Autumn, 2015
Dear Friends of King’s House,
Conversion, Communion, Compassion
I’m happy to greet you! I always find it a bit awkward writing a piece for a newsletter which may arrive in mailboxes a couple of months down the road. What will the world be like? Will what I say have relevance? I will set aside that concern, and share with you my conviction that what we do here at King’s House has a kind of permanent relevance. We provide a place where people can “unplug” and come spend some time on “holy ground”. The Word that we preach is the Word of God, a word of love and mercy, centered in Jesus, who continues to call each of us to conversion, communion, and compassion. The life of the follower of Jesus is a life on ongoing conversion; we are never finished, as we cooperate with God’s grace to be better reflections of a Christ-like life. God’s grace makes us members of the Body of Christ: we need one another, and we need the Sacraments, to fulfill our call. Nourished by the Sacraments, we are always sent forth into the world as instruments of compassion and healing. This is relevant, don’t you agree? We are so blessed to be able to welcome you and your friends who come on retreat here at King’s House.
THE QUIET RETREAT THEME FOR 2016 – “MERCY IS A BRIDGE”
“We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.”
Misericordiae Vultus, (Pope Francis’ proclamation of an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy)
At Pope Francis’ invitation, the King’s House 2016 quiet retreats for men and women contemplate the mystery and power of mercy. How might we have a deeper experience of God’s mercy? When have we experienced mercy in our lives? How might we be more merciful to others? These are just a few of the questions we will reflect on and pray over during our retreat.
The detailed description and the registration forms will soon be posted to the Website. However, don’t hesitate to call Sarah in the office for ready information about registration for retreats.
Brother Pat McGee, OMI