November, 2023

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Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving to All in the Perpetual Help Family,

 

Here is an update on the life here at the Redemptorist Retreat Center. Guests often tell me about the peace and tranquility they encounter from the moment they arrive until they leave. The world is certainly lacking in peace. We are not too far from the Christmas Season. We will be hearing a great deal about peace. I believe that when people find it here, they share it with others. The peace they share changes others bringing peace to the world around them.   

 

One example is the Grief Retreat we offered, October 31-November 1, remembering deceased loved ones around the Solemnity of All Saints. The number of participants was inspiring. The retreat was received very well. We have scheduled it again on the same dates in 2024.

 

As far as new retreats are concerned, we are planning another grieving retreat to serve people who have experienced the suicide of a loved one. We hope to offer it in April 2024.  Later, we will offer a time for those trying to understand family and friends who no longer participate fully in the life of the Church.  

 

We have an important project developing. I am happy to announce that we have received permission from our Redemptorist Leadership to renovate the Chapel inside the Center. The Chapel is the most important gathering space here. The work needed to be done is significant. We have been working since April to develop a responsible plan to move ahead. I will be sending more information about the project after the holidays. 

 

Now that I have given you a brief update on the Center, it’s time to offer the other important reason for this letter. It is a request for contributions. Since the beginning of the summer, the air conditioning has been out of service in the north wing of the Guest Room Building. Half of our guest rooms have been without air conditioning. The cost for the new unit, and the extensive work that needs to be done to install it, is $40,000.00. In addition, we can’t lose track of the challenge we regularly face meeting our regular operating expenses and funds to meet unexpected maintenance needs. 

 

Sharing the news about the Chapel earlier in the letter is risky. I am praying it won’t distract our friends helping us in the meantime. Critical needs must be met. Please help us in any way you can. You can make contributions by mail, phone, or credit card through our website. Many people work for companies that offer matching contributions for their employees. It could be the case for some receiving this letter.

 

May God bless you and Our Mother of Perpetual Help guide you in the days ahead.

 

Gratefully yours,

In the Redeemer,

 

 Fr Ted Lawson, C.Ss.R.

 

Fr. Ted Lawson, C.Ss.R. – Director