Retreat: JESUS AT THE HEART OF OUR LIFE

Friday (7 pm), January 21 - Thursday (12 Noon), January 27, 2011

Director: Fr. Nick Lohkamp, OFM

In Matthew 16 Jesus asks the question: "Who do YOU say I am?" This is the most basic and most important question of our moral, spiritual, and Franciscan life. In this retreat we will seek to unfold various aspects of this question: Who is Jesus to me...to us? What difference does He make in the way I (we) live our daily lives?

Fr. Nick Lohkamp, OFM, is a friar of St. John the Baptist Province, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was ordained in 1952 and earned a doctorate in Sacred Theology from Catholic University of America in 1956. Fr. Nick has engaged in formation work, teaching, administration, retreats, workshops and writing. His five books were all published by St. Anthony Messenger and are all out of print.

For 24 years Fr. Nick served as "Religious Assistant" to the Bentivoglio Federation of Poor Clare Monasteries. Recently Fr. Nick was chaplain to the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Canton, Ohio.

In January 2007 Fr. Nick retired and moved to Mercy Community at Winton Woods in Cincinnati, Ohio. He continues to do Sacramental ministry in parishes in the area along with parish missions and retreats. Cost: $400 (includes meals and lodging). Pre-register by January 3, 2011, with a $50 non-refundable deposit.

Retreat: THE TESTAMENT OF FRANCIS

Monday (7pm), August 15 - Sunday (11 am), August 21, 2011

Director: Sister Joanne Meyer, OSF

The "Testament of Francis" will be the framework for this retreat. An overview of interpretations for the testament will provide background for considering the following themes present in the Testament: the Lord, being led by the Lord, conversion, having faith in priests, being brother and sister, being simple and subject to all, living as pilgrims and strangers, relationship to the Church, obedience, praying the Office and peace. These themes will be considered in Francis's life as well as in our own lives. Some of these themes move us into current areas of struggle and conflict. All of them challenge us to openness to God's action and deepened relationship with God and others. Current issues will be woven into the retreat where possible. Those making the retreat will be encouraged to consider the legacy they wish to leave, since Francis saw his testament as his legacy. Sister Joanne asks that those making the retreat have a copy of the "Testament of Francis."  It's available online for easy printing.

Sister Joanne Meyer, OSF, is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Milwaukee, Wis. Within her religious community Sister Joanne served as novice director for six years and director of the Congregation for eight years. She is currently serving as a spiritual director and a minister in pastoral care at St. Ann's Intergenerational Day Care Center in Milwaukee. She has been a teacher, associate director of the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Permanent Deacon Program, director of Adult Spiritual Formation in the diocese of Sioux City, Iowa, and has directed many retreats. Sister Joanne has presented various workshops in Franciscan studies. Cost: $400 (includes meals and lodging). Pre-register by July 8, 2011, with a $50 non-refundable deposit.