Retreats and Immersion CMTEV

“Awaken What’s Possible Through Campus Ministry” 18 20 October 2022 Indianapolis, Indiana

Retreats and Immersions as Space for Vocational Discernment

“Empowered by the Spirit” Vocation Discernment Discipleship Formation Leadership Development

University Catholic Center Austin, Texas

Longhorn Catholic Council Leadership Retreat Fall 2022

Silent Retreat

Silent Retreat

o Sunday

1:30 pm silence begins

6:00 pm silent dinner

9:00 pm campfire (silent)

9:00 am Mass (optional)

10:30 am silent breakfast

1:00 pm gathering to share the graces of the retreat

2:00 pm “talking” lunch

3:00 pm clean up and departure

5:00 pm arrival back at the Catholic Center We hold 2 4 Silent Retreats an academic year with room for 24+

o Began with one a year with 12 students

Vocation Discernment on the Silent Retreats

o Basic intro to God’s plan for me and how to come to know it and follow it.

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius given as the 19th Annotation

The Spiritual Exercises (SE) created by Ignatius of Loyola from his personal experience have been offered as a spiritual experience for centuries

One way the SE can be offered is called the “19th Annotation” or “The Retreat in Daily Life”

The format follows the SE and asks the Exercitant to:

o Using the directives of the SE to pray 30 45 minutes a day

o Meet weekly with the Spiritual Director

▪ “Direction” = helping the retreatant focus on where God is in the midst of prayer

Opening group session (prayer and info)

Monthly group gatherings to share the graces of the retreat

Final group session

Resource: Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien, SJ

So far 35 students (over five years) have made the SE

Vocational Discernment and the SE

o The SE has, as one of its components, an extensive intro to the Discernment of Spirits. The SE lead the retreatant to consider what is their vocation in life through the “Principle and Foundation.”

“The contemplation to attain the love of God in all things” SE236

Busy Longhorn (a.k.a. Student) Retreat

Busy Longhorn Retreat (BLR) takes place in the spring semester Monday evening thru Thursday evening

Opening night:

gather to meet each other over wine and

There is a time for prayer and for information on the

arrive an hour later for prayer, a chance to meet their spiritual director and to have

“Martha, Martha, you are busy about many things” Luke 10:41

o 15 Spiritual Directors join us

Each one sees between 2 10 students

½ time slots

Personal Prayer

o The logistics of personal prayer (when, what, how…) are discussed in Spiritual Accompaniment

o Journal is available for use Communal Prayer

o Daily Eucharist available

o Sacrament of Reconciliation

o Compline (Night Prayer)

o Taize Prayer

We have between 50 80 students who participate in the BLR Vocation Discernment on the BLR

o The journal directs the students to consider God’s plan and call which can become one of the topics shared in spiritual accompaniment.

IMMERSION EXPERIENCES

Vocation Pilgrimage

What? A “Pilgrimage” in the sense of going on a journey to experience oneself and a vocational option. This is done through the opportunity for women and men to live in communities of Consecrated Women or Men (Sisters/Nuns, Brothers/Monks, Priests) participating in: prayer, communal life and service

Why? There is a lack of knowledge and experience of the option of Consecrated Life for young people you can’t discern what you don’t know!

o In the Catholic tradition we speak of vocations to:

Consecrated (Sisters; Brothers & Priests)

Vows of Poverty, Chastity, Obedience

• Groups like: Jesuits, Franciscans, Dominicans, Marist Brothers

“Come and See” John

When? Women: End of the Fall Semester (5 days); Men: End of Spring Semester (8 days)

Where? Women: Diocese of Austin, TX; Men: NY

Who? Between 3 7 Upper class undergrads How?

o Between 5 8 congregations (Orders, Institutes) are contacted and asked if they would host a group of students

Ideally for an introduction to the community, shared prayer and a meal

An attempt to find some groups that would also offer the opportunity to do some service alongside members

o Housing can be an issue, often there is 2 3 communities that can host the group overnight

o Each day there’s a de briefing of the “Pilgrims” on their experience of the day’s experience

o Once during the pilgrimage there is spiritual accompaniment

o There is also a pre pilgrimage and a post pilgrimage conversation on the experience Vocation discernment on the Vocation Pilgrimage

o It is a direct experience of one of the vocational options. That experiences often brings a “not that” or a “I want more” reaction.

Robert Clark brrob@utcatholic.org

Encounter Chicago Spring Break Immersion Trip Itinerary 2022

Theme: Democracy, Civility, and Freedom of Expression Sunday 3/13/2022 Wednesday 3/16/2022

Sunday, March 13:

9:00am Meet at The Found Review Trip Expectations/Pray

10:00am Depart The Found

12:00pm Arrival North Park Covenant Church (5250 N. Christiana Ave.

Chicago, IL 60625)

1:00pm 2:00pm Lunch

2:00pm 5:30 pm Free Time

6:00 pm 6:45 Lenten Contemplative Worship service (NPCC Sanctuary)

7:00 pm 8:45 Senior High Youth Group

9:00pm Check in /Group Devotional/Reflections

Monday, March 14:

9:00am Devotion

9:30am Depart NPCC

•

10:30am Baha’i Faith House of Worship Tour/Will Taylor (100 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL.)

• 11:30am Lunch

• 1:00pm Rev. Michael L. Pfleger (The Faith Community of Saint Sabina:1210 West 78th Pl., Chicago, IL. 60620)

• 3:00pm 4:30pm Baha’i Faith Community/Will Taylor?

• 5:00pm 6:00pm Dinner

• 7:00pm 8:00pm YMCA Showers

• 9:30pm Check in/Group Devotional/Reflection

Tuesday, March 15:

• 8:30am Devotion

• 9:00am Depart NPCC

• 10:00am Day w/Dr. Lionel Kimble (Bronzeville Chicago area

• 12:00pm 1:00pm Lunch

• 1:30pm 2:30pm Bronzeville Chicago Tour, Continued

• 3:30pm 6:00pm Linda Owens 630-620-2130 (Class Visit Historical Books & The Prophets (Dr. Ingrid Faro)

• 7:00pm 8:00pm YMCA Showers

• 9:30pm Check-in/Group Devotional/Reflections

Wednesday, March 16:

• 10:00am Wake Up, Pack Up

• 12:00pm Depart NPCC

• 12:30pm 2:00pm Lunch (Birthday Celebration Alex Toth) Cheesecake Factory

• 6:00pm Return to Purdue

Encounter Washington DC Spring Break Immersion Trip Itinerary 2019

Theme: The importance of Communication in Education for Activation to Liberation. Saturday 3/9/2019 Friday 3/15/2019

Saturday, March 9:

• 8:00am Meet at The Found

9:00am Depart The Found

8:00pm Arrival Calvary Baptist Church of Washington DC

9:30pm Check in/Group Devotional/Reflections

Sunday, March 10:

10:00am Morning Worship 19th Street Baptist Church

12:00pm 2:00pm Food, Fellowship & Discussion (Pastor Roberts 202 829 2773)

3:00pm 6:00 pm Free Time

6:30pm Dinner & Fun Outing with WLHS (David Joest)

9:30pm Check-in/Group Devotional/Reflection

Monday, March 11:

• 9:00am 11:30am C SPAN meet with Founder & CEO Brian Lamb (Communication) (Zelda Wallace 202-626-7958)

• 12:00 1:00pm Lunch with Kenyatta Gilbert/Homiletics Professor Howard Dimity School

• 1:30pm 5:00pm West Campus Library tour/Open

• 5:00pm Dinner

• 6:00pm 8:30pm Visit National Mall & MLK Jr. Monument

• 9:30pm Check in/Group Devotional/Reflections

Tuesday, March 12:

• 9:00am 10am Coffee with Indiana State Reps

• 11:00am 12:00 pm Bethel AME Church Tour

• 12:00pm 1:00pm Lunch

• 1:30pm 2:30pm Sojourners (Liberation & Activation)Patrick Hubbard 202.745.4624

• 3:00pm 5:00pm Open

• 5:00pm 6:00pm Dinner

• 7:00pm 8:30pm Theology on Draft, Young Adult Conversations on Race & Social Justice (Calvary Baptist Church DC)

• 9:30pm Check in/Group Devotional/Reflections

Wednesday, March 13:

• OPEN & FREE DAY

• Wesley Theological Seminary Class (9am 12pm, Lunch & Tour following or Lunch/Tour only 12pm 2:00pm or Friday? Marci Matthews (202) 885.8659

9:30pm Check in/Group Devotional/Reflections

Thursday, March 14:

10:00am 5:00 pm National Museum of African American History & Culture (Education)

6:00pm 7:00pm Dinner

• 7:00 pm 9:30pm Group Closing Discussion/Devotional/Reflections

Friday, March 15:

• 9:30am Depart Calvary Baptist Church

10:00am Visit Wesley Divinity School Marci Matthews (202) 885.8659

11:00am Depart Washington DC

10:30pm Return to Purdue

Calvary Baptist Church of Washington DC 755 8th St., N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

Tel: 202 347 8355

Fax: 202-347-6360

Email: office@calvarydc.org

Paul Rosstead Church Administrator 202.347.8355 ext. 127

Rodney, Yes we have you on our calendar to arrive around 9pm this Saturday, March 9. We are working on our schedule for Saturday staffing, so not sure who will be here to greet you.

It would be very helpful if your group could call JoJo Angdisen (he coordinates facilities staff schedules) at 202 492 0567 when you are about 30 minutes out from arrival. This way we can make sure someone is in the office to greet you and not somewhere else in the building preparing for Sunday morning…

I believe your group is traveling in a van as long as there is no rack on the top and the van height is less than 6’5” we can provide a parking permit for the garage next to and connected to the church.

You can either use the black phone next to the Calvary elevator in the garage or at the 733 8th Street entrance to dial “0” for building access when you arrive.

PS just an FYI to remember that this weekend Daylight Saving time begins so we lose an hour as we “spring” forward 1 hour…

Rev. Maria Swearingen Questions: Exploration of Vocation and Ministry where students consider the ways that their faith and career intersect? Her preaching style is “compassionately feisty” striking a balance between challenge and care? Worked with a cohort of clergy to develop a year long intensive training experience for religious leaders focused on dismantling white supremacy and racism?

Encounter Spring Break Freedom Journey (Memphis, Tenn.) Trip Itinerary

Saturday, March 10:

8:00am Meet at The Found

9:00am Depart The Found

5:30pm Arrival 1st Congregational Church Mid South Peace & Justice

Center 36th Anniversary Dinner at 6:00pm

9:30pm - Group Devotional/Reflections

Sunday, March 11:

•

10:30am Morning Worship - First Congregation Church

2:00 4:00pm Documentary & Discussion (Julia)

• 4:30 6:00 pm African Dance (Marcus Hurt)*

6:30pm Supper

9:30pm Group Devotional/Reflections

Monday, March 12:

• Morning - Group 1 - Slave Haven

• 2:00 4:00pm Groups 1 & 2 with Voices of the South: Opening Perspectives (Alice Berry)*

• 4:30pm - Supper

• 6:15pm - "Moral Monday" event at Temple Israel * 1376 E. Massey Rd.

• 9:30pm Group Devotional/Reflections

Tuesday, March 13:

• 10am - 3pm - Group 1 on Civil Rights Tour of Memphis (Mark Allen)*

• 5:00 7:00 pm Group 1 + Group 2? "What's Your Sign?" (Sam Griffin)?

• 9:30pm Group Devotional/Reflections

Wednesday, March 14:

• Morning-2:00pm - Free Time

• 2:30-4:30pm - Homeless Organizing for Power & Equality (HOPE) Meeting

• Rest of Day Free Time!

• 9:30pm Group Devotional/Reflections

Thursday, March 15:

• 9:00 10:30 am Groups 1 & 2 Prison Stories (Elaine Blanchard)?

11:00am 5pm National Civil Rights Museum

5:00 - 7:00 pm - Closure Discussion (Julia)

9:30pm Group Devotional/Reflections

Friday, March 16:

• 8:00am Depart Memphis

• 12:00pm Arrival Vanderbilt Divinity School (12:00 Lunch/Visit)

9:00pm Return to Purdue

Julia Hicks, Director of Mission

First Congregational Church

1000 S Cooper St.

TN 38104

Immersion Encounter Trip, Chicago Spring Break 2022 Personal Story

Alexander Toth

The Chicago Immersion trip was amazing and may have been a pivotal moment in my life. Being introduced to the Baha’i faith has given me a lot to think about regarding my religious ideology. I still have plenty of research to do and more self-questioning to work through those ideological disruptions of mine, but I welcome it and am looking forward to the conclusions I come to.

My possible religious awakening aside, I also listened to Reverend Michael Pfleger, which was just incredible. It was an experience that left me feeling more hopeful about the future of the institution we refer to as the church, not necessarily in its continued existence but in the passing on of its spirit. There’s not much I can say really that would do the discussion with him any proper justice, but he enthralled me as a person. I strive to be capable of being so giving with my wealth and fortune that I might as well be broke. It’s a level of commitment to my religion that I have not yet achieved, nor can I say that I’ve met anyone who really has achieved it to such

a degree. So, to have him sitting there and telling us all of these stories of his activism, it was nothing short of awe inspiring.

While being somewhat on the topic of religion still, going and listening to Dr. Ingrid Faro’s lecture was fantastic. One of the things I want to do in my life is researching the bible and trying to understand the context behind the different events in it; so seeing conversations that went into that kind of context unfold right in front of my eyes was extremely motivating. I was thankful to learn from the listening but it made me want to be able to participate in it more than anything. It went hand in hand with some of the stuff I heard at the Baha’i temple, the notion that these messages were meant for a certain place within a specific period and had a particular culture. Dr. Faro took it further by explaining people's misconceptions around the passage that we were discussing. It made me hopeful for the youth who will be interacting with her students because I feel like her students will be better equipped to help young people in need and avoid instilling them with ideas that might hurt them down the line.

The tour we took of Bronzeville was so intriguing; I had never known that Chicago had so much rich history in the Civil Rights Movement. To actually meet one of the leaders in the movement and visit some of the same places these people talked in and even strategized in was unreal. Going to the Quinn Church and learning that Frederick Douglass spoke there, I felt almost envious that I was born too late to be there and hear it. As someone who doesn’t know much about Chicago, this tour made me respect all of the city's history.

Finally, I’ll wrap this up by addressing my companions on this trip. They were all great, Bea, Mahira, Tom, Emmanuel, Ruben, and Pastor Rodney; they all came with their different backgrounds and perspectives, which made our late night reflections insightful, and I feel like I have learned a lot from them, and the wisdom that they all presented. There is a notion that a trip will only be as fun as the people you take it with, so I am happy to have been able to take it with these people.

This trip was incredible and filled with moments I will not forget and will forever be affected by.

Immersion Encounter Trip, Chicago Spring Break 2022 Personal story

Bronwen Kirsty Pearce

Over spring break, I had the opportunity to participate in an immersion encounter trip in Chicago.

This was an incredible experience that included many valuable insights and educational opportunities and a lot of fun. One of the first things we did while in Chicago was visiting the

Baha’i temple. I had never heard of or experienced this faith before, so learning about the Baha’i faith and its teachings was extremely insightful. Having connections at the temple that was able and willing to accommodate a tour for us and answer our questions was invaluable. Getting the opportunity to speak with Father Michael Pfleger, pastor of Saint Sabina Catholic Church, was one of the trip's highlights. Hearing about his experience as a white man leading a black Catholic Church and the battles he has faced due to his activism and advocacy within his church community, the local community, and the broader American community was very inspirational. Listening to him talk about the issues within the community and the different civil rights activists he has worked with was particularly impressive and something that I will not soon forget. The other highlight of the trip for me was meeting Reverend Jesse Jackson. As somebody who has studied the Civil Rights Movement extensively, it was surreal to be able to meet and interact with somebody who I have heard so much about. Knowing his impact on the Civil Rights Movement and then meeting him was inspirational. We were also able to receive a tour of the Rainbow PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) headquarters, which was very interesting. Again, I was able to see the impact and lived experience of an organization that I have learned so much about was surreal. Overall, this trip was extremely insightful and educational, and I will remember the opportunities it presented for a long time. I am so thankful I could participate in such an adventure with some fantastic people as we immersed ourselves in the Chicago life.

Immersion Encounter Trip, Chicago Spring Break 2022 Personal story

C.D. Ruben Aza-Gnandji

Coming back to Purdue University and attending the Immersion Encounter Trip in Chicago with the Baptist Student Foundation have been one of the exciting trips that I had since the return back to normal from the COVID 19 pandemic, which affected so many people around the globe. Although short, the trip was unique, thought provoking, and full of good memories. Observing the architecture of the temple of the Baha’i faith center was marvelous. The history of the vision, the design, and the construction of the temple were quite fascinating. Everything was well documented and planned, and the current extensions are being carried out with ease for the overall beauty of the center. The spiritual foundation of the Baha’i community faith is, however, thought provoking. Combining all the religions as one is a difficult concept to grasp.

Nevertheless, considering the humanitarian values they emphasize and their dedication and involvement with the nearby communities to train the youth and care for them, one may consider becoming members of their religious organization.

During the visits to the welcoming center and worship temple, we met with a few of their Leaders who shared with us some stories and the amazing works that they are implementing in the local

community to nurture the commitment to the faith and radical hope, to cultivate restorative justice and racial equity, to reduce misconduct, and to create job opportunities. The involvement of the Leaders to alleviate the struggle of the underprivileged people and empower them is incredible, and one could feel the Holy Spirit strengthening them and guiding their works towards more social justice, equity, and growth.

One of our favorite parts of the trip was the meeting with Rev. Jesse Jackson, an icon of the Civil Rights Movement, at his Rainbow PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) Coalition. He shared the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with us, which remains unfinished. A tour of the organization allowed us to walk through some of the unforgettable quotes and pictures of MLK Jr. We also discussed the current vision and commitments of the organization to provide the youth with a high quality education regardless of race, gender, or class.

Another exciting activity was the attendance of the lecture on race, discrimination, and injustice at the Northern Seminary. One of the lessons from thislecture was that young generations should not be afraid but should be courageous and go forward to make a difference and make the world a better place for everyone, as commended in the scriptures like Joshua 1:9. Finally, the group devotionals allowed us to pray together and reflect on the observations made at the various places visited and how they are related to the trip's themes. Overall, this immersion trip with the visits to the churches, organizations, and seminary school and the inspiring discussions was well instructive and rewarding. I feel blessed to have attended, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in challenging his/her spiritual beliefs and engaging in thoughtprovoking discussions.

Immersion Encounter Trip, Chicago Spring Break 2022 Personal Story

Emmanuel Oyakojo

I wouldn't have wanted a better spring break thanthe “Immersion Encounter” Chicago trip. The trip was spiritual and educative. Educative in learning about the first black African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Chicago and the church's support for African Americans who migrated from the southern part of this country to Chicago. I was thrilled to meet with Reverend Michael Pfleger, a white pastor of an African American parish, Saint Sabina, a Catholic church in Chicago. Pastor Pfleger provided exemplary leadership and changed the Sabina community's narrative, despite pushback from some community members in the early stage of his pastoralship. Although, some churches did not stand with him for truth and justice, he eventually won the heart of the community through his exemplary leadership and astute character. I was pleased with Pastor Pfleger’s honest critique of this country, born on genocide, and its continued

problems with racism, and what he does to help resolve these issues. With his stewardship, the

Saint Sabina church provides employment and social service centers, a youth building, a preschool, an apartment building, offers free counseling to the community, and helps reinstate and rehabilitate those previously incarcerated.

I also learned how the Bahai Faith community cares for the needy through community outreach. In addition, we visited The Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters and met with Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. It was an honor to meet him as well. Despite his tight schedule, he welcomed us to his space and gave us some souvenirs regarding the freedom fighters' struggles and accomplishments over the years.

The most striking thing for me was that our devotions during the trip were relevant to our daily activities; it was like God validating our time in Chicago by orchestrating our path through our discussions. The “Immersion Encounter” trip to Chicago was memorable, and the lessons garnered from this program will remain with me for

Immersion Encounter Trip, Chicago Spring Break 2022

Personal story

Mahira Morris

The Chicago Immersion Trip was one of the most inspiring and informative trips I've been on in college. This trip impacted me personally because it was a fantastic opportunity to learn aboutandmeetinfluentialhistorical (andmodern-day)change-makers. Itforced me toreflect on my spirituality. I heavily resonated with the teachings/beliefs of the Baha'i; learning about their faith was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It was as though I'd found a faith that both aligned with my beliefs (mostly) and eloquently proved them. Concepts such as the unification of all major religions, equality of all human beings, social justice, and religious teachings/practices are highly dependent on culture and context, not pressuring anyone into the faith but offering information to those interested. I find all of these things beautiful about the faith, primarily because it addresses many major flaws current Christianity still has.

In summary, the Baha'i was great, and I hope to go back so I can learn/see more. Another one of my favorite experiences from the trip is meeting Father Michael Pfleger. He was and continues to be extremely active in his community and with social justice. It was insulting to see a Catholic

priest proudly doing God's work while simultaneously challenging the outdated practices of the denomination he's under. How he described Sunday morning and church activities resonated with me. He stated that church activities are like football practice and Sunday mornings are like the team huddle; neither of these things is the end all be all but simply tools to help you play the game well (do God's work via things such as social justice). I also found the immense passion and pride Father Mike exuded refreshing. It's rare to see someone who's seen (and is currently still fighting against) so much injustice still have faith and will as strong as his. Basically, meeting people like Farther Mike is so motivating/and inspiring. He made me do more than reflect on what I can do to promote change; he made me want to take action.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Immersion Trip. The experiences themselves were memorable, but so were the people in the group. There were many cultures, backgrounds, ages, passions, ideologies, and denominations. We had a lot of interesting discussions in which the various perspectives of the group provided a lot more substance to the conversation. We also had devotions given by every person so you learn a little about how God is speaking to them. In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the people I met during it.

Immersion Encounter Trip, Chicago Spring Break 2022 Personal story

Tom Pigman

I was honored to be a part of the Spring break immersion encounter 2022 trip. The trip was a rich experience of meeting civil rights icons, the Reverend Jesse Jackson at Operation Push headquarters and Father Pfleger from Saint Sabina's church, the opportunity to dialog with folks from different faith backgrounds, an excellent tour through historic Bronzeville, and the opportunity to sit in on a seminary class studying the old testament prophets. It was also an excellent opportunity to learn about the students and their passions. With thoughtful leadership from Rev. Rodney Lynch, each evening, we were able to discuss, digest, and reflect on all we had experienced from the day. Personally, it was a memorable experience that allowed me to see how we are each called into action. It was an awesome opportunity to experience the power of spirituality and history embodied in exceptional people and neighborhoods through the eyes of younger folks. The chance to tour the historic Bronzeville community

and see all the folks that came to Chicago seeking refuge, were welcomed in and nurtured in the church, had society changing conversations at the black YMCA, and had their voices championed in the Chicago Defender. The chance to sit down with amazing folks who have been in the struggle so long and have been supported by their faith was phenomenal. Father Pfleger's story of riding his bike to see Martin Luther King Jr. speak, surrounded by his fellow neighbor's and parishioners who were taunting and gearing Dr. King, and instead of joining in, took a completely different path in his life, eventually becoming a friend and confident to Coretta Scott King His story of the relationships with the titans of the civil rights movement he developed and continues to maintain throughout his life was inspirational. The opportunity to meet Rev. Jesse Jackson, tour Operation PUSH, and see the flow of lawyers and strategists coming into the building to continue to move and shake our nation out of complacency. What I found most inspirational were the younger folks who participated in the trip. The thoughtfulness and insight they shared during our evening reflections gave me hope that the struggle for equality is alive and well. I know they appreciated the opportunity to experience all we packed into a few days, and I enjoyed being a part of it.