Christ The King Spring Newsletter

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1 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER Christ The King Spring Newsletter 2018 MAY THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS Dear Friends, I love the seasons! Don t you? I get tired of things looking and feeling the same, then the seasons change. Spring, one of my favorites, brings with it the feeling of hope, of new. Spring is such a wonderful symbol of how we all thrive on hope. The darkness of winter gives way to the colors and exuberance of life that comes with Spring. It reminds us that, when we feel bruised and injured, when our souls feel stripped and bare, we need to know, as we long for the comfort and assurance, that it won t always be this way! That it will get better. That there will be a rest, a break, a time when healing will come. There is coming a time when healing will arrive, and all our hopes will find fulfillment. Some people who suffer think that such a spring will never come in their lives, like Job who wrote, There is hope for a tree: if it is cut down, it will sprout again and its new shoots will not fail. Its stump may die in the soil, yet with water, it will bud and bring forth shoots. That s what Job felt! Thankfully, even though Job couldn t see it at the time when he wrote this, his suffering did have an end. It did draw to a close. Things did get better. Through the mountain tops and dark valleys, we travel, through the seasons of winter and spring, God goes with us. When our path is the darkest and most treacherous we can lift up our eyes to God s presence and suddenly the whole landscape changes. Our God sweeps away winter with its death and decay, and spring comes waltzing in. God longs to do that in our hearts. God does so with His Word. For Old things have passed away; behold all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17. We too can leave the dark behind and find transformation. We too can find a new way to be. Christ the King, by God s grace, is abounding with new life and hope, which we continue to pass on to everyone that visits here. I m indebted to our staff, friends, and benefactors for their indomitable support. I wish to leave you all with an old Irish blessing. May God give you for every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer. Fr. Giltus Mathias CP

King, where we prepared for the coming of the Christ Child throughout Advent with

Harmony and goodwill blessed our center as we truly celebrated a multi-cultural Christmas

2 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 2 A Word From Our Administrator by Robyn Carroll Multicultural Christmas Christmas is a time when we remember the birth of Jesus and reflect on God s amazing generosity. It is a time of joyful celebration and love and this was certainly the case at Christ the King, where we prepared for the coming of the Christ Child throughout Advent with prayerful and joyous gatherings. Harmony and goodwill blessed our center as we truly celebrated a multi-cultural Christmas with 100s of people coming together to join the Passionist Community in preparation for December 25th. Our Ladies Guild held a wonderful Christmas luncheon, which was attended by over 100 people. Guests were invited to decorate their tables with individual décor and enjoyed a sumptuous meal prepared by our Chefs, Deanna and Nancy. The Ladies Guild constitutes a dynamic group of women who support the center through fundraising and volunteer work in the dining room, kitchen and choir. This year they gifted the Passionist Community a beautiful new Persian rug for the chapel.

This tradition, which originated in Mexico over 400 years ago,

Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night.

) A group representing the Holy Family moved outside from door to

They were refused each time until they reached the Quinn Room where

Prayer and song continued, and everyone enjoyed a feast of festive

The evening concluded with the children having much fun with a

The Posadas deepens faith and strengthens the ties within our

3 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 3 On December 14 the Hispanic Community invited everyone to participate in Las Posadas. This tradition, which originated in Mexico over 400 years ago, commemorates Mary and Joseph s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night. (Posadas is Spanish for lodgings or accommodations. ) A group representing the Holy Family moved outside from door to door around the Center, singing songs, asking for lodging. They were refused each time until they reached the Quinn Room where the travelers were finally permitted to enter. Prayer and song continued, and everyone enjoyed a feast of festive foods. The evening concluded with the children having much fun with a piñata. The Posadas deepens faith and strengthens the ties within our community at a holy time. Just as Mary and Joseph faced the cold weather and even colder innkeepers that night our community braved the elements in bringing their love for the Christ Child to our Center. Las Posadas is about pilgrims and a pilgrimage, rousing song, prayer and deep faith.

4 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 4 A Word From Our Administrator cont by Robyn Carroll The Filipino Community celebrated Simbang Gabi for the 9 days prior to Christmas with Masses being celebrated by priests from across the Diocese. Originally celebrated at dawn and introduced by Spanish friars to allow farmers to go to Mass before working in the fields, the tradition has been adapted around the world to suit the needs of the community. Our Chapel was decorated with the beautiful parol lanterns to welcome our church goers. Each evening the community brought a selection of sumptuous food to share in celebration. This, like Las Posadas was a special celebration that strongly indicated the deep faith of all who participated.

Liturgical Year with the expectation of the Birth of

The day focused on prayer and reflection for the

Our Christmas celebrations to close what was a

a gathering of the Board, who have worked tirelessly

Prayer to begin our 40-day preparation for Easter.

Taleb and Olivia Huff will be held every Sunday

5 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 5 Our Advent Day of Prayer attracted over 50 participants to begin the Liturgical Year with the expectation of the Birth of the Christ Child. The day focused on prayer and reflection for the children of the world. Our Christmas celebrations to close what was a wonderful year of new optimism for the center included a gathering of the Board, who have worked tirelessly to support our ministry and a well-deserved Christmas lunch for our dedicated staff. Lent Over 100 people attended the Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer to begin our 40-day preparation for Easter. Throughout Lent, Contemplative Prayer, facilitated by Taleb and Olivia Huff will be held every Sunday evening at 7pm. Our Triduum Retreat begins on Holy Thursday and concludes on Easter Sunday. On Good Friday we welcome visitors to the Center to pray the Stations of the Cross.

strength that exists in faith and allows us to maintain our beautiful retreat center and to offer quality, transformational

Paul of the Cross Memorial Garden was blessed and dedicated on October 20, 2017 by Fr. Jim Strommer.

6 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 6 A Word From The Development Office by Sandra Gill Supporting Christ the King Your generosity helps us to continue our many spiritual services to God s people, reminding them of God s great love and the strength that exists in faith and allows us to maintain our beautiful retreat center and to offer quality, transformational retreat ministries to all, regardless of ability to pay. The St. Paul of the Cross Memorial Garden was blessed and dedicated on October 20, 2017 by Fr. Jim Strommer. The garden is dedicated to the memory of Steven Floyd Barry, who was the son of Jay and Linda Barry, long time benefactors and retreatants of Christ the King. The garden includes personally engraved bricks that have been placed in the ground in front of the St. Paul of Cross Statue. You can buy a brick or two by using the form included in this newsletter or order online through our website. Leave a lasting legacy at Christ the King. The Barry Family with our Passionist Priests in front of St. Paul of the Cross on dedication day. Matching Donation Campaign continues through June 30, The matching goal is $75,000. The campaign began on October 1, 2017 and we are more than half way there! Your unrestricted gift is matched dollar for dollar.

7 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 7 Planning for the Future as a Way to Give A great way to help us plan for the future is through recurring donations making a commitment to a monthly gift over a period of a year or longer. A monthly donation can be easier to budget and adds up at the end of the year. A gift of $25 a month adds up to $300 a year! Please consider making a commitment of a recurring gift. Visit our website at to make an online donation (recurring or one-time donation) or download the form to fill out and mail in. Leaving a gift to CTK in your estate planning is another way to give. When you commit to an estate gift, you become a member of our Legacy Circle. The ultimate goal of Christ the King Legacy Giving Program is to ensure the longevity of Christ the King for future generations. We welcome you to consider a Legacy Gift, which will continue to provide a sacred place of hospitality and compassion where all are welcome to experience hope, renewal, and the loving presence of God. CTK Wish List How about making a gift to a specific project? Our most urgent need is for new carpet and liturgical items. Carpeting Quinn Room - $20,000 Parsons/Guadalupe Meeting Rooms and Library - $12,000 Liturgical Items Processional Cross - $1250 Processional Candlesticks - $1050 pair Processional Lanterns - $590 pair w/stand Thurible and Boat - $1200 set Thurible Stand - $565 If you would like more information about ways to give, please contact Sandra Gill, Development Coordinator, at sgill@passionist.org or by calling (916) , extension, 302. Thank you for your continued support of Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center! You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity (2 Cor. 9:11)

8 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 8 Easter Triduum Retreat I Am Among You Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday March 29 April 1 Stations Of The Cross With our Passionist Family Good Friday March 30 In the Holy days leading up to Easter, Christ invites us to share in His passion and recognize the great act of love that it is. Allow Christ to open the scriptures in your heart as we take time for silence, prayer, words of wisdom, and revelation. You are welcome to attend one or all of the four days. Holy Thursday, March 29 (4:30 pm - Registration) 7:30 pm - Liturgy of the Lord s Supper and Washing of the Feet Good Friday, March 30 (Full day. 8:30 am - Registration) 10:00 am - Stations of the Cross 2:45 pm - Liturgy of the Passion and Veneration of the Cross Holy Saturday, March 31 (Full day. 8:30 am - Registration) 7:30 pm - The Great Vigil of Easter Easter Sunday, April 1 (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) 9:00 am - Easter Sunday Liturgy (brunch following) Cost: All four days including accommodation - $275 Holy Thursday with Dinner - $25 Good Friday - $50 Holy Saturday - $50 Sunday Liturgy and Brunch - $25 Join us for the observance of the Stations in our outdoor garden at 10am on Good Friday Friday March 30 at 10:00 am Institute for the Study of the Passion Fr. Tom Bonacci CP Thursday mornings after Community Mass Spring Series 10 am 12 noon Reflections on the Gospel of St. Mark May 3 A Profile in Miracles May 17 The Parables of the Kingdom of God May 31 The Special Case of Mark 5 Summer Series Reflections on the Gospel of St. Mark July 5 The Feeding Scenes in Context July 19 The Feeding of the 5000/The Feeding of the 4000 August 2 The Aftermath of the Feeding Miracles

9 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 9 Bereavement Retreat This Day You Should Be With Me In Paradise Experience hope, healing and support through reflections, prayer and sharing and let your memories lift your heart. Presented by Father Tom Bonacci CP Friday, March 16, :30 am to 3:00 pm Concludes with Mass $40 includes Lunch Retreats for People in Recovery Opening Our Hearts Transforming Our Losses This Retreat will uncover the dynamics of addiction and recovery inviting us to be aware of our inner wisdom. Opening our hearts is like opening a precious gift. The blessings are transformative for self and others. Our losses can become the source of our wisdom and courage. Men May and September Women May and September 7-9 Cost: $215 per person Fiesta Come Enjoy the Fun Veteran s Retreat I Came To Serve The fiesta begins with a bilingual Mass, followed by a delicious authentic Mexican dinner. We ll have piñatas for the kids and a raffle with cash prizes. Volunteer Opportunities: If you would like to volunteer at Fiesta, please Sandra Gill at sgill@passionist.org. Share Stories, renew friendships and enjoy a complimentary day to recognize your sacrifice. Sunday, June 3, :00 pm 6:00 pm Free Admission Raffle Drawing with CASH PRIZES Tuesday, July 17, :00 am 3:00 pm Facilitator: Fr Giltus Mathias CP No cost Married Couples Retreat The Joy of Love An engaging, creative and refreshing weekend with Fr. Tom Bonacci CP reflecting on the challenges to married life in the local and global context. July Cost: $300 per couple Young and Married Third Sunday of Every Month Catholic Engaged Encounter Friday Night to Sunday Afternoon 3:00 pm 5:00 pm Facilitated by Fr Giltus Mathias CP, Deacon Dennis and Jo Gorsuch, Deacon James and Mary Hopp, and three married couples. March 16-18, Aug 31-Sept 2, Nov 2-4 Bookings: see the Engaged Encounter website. Cost: Free

around the grounds with each decade being recited in a

About 400 people attended the day, the highlight being the

of Fatima and others who greeted the statue of Our Lady by

Boys from the Jesuit School carried the statue and a student

10 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 10 Marian Procession by Robyn Carroll On Saturday October 14, the inaugural Marian Procession was held at Christ the King. Bishop Cotta celebrated Mass followed by a Rosary Procession around the grounds with each decade being recited in a different language. The liturgy concluded with Benediction. About 400 people attended the day, the highlight being the students of Holy Trinity School who dressed as the children of Fatima and others who greeted the statue of Our Lady by spreading rose petals on the ground. Boys from the Jesuit School carried the statue and a student from St Francis Girls High school participated in the Offertory and led the carrying of a 40-foot wooden rosary in the procession.

Clemente Barron CP Mi Casa es Su Casa (My home is your home) Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center is also known as Centro de Retiros

For those who speak Spanish and not very much English, Centro de Retiros Pasionista Cristo Rey is a place of welcome, a place of worship, a place

And when you do, a connection is made, a feeling of communion is felt and maybe even the desire to seek that person out, to make contact.

We were able to say to his mother, mi casa es su casa, our home is your home, and she felt right at home.

11 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 11 Join the Christ the King Passionist Community for the annual Marian Procession, Mass and Benediction. Saturday, October 13, 2018 Hispanic Ministry by Fr. Clemente Barron CP Mi Casa es Su Casa (My home is your home) Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center is also known as Centro de Retiros Pasionista Cristo Rey. For those who speak Spanish and not very much English, Centro de Retiros Pasionista Cristo Rey is a place of welcome, a place of worship, a place where they can encounter God in the silence of their heart or in the conferences that are given in Spanish at the Breve Retiros or the bilingual Masses that are celebrated here. Anyone who has traveled abroad has had the experience of identifying your native language amid many foreign tongues spoken loudly around you. And when you do, a connection is made, a feeling of communion is felt and maybe even the desire to seek that person out, to make contact. Two experiences stand out to me. First, Fr. Hugo Esparza, Passionist from our Province, brought his mother to visit us. Fr. Hugo was a novice at Christ the King and now he lives in Haiti, as a missionary. We were able to say to his mother, mi casa es su casa, our home is your home, and she felt right at home. The other experience was someone who wanted me to pray with them because he was in fear of being deported. He was born and baptized Catholic in another country but grew up Catholic in this one. Now, his life and the life of their large family was uncertain. Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center continues to fulfil its mission of welcoming those who need somewhere to be in communion with God and God s family, no matter what language we speak. So, we continue to say: Benvenidos! Welcome!

12 CHRIST THE KING SPRING NEWSLETTER 12 Christ The King Spring Newsletter Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center 6520 Van Maren Lane Citrus Heights, CA, NON-PROFIT Christ The ORGANIZATION King U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 2 Citrus Height, CA Spring Newsletter MAY THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS Autumn Splendor Gala SAVE THE DATE Saturday, October 6, 2018 Join Us for an Elegant Evening at Christ the King Mass, Dinner, Auction

Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center The Passionists of Holy Cross Province 6520 Van Maren Lane, Citrus Heights, CA 95621-4919 Buy a Brick to go in the St.

Paul of the Cross Memorial Garden was dedicated and blessed on October 20, 2017 in recognition of the 150th anniversary of his canonization. St.

13 Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center The Passionists of Holy Cross Province 6520 Van Maren Lane, Citrus Heights, CA Buy a Brick to go in the St. Paul of the Cross Memorial Garden at Christ the King The St. Paul of the Cross Memorial Garden was dedicated and blessed on October 20, 2017 in recognition of the 150th anniversary of his canonization. St. Paul s intention was to ensure that our communities were places where people would experience communion with Jesus Crucified. Jesus wanted us to develop as people of prayer, before teaching prayer, and this is how he nurtured his disciples and followers. St. Paul believed that through Jesus Crucified all love was given, suffering was transformed, and death was overcome. You can buy a personalized brick or two that will be placed in the ground of the garden. Your brick(s) can be personalized as a tribute in honor or in memory of someone dear to you or even in celebration of family and friendships. Leave a lasting legacy at Christ the King! Reserve Your Brick Today: 4x8 Brick up to 3 lines: $250 ea x = $ Name Address City State Zip Phone Payment: Makes check payable to CTK. Credit Card: Visa Mastercard CC# Name on Card Exp. Security Code Line One Please print clearly Line Two Line Three * Note: spaces and punctuation count as characters. There are 20 characters per line Mail to: Christ the King Retreat Center, 6520 Van Maren Lane, Citrus Heights, CA or sgill@passionist.org. You can also purchase on line at If you have questions, please contact Sandra Gill, Development Coordinator, at , ext. 302.

Christ The King Fall Newsletter

CHRIST THE KING FALL NEWSLETTER Christ The King Fall Newsletter 2018 MAY THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS Dear Friends, Greetings! As I write these few words the world has been captivated