We are so humbled and grateful to share a beautiful, personal reflection from our friend Karen Walker, Pastoral Minister at Saints John and Paul parish in Franklin Park. Karen first attended a retreat at St. Joseph Spirituality Center in 2015, and is returning this year to study the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, one of many programs we offer to those seeking deeper union with God and neighbor. Thank you, Karen!
“The first silent retreat I ever participated in was in June of 2015 and was held at the Sisters of St. Joseph located in Baden. I was extremely hesitant to be spending 5 days in silence. What would I do all day? How could I be silent for that long? This was a little over a year after my husband died, so spending intentional time in silence was particularly scary to me.
My spiritual director during the retreat was Fr. Phil Fogarty, SJ and I also worked with Sr. Catherine Higgins. Greeting me at the door on the evening of my arrival was Sr. Marguerite Kropinak who I knew from the Beginning Experience apostolate I had become associated with. The three of them made the retreat experience peaceful, relaxing, and grace-filled for me. Walking the grounds each day in silence helped me grow closer in my relationship with Jesus Christ and feel a profound sense of His love for me. I spent many hours praying near the grotto at the back of the cemetery where I fell in love with the representation of Our Lady of Lourdes, eyes looking upwards towards heaven.
Grotto located on the grounds of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden
The Sisters of St. Joseph are a true gem nestled into the heart of our Great Grouping in Baden. They offer many programs and retreat experiences – some are one-day or evening events, some are virtual, and some are overnight or several days in length. Their programs span the spectrum from poetry and art to in-depth spiritual journeys.
Beginning in late September, I’ve decided to continue my spiritual pilgrimage by participating in the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, offered by Sr. Catherine in Trinity House, the converted farmhouse on the sisters’ property. It’s quite a commitment – we’ll meet in a small group every Tuesday afternoon from September through May, and will commit to daily prayer, scripture reading, and meditation.
Please consider participating in some of the many programs the Sisters have to offer. They are truly our “dear neighbors” in Baden and are a great resource for all of us to take advantage of.”
Upcoming Programs and Retreats
Oct. 24 – Health Care Heroes Mass
Nov. 5-7 – Young Adult Art Retreat
Dec. 5 – Advent Day of Reflection
Dec. 12 – “Blue Christmas” Prayer Service
Dec. 20 – Seasonal Poetry Reading
We also offer individual spiritual direction, programs for groups of parishioners and custom retreats of any length. For more information, contact Kathy Fletcher Wray, Director of St. Joseph Spirituality Center, at 724-869-6585 or kway@stjoseph-baden.org.
If you’d like to sign up to be notified via email when new programs are scheduled, please use this form.