1 Words of Wisdom: The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister

Monday, 9:30 – 11:30 am(See “Series” panel at left for description.)

3 A Day at the Mount Wednesday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

We welcome you on the first Wednesday of the month to spend a day “just for you” at Mount Sacred Heart. Breathe, relax, reflect, and refresh! Take a walk, pray the Stations of the Cross, participate in adoration in the chapel, read, or just sit and surrender your cares to God. Self-guided. Bring a lunch; beverages are provided. Donation: $20.

4 Words of Wisdom: The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister

Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm(See “Series” panel at left for description.)

12 Kids’ Night OutFriday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel at left for description.)

13 Less Stressed, Less Depressed, Less Pain: The Power of Mindfulness

Saturday, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Learn about mindfulness, a state of being conscious or aware. Learn to focus on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. This presentation includes a discussion as well as exercises for practicing mindfulness. Presenter: Stephen Cuddy, Chair of Dual Recovery Anonymous, National Alliance on Mental Illness, teacher of health topics at Pratt & Whitney, presenter for veterans. Donation: $45 (includes lunch).

15 Saints in our Lives: Our Lady of Fatima Monday, 9:30 – 11:30 am --or-- 7:00 - 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel at left for description.)

20 Ongoing Centering Prayer Saturday, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

(See April 29th for description.)

22 Twilight Retreat Monday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel at left for description.)

26 Kids’ Night OutFriday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel at left for description.)

24 Saints in our Lives: St. Andre of Montreal Monday, 9:30 – 11:30 am --or-- 7:00 - 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel at left for description.)

25 Spiritual Book Study: Around the Table by R. Scott Hurd

Eight Tuesdays from April 25 - June 13 9:30 – 11:30 am --or-- 7:00 – 9:00 pmAward-winning author R. Scott Hurd employs unique and imaginative stories of 14 biblical characters who were close to Jesus (including Thomas, Barnabas, and Mary Magda-lene) to help you know Christ better and to contemplate the mystery of the Eucharist. Facilitator: Sr. Jeanne Marie Vonder Haar, ASCJ, Director of the Caritas Christi Center. Donation: $50. (Book not included.)

26 Film Study: NobleWednesday, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

This award-winning feature film is the incredible true story of a fearless Irish heroine driven by her daring vision to escape the slums of Ireland and help those suffering on the streets of post-war Saigon. Facilitator: Jim Pepitone, Mas-ters in Theology and Peace Studies, Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Donation: $10 (includes a snack).

27 Discipleship in Jesus: A Music MeditationThursday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

How can we let Jesus into our hearts and maintain a loving relationship with Him? What can we do to stay focused on the presence of the One who loves us? How can we then take that Love and bring it to others in mission? We will let the lyrics of hymns and spiritual songs teach us about im-portant elements of our discipleship. Presenter: Sr. Doretta D’Albero, ASCJ, Certificate in Spirituality. Donation $20.

29 Having the Love You Want: A One-Day Retreat for Married Couples

Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pmMarriage is a spiritual pathway in which God calls the mar-ried couple to nurture a strong and vibrant relationship. It requires vision, intention and persistence, as well as skilled, consistent effort. We will explore what you really want for your marriage, and what gets in the way. You will design a future that facilitates a thriving, intimate, and sacred marital relationship. This special one-day retreat provides learning, prayerful reflection, couple time, a supportive community, and some fun. Facilitators: Chris and Don Paglia, former Co-Directors of Hartford Archdiocesan Family Life Office. Donation: $65 per couple (includes lunch).

29 Ongoing Centering Prayer Saturday, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

The session includes Fr. Keating DVD, Centering and Lectio Divina. (Prior experience with Centering Prayer needed.) Facilitator: Sr. Carolyn Severino, ASCJ, Director of Adult Faith Formation, St. Mary Parish, Branford.

3 Words of Wisdom: Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Monday, 9:30-11:30 am(See “Series” panel at right for description.)

3 A Sacred Journey: How to Affirm the Spiritual Value of Being a Parent

Monday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the demands of parenting? Do you feel pulled in too many directions, wish-ing for more balance for your children and for yourself? Learn how understanding your sacred purpose as a parent will allow you to focus on what is truly important. Discover how to create a sacred space in which you and your children can learn and grow together. Presenter: Lisa Velazquez, Parent, Life Transition Coach, and Spiritual Director. Donation: $20 individual or $35 per couple.

4 Book Study: Heart Speaks to Heart: Three Gospel Meditations on Jesus

by Henri J. M. Nouwen

Three Tuesdays, April 4, 11, & 18 9:30 – 11:30 am --or-- 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Come to one or all of the three moving mediations on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter, inspired by the passages in the gospels of Mathew. Facilitator: Sr. Jeanne Marie Vonder Haar, ASCJ, Director of the Caritas Christi Cen-ter. Donation: $15 per session or $40 for all three sessions. (Book not included.)

5 A Day at the Mount Wednesday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

We welcome you on the first Wednesday of the month to spend a day “just for you” at Mount Sacred Heart. Breathe, relax, reflect, and refresh! Take a walk, pray the Stations of the Cross, participate in adoration in the chapel, read, or just sit and surrender your cares to God. Self-guided. Bring a lunch; beverages are provided. Donation: $20.

6 Words of Wisdom: Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (See “Series” panel at right for description.)

7 Kids’ Night Out Friday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel at right for description.)

~April ~ 17 Dying with Dignity: What it Really Means Monday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Created in the image and likeness of God, the human person is called to preserve his or her life with “ordinary means” of medical care. But “end-of-life” care is often complicated. We will discuss when one is obligated to use ordinary medical care, and when extraordinary care can or should not be used in a reasonable way. Other topics include advanced directives and physician-assisted suicide. Present-er: Sr. Cecelia Marie Scaduto, ASCJ, BS in Cytogenetics, MS in Healthcare Administration, MA Theology/Concen-tration in Bioethics. Donation: $20.

20 Family Constellations: Healing of Our Family of Origins

Thursday, 7:00 – 9:30 pmLove and belonging can get disordered by entanglements and attachments that create havoc in families, sometimes for generations, thus interrupting the natural flow of love and acceptance. Family Constellations brings these hidden loyalties to light, allowing love to flow in a healthier way so that balance, respect, dignity and love get restored, and heal-ing can happen. Facilitator: Don Paglia, veteran marriage, family minister, and therapist; advanced graduate training in Systemic Constellations, Family Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy. Donation: $20 per individual; $30 per couple; $10 for students. (NOTE: First-time participants are encouraged to attend an optional informational session at 6:30 pm.)

20 Bereavement: A Time To Heal Seven Thursdays, April 20 – June 1; 7 – 9:30 pm

A support group for those who have experienced the death of a significant person. The physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of the loss will be explored and discussed. (Note: Best for those mourning someone who died more than 2 months previously.) Presenters: Kathleen Duffy, retired hospital chaplain. Katherine Marschall, certified Bereavement Counselor. Donation: $15 per session.

21 Kids’ Night Out Friday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel at right for description.)

22 Centering Prayer and the Aging Process Saturday, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

We will explore together how a consistent practice of center-ing prayer helps to support the aging process on a very deep level. (Centering prayer experience helpful.) Presenter: Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI. Bring your own lunch; beverages and desserts will be provided. A vigil Mass for Sunday will be celebrated at 3:45 pm for those who wish to attend. Donation $35.

A Quick Reference to Series PresentationsBelow is a description of the presentations which are part of a series, and a quick reference to the dates, times, and

topics. Please see the entire brochure for a full listing of all presentations at the Caritas Christi Center.

Words of Wisdom The first Monday of the month from 9:30 – 11:30 am and the first Thursday from 7:00 – 9:00 pm A book club for those interested in exploring classic and contemporary works of poetry, drama and prose-fiction and nonfiction that contain a spiritual dimension. The facilitator is Dr. Katherine Marschall, a retired physician and a certified bereavement support counselor who loves to read good books. The book is not provided, but you may inquire about some copies that will be available at a discount at the Center beginning about three weeks before each session. Free-will offering.

April 3 & 6 Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah HurnardMay 1 & 4 The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister

Kids’ Night Out Fridays: 6:00 – 9:00 pm; April 7 & 21, May 12 & 26, June 2 & 16Parents can drop off their kids and enjoy an evening out! It is a safe evening for the kids who will enjoy pizza, a movie, crafts, snacks, and fun. Bring a pillow and a sleeping bag! The facilitator is Sr. Jeanne Marie Vonder Haar, ASCJ, Director of the Caritas Christi Center. Donation per session: $15 per child, $35 for families of 3 or more children.

Film Study and Discussion The last Wednesday of the month from 6:30-9:00 pm; April 26, May 31, and June 14* Facilitator Jim Pepitone begins each session with an introduction before the viewing of a popular film. The discussion that follows is lively, interesting, and on deep spiritual level. Jim has a Masters Degree in Theology and Peace Studies, and a certificate in Spiritual Direction.

April 26 NobleMay 31 Bridge of SpiesJune 14 The Finest Hours

Twilight Retreats Mondays from 7:00-9:00 pm; May 22, & June 12.We all need time to stop and pray! Sometimes you need to get away to be able do this, but feel you can’t afford an entire day. We invite you to spend an evening in reflection, sharing and quiet prayer, centered around a theme proper to the calen-dar year or liturgical season. The facilitator is Sr. Jeanne Marie Vonder Haar, ASCJ, Director of the Caritas Christi Center. Donation per evening: $20.

Saints in Our Lives

Mondays from 9:30-11:30 am or repeated from 7:00-9:00 pm.We will explore the lives of different saints and how they are our role models in deepening our faith and our relationship with the Lord. The facilitator is Sr. Jeanne Marie. Free-will offering.

April 24 St. Andre of MontrealMay 15 Our Lady of FatimaJune 5 Cardinal Nguyen Van Thaun

“What a great privilege it is to be loved by God!” ~ Venerable Clelia MerloniRegistration is required for all programs.

The registration information you give us enables us to inform you if there is a schedule change. Please call Sr. Jeanne Marie Vonder Haar, ASCJ, Director, at (203) 281-2569.

~ May ~

Center yourself in the “love of the Heart of Christ” at the Caritas Christi Center. Sponsored by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Center is located at Mount Sacred Heart, a tranquil setting on one of the highest points in Hamden, Connecticut. The Caritas Christi Center offers a variety of talks, workshops, and retreats to enhance the spiritual growth and on-going faith formation of adults. The Center is also available for days and evenings of recollection, retreats, and prayer days. Facilities include: the Sacred Heart Chapel, the John Paul II Meeting Room, the Clelian Conference Room, breakout areas, snack area, spacious dining room, and kitchen. Outdoor features include open fields and wooded areas, gardens, and shrines on a beautiful 125-acre New England site. We also offer Spiritual Direction and retreats for Confirmation students. Inquire about scheduling, pricing and retreat leaders.

For further information, please contact:

Sr. Jeanne Marie Vonder Haar, ASCJ, Director295 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514-2801

Phone (203) 281-2569 ~ Fax (203) 407-8965 jmvonderhaar@ascjus.org

www.caritaschristicenter.orgThe Center is located five minutes

from the Wilbur Cross Parkway (CT-15).

“Withdraw your heart and gently bring your will to its place of peace and quiet, preserving your pure soul for God,

whom you will always find in the depths of your heart...” Venerable Clelia

We welcome you to our peaceful and beautiful prop-erty on the first Wednesday of the month (April to June) to spend a personal day “just for you” at Mount Sacred Heart. Breathe, relax, reflect, and refresh! Take a walk, pray the Stations of the Cross, adore in the chapel, read, or simply sit amidst tranquility in the presence of God. Self-guided. Bring your own lunch. Beverages will be provided. Suggested Donation: $20.

PRSRT FIRSTCLASS

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #690NEW HAVEN, CT

A Day at the Mount

For Information

About the Center

Visit our website for updates, registration, and payment: www.caritaschristicenter.org

295 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514

~ Caritas Christi = “the Love of Christ”

31 Film Study: Bridge of SpiesWednesday, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

During the Cold War, American lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) is recruited by the CIA to defend an arrested Soviet spy (Rudolf Abel) in court. Donovan also finds himself involved in intense negotiations to release a Soviet-captured American U2 spy plane pilot (Austin Stowell) in exchange for the Soviet spy. Facilitator: Jim Pepitone, Masters in Theology and Peace Studies, Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Dona-tion: $10 (includes a snack).

2 Kids’ Night Out Friday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel on reverse for description.)

5 Saints in our Lives: Cardinal Nguyen Van Thaun Monday, 9:30 – 11:30 am --or-- 7:00 - 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel on reverse for description.

7 A Day at the Mount Wednesday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

We welcome you on the first Wednesday of the month to spend a day “just for you” at Mount Sacred Heart. Breathe, relax, reflect, and refresh! Take a walk, pray the Stations of the Cross, participate in adoration in the chapel, read, or just sit and surrender your cares to God. Self-guided. Bring a lunch; beverages are provided. Donation: $20.

10 Family Constellations: Healing of Our Family of Origins

Saturday, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm(See April 20 for description. NOTE: First-time participants are encouraged to attend an optional informational session at 9:00 am.)

12 Twilight Retreat Monday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel on reverse for description.)

14 Film Study: The Finest HourWednesday, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

In February of 1952, one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast struck Cape Cod, damaging an oil tanker off the coast by literally ripping it in half. On a small enclosed life-boat, faced with frigid temperatures and 70-foot high waves, four members of the Coast Guard set out to rescue the more than 30 stranded sailors trapped aboard the rapidly sinking vessel. To this day, this heroic mission is considered the great-est small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Facilitator: Jim Pepitone, Masters in Theology and Peace Studies, Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Donation: $10 (includes a snack).

16 Kids’ Night OutFriday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

(See “Series” panel on reverse for description.)

Caritas Christi Center

Programs & Events

April ~ June 2017

Consider Caritas Christi Center for your next:

~ parish day of prayer ~ staff gathering ~ youth or Confirmation retreat

You can bring your own speaker or we can provide one for you.Mass can be celebrated in the spacious Sacred Heart Chapel.

Call now for pricing and reservations.

Mission StatementCaritas Christi Center, a ministry of the

Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is dedicated to providing formal and informal opportunities for spiritual growth and faith formation in the

Catholic tradition. Caritas Christi Center invites God’s people to deepen their relationship

with Jesus through prayer, study, and mutual interaction in order that they might bear witness

to His compassionate Heart.

Are you interested? Are you interested in sponsoring a program, a

speaker or any part of an event? Are you interested in volunteering for a couple

hours during the week?

We would love to speak with you about this! Contact us at 203-281-2569 for ways in which

you can help the Caritas Christi Center.

Bring a

friend!

Register and pay on-line for programs at

www.caritaschristicenter.org(Please register for all programs. The registration information that you give us enables us to contact

you if there is a schedule change. Thank you!)

We are on Facebook @ caritaschristicenter

Pray to Venerable Mother Clelia On December 20, 2016, Pope Francis signed the decree by which Mother Clelia Merloni, our Foundress, was given the title “Venerable.” Soon, if the Vatican confirms the validity of the miracle that has been attributed to her intercession after having completed a thorough investigation, she will be proclaimed “Blessed.” Pray to her. Ask her for your needs. She has the heart of a mother:

“O Most Holy Trinity, you who exalt the humble and confound the proud, hear my prayer,

granting me through the intercession of Your faithful servant, Mother Clelia, the grace

I ardently desire...(ask for the grace). Glory be to the Father...etc.” (Recite three times

in honor of the Blessed Trinity.)

Anyone who receives a grace is asked to notify: Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 295 Benham St., Hamden, CT 06514

Kids’ Night Out

~ June ~