Dear Parish Friends,
Below is a list of Holy Family events for the 2024-25 season. We are deeply grateful to you for listing some or all of these events in your weekly parish bulletin. Feel free to shorten the items as needed.
We would also like to remind you that Holy Family accepts reservations for its Confirmation Retreats, throughout the year. Confirmation class students and other high school youth are welcome to attend. Visit this page for more information and to register your parish group.
Please feel free to call me with any questions, 860-760-9712.
Best wishes,
Liza Peters
Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry and Retreat Promotion
2024-2025 Parish Bulletin Announcements
THEMED RETREAT:
The following bulletin is for our themed retreats - please fill in info between the < > that is relevant to YOUR PARISH and then remove the symbols.
<Enter your parish date>, In My Love, Abide <enter Men’s or Women’s> Retreat at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center - Jesus calls us to remain in love as the branches remain with the vine for life and sustenance. We know that Jesus prayed often and taught his disciples to do the same. Pope Francis has named this year a "Year of Prayer." He described it as “a year dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in one’s personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world.” Since prayer is a means of holding that connection between humanity and God, we invite you to come and explore the depths of a life of prayer and learn ways to maintain the sacred connection to God through Christ, the true vine. Visit holyfamilyretreat.org/themed-retreats for more info and to register or call us at 860.760.9705. Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center - West Hartford, CT.
Alternate option
Jesus calls us to remain in love as the branches remain with the vine for life and sustenance. We know that Jesus prayed often and taught his disciples to do the same. Pope Francis has named this year a "Year of Prayer." He described it as “a year dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in one’s personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world.” Since prayer is a means of holding that connection between humanity and God, we invite you to come and explore the depths of a life of prayer and learn ways to maintain the sacred connection to God through Christ, the true vine. Conferences and workshops will be offered along with the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Celebration of the Eucharist.
The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the celebration of Mass at 10:45 a.m., followed by a hot brunch at noon. Families of retreatants are most welcome to attend the Sunday Mass and brunch at no extra charge. Visit holyfamilyretreat.org/themed-retreats for more info and to register or call us at 860.760.9705. Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center - West Hartford, CT.
<Parish Retreat Date>
OTHER PROGRAMS:
FEB 2025
Feb 7-9, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford
Matt Talbot Men’s Weekend Recovery Retreat Group #28, with Fr. Tom Newton
Men in recovery are invited into a peaceful atmosphere where they can rest, renew their spiritual life, and deepen their sobriety. Open to people from all backgrounds and beliefs. $300. 860-760-9705.
Feb 14-16, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford
Couples’ Weekend Retreat: “In My Love, Abide”
Couples are invited to come quiet their minds and nourish their spirits as they learn ways to maintain the sacred connection to God through Christ. Dynamic teaching, home-cooked meals, and uplifting music. $575 per couple (includes Valentine’s gourmet dinner for two). 860-760-9705.
Feb 15, 6 p.m., Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford
Hearts and Wine: Valentine’s Gourmet Dinner
All are welcome to join in this festive and delicious Valentine’s buffet dinner prepared by Holy Family’s uniquely talented chef. Appetizers begin at 6 p.m. $75 per person; $125 per couple. 860-760-9705.
Feb 21-23, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford
College Weekend Retreat: “In My Love, Abide"
College students are invited to take a break from their studies and rest and reflect in a sacred space. This weekend retreat will explore the season’s theme, “In My Love, Abide,” and will offer a variety of workshops and small group discussions to strengthen faith and enhance the experience of community among college students. $125. 860-760-9705.
Feb 25, March 4, 11, 18, 10-11:30 a.m., in person or online, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford
4-week Scripture Series: Speaking of God, with Msgr. Frank Matera
How can we speak of God in a way that does not betray God’s holiness and transcendence? How do we know God? What is God’s name? These are the questions that Msgr. Matera will address in this four-part series. $150. 860-760-9705.