By Father Kevin Cullen, S.J.
The month of June off offers a new rhythm to daily life. The usual patterns and ways of proceeding change. We are not as much of an “inside people” but become people who live “on the outside.” Walks in the neighborhood, picnics in the park, riding bikes, yard parties, tending to gardens, and porch sitting now make up our daily lives.
We reflect on the past months and days that needed to happen to move us into summertime. A gentle autumn, a mild winter, and a turbulent spring bring us to summer. The fall and spring programs offered at Marillac Center take a pause. The Sisters make their retreats and take holiday time for visits with family and friends. Our Spirituality Center shifts our focus from programs for our inner lives and growth to providing our facilities and resources to outside communities and groups for their growth and renewal. Other religious women and priests appreciate the ability to make their annual retreats here.
At Marillac Center, we also celebrate the graces that change brings to us. Sister Sharon finishes her support for Marillac programs, meetings, and logistics. Sister Sheila shifts her musical notes to the Mother House prayer and liturgies. Sister Paula Rose moves from dough and baking in the oven to dirt and growing in the gardens. Sister Susan looks skyward with more time to be in nature and bird watching. Sister Judith renews old friendships and strengthens them every day. Father Kevin watches both gardens flower and spiritual lives flourish. And after 23 years, Sister Noreen Walter will complete her ministry as executive Director of Marillac Center. Prayers of gratitude flower from our team for her in the days ahead.
Sister Noreen has given of herself wholeheartedly for the past 23 years and shared her multiple gifts and talents to ensure the grace-filled delivery of light, peace, and gifts of the Holy Spirit to individuals and groups gathered at Marillac Center. As an excellent businesswoman, her vision, common sense, practical skills, and quick sense of humor have served her well. She is highly confidential with personal matters that involve staff and guests. She will be missed by staff and our regular guests who have gotten to know her. With such a variety of gifts, Sister Noreen has prepared the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center well for moving into the future.
Summertime changes our daily rhythm of life. We look outside to see all the new growth and life that is among us. We enjoy longer days of light and warmer days for our journeys. We will update our webpage in August with our listings for our fall 2024 programs.
Enjoy the summer days ahead, and blessings on your journeys!
We look forward to seeing you in the fall.
Come, Holy Spirit,
for our way of charity relies upon You
to renew our hearts and minds
so that we may freely enter
into God’s providence for us.
Now, with God’s grace! Amen.
