2009 Retreat Programme
Marriage and Family Life
*Marriage Preparation Weekend
A residential weekend in preparation for marriage. Given by married couples and a facilitator.
January 23 - 25
February 20 - 22
March 20 - 22
April 24 - 26
May 29 - 31
June 26 - 28
July 24 - 26
August 21 – 23
September 25 - 27
October 23 - 25
November 27 - 29
*Workshop/Retreat for Married Couples
‘All the days of my life’ is a big commitment. How can you best live it out?
April 24 - 26
June 26 - 28
November 27 - 29
Beginning Experience Weekend
A Bereavement support group for widowed, separated and divorced people.
Contact Frances 086-2574038
Feb 27 – Mar 1; May 15 - 17
Beyond Beginning Experience
Nov 6 - 8
Contact Maureen 090 9642661
*Family Weekend May 8 – 10; Oct. 16-18
The programme consists of family centred spiritual, arts, crafts and fun activities in the beautiful setting of Esker and its surrounding parkland.
Healing
Healing in the Spirit Weekend- A Spirituality of True Self-Esteem
Mar 13 - 15
Fr. Jim McManus CSsR
The Spirituality of true self-esteem is based on the word of God. It is our response to God’s life-affirming word that we are made in his image and “precious in his sight”. This life-giving word of God is the principle of divine healing. During this retreat we will be praying for healing in the Spirit.
The Healing Power of Forgiveness – Fr. Jim McManus, C.Ss.R.
Sept. 11 - 13
The healing power of forgiveness is being re-discovered today by psychologists and medical scientists. Jesus, of course, knew this power. Forgiveness is the heart of the Gospel of Christ. But it is also a human skill that we can begin to acquire and need to develop.
Matt Talbot Weekend
Feb 6 - 8; Oct 9 - 11
A Serenity weekend for recovering alcoholics.
For information contact Pat 087-2621281
*Bethany Bereavement Support Group Training
For parish-based groups to support others in their grieving journey
Enquiries Fr. Johnny Doherty 086 6849119
Training 1 Feb13-15; Training 2 Mar 27-29
Training 1 Oct 2-4; Training 2 Nov 20-22
Grow Jun 12 - 14
Mental health support group, helping people to help themselves.
Contact Margaret Timlin 094 9026417 www.grow.ie Info 1890 474 474
Prayer & Faith Development
Pioneer Day Retreat
organised by Clonfert Pioneers.
Contact Mary Mannion 091 844695
Jan 11
*Easter Triduum - April 9 - 12
Meditate on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord, in a Monastery setting.
Foyer of Charity, 5 day preached silent retreat – for those already involved in the Foyers
Theme - Chosen in Christ to live through love.
Facilitator / Preacher Fr. Killian Byrne Apr 13 - 19
To book contact: Mai Keating on 041-9819074
Lumen Dei Jun 5 - 7
Silent Retreat
Contact 087 6590551
Esker Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Jun 12 – 20
With six sessions a day, this annual Novena gathers thousands of people to celebrate faith and to be renewed in hope. It is mostly for people locally. But it is possible to stay in the Retreat House for a few days of this very special event if you live at a distance from Esker.
*Six day Preached Retreat Jul 3 - 9
Fr. Fonsie Doran, CSsR. is a native of Hospital, Co. Limerick. He has been involved in mission preaching, youth work, in preached and directed retreats to priests, religious and laity both in Ireland and Nigeria. He is presently co-ordinator of the Esker Retreat House.
Silent Meditation Weekend Jul 10 - 12
Lovingkindness (metta) meditation is a gentle practice of opening our hearts and minds, growing in compassion for ourselves and others.
Further information Contact: Marjo Oosterhoff on 087-8787040 email moosterhoff@eircom.net
Foyer of Charity, 5 day preached silent retreat Aug 3 - 9
Theme – If you but knew the gift of God...
‘Now to enter into the divine plan, one must not only ‘receive Christ,’ but, as St. Paul indicates, must ‘receive the Holy Spirit’ and submit oneself to His action, in order to be ‘one with Christ’
(Marmion, Christ the Life of the Soul,132).
Facilitator Fr. Killian Byrne
To book contact: Mai Keating on 041-9819074
*Six Day Preached Retreat 10 – 16 Aug
Fr. Ciaran O’Callaghan C.Ss.R. is a native of Dundalk, Co. Louth. For the past number of years he has lectured on Scripture in various colleges in Ireland. At present he is a member of the Redemptorist Leadership Team. He is coordinating the development of the Parish Mission and Preaching Ministry of Redemptorists.
*Advent Retreat Dec 4 - 6; Dec 11 - 13
An opportunity to focus on the meaning of Christmas in our personal lives and in our world.
*Esker Healing Mission Dec 14 - 18
Five days of prayerful preparation for Christmas.
Applications for directed retreats welcome.
Further Retreats / Events
*Creative Workshops Apr 6 - 8; Jul 27 - 30; Nov 2 - 5
Release your own inner artist.
Contact Fr. Paddy Howell 087-7860175 email phaol@yahoo.com
Friends of the Elderly May 5 - 7; Sep 1 - 3
Working towards addressing loneliness and isolation felt by elderly people For more information contact Niamh Macken 01 8731855
Contact Frances 086 2574038 or visit www.friendsoftheelderly.ie
Esker Festival Day Jun 21
Family activities day
Esker Cemetery Sunday Sep 13
Commemorating deceased members of Esker Redemptorist Community
*St. Gerard Majella Triduum Oct 12 - 14
Three days of devotional prayer at Esker.
*More detailed brochure available on request to: The Secretary, Esker Retreat House, Athenry, Co. Galway. 091-844549; eskerret@indigo.ie