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Fr.
John's Newsletter
Fall 2006
A TIME FOR EVERY
SEASON
Directed Retreats
Next summer will bring some changes. As part of our
effort to share the blessings of directed retreats with
a wider circle, two of the eight-day retreats will be
replaced by two retreats of five days. This format may
be more suited to the busyness of people’s lives and
thus attract more lay people and priests who work in
parishes. The change will be evaluated at the end of
next summer.
Retreats
Attendance has been up this year after dropping off
dramatically in the early fall last year. Several
important changes will bolster attendance this year.
Thirty new coordinators have stepped forward in the last
18 months. Many coordinators have been generously
serving for 15 or 20 years. The veteran coordinators
often mentor their replacements. The transition is
often seamless.
Come and See
Scholarship Fund
At the JRH picnic on August 26, the Advisory Council
presented a gift to the newly initiated Come and See
Retreatant Scholarship Fund of $35,000. The
coordinators now have an added means to encourage those
who want to make a retreat but are reluctant because of
the cost. One wise coordinator said: “We need to make
it hard to say no and easy to say yes.”
John Novotny and Jack Paquette from the Advisory Council
arrived at the picnic early, asking if they could help.
Little did I realize they had planned a surprise. A
joyful Eucharist celebration and an abundant picnic
lunch with affirming friends made the day one of the
most consoling experiences of my 50 years in the
Jesuits. The final drawing for door prizes had my name
on it! It was the scholarship check. They enjoyed my
speechless surprise. The gift was “the frosting on the
cake” of a wonderful day.
The
Scholarship fund reminded me again of how the
contributions of many people create this ministry. 650
friends of JRH contributed to the scholarship fund.
Suddenly a substantial fund developed. The whole staff
at JRH appreciates your confidence.
A
long time retreatant remarked recently that the grounds
and buildings never looked better. She noted, too, that
the quality of the meals just keeps improving. The
flowers exploded this summer. Just as spring and
summer create the beauty of fall so the many years of
steady improvements have made possible what is now more
evident.
Facility Improvements
Soon the
Sacred Heart Shrine will have new carpet. A power
assist door has been installed near the soda machine.
Some bedrooms in
Manresa have been refurbished to
reduce the sound level.
One
of the retreatants gave me some wise advice this summer:
“Father, you just have to let the retreatants know what
you need and then ask us.” This is new behavior for me.
I am ready to practice. So don’t answer your phone when
Caller ID reads (920) 231-9060!
Technology Updates
Sr. Mary
Jacqueline and Ms. Sue Philipp, the business manager,
had the frustrating task of locating persons to manage
our computer system and website. Three years ago this
kind of assistance was less urgent; now it is
essential. Thanks to Sr. Mary and Sue we now have the
expertise required to function more effectively.
Younger retreatants go to the Internet and websites
first. We thank all of you who kept reminding us of the
importance of getting our website out of the ditch and
back on the road.
JRH Advisory Council
On Nov. 6th the thirteen members of the
Advisory Council will have a retreat afternoon led by
Fr. Tom Sweetser. The energy and expertise of these men
and women retreatants enable the JRH to continue to face
the future creatively. The retreatant scholarship fund
expanded significantly because of the work of the
development committee. One committee is focusing on
recruiting. Another council member is examining our
long-range maintenance plans and the adequacy of our
insurance policy. Two other council members help us
plan our budget and manage our finances wisely.
The
Advisory Council has enabled Sr. Mary and I to stay
focused on the mission of JRH: creating a space where
people can be actively attentive and promptly responsive
to the Spirit of Jesus at work in their lives. The role
of the Advisory Council continues to evolve. I feel it
is one of the most important changes initiated in the
last three years. I am very grateful to the men and
women who put in the extra hours so that this ministry
continues to flourish.
I
had intended to skip a fall letter. My desire to share
with you the many changes prevailed. The blessings these
changes bring continue to occur through your prayers,
encouragement and assistance. May the fall colors
remind you of the beauty of the changes that God is
fashioning in your heart and in the lives of those you
love.
In
our Creator and Lord,
Fr.
John Schwantes, S.J. |
