Mini Prosit Newsletter
August 27th, 2020
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We shared the devastating news that the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine was almost destroyed in the recent storms and we are thrilled to report that there has been amazing progress on the repair and restoration of the Grotto. Our hearts are filled with gratitude because of the incredible generosity of the many people who donated to this project. Yet, we are far short of covering the cost for this massive clean-up.
At the same time, the situation has been a beautiful reminder that God has a plan and while we may not understand why difficult things happen, we must trust that our loving Father in Heaven is in charge! That trust has guided Malvern for decades and especially in these last six months. The staff, board and retreatants have held fast to the belief that God has plans for Malvern Retreat House. We strive to remain focused on our mission to bring people closer to Him and help people find peace. That mission matters now - more than ever! We implore you to continue to support Malvern through the Malvern Forward Campaign. Help us complete the Grotto restoration and move Malvern Forward.
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This photo represents just a sample of the many thousands of people who visit the Grotto annually. |
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New serving setup in our dining hall. |
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Retreatants at Friday dinner with social distancing. |
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Welcome back to Malvern!
It has been an amazing few weeks here at Malvern Retreat House. Retreatants have returned, albeit on a limited basis, and we are busy planning future activities. None of us could have predicted this pandemic a year ago. Few of the men and women who normally joined us would have believed they might miss their annual retreat. But, the world has changed and so we all adapted. Onsite capacity may be limited, but the virtual option allows 500 people take part in upcoming retreats. Please visit our calendar to view the upcoming offerings and to register for a retreat. Below, we highlight a few of the groups that will offer a virtual option and be onsite as well.
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Virtually Retreat?
The concept sounded strange to us as well but as Malvern has continued to offer this option, many of our retreatants have come to embrace the idea. To be effective, it is important to set aside a place and allow yourself to enter into the retreat experience. Find a place where you can be silent and pray. Get the technology sorted out beforehand, and make sure the materials are handy. Keep your rosary with you as well - the beads are helpful! We have had great feedback from retreatants! One virtual attendee shared "I was surprised at how I was able to participate in the virtual experience in a meaningful way." Another commented, "Stuck at home and visiting virtually. It was a good reason to be alone in an inner room to pray and experience the Lord." We encourage all of you to not let COVID take away the Retreat experience this year. Join us for a Virtual Retreat!
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Thank you Deacon Tony!!
In February, 2019, Deacon Tony Cincotta joined the staff at the Malvern Retreat House and he has often said it was a dream come true. Deacon Tony is a Man of Malvern, has helped out here over the years, and loves retreat ministry. Deacon Tony’s primary assignment in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is at St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media. Recently, the assistant pastor in the parish was reassigned and was not replaced. Monsignor Ralph Chieffo, Pastor, asked Deacon Tony if he would consider being on staff at the parish. After prayer and discernment, Deacon Tony decided to take that new position. Unfortunately, that means he will no longer be on staff here at the retreat house. It may be our loss, but we thank him for his service here and his generous spirit. Tony will continue to stay involved in some capacity, and will still be writing his commentaries on the weekly readings from Mass. We will miss you Tony and wish you and Eileen an abundance of God’s blessing.
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September 25th, 2020: Catholic Business Leaders Breakfast onsite with a virtual option. Mr. Thomas S. Monaghan, founder of Domino's Pizza, former owner of the Detroit Tigers, as well as founder of Legatus and Ave Marie University. Tom will share his story, via a virtual presentation, about his personal journey of faith and business, and how he came to reconcile faith in the marketplace. The onsite event will begin at 7:00am with Morning Prayer and the virtual participation begins at 7:45am. To register or to sponsor this event, please contact Tara 610.781.7261 or tmccormick@malvernretreat.com.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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September 20th, 2020: OUTDOOR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND PROCESSION on the grounds of Malvern Retreat House. This event is onsite at Malvern. We will begin at 2pm. Please gather outside of the Family Life Center.
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November 8th, 2020: Women's Tea onsite and virtual option available. Sue Brinkmann will join us as the guest speaker. Sue will share her conversion story. It's called "God Speaks to a Modern Girl" about how God came into her life and changed things for the good! This talk is full of humor and is inspiring. A perfect antidote for the anxiety of these times. Join us! To register, please contact Tara at 610.781.7261 or tmccormick@malvernretreat.com. If you participate virtually, a Zoom link will be sent after registration!
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"Rooted in the Catholic Faith, we provide retreats, programs and events that help people deepen their relationship with God and find peace!" |
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