President’s Letter Dear Retreatants: Elizabeth Kubler Ross once wrote: “People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” We are fortunate at Malvern to have many persons whose true beauty is revealed daily, both day and night, through their annual visits to our sacred grounds. Many retreatants have celebrated 50 and 60 years with us and several are in the 70+ retreat range. Whether there is longevity in one’s faith journey or it is just beginning with a single step, we are constantly gratified by the genuine and deep sincerity of those who visit this ministry. We are truly blessed by our retreatants and humbled by the faith they exhibit and enthusiastically take back to their parishes, homes and workplaces. We strive to reenergize our guests, so they become true Disciples of Christ to serve the local and universal Church. It was just 10 years ago that we constructed the McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center. This has been a great success for us and hosts over 6,000 retreatants every year. More importantly, it has created a renaissance in our ministry that provides new opportunities to evangelize women, couples, families and young adults. Happy 10th Anniversary, and many thanks to Sr. Pauline McShain for her generosity in supporting this concept and continually being present with us throughout the years. We are also fortunate to announce that we have our 10th Rector on board: Rev. Msgr. Joseph T. Marino arrived at Malvern on July 1st, with his loyal canine companion Denis T. Dog, to begin his tenure here at Malvern. Msgr. Marino is a good friend and classmate from our seminary days. Along with his great enthusiasm, he brings a wonderful
approach to spiritual development, a focused approach to his homilies and conferences, and a good sense of humor that helps us all deal with the reality of day-to-day challenges. Please welcome him when you arrive on our grounds. In July, we also welcomed Patrick Benner as our Recruitment Manager. We have redefined the Assistant to the President position to focus on the recruitment of Men and Women of Malvern. Patrick will often be out on the road visiting parishes, prayer groups, religious organizations, etc., to speak about the value of a retreat and the wonderful facility we have. Remember, we are the oldest and largest retreat facility in the country and the first to be owned and operated by the Laity. What an accomplishment. Please give Patrick a call if you have any ideas (484-321-2521). Congratulations to the Our Lady of Confidence retreat group, started 50 years ago by Chuck McCann, which ser ves individuals with intellectual and emotional challenges. On Oct 8th10th, we w ill celebrate t h e i r a n n i v e r s a r y. Volunteers are needed to assist these retreatants; if you can help us and support our professional staff for this weekday retreat, please call me to volunteer for a portion, or all, of the retreat (484-321-2525). Our Communion Mass and Luncheon will be held Sunday, November 10th at St. Charles Seminary. This year’s honorees will be Msgr. Richard T. Bolger, Chaplain to Our Lady of Confidence group, Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, President of Neumann University, and Joseph F. O’Donnell, former Chairman of Malvern and 76-consecutive-year retreatant. Please join us to honor these friends of Malvern at our Archdiocesan Seminary where Malvern first began our retreats.
2 Prosit | Summer 2013 | MalvernRetreat.com
Our Annual Remembrance Mass is September 15th at 1:00 pm. All are invited to join with us as we celebrate the lives of our deceased retreatants and family members. There is no cost to attend. Please call the office to register ( 484-321-2514). Have a blessed Fall, and may Saint Joseph, our patron, continue to bless you and your family.
Prosit!
James A. Fitzsimmons President
Prosit Published three times a year Francis J. Marx Sr., Chairman James A. Fitzsimmons, President Beth Racine, Editor 315 S. Warren Avenue P.O. Box 315 l Malvern, PA 19355 610-644-0400 email@malvernretreat.com MalvernRetreat.com Vol 74, No. 2, Summer 2013 Malvern Retreat House is owned and operated by Catholic Lay Leadership since 1912, and is the oldest and largest Catholic retreat house in the country. We host 20,000 people annually at 250 retreats on 125 acres in beautiful Chester County. We invite you to find a spiritual retreat that’s right for you.
Reflect, Refresh and Rejoice
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