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Spring 2020 Sacred Heart Retreat House 2020 Retreat Theme Come Holy Spirit “He will guide you to all truth.” (John 16:13) Sacred Heart Retreat House Retreat Notes Retreat Notes
Spring 2020Sacred Heart Retreat House
2020 Retreat Theme
Come Holy Spirit“He will guide you to all truth.” (John 16:13)Sacred Heart Retreat House Retreat Notes
Retreat Notes
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Retreat House,
Praised be Jesus Christ! You may have noticed that the name of our publication has changed back to Retreat Notes, the original name of the Sacred Heart Retreat House newsletter. We’ve decided to return the original name to differentiate from the Spirit of Carmel publication printed by the Carmelite Sisters. We hope you enjoy all that our beloved retreat house has to offer.
Over the last six months, we have had dynamic Retreat Masters speak on how the Holy Spirit moves in our lives. From discernment of spirits to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, our weekend retreats have inspired men and women from all walks of life!
All who come to these grounds are led here by the Holy Spirit with hearts open to receive the Word He would like to give, which is always and everywhere, Jesus Christ. It is such a privilege to walk alongside these beautiful souls on our earthly journey toward heaven. I particularly had a touching experience this past Fall, when one of our retreatants asked to speak to me. As she shared her story, I was touched by her desire to grow closer to Christ and to detach herself from the bad habits and lifestyle in which she now found herself consumed with. By Sunday, she departed with courage and a new determination to continue her prayer life with Christ! Another woman came back to the sacraments after being away for 40 years! These are just a few of the many stories of souls who leave Sacred Heart Retreat House with a new outlook on life and a deeper relationship with Christ!
We pray that you enjoy the pages of this newest edition of our Retreat Notes, which includes all of our upcoming events from weekend retreats to day conferences; three spiritually uplifting articles; our wish list; and much, much more!
We look forward to your next visit and assure you of our daily prayers!
In His Sacred Heart,
Sister Marie Andre, O.C.D. Retreat Directress
Our MissionThe Sacred Heart Retreat House’s mission is to promote a deeper spiritual life among God’s people by:
1. Offering programs in keeping with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
2. Imparting our Carmelite Spirituality of facilitating an encounter with God through extended and day retreats, classes, workshops, and conferences to individuals and groups of all ages.
3. Providing facilities for both silent and interactive retreat experiences.
Our Core Values
2020 Retreat Theme
Come Holy Spirit “He will guide you to all truth.” (John 16:13)
Catholic Identity
Respect
Family
Hospitality
We are committed to providing Catholic programs that are rooted in Christ and the Gospel, in loving service and loyal to the Magisterium of the Church.
We value the dignity of each person as a child of God, as expressed in the spirit of our Foundress, Mother Luisita.
We believe in the sacredness of the family and support families (“the domestic Church”) through our programs.
We provide a welcoming oasis of peace, joy and security to facilitate an encounter with God for each person.
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Retreat Schedule | Spring 2020 | Come Holy SpiritYou are welcome to join any of these retreats, even if you are not from one of the parishes listed. To make your reservations for either the full weekend or as
a one-day commuter, call the district captain listed for that weekend.
JANUARY 10-12, 2020 (Men) Call Sacred Heart Retreat House (626) 289-1353, Ext. 2204Bishop James Wall
JANUARY 17-19, 2020 (Women)Call Anita DunbarDistrict Captain (626) 336-9514St. Christopher, West Covina St. John Vianney, Hacienda HeightsSt. Joseph, La PuenteSt. Mary of the Assumption, WhittierSt. Thomas More, Alhambra Rev. Jeremiah Shryock, CFR
JANUARY 24-26, 2020 (Women)Call Susan Zimmerman-ShapiroDistrict Captain (805) 750-8308St. Augustine, Culver CitySt. Eugene, Los AngelesSt. Gerard Majella, Los AngelesSt. Jude, Westlake VillageSt. Mark, VeniceRev. Jeremiah Shryock, CFR
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 2, 2020 (Women) Call Sacred Heart Retreat House (626) 289-1353, Ext. 2204St. John Vianney Chapel, Newport BchOur Lady of Mt.Carmel, Newport BchOL Queen of Angels, Newport BchSt. Bede the Venerable, La CanadaSt. Kateri Tekakwitha, BeaumontOur Lady of Lourdes, Northridge San Diego Area ParishesRev. Paul Coleman
FEBRUARY 7-9, 2020 (Women)Call Mary Lou BarnesDistrict Captain (818) 353-1015Holy Redeemer, MontroseSt. James the Less, La Crescenta Mary Star of the Sea, San PedroSt. Francis of Assisi, La QuintaSt. Anthony, UplandSacred Heart, Palm DesertRev. Brian Mullady
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Retreat Schedule | Spring 2020 | Come Holy Spirit
FEBRUARY 21-23, 2020 (Women)Call Louise DampDistrict Captain (562) 429-8387Holy Family, Seal BeachOur Lady of Refuge, Long BeachSt. Cornelius, Long BeachSt. Cyprian, Long BeachSt. Maria Goretti, Long BeachSt. Pancratius, LakewoodBeatitudes of Our Lord, La MiradaSt. Philip Neri, LynwoodRev. Thomas Makowski
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 1, 2020 (Lent) (Women)Call Gloria LopezDistrict Captain (626) 833-3486Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los AngelesAssumption of the BVM, PasadenaHoly Family, South PasadenaSs. Felicitas & Perpetua, San Marino St. Andrew, PasadenaRev. Joseph Freedy
MARCH 6-8, 2020 (Lent) (Women)Call Carla KazimirDistrict Captain (818) 468-7068St. Euphrasia, Granada HillsSt. John Baptist de la Salle, Granada HillsSt. John Eudes, ChatsworthOur Lady of Grace, EncinoSt. Cyril of Jerusalem, EncinoSt. Catherine of Siena, ResedaOur Lady of the Valley, Canoga ParkOur Lady of Lourdes, NorthridgeRev. James Kubicki, SJ
MARCH 13-15, 2020 (Lent) (Women)Call Rosalie Palacios District Captain (626) 222-3525Holy Angels, ArcadiaAnnunciation, ArcadiaNativity, El MonteSt. Dominic, Los AngelesSt. Bernard, Los AngelesSt. Frances of Rome, AzusaSt. Luke, Temple CityImmaculate Conception, MonroviaSan Secondo d’ Asti, GuastiEpiphany, So. El Monte Rev. Jerome Molokie, O. Praem.
MARCH 20-22, 2020 (Lent) (Women)Call Gloria RiveraDistrict Captain (909) 908-6374Ss. Peter & Paul, Alta LomaSacred Heart, Rancho CucamongaBlessed Oscar Romero, EastvaleRev. Stephen Reynolds
MARCH 27-29, 2020 (Lent) (Women)Call Evelyn PayneDistrict Captain (323) 291-8325Holy Spirit, Los AngelesSt. Bernadette, Los AngelesSt. Mary Magdalene, Los AngelesTransfiguration, Los AngelesSt. Didacus, SylmarSt. Victor, West HollywoodSt. Agatha, Los AngelesSt. Madeleine, PomonaRev. Sebastian Walshe, O. Praem.
APRIL 3-5, 2020 (Palm Sun) (Women)Call Irene CreasonDistrict Captain (562) 865-2823Holy Family, ArtesiaSs. Simon & Jude, Huntington BeachSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rowland Heights St. John Neumann, Irvine St. Anne, Seal BeachArchdiocese for Military Services, USA Rev. Phillip De Vous
APRIL 17-19, 2020 (DM Sun) (Women)Call Vicki Santana-WhiteDistrict Captain (661) 267-1877St. Junipero Serra, LancasterSacred Heart, LancasterSt. Mary, PalmdaleRev. John Trigilio
APRIL 24-26, 2020 (Women)Call Josie ScheelDistrict Captain (310) 513-0580American Martyrs, Manhattan BeachMaria Regina, GardenaSt. Anthony of Padua, GardenaSt. Philomena, CarsonSt. Joseph, HawthorneHoly Trinity, San PedroSt. John the Baptist, Baldwin ParkSt. Catherine Laboure, TorranceRev. Bruce Nieli, CSP
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**Begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, ends at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday**2 nights, 5 meals
Dear Friends, We invite you to come early and enjoy our Carmelite hospitality!
Refresh yourselves in the chapel, library, or gardens!
Weekend Rates (per person):Private Room / Private Bath
Semi-Private Room (1 Room, 1 Bath Shared by 2 Rooms)Suite (3 Private Rooms, 1 Shared Bath)
Double Room (2 persons - 2 Beds, 1 Bath)
Commuter Day Rates (including all meals):Weekend Commuter (Meals included, no lodging)
Saturday only (Meals included, no lodging)
$310$270$240$190
$150$75
MAY 1-3, 2020 (Women)Call Yolanda Onopa District Captain (323) 726-7292Holy Family, GlendaleIncarnation, GlendaleOur Lady of Guadalupe, La HabraSacred Heart, AltadenaSt. Elizabeth, AltadenaSt. Jane Frances de Chantal, N. HollywoodOur Lady of Perpetual Help, Los NietosOL of the Miraculous Medal, MontebelloSt. Francis of Assisi, Vista St. Justin Martyr, AnaheimCorpus Christy, Pacific PalisadesRev. Bruce Nieli, CSP
MAY 15-17, 2020 (Women)Call Miriam EvaristoDistrict Captain (702) 898-1896District of Nevada ParishesRev. Paul O’Donnell
June 5-7, 2020 (Women)Call Cathryn WallaceDistrict Captain (714) 969-0934St. Vincent de Paul, Huntington BeachSt. Gregory the Great, WhittierRev. Bryce Sibley
www.sacredheartretreathouse.com | facebook.com/SHRHAlhambra
twitter.com/SHRHAlhambra | instagram.com/SHRHalhambra
Stay in touch anywhere you go! Our website provides you with the following:• Perpetual Spiritual Enrollments• Light a Candle for a loved one• Join the Sacred Heart Auxiliary• Find and register for future eventsJoin us in our mission of leading others to Jesus Christ. Your support will help us keep this retreat house an oasis to thousands of guests. Check us out on: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Rev. James LivingstonOrdained to the priesthood in 1990 in St. Paul, MN. Specializes in parish and hospital ministry roughly 13 years. Father has a particular interest in bothCarmelite and charismatic spirituality.
Rev. Joseph Aytona, CPM Father Joseph is a 2010 graduate of Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Connerom-well, CT. A full-time missionary, Father Joseph is founder of the Spiritual Motherhood Sodality and of Family Vocation Ministries. He has appeared on “EWTN Live” and “Life on the Rock”.
Meet our Upcoming Retreat Masters
Rev. Larry RichardsFather Larry Richards is the author of numerous books including, “Be a Man! Becom-ing the Man God Created You to Be”, a #1 best seller for Ignatius Press. Father hosts the EWTN radio shows “The Reason For Our Hope”, and “Open Line”. Fr. Larry also hosts a radio show called “Changed Forever with Father Larry Richards” that can be heard nationwide on Relevant Radio.
Rev. Sebastian Walshe, O. Praem.Father Sebastian attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas at Rome (the An-gelicum) where he received a Masters in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Philos-ophy. Currently, he is is a professor of philosophy at St. Michael’s Abbey Seminary in Silverado, CA.
Rev. Bryce SibleyFather Bryce Sibley is a priest ordained in the Diocese of Lafayette in 2000. He received his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Angelicum and his Licentiate from the Pon-tifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.
Rev. Jeremiah Shryock, CFRFather Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR grew up in Barto, PA and was a priest in 2011. Father Jeremiah has a zeal for bringing others closer to God. He has recorded over 40 podcasts on various aspects of faith and spirituality, has written a book entitled “Let-ters of Hope and Consolation” and has developed “Into the Deep Retreat” a con-tem-plative retreat geared towards introducing people towards silent prayer.
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“Silent? Me?” That’s often the re-sponse I get when I invite people to our silent weekend retreat. It comes with a shake of the head and a nervous laugh. I get it. As a Carmelite Sister, I have felt that feeling bordering close to fear when I’ve approached my yearly 8-day silent retreat. Yes, you read right…8 days of silence. No com-puter, no television, no cell phone, no talking for 192 hours. I think the close-to-fear feeling is because I’m afraid of what God will tell me.
Yet, I do know in my heart of hearts, this fear is illogical. I find this to be true a few hours after retreat be-gins. Perhaps it would make sense if God was like some militant king just waiting to pounce on his subjects.
No, this is not the real God. The Christian God is the God of love, mercy, and forgiveness.
He is the God that said, “You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart, I will be
The Healing Power of SilenceBy Sister Meredith, O.C.D.
Patience, prayer and silence…these are what give strength to the soul.
Saint Faustina
It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still, so that God may speak. Saint John of the Cross
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found by you, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and…I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile,” (Jere-miah 29:13-14). He is the same God who said to the prophet Hosea about his adulteress wife, “There-fore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her,” (Hosea 2:14). In his typical style of sto-ry-telling, Jesus shares about the prodigal son who ran away with his father’s inheritance, squandered it on prostitutes, then came back to his father contrite and desti-tute. Jesus described the Father in heaven as one who looked out for his son’s return, and upon seeing him from a distance, was filled with compassion and ran to embrace and kiss him (Luke 15:11-32).
How do we come to know this good Father? In silence. Silence is the way to the Father. Silence enables the soul to lift the mind and heart to God in prayer.
Jesus is a true gentleman. He wants us to come to Him in total freedom, not out of fear and He will not compete with other things that vie for our attention. If we’d rather stare into our cell phone, surf aim-lessly on the internet, or watch less than edifying footage on a screen, He respects us and will back off. Silence is that sacred space where He comes to the foreground, like a blurry image finally coming into view. Then we will see clearly His loving gaze, a smile of acceptance,
and an invitation to simply be held in His loving embrace.
This is what the weekend silent re-treats are about at Sacred Heart Retreat House. It’s about permit-ting all the noise in our lives to qui-et down and take the back seat. It’s about choosing to let our wor-ries pause and to let the world turn without us for just a few days. It’s about turning to the Living God and giving Him our total and undivided attention so that our hearts may be opened to hearing Him proclaim His undying love for us. Yes. It’s not just silence for the sake of silence, but a life-giving silence that allows the Eternal Word to speak.
“
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Christ lived for thirty years in silence. Then, during his public life,
he withdrew to the desert to listen to and
speak with his Father. The world vitally
needs those who go off into the desert.
Because God speaks in silence.
Cardinal Robert Sarah9
Women’s Conference: Healed by Grace - A Day with St. ThereseFebruary 1, 20208:30 am to 5:00 pm.Do you have a devotion to St. Therese and/or would you like to learn more about God’s healing through her spirituality? Carrie Bu-calo and Sister Maria Kolbe, O.C.D would like to share this special day with you, which includes Holy Mass, Spiritual talks, Adoration, time for personal prayer and re-flection, continental breakfast and lunch!
Walking in the Footsteps of a Woman of Faith – A Pilgrimage through Los Angeles February 8, 20207:30 am to 5:00 pmThis day begins at St. Joseph Cam-pus with Holy Mass, followed by continental breakfast. Our pilgrims will then set out on a small bus and travel on a physical and spiritual journey in the footsteps of Mother Luisita, Foundress of the Carmelite Sisters. Pilgrims will visit a variety of locations where Mother Luisita lived, prayed, and served in the southland. Space is limited due to seats on bus.
Holy Spirit ConferenceApril 18, 2020 This day will be a dynamic day filled with the Holy Spirit through talks given by three speakers, Father Michael Barry, founder of Mary’s Mercy Center; Sister Carmelina, O.C.D., Carmelite Sister; and Chi-ka Anyanwu, international Catholic Speaker and teen evangelizer. We will learn how the Holy Spirit moves within and how to respond to His gentle promptings so that our lives can be filled with peace the world cannot give.
Upcoming Events at St. Joseph CampusFor more information, please call (626) 289-1353, ext. 2203, or email us at
Visit our Religious Gift Shops (on both Campuses) Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and during weekend retreats.
We carry a large variety of religious articles to choose from: spiritual books, saint statues, religious DVDs, holy cards, holy Bibles, and other sacred gift items your entire family and friends will enjoy!10
Save the Date!St. Joseph’s Night
at St. Joseph Campus
March 29, 2020
St. Joseph’s Night is the Sacred Heart Retreat House Gala fundraiser. Enjoy an evening beginning with Holy Mass, fol-lowed by a cocktail reception, silent auction, a lovely dinner and program provided by the Carmelite Sisters. This night
brings a lot of wholesome fun and joy to all who attend!
Semi-formal attire. Save the date, or for more information, please call (626) 557-5785,
or visit sacredheartretreathouse.com/sjnight/
All funds raised will support the works of the Sacred Heart Retreat House.
Family Nights with the Carmelite SistersSunday, February 23, 20204:30 to 7:30 pm
Calling husbands, wives, and children to our Family Night! Expect an eve-ning of fun, prayer, and fellowship as your children join in age-appropriate activities, while parents can participate in an uplifting spiritual confer-ence. We will also have time for Adoration and for praying the rosary.
Please contact Sister Maria Kolbe at (626) 289-1353 ext. 2302 or email [email protected]
Breath of Spring Luncheon May 9, 202010:00 am - 2:00 pm St. Joseph Campus
Enjoy an afternoon with other men and women of faith as we begin the event with an outdoor rosary, followed by delicious brunch and a spiritually uplifting talk. Come with friends and delight in this time of fellowship, just in time for Mother’s Day!
“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the
Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church #733
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Southern California Renewal Communities RetreatJanuary 3-5, 2020For more information, please visit www.scrc.org, or call Barbara at (818) 771-1361.
May CrowningMay 10, 202010:00 am to 1:00 pmFamilies are welcome for our 10:00 am Mass, followed by a rosary pro-cession which culminates with the crowning of our Blessed Mother in the chapel. All are welcome!
Married Couples RetreatMay 22-24, 2020with Father Jacob Hsieh, O. Praem.This beautiful retreat includes up-lifting spiritual talks on growing closer to your spouse, a candlelight dinner, time for personal reflection, and renewal of your marriage vows. Please call (626) 289-1353, ext. 2204 for more information.
Mother-Teen Daughter RetreatJune 22-25, 2020with Father Eric ZeegerMothers with daughters ages 13-18 will enjoy a few days of inspiring conferences, as well as fun, fellow-ship, and faith formation with the Carmelite Sisters.
Sisters’ 8-Day Religious RetreatJune 9-17, 2020, July 5-13, 2020and August 4-12, 2020Cost for Sisters’ 8-day retreats: $600/Sister. Please call (626) 289-1353, ext. 2204 for more information.
Specialty Retreats and Events at Sacred Heart Retreat HouseFor more information, please call (626) 289-1353, ext. 2203, or email us at [email protected], unless otherwise noted.
Ash Wednesday Day of Recollection February 26, 2020with Father Donald Kinney, O.C.D.
Spanish Day of RecollectionApril 8, 2020with Father Miguel Angel Ruiz
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Private Retreats and Days of Recollection“Come away to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mk 6:31)A private retreat is a perfect way of giving yourself the space and peace to allow our Lord to speak to your heart. We have availability most Tuesdays- Thursdays. Cost per night: $100 | Cost per night: $140, includes 3 meals.
For more information or to reserve a space, please call 626-289-1353, ext. 2203 or email [email protected]
Let us listen to the Lord amidst our daily and sometimes hectic lives. The Carmelite Sisters and staff at Sacred Heart Retreat House are proud to launch their first Podcast online! Podcasts include talks given by renowned retreat from masters all over the United States on topics from the Holy Spirit to the Holy Fam-ily and everything in between. Whether in your car, at home, or wherever you are, these conferences will provide spiritual nour-ishment to your soul and allow you to experience His peace that
the world cannot give.
shrh.podbean.com
Just launched: Sacred Heart Retreat House Podcast!
Listen to your favorite retreat masters wherever you go!
Men’s Silent Retreat with Father Larry RichardsAugust 21-23, 2020Father Larry Richards has been a priest since 1989 and is a dynamic speaker, and host on Relevant Radio.
NEW! Spanish Weekend Retreat with Father Ed Broom, O.M.V.October 30 - November 1, 2020
NEW! 5-Day Ignatian Contemplative Retreat with Father Ed Broom, O.M.V.November 16 - 20, 2020
Specialty Retreat Open to Men and Women with Father Jacques PhilippeNovember 20-22, 2020Renowned author and spiritual speaker, Father Jacques Philippe of the Community of the Beatitudes, has written on such themes as prayer, interior freedom, and peace of heart.
Carmelite Spirituality Silent Retreat Weekend with Father Robert Elias, O.C.D. | August 14-16, 2020Father Robert Elias is a dynamic speaker and passionate priest who will guide you into a deeper prayer life in the Carmelite tradition.
Save the Date!Advent Retreat
December 4-6, 2020
SAVE THE DATE!
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My journey to the Sacred Heart Re-treat House began with an earnest search.
A google search, that is. It was late 2016, a time when my faith was re-awakening after I experienced the loss of my father the year before. Seeking peace, an innocent google search of “Catholic silent retreat” and “Los Angeles” providentially led me to a handful of websites, including the Sacred Heart Retreat House.
In short, the Sacred Heart Re-treat House had me at peace and Carmelite. After glancing online, l learned that the Sisters were offering a day conference about the very thing I was looking for – peace! And their mission, to pro-mote a deeper spiritual life among God’s people, deeply resonated within my heart. And so, in a small act of faith, I signed up.
Back then, it was surprising to dis-cover there were Carmelites in Los
Sólo Dios BastaBy Katherine Bonalos
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Angeles. At the time, the only Car-melite I knew was St. Teresa of Je-sus, since she spiritually journeyed with my father in a special way in his final months with cancer. So I’m fairly certain that St. Teresa had a hand in leading me to the Retreat House, especially since I had just returned from a pilgrimage through Spain with my mom.
It was at St. Joseph Campus where I first met the Carmelite Sisters, joyfully talking about peace. The conference was based on a cher-ished book of mine by Father Jac-que Philippe, but it had been years since I had last read it. To my sur-prise, I learned that Father had just been in Alhambra the month before to lead an Advent retreat. That delighted me and served as confirmation that I was in the right place.
Since that time, God in His good-ness has allowed me to experience many grace-filled silent retreats at Sacred Heart Retreat House. Every retreat has been a glorious occa-sion, filled with precious time with our Lord, a most treasured oppor-tunity to be still, pray, rest, and be renewed in His presence.
After my first retreat, I eagerly signed up to volunteer. God, in His mercy and love, invites us to par-ticipate in building up His kingdom here on earth, and what a humble privilege it is to take part in His divine work at the Sacred Heart Retreat House. Ask any volunteer,
I am confident they will agree that we receive way more than we give.
For those blessed to spend time with any of the Sisters in the kitch-en while volunteering, we are re-minded of St. Teresa’s famous saying, that the Lord can be found even among the pots and the pans. This proved especially true one Saturday morning when I was in the middle of a seemingly ordi-nary task of washing vegetables. One of the Sisters came to my side and kindly asked me how I was doing. On the surface, an ordinary question. But in the hands of God, a quite extraordinary moment, be-cause for a reason unexpected and undeserved, I was suddenly over-taken and awash with warmth and grace, because it was as if Jesus Himself was lovingly asking me how I was doing, through that Sister.
Simply put, when you are in the presence of the Sisters, you are in the presence of Christ. You are in the presence of beautiful souls whose every action is rooted in and animated by the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Love take flesh in me is a lyric from the title track of the Sisters’ latest CD, and besides prayer, is one of the things the Sisters do best – they embody love. They love ev-erything God loves, especially us! And in doing so, they remind us of our true identity, as beloved sons and daughters of God. Everything they do is infused with love, from
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the way they gently awaken us by song and pray for us by name while on retreat, to the kindness and hospitality they show us in the din-ing room, to the way we’re happily greeted whenever we arrive to vol-unteer. We are not merely treated like family, we are treated as God’s family.
So much could be said about the peace, joy, kindness, generosity, charity, and goodness – basically all the fruits of the Holy Spirit that one encounters there.
I know Mother Luisita is praying for all of us. Her warm and loving gaze reminds us that for greater things we are born. My favorite image of her is the painting in Mater Dei Hall, because it is almost as if she is right there, standing behind her spiritual Carmelite daughters, smil-ing her approval whenever they speak!
Over the years I’ve been inspired by the many amazing stories from people sharing how God led them to the Sacred Heart Retreat House. And the story keeps unfolding. With every visit, I discover new things. A beautiful stained glass window, the crucifix in the library, and per-
haps one of my all-time favorites, the fish held in the clutches of St. Raphael in the chapel.
With words alone, it is impossible to adequately capture and share a glimpse of the abundance of grac-es that God lavishes upon us at the Sacred Heart Retreat House. All I can think of is the last line of St. John’s gospel: “There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.”
God is always revealing Himself to us, showing us new things every day, if we but submit to His will and daily learn to see things anew with the eyes of faith. The Sisters show us that holiness is within our reach, that we are all called to be holy and set apart for God. If you desire heaven, then you desire to be holy. And God will fulfill that holy desire!
St. Teresa prayerfully reminds us, “Sólo Dios basta.” And I whole-heartedly agree.
God alone suffices.
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“God is Love and love is His first gift,
containing all others.”- Catechism of the Catholic Church #733
Have you ever felt that you’ve wanted to give your time and talent? Please consider volunteer opportunities with Carmelite Sisters and staff at
Sacred Heart Retreat House!
www.sacredheartretreathouse.com/volunteer
“May our Lord help you to be happy in your work
so that we can do everything out of love for Him.”
Venerable Mother Luisita
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Carmel in the KitchenBy Sister Mary Joanne, O.C.D.
Yeast, flour and water at 110 de-grees, and in a short span of time, the yeast comes to life. Every loaf of bread is a little cluster of mira-cles, life giving, life sustaining.
As a Carmelite Sister of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, I am blessed to participate in God’s mir-acles in the lives of many retreat-ants here at Sacred Heart Retreat House. Daily, I encounter these miracles in His special, very loved and very blessed children, my brothers and sisters in Christ, as we work together to prepare food for the body. As we do, we pray that God’s graces give food to the souls and spirits of those who partake.
Uniting contemplation and action as Mother Luisita did and wished
her daughters also to do, I am awed by how closely Our Lord walks with and works with us. Each one of my sisters, priests, co-work-ers and retreatants and the many generous volunteers who come to share their time and talents and the donors who come to the kitch-en sharing their treasure, are each a miracle in themselves. Each is a reminder of God’s provident love and care. Each brings a blessing and an opportunity to experience Jesus’ Presence and to taste what it means to be alive in Him.
Sister Mary Joanne lovingly pre-pares bread, cookies, and many of the desserts served at weekend retreats and other Sacred Heart Retreat House events.
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Wish List Thank YouWith deep gratitude, we thank our generous chapel upholstery donors. Your donations have embarked us on a journey into a greater vision for our chapel to make it a more prayerful and peaceful experience for our guests and sisters. We will keep you posted on any updates, but please feel free to
contact us at (626) 557-5785.
May God reward you!Unrestricted gifts or any money received beyond what is requested will be
used for general operating support for Sacred Heart Retreat House.
For more information or to make a contribution: www.sacredheartretreathouse.com/spirit
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Wish List
Funds would go toward air conditioning/heating units, insulation, and improvements needed to ensure an energy efficient system. Help us GO GREEN! Improvements in this area would help us provide a more comfortable environment for current retreatants, as well as helping us to invite new people on campus.*We are grateful for your prayerful consideration and be assured that your gift in any amount is a great help to us.
God reward you to the 4 donors who gave toward our new mattress purchases! We are currently in need of 40 more, would you help us?
We only need $7,000 more as we have raised $13,000 of the amount needed to repaint the walls, and upgrade the ceiling and lighting. Please help us raise the rest! *We are grateful for your prayerful consideration and be assured that your gift in any amount is a great help to us.
We pray that the Holy Spirit may move your hearts to give to any of the needs below. We count on you, our generous donors, to help us continue improvements on our campus for all who come and visit! Please be assured of our daily prayers for you!
Retreatant Dining Room Upgrade | $20,000
Air Conditioning/Heat at Sacred Heart Retreat HouseCost for improvements: $120,000
Mattress and Box Spring | $300 each
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Handmaidens 2019 - 2020Theme: Chosen and Blessed: Receiving the Gift of GodHandmaidens is a faith formation group for single women ages 18 - 35 who are looking to go deeper in their faith accompanied by other women walking the journey. From conferences given by the Carmelite Sisters to times of prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, praise & worship and fellowship, Handmaidens provides an atmosphere of life-giving communion with God and others. Come and be strengthened to live your faith with confidence and joy and to be a light to the world!
Décor CarmeliFor girls between the ages of 13 - 17. Enjoy monthly opportunities to spend a day with the Carmelite Sisters in volunteering, prayer, and recreation. Learn more about your faith and the joy of living it as a teenager while making friendships that last. For information, please contact Sister Mary Joseph - [email protected]
Consumed By His Love Discernment RetreatsRetreats for single Catholic women ages 18-30.Meet the Carmelite Sisters and take a glimpse into our life in Carmel!
February 21 - 23, 2020 | Miami, FloridaMarch 26 - 29, 2020 | Alhambra, California
For more information, contact [email protected] or call 626-557-5816
Conference Topics:“Saturated in Scripture”January 25, 20205:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Santa Teresita, Duarte
“Embraced by Mercy”February 15, 20204:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.Marycrest Manor, Culver City
“Be The Gift” March 21, 20205:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. St. Joseph’s Campus, Alhambra
Handmaidens Beach TripApril 26, 2020Pointe Vincente Interpretive Center, 31501 Palos Verdes Dr WRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
To RSVP or for more information, please contact [email protected] | 626.557.5844
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Santa Teresita Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing
819 Buena Vista Street, Duarte, CA 91010
Phone: (626) 408-7802
Fax: (626) 408-7874
www.santa-teresita.org
Marycrest ManorSkilled Nursing
10664 St. James Drive, Culver City, CA 90230
Phone: (310) 838-2778
Fax: (310) 838-9647
www.marycrestculvercity.com
Avila GardensIndependent Living
1171 Encanto Parkway, Duarte, CA 91010
Phone: (626) 599-2214
Fax: (626) 599-1764
www.avilagardens.com
Visits can be arrangedat any time!
HEALTHCARE FACILITIESSponsored by the Carmelite Sisters
EDUCATION FACILITIES
CHILD CARE CENTER
Hayden Child Care Center819 Buena Vista St., Duarte, CA 91010-1703
(626) 932-3489 | www.haydenchildcare.com
ARCHDIOCESAN SCHOOLSStaffed by the Carmelite Sisters
St. Philomena School 21832 S. Main St., Carson, CA 90745
(310) 835-4827 | www.stphilomenaschool.org
Holy Innocents School 2500 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 424-1018 | www.holyinnocentsschlb.org
Sacred Heart School43775 Deep Canyon Rd., Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-3513 | www.sacredheartpalmdesert.com/school
Loretto School1200 14th St., Douglas, AZ 85607
(520) 364-5754 | https://lorettoschool.org
St. Theresa School2701 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 446-1738 | www.stscg.org
Sts. Peter and Paul School3920 Pierce St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(303) 424-0402 | www.peterandpaulcatholic.org
Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll H.S.10300 SW 167 Ave., Miami, FL 33196
(305) 388-6700 | www.archbishopcolemancarroll.org
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