By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
WYNNEWOOD – A five-day summer academic retreat that provides plenty of prayer and education but no exams is available for lay adults July 5-30 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Sponsored by the Seminary’s Religious Studies spanision, retreatants may enroll in any or all of the four weekly sessions.
Intellectual and spiritual renewal are the focus through the retreat program that includes room and board and offers daily classes, Mass, Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, confession, liturgy of the hours and personal and communal prayer and praise.
Retreatants arrive on the campus on Sunday evening in time for dinner and a spiritual program and depart by 1 p.m. on Friday.
Three class sessions – morning, afternoon and evening – are offered Monday through Thursday.
There are ample opportunities to stroll the sprawling campus, read for leisure, watch movies and play tennis, basketball and other activities.
Retreatants who plan to attend subsequent sessions may remain on campus during the weekend. There, they may continue their retreat through personal prayer or leave campus to sightsee in the Philadelphia area.
“We’re looking forward to a spirit-filled summer,” said Carmina M. Magnusen Chapp, academic dean of the Religious Studies spanision.
Chapp said the academic retreat is a relaxing way for recession-weary faithful to spend the summer and a welcome alternative for those who cannot afford to travel outside the Archdiocese. “We wanted to offer something close to home” in atmosphere that is serene and spacious, she said.
Retreatants must be 18 years or older.
Young adults who are discerning how and where God is calling them to serve should sign up for the retreat today, Chapp said.
“We’re hoping they’ll learn about the faith through the classes, but also pray and hear God’s voice about what their vocation is and what God is calling them to,” whether it be the priesthood, religious life or other vocation, she said.
“We want them to experience the seminary so they can hear God’s voice about everything.”
Retreatants will also appreciate the fact that the chapel they will be utilizing, Immaculate Conception Chapel on the seminary’s upper side, was recently renovated and air-conditioned.
“It’s a beautiful place to encounter Christ,” Chapp said.
For more information or to download a registration form for a summer academic retreat, visit the web site www.scsrsd.org/Home/catechetical-institute-summer-academic-retreats; or call (610) 785-6287.
The Religious Studies spanision offers undergraduate and graduate programs year-round. There is still time to register for the six-week summer session June 22-July 30.
For a listing of other programs the Religious Studies spanision of St. Charles Seminary provides the laity, visit the web site www.studyCatholicTheology.com.
CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine may be reached at (215) 587-2468 or cchicoin@adphila.org.
Retreat Class Schedule
Session I, July 6-9
The Person of Jesus
Overview of the Old Testament
How to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours
Session II, July 13-16
Foundations of the Church
Overview of the New Testament
The Gospel of Mark
Session III, July 20-23
Sacraments of Initiation
Christian Anthropology
Reproductive Technology and Catholic Teaching
Session IV, July 27-30
Sacraments of Healing and Vocation
Catholic Moral Teachings
Liturgy: Cantors and Lectors Workshop
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