Retreat
Considerations
Times listed are just suggestions
Consider ways to "retreat" from worldly distractions.
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Avoid running errands
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Pre-plan simple meals
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Wear comfortable clothing
For each meditation, find a quiet place to read and reflect on the Bible passages.
For each reflection, you may join us live at the times listed, or watch at your own pace.
Retreat
Family Resources
For families with children, we have video suggestions to engage children during the adult reflections.
All prayer suggestions are great for families.
Retreat
Instructions
Thank you for joining us for the Gift, Gratitude, and Joy at home retreat.
This retreat was originally presented in October of 2020, and we are excited to continue to offer all of the materials here for you to participate in. The retreat is designed to begin on a Friday evening and go through Sunday. To begin, simply click on Scripture Meditation #1 (below) and then follow along with the activities in order. You are also welcome to share these materials with others.
There is no cost to participate in the retreat, we simply ask for you to register here so we can track material usage.
You may contact us at info@waukeshacountygreenteam.org with any questions or requests about the retreat or retreat materials.
Peace and all good!
Friday Evening
7:30pm Scripture Meditation #1
Knowing the Creator through Creation - page 5
8:30pm Reflection #1
How we know God, a Franciscan perspective I Father John Celechowski
Going Deeper I Questions for Reflection or Journaling
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How do you know God?
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What has shaped your image of God?
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Where do you see God?
9:30pm Evening Prayer
Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon - page 8
Saturday
8:00am Scripture Meditation #2
Existing in Humility - page 5
9:00am Reflection #2
Sharing Gift with Gratitude I Catherine Orr
Going Deeper I Questions for Reflection or Journaling
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What are you grateful for?
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What gifts have you received?
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What gifts have you shared or could you share?
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What do you most appreciate about creation?
11:00am Scripture Meditation #3
Do Not Worry - page 5
1:00pm Afternoon Prayer
Prayer activities - page 7-9
6:30pm Reflection #3
Finding Joy in Simplicity I Joe Meyer
Going Deeper I Questions for Reflection or Journaling
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Is God at the center of my life? If not, what is my focus?
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What drives my actions?
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What distractions can I let go?
7:00pm Scripture Meditation #4
When I am weak, I am strong - page 5
8:00pm Evening Prayer
Ecological Examination of Conscience - page 8
Sunday
8:00am Scripture Meditation #5
Unity in the Body of Christ - page 5
9:00am Reflection #4
We are "All in All" in God I Debra Schneider
Going Deeper I Questions for Reflection or Journaling
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How can I more intentionally love my neighbor?
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What one thing will I take away from this retreat?
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What one thing will I choose to do differently?
1:00pm Afternoon Prayer
Prayer activities - page 7-9
4:00pm Closing Prayer
A Prayer for our Earth - page 9
Retreat Leaders
Father John Celichowski
Fr John is the Director of the North American Pacific Capushin Conference (NAPCC) Novitiate in California. He has served as Pastor at parishes in Milwaukee and Chicago, Chaplain of the St. Ben's Community Meal, Provincial Minister and Councilor in the St. Joseph Province, and President of the Capushins' Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission. He has a law degree (JD) from Georgetown University. Fr. John is from Milwaukee (he was baptized at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Bay View) and is also a proud graduate of St. Lawrence Seminary High School in Mount Calvary, UW-Milwaukee, and Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Catherine Orr
Catherine began actively working in ministry in 2011. She has served in a variety of roles in parishes, dioceses, and national Catholic organizations in the Midwest. The common thread in all of ther ministerial work has been her love of Catholic Social Teaching. Currently, She serves as the Pastoral Associate at Lumen Christi Parish in Mequon, WI, and is the Staff liaison to the Human Concerns Commission. Simultaneously, she also serves as the Program Coordinator for the Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Directors, which seeks to support diocesan social justice offices around the country. Catherine is a proud graduate of Marquette University and loves to find God in all things.
Joe Meyer
John has had two passion in his life from an early age, his Catholic faith and a love for ecology. He has taught environmental education in National Parks across the country and has been in science education for over a decade. He has a master's degree in science education and currently teaches at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. He also is executive director of Laudato Si' Project, a non-profit he founded in 2016. Laudato Si' Project seeks to strengthen faith and foster a stewardship ethic through hands-on encounters with the natural world. For more information, visit naturecatholic.org.
Debra Schneider
Debra's journey into ministry began after college, teaching youth formation, leading retreats and workcamps. After her time at Marquette, her path led to involvement in community awareness and advocacy on segregation, housing, jobs, sex trafficking and the environment. Her aim is cultural transition that leads to the dignity of all people. She is President and co-founder of the Waukesha County Green Team, Coordinator for Faith Coalition Against Sex Trafficking, and boad member for both the Center for New Creation and Franciscan Peacemakers. She has a MA Theology/Ethics from Marquette University and is currently interning in the Franciscan Direction Program in La Crosse.
Laudato Si'
Video Resources
CST 101 Care for Creation
The Story of Plastic
Global Weirding with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe
The Story of Stuff
Sustainability Explained in 2 Minutes
Climate, Corona Virus, and Our Health
Resources
Animal Populations Decline by 70% in the Last 50 Years
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Laudato Si Project (Joe Meyer's Org)
Sustainability Resources for your Congregation
Waukesha County Creation Care Network
(implementation guide, logos, One Simple Act cards, community outreach displays, bulletin and social media materials)
Sustainability Resources for Yourself
Waukesha County Green Team