcoming participants, and to engaging with us.
Retreat Outline
11.00 am
Gather at Donamon Castle
/ Tea & Coffee in the parlour
11.15 am
Word of Welcome
Opening Prayer Ritual
11.30 am
Presentation from and conversation with Fr. Bart Parys SVD
12.20 pm
Time of quiet prayer
12.45 am
Lunch (All participants requested to bring pack-lunch)
Tea / Coffee will be provided
01.30 pm
Presentation from and conversation with Fr. Bart Parys SVD
02.15 pm
Time of quiet prayer before Blessed Sacrament and availability of Sacrament of Reconciliation
02.45 pm
Preparations for Celebration of The Eucharist
03.15 pm
Celebration of The Eucharist in honor of St. Joseph
4.00 pm
Retreat participants depart Donamon Castle.
Recommended Donation
€20.00 per participant, payable on the day.
Reservation of Places
Interested persons are encouraged to reserve a place by texting, ringing or emailing Justin Harkin on 087 6171526 / justin@elphindiocese.ie
Additional Information
Participants encouraged to bring a pack-lunch.
Christian Community Bibles (Catholic Study Edition) will be available to participants and some scripture passages will be suggested for times of quiet prayer.
In relation to all other enquiries please contact:
Justin Harkin
Elphin Diocese
Pastoral & Faith Development Services
087 6171526
justin@elphindiocese.ie
Number of Places Reserved
(12th March 2025)
9 places reserved
31 remaining
Last Updated: 14th March 2025