Tag: DME

Around the Parish – September 10, 2023

Written by on September 9, 2023. Posted in Around the Parish, News.

Another year has gone by, and yet, every year we are always surprised with how fast time goes by. Tomorrow we remember again the attack on America. The remembrance of 9/11 is a solemn occasion that also carries a message of hope and resilience. On that tragic day, our world was shaken to its core, and we witnessed the worst of humanity’s cruelty. However, we also saw the best of humanity emerge in the form of countless acts of courage, compassion, and heroism. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens selflessly rushed to help those in need, showing the indomitable spirit of unity in the face of adversity. In the years that have passed, the scars from that day remain, but so does our commitment to never forget the lives lost and the lessons learned. The remembrance of 9/11 reminds us that even in our darkest hours, we can come together as a nation, support one another, and rebuild stronger than before. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a pledge to honor the memory of those we lost by continuing to strive for a more peaceful and just world.

On November 10, 11, and 12, The Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat Program will be hosting DME #106. In November of 2008, I participated in TEC 51, which is what DME is the spiritual successor of. This amazing weekend retreat lasts three days at Saint Joseph Church in Erie where participants encounter our Lord through His Invitation, Encounter, and Commissioning. Each day has a different focus: Friday is the Day of Invitation, focusing on how God is inviting us into relationship. Saturday is the Day of Encounter, where we encounter God through the sacraments, Adoration, and others. Sunday is the Day of Commission, where we as a community are empowered to evangelize and share our faith. The weekend includes talks, exposure to different types of prayer, Mass, community, and much more. The weekend runs from 10am on Friday to 5pm on Sunday, and retreat participants stay onsite for the weekend.

I look forward to this special weekend this November as I will be the main priest running the weekend with my home parish pastor, Father James McCormick. I encourage everyone to consider participating in this retreat! For more information visit https://divinemercyencounter.com

Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead: Archabbot Wimmer, the first abbot of Saint Vincent Monastery in Latrobe, PA had a motto of “Forward, always forward, everywhere forward!” This is an excellent motto for the spiritual life. Always look forward to the future with Christ, for He is already there, preparing for us the joys of Heaven.

Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy

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Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat

Written by on October 7, 2022. Posted in Diocese News, News.

DME is a three day retreat program. Each day has a different focus: Friday is the Day of Invitation, focusing on how God is inviting us into relationship. Saturday is the Day of Encounter, where we encounter God through the sacraments, Adoration, and others. Sunday is the Day of Commission, where we as a community are empowered to evangelize and share our faith.

The weekend includes talks, exposure to different types of prayer, Mass, community, and much more. The weekend runs from 10am on Friday to 5pm on Sunday, and retreat participants stay onsite for the weekend.

For more information, feel free to speak with Father Andy about the retreat!

Where are Divine Mercy Encounter retreat weekends held?
DME retreat weekends are held at Saint Joseph Church / Bread of Life Community at 147 West 24th Street, Erie, PA 16502. Retreat participants are expected to stay at the social center for the entire weekend.

Is there a cost for the DME weekends?
The cost to make the DME weekend is $45. We ask for a $20 deposit to hold your spot on a particular weekend. Please contact the Parish Office if you cannot afford this cost.

What should I bring with me on a DME weekend?
On the DME weekend, you will be staying over at the parish social center. In addition to the items you’d normally bring on a trip (clothes, pajamas, towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, any medication, etc.) you will also want to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Inflatable mattresses are permitted, although we ask that you bring a single-sized mattress to allow for room in the sleeping area. Cots are available upon request. We also ask that you bring one dress-clothes outfit for a special event on Saturday.

Am I going to have to share personal stuff that I don’t want to talk about on DME weekends?
There is plenty of time on the weekend for sharing – if you feel comfortable – but you do not have to talk about anything that you don’t want to. No one is going to expect you to answer questions about yourself or your life. You can go as far as you want.

Who will be at a Divine Mercy Encounter Weekend?
The makeup of each Divine Mercy Encounter weekend varies a little, but usually around 30 people make the weekend and around 20 people work the weekend. There are usually around 15 high school aged participants, 5 – 10 college / young adult participants, and up to 8 adult participants making the weekend. At your table will also be two people around your age who have made a Divine Mercy Encounter before who will be there as your table resources to help out. The other people working the retreat include the musician, directors, and spiritual directors.

Will I be able to shower on Divine Mercy Encounter Weekends?
Yes, there are showers available and everyone has a chance to take showers.

Where am I going to be sleeping?
You will be sleeping on the floor of the location where you are making your DME. Participants are encouraged to bring a twin inflatable mattress or floor pad, a sleeping bag, or (when necessary) a cot. Some cots are available for those who need them.

Who can make a DME weekend?
Anyone can participate as long as they are a sophomore in high school and 15 years of age or older.

When is the next retreat?
The NEXT DME Retreat Weekend is scheduled for November 11, 12, & 13, 2022. Register soon!!

TO APPLY TO MAKE THE WEEKEND VISIT:

https://www.divinemercyencounter.com/retreat-application

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