Tag: Retreat
Signs and Wonders
By Fr. Tom Zelinski, OFM Cap.
During the past week the Franciscan Calendar offered two feast days which featured unusual phenomena, “signs and wonders.” On September 17th we celebrated the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi, which honors his receiving the wounds of Christ in his hands, feet, and side. The next day was the feast of St. Joseph of Cupertino, who was known to “levitate” while praying. That is, during prayer, he would begin to rise off the floor.
Catholic tradition has always had room for miracles and other unusual happenings, seen as reminders of the presence and reality of God. We still make use of miracles in the process of canonizing saints. People await the report of an approved miracle that will allow Blessed Solanus Casey to be declared a saint.
It is normal for ordinary humans to take note of these things and be amazed. But there is a danger of putting too much emphasis on these “signs and wonders” and think that’s what real holiness is all about. We always need to be called back to basic virtue, and to listen to St. Paul telling us that we can do all sorts of “religious” things, but if we do these without love, they don’t amount to much.
Amazing signs connected with saints can be seen as a kind of “seal of approval” for a life well lived in prayer and charity and compassion. And that is always the lesson for ourselves. We are not to seek amazing signs and wonders, but are to do the little things of our lives with love. Anything extra over and above that is God’s business. And we can always pay attention to the ordinary miracles around us: hummingbirds, new babies, the kindness of friends.
Carmelite Retreat
This is a hosted retreat. This retreat is not open to the public.
Archdiocese of Detroit “Unleash the Gospel” Formation
This is a private, hosted retreat taking place at Capuchin Retreat.
Mid-Week Mixed Retreat
Join this mid-week, mixed-gender retreat hosted by the Detroit-area Secular Franciscan Fraternities.
On this weekend we invite you to let go – let God. God is here right now and present. What helps us to hope and know that God is with us and is present in every age and moment? In the moments of uncertainty, we are called to trust the Lord. The Lord is guiding us through every trial. Truly putting our trust in God, and trusting that God is with you, gives you a freedom to let go and place your life in God’s hand.
With the words of Jesus “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” Mathew 11:28. We invite you all to enjoy the peace, freedom, and rest that Jesus offers.
All retreats are silent retreats which begin on Friday night with an orientation at 7:30 pm and finish with the noontime meal on Sunday. The cost of the weekend is $225, which includes a $50 non-refundable deposit to confirm your registration. Please register with a captain for the weekend in which you are interested. You do not have to belong to the parish/locale that is listed for that weekend.
Registration process
To register, contact one of the captains for the weekend you’re interested in. You do not have to be a member of the parish or community in order to join the retreat weekend. Or you may submit an inquiry with our staff by calling (248) 651-4826.
COVID-19 mitigation
COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unvaccinated senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting Capuchin Retreat, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
We will follow government COVID-19 public health guidelines that are in effect at the time of the retreat weekend.
Men’s Retreat Weekend: “Blessed be God in all His designs”
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birthday of Blessed Solanus Casey. The Friars of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph invite you to celebrate in this great opportunity of gratitude for the gift of Solanus Casey in our world and Church. Capuchin Retreat Center would like to focus the theme of our annual retreat on how the gift of Bl. Solanus Casey can shape and help us in our own living of spirituality and build a stronger relationship with God and our neighbor. These silent retreat weekends invite us to enter into Franciscan Spirituality, which is the lens that inspired, impacted and transformed the life of Blessed Solanus. Come and be filled with insights on how you are made in God’s design, the call to live in radical hospitality in our world, the key to trust God through the difficult moments by thanking God ahead of time, and to give praise and thanks to God in the gift of the Eucharist by knowing that we all are one body in Christ. We invite you to come on this exciting retreat introducing new material and prayers on Solanus. We pray that Blessed Solanus Casey may open the door of your heart so that you may encounter Christ in a new way.
All retreats are silent retreats which begin on Friday night with orientation at 7:30 pm and finish with lunch at noon on Sunday. The cost of the weekend is $200, which includes a $50 non-refundable deposit to confirm your registration. Please register with a captain for the weekend in which you are interested. You do not have to belong to the parish/locale that is listed for that weekend.
Registration process
To register, contact one of the captains for the weekend you’re interested in. You do not have to be a member of the parish or community in order to join the retreat weekend. Or you may submit an inquiry with our staff by clicking on the “Register” button below.
COVID-19 mitigation
COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting Capuchin Retreat, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Some changes in effect to minimize risks include:
• We will be taking temperature checks at registration and we reserve the right to deny entry with any temperature above normal.
• Face masks must be worn in all public areas at all times.
• Social distancing is required, which will limit the number of people in the dining room and chapel (11 each). We have adjusted our schedule to stagger meals and masses.
• Due to additional cleaning required, the dining/kitchen area will not be available outside of meal time. That means no coffee, tea, cookies, fruit, etc. after the scheduled meals.
We have reduced our capacity for weekend retreats. Only 24 rooms are available and are expected to fill up quickly. Please register early to secure your spot.
Women’s Retreat Weekend: “Blessed be God in all His designs”
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birthday of Blessed Solanus Casey. The Friars of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph invite you to celebrate in this great opportunity of gratitude for the gift of Solanus Casey in our world and Church. Capuchin Retreat Center would like to focus the theme of our annual retreat on how the gift of Bl. Solanus Casey can shape and help us in our own living of spirituality and build a stronger relationship with God and our neighbor. These silent retreat weekends invite us to enter into Franciscan Spirituality, which is the lens that inspired, impacted and transformed the life of Blessed Solanus. Come and be filled with insights on how you are made in God’s design, the call to live in radical hospitality in our world, the key to trust God through the difficult moments by thanking God ahead of time, and to give praise and thanks to God in the gift of the Eucharist by knowing that we all are one body in Christ. We invite you to come on this exciting retreat introducing new material and prayers on Solanus. We pray that Blessed Solanus Casey may open the door of your heart so that you may encounter Christ in a new way.
All retreats are silent retreats which begin on Friday night with orientation at 7:30 pm and finish with lunch at noon on Sunday. The cost of the weekend is $200, which includes a $50 non-refundable deposit to confirm your registration. Please register with a captain for the weekend in which you are interested. You do not have to belong to the parish/locale that is listed for that weekend.
Registration process
To register, contact one of the captains for the weekend you’re interested in. You do not have to be a member of the parish or community in order to join the retreat weekend. Or you may submit an inquiry with our staff by clicking on the “Register” button below.
COVID-19 mitigation
COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting Capuchin Retreat, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Some changes in effect to minimize risks include:
• We will be taking temperature checks at registration and we reserve the right to deny entry with any temperature above normal.
• Face masks must be worn in all public areas at all times.
• Social distancing is required, which will limit the number of people in the dining room and chapel (11 each). We have adjusted our schedule to stagger meals and masses.
• Due to additional cleaning required, the dining/kitchen area will not be available outside of meal time. That means no coffee, tea, cookies, fruit, etc. after the scheduled meals.
We have reduced our capacity for weekend retreats. Only 24 rooms are available and are expected to fill up quickly. Please register early to secure your spot.
Lay Down Your Burdens – A Morning of Healing for Health Care Workers
Who: Any health care worker
What: Morning retreat with discussions, reflection and fellowship
Call (248) 651-4826 to reserve your spot
Have you been able to process your stress from the COVID crisis?
Do you need some time to get away from all your responsibilities?
Are you eager to feel hope again?
Presented from the Franciscan perspective, join Fr. Tom Nguyen and Chaplain Bridget Theodoroff, M.A.P.S. (hospital chaplain during COVID-19) for a morning of releasing your burdens and reflection. All are welcome. All participants will have a chance to share their experiences and world views.
Outside as long as weather permits. Please bring a mask or face covering.