NACMS NEWSLETTER
December 2019
Reflect on the old (2019)
During each week of Advent NACMS is offering 20 minute reflections on aspects of Mary's life as it relates to Advent. We invite you to prayerfully listen to these reflections as we celebrate this sacred season.

To ring in the New Year NACMS will begin accepting applications for the "Spirit of Saragossa Retreat" in January 2020. Continue reading for more information.

All of us at NACMS wish you and yours many blessing this Advent.
Advent Reflections
Each week of Advent we will be releasing short podcasts that are meditations on one aspect of Mary's life related to Advent. This is the first episode of our Advent Marian Meditations, and it is about the Annunciation. We hope you can pray with this podcast, perhaps as a new prayer practice for Advent. This podcast features a Scripture reading, reflection questions, and soothing music to lead you deeper into prayer. Come back next week for the next episode on the Immaculate Conception. Click here to hear week one - The Annunciation or here for week two - Immaculate Conception. (Subscribe to wherever your get your podcasts, log on to our website, or check out our social media platforms for weeks three and four.)
 The Spirit of Saragossa retreat was originally designed as a 30-day directed retreat for Marianist brothers and sisters preparing for perpetual vows.This 30-day retreat was developed in 2008 by an international team of Marianist brothers, sisters, and priests; since then, many Marianist religious from around the world have experienced it. However, few religious and lay Marianists have been able to experience its richness due to the retreat's length. As a result, we have adapted the Spirit of Saragossa Retreat to be a "Retreat in Daily Life," which allows people to experience the retreat who otherwise would be unable to do a 30-day retreat. To learn more or find the application click here .
Week 1, Hope
Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.
Week 2, Peace
Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen.
Week 3, Joy
Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.
Week 4, Love
Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen.

North American Center for Marianist Studies
Dayton, OH 45430-1083

NACMS Holiday Hours
NACMS will be closed December 24, 25, and January 1 for Christmas.
NACMS will be open by appointment only on December 23, 26, 27, 30 and 31.  

NACMS Office Hours are T-F 9 AM -3 PM (ET) . To make an appointment outside of normal business hours please call 937.429.2521.

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