JRH Newsletter
Spring 2007

From the Director: 
A few weeks ago the graceful flight of a dozen pelicans, with their black tipped white wings held my attention.  Then I noticed that they flapped their wings, glided in unison, and then still in unison, began flapping their wings again.  The intricate, silent harmony of creation amazed me.  During the mid May retreat the swarms of lake flies interrupted my awe.  One of the retreatants noted that lake flies were in rhythm with the retreat since they have no mouths!  The silence of a retreat heightens one’s capacity for humor and metaphor. 

The return of the waves, flocks of migrating ducks and progression of daffodils to tulips to irises all unfolded without any help from me.  This reminds me that as busy as I am, the sustaining rhythm of my life is the life of risen Jesus and his Spirit that fills all of creation. 

The constant change during spring is reflected at JRH. Sr. Mary Jacqueline is completing her five-year commitment and is eager to rejoin her Ursuline companions in St. Louis.   In August, Sr. Kerry Larkin, OSM, a new associate director will join us. Melanie Robinson, the head of housekeeping and flowerbeds, has graduated from UW Steven’s Point with a degree in Family and Consumer Science Education.  She will begin teaching in the fall. A new housekeeper, Sue Denslow, will be coming in June.  Fr. Gene Donahue, S.J. will join us in early September.  Summer will be a time for celebrating the presence and contributions of our long-time staff members, saying goodbye and welcoming the new staff. 

The Advisory Council has enabled me to focus on the mission of JRH.  During the year the Council has been addressing four key areas.  The recruitment committee is exploring ways to attract a new generation of younger retreatants while retaining the regular retreatants.  The development committee is suggesting an integrated approach to funding the retreatant program and maintaining the facilities.  Several members have assisted in developing a more orderly cash flow and more accurate accounting procedure.  With the help of another member we have refined a long-term maintenance plan and revised our insurance policy. Council’s hard work this past year enabled us to develop a five-year strategic plan.  As a result, our decisions will ensure the viability of this ministry in the years ahead. 

As the hectic pace of the last seven months comes to a close, I find myself even more grateful for the presence of Fr. Gene Zimmerman, S.J. during my first three years here.  In late March he developed blood clots and was hospitalized.  As Sr. Mary and I visited and prayed with him, we were both aware that he was dying.  So was he.  His boundless capacity to be prayerful, attentive, understanding and appreciative radiated even more brightly.  Fr. Gene died in the evening of April 19^th at St. Camillus, the Jesuit retirement community. 

As we enter this time of transition, I am asking Fr. Gene to pray that we can share more deeply in his gentle, faith-filled openness to God. 

May the Spirit fill your heart with peace, 
John Schwantes, S.J.
Director 
 

TIDBITS OF NEWS 
 

Directed Retreats 
Our directed retreats began on May 28 with the Jesuit retreat. All of the summer directed retreats are full except the August 26-31st.  Waiting lists have been started.  

Picnic 
Our annual picnic is on Saturday, August 4th this year.  Please look below for more information. Please RSVP before July 27. 

Employee Changes 
We are saying goodbye to Deb Benish from our housekeeping department.  She has been a wonderful asset to JRH and we will miss her.  We will welcome Sue Denslow to the JRH housekeeping staff in June. We look forward to working with her! 

Dock In 
The dock went in on May 14th.  This annual event is always a sure sign of spring! It is such a peaceful place to sit and take in all the natural beauty of JRH.  

Peace Pole 
Fr. John’s brother and sister-in-law gifted Jesuit Retreat House with a handcrafted red cedar Peace Pole. The prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is displayed in four languages. The pole stands about 50 feet from the gazebo. For more information check the web site: www.worldpeace.org/peacepoles.html. 
 
Manresa Improvements 
We took the final step in soundproofing the first floor Manresa rooms. Suspended acoustical tile ceilings with insulation above have been installed in all the first floor rooms. We are planning to soundproof all the second floor walls this winter during our down time. In addition, we have replaced the noisy, inefficient air conditioners, with quiet, energy efficient units on both the first and second floors of Manresa. Retreatants can now stay cool if they leave their door slightly ajar.  
 

Jesuit Retreat House

Annual Picnic

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Mass at 10:30 near the Gazebo

Lunch at Noon  
 

Join us to say so long to Sr. Mary Jacqueline as she moves to the next step in her life’s journey. 
 

     Bring your lawn chairs
      and have a nice
      visit with the staff and
      your fellow retreatants. 
 

======================================================== 
 

Please RSVP by July 27 with the number of guests in your party.

Phone: 1-800-962-7330 in WI or 920-231-9060 outside WI
Fax: 920-231-9094      
Email: office@jesuitretreathouse.org  

Or mail this form to:  
 

Jesuit Retreat House, 4800 Fahrnwald Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902

Name/s_____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Number of Adults _____  Number of Children ____

Attending Mass Yes ___ No ___ Attending Lunch Yes ___ No___  

Attending Mass and Lunch ___ 
 
 
Dear Retreatants,  

As Father John noted in his letter, I will be leaving JRH in August. My time here in Oshkosh has been filled with untold blessings, especially the honor of meeting and journeying with each of you. I return to Missouri deeply enriched and forever grateful to God and to you. Be sure of my continued prayers for you, and I ask your prayers for me. Blessings to each of you! 

Sr. Mary Jacqueline Pratt, OSU