Dear Parishioners,

 

Hope you are well! We will be getting ready for the school year with a half-day retreat at our parish on Saturday, August 21, with guest speaker Father Dan Leary, Chaplain of the Sisters of Mary and World Villages for Children.  The theme of the retreat is "The Eucharist and Our Lady: Lessons from the Life of Fr. Aloysius Schwartz."

 

Washington DC-native Father Al Schwartz founded the religious community of the Sisters of Mary in 1964.  The Sisters of Mary operate charitable programs in the Philippines, South Korea, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania, working to not only give children a safe roof over their heads, food, and education, but also prepare them for a better future in their own country, culture and environment — at no charge to their families.  Father Al died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on March 16, 1992.  What he accomplished in his lifetime is truly remarkable!  He was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2015. 

 

As Chaplain and Missionary Priest, guest speaker Father Dan Leary is a Spiritual Father to the 350+ Sisters of Mary and tens of thousands of children in their care all over the world. (www.WorldVillages.org).  This retreat will touch on the spirituality and life of Father Al and his love for the poor, and provide some insight into our obligations as missionaries in our own families, communities, and beyond.  This is a great opportunity to spend time in prayer, learning about a remarkable priest who could be the first Saint from the Washington DC area! 

 

Pre-registration will be open for REGISTERED PARISHIONERS OF ASCENSION PARISH ONLY (at no charge) beginning Saturday, July 17 and ending on Friday, July 23.  After that, formal registration will be open to the general public with a small fee.

 

Space is limited to 150 attendees. This retreat will likely sell out, so please only sign-up if you are sure you will be able to attend.

 

The day will begin with Mass at 9AM, followed by light refreshments, then Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and two talks by Father Dan, wrapping up with Benediction no later than 12:15PM. Confessions will also be provided during both talks.

 

To register, visit the Anima Christi Retreats website at https://www.animachristiretreats.org/ascension-retreat-august-2021-registration.html  (Pre-registration for Ascension Parishioners will only be available at this link, through this Flocknote.)

God bless,

Fr. Tim