Retreats & Programs

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Saint Charles Center
2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway
Lake Charles, LA 70611
(337) 855-1232

Camp Karol Phase Two Construction to Begin Soon!

On October 8, 2018, construction began on Phase One of Camp Karol; namely, site preparation for “The Lodge,” the multi-purpose center of all future activities for the camp. Thanks to a very generous donation of $324,000.00 by Chad and Michelle Mudd to ongoing fundraising efforts, we are pleased to announce that Phase Two of our construction plans will also begin soon on the horizon, that is, overnight housing facilities for Camp Karol participants. Eventually, to operate the camp at full capacity, we are in need of twelve (12) bungalows at a cost of $81,000.00 each. Through the encouraging support of the Mudd Family, we are able to initiate the immediate construction process of FOUR BUNGALOWS on adjacent property to the location of “The Lodge.” This unexpected blessing will allow us to house participants on the grounds of Camp Karol with the opening of the doors of “The Lodge” and the kick off of our programming in this new facility. The front cover of this Spring brochure illustrates the architectural rendering of these soon to be constructed bungalows provided to us by Champeaux, Evans and Hotard, APAC. Please keep these building projects in your prayers as we move forward with this exciting expansion of retreat ministries here at the Saint Charles Center. St. John Paul II, pray for us!

JANUARY

“Winter: A Time to Be with God”

Presented by Sr. Diane Depwe Tuesday, January 15th 6:00pm - 9:00pm Winter is a time to huddle around a warm fireplace to enjoy the comfort; cuddle with loved ones and have great conversations. It is also the time to embrace God; to learn to be still and know that He is God. It is the time to flee from our compulsions and take our inventory on how we are following God’s will in our lives. In the stillness of winter, we can seek the silence and solitude where rebirth can begin and through prayer we can learn the “way of the heart.” Journey with us during this Evening of Reflection to learn how to listen to God’s words and to hear Him speak to us and know that Jesus is always with us. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, January 11th so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

“Domestic Church” Married Couples Retreat

Thursday, January 24th – Sunday, January 27th “Domestic Church” is an officially recognized lay movement that provides life-long formation for sacramentally married couples for the sake of achieving sanctity together, growing in mutual love, and providing an environment where children can thrive and grow in union with Christ, so they may truly be called a Domestic Church! For information and/or to register, please call Blaine or Denise Wyninger at (337) 764-1562 or call the offices of the Saint Charles Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit www.domesticchurchfamilies.com.

“Do Not Let the Sun Set on Your Anger: Understanding and Reducing Anger for Men” Presented by Deacon Brian Soileau

Tuesday, January 29th 6:00pm – 9:00pm Men today seem to be wrestling more and more with anger. If you are one of those men; it’s time to ask yourself this question: “Why do I get angry in the first place?” The answer may surprise you: Anger is a normal human emotion. We get angry because we are human beings. Come and spend the evening in a testosterone friendly setting and begin to understand, not only where your anger may be coming from, but how to effectively manage it. Deacon Soileau recently spent the last two years of his twenty-six-year correctional career helping some of the angriest men in society cope with their anger. If you seem to be angry more than you’re happy; if you have frequent or occasional outbursts at home; if work, news, society, family and friends sometimes bring you to the boiling point or even if you have the slightest bit of anger… come, have a relaxing meal and put your anger to rest. No sharing or role playing necessary! To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, January 25th so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

FEBRUARY

Spring Silent Preached Retreat Presented by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ

Friday, February 1st - Sunday, February 3rd This is a SILENT preached retreat sponsored by St. Pius X Parish in Ragley, but open to any others who might care to participate in these days of prayer, presentation and silence. Jesuit Father Mark E. Thibodeaux is originally from Church Point, Louisiana. He is the author of four books on prayer and is currently the incoming pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fr. Mark Thibodeaux will explore our relationship with God by engaging in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Through silence and prayer, we will share with God the joys and struggles of our lives as we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The facilitator will present reflections on the spiritual path of Saint Ignatius and will help participants to tell God about their own spiritual paths and to listen within for God’s response. The weekend experience begins with supper on Friday evening at 6:00pm and will conclude with lunch on Sunday at 12 noon. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Suggested donation is $185.00 for a private room, and $165.00 for a shared room. Scholarship information is available upon request for those needing assistance.

“Valentine’s Day and Saint Valentine”

Presented by Sr. Diane Depwe Tuesday, February 12th 6:00pm - 9:00pm On Valentine’s Day we celebrate with flowers, candy, cards with hearts and special dinners. How did Valentine’s Day originate? We look towards Saint Valentine to determine who he was in history and in our Church. Saint Valentine’s life has had a great impact on Christian marriage. He teaches about the necessity to have a Christ centered relationship with others. Come and take a step back in time (second century) to explore the life of Saint Valentine. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, February 8th so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

“St. Valentine’s Date Night at the Saint Charles Center”

Presented by Fr. Whitney Miller, Deacon Brian Soileau and the SCC Staff Thursday, February 14th 6:00pm – 9:00pm What better way to spend a special evening of prayer, delicious food and supportive companionship than to have a Valentine’s “date night” on the holy ground of the Saint Charles Center! Couples are invited to join us for Mass at 6:00pm in the Assumption Chapel, followed by a gourmet dinner in Brulet Dining Hall, and finally topped off with festive desserts and enjoyable fellowship for all participants. Reservation space will be limited, so call early to save your place for this one of a kind event! To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, February 8th so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $100.00 per couple.

“Let the Children Come to Me”

(And Bring Your Parents Too) Family Eucharistic Adoration Presented by Fr. Whitney Miller and Deacon Brian Soileau Tuesday, February 19th 6:00pm – 9:00pm The family that prays together, stays together. Imagine how true that becomes for the family who prays together in front of Our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Parents, have you ever wanted to spend time in the Adoration Chapel, but never could because the chapel wasn’t exactly “kid friendly?” Well, here is your chance to spend time with Jesus in Adoration and bring the little ones along. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, February 15th so that adequate arrangements can be made for food and refreshments to be provided. Suggested donation is $25.00 per family.

“Stop the Treadmill, I Want to Get Off!” Presented by Simone Dubois

Tuesday, February 26th 6:00pm – 9:00pm One of the greatest challenges we face in today’s world is how to live a balanced life in the midst of unending demands and responsibilities. This Evening of Reflection will focus on the obstacles the world and culture place on us that prevent us from living our lives at a healthier pace. We will examine how the “traps” that we allow to keep us over-stimulated and overly busy rob us of the ability to live more centered lives rather than living on the circumference of life. Practical suggestions will be offered to help us unburden ourselves so as to live life with greater balance thus making time for priorities that often get pushed aside. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or go to our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, February 22nd so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

MARCH

Rachel’s Vineyard

Retreat for Healing After Abortion Fr. Rommel Tolentino, Margie Long & Diocesan Team Friday, March 1st – Sunday, March 3rd If you are struggling with guilt, depression, regret or other difficult emotions from an abortion, you are not alone. Come experience the healing love of Jesus Christ on a Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat at the Saint Charles Center in Moss Bluff. The weekend will combine discussions, spiritual exercises, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a memorial service and a Mass of Entrustment. Participation is strictly confidential, and offers a beautiful opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness and compassion. The cost is $220.00 which includes meals, private room with private bath and all retreat materials. If you have a financial burden, assistance is available. For more information or registration contact: Rachel’s Vineyard of SWLA (337) 439-7400 ext. 317 or e-mail rachels.vineyard@lcdiocese.org.

“Our Call to Lenten Grace”

Ash Wednesday Evening of Reflection Presented by: Fr. Whitney Miller and Deacon Brian Soileau Wednesday, March 6th 6:00pm – 9:00pm This Ash Wednesday program will consist of Eucharist and the Distribution of Ashes, a simple supper, and a presentation. Beginning at 6:00pm in the Assumption Chapel, Fr. Whitney will preside at the Mass with Deacon Brian preaching the homily. Then a simple supper will be shared by all in Brulet Dining Hall. This will be followed by a presentation on Lenten Spirituality by Fr. Whitney in Brulet Conference Room. There will be no cost for the evening, but a free will offering will be accepted. Funds procured will benefit the Maintenance Account for the Center. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or go to our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, March 1st so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper.

“The Impact of Technology on Our Spiritual Lives” Presented by Sr. Diane Depwe

Tuesday, March 12th 6:00pm - 9:00pm Today’s world is full of wonderful technology; smart phones, laptops, TVs, X-box games, Internet, etc. Technology provides many benefits to us however, we need to know it is affecting and changing our lives and brains as well as our private and social interactions (or lack thereof). These tools while designed to attain closer relationships are resulting in the opposite causing us to disconnect from one another. Come and learn how to start disconnecting technology and reconnecting our lives back to God and our loved ones. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or go to our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, March 8th so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

“Soulcore”

St. Katherine Drexel Conference Center Presented by Courtney Kerlegon Thursday, March 14th – Friday, March 15th Soulcore is a movement that combines strengthening, stretching, and functional exercise with the prayers of the rosary; a sensory experience combining candlelight, music, scripture, reflections & movement to nourish the body, mind & soul and encourage deeper meditation on the mysteries and virtues of the rosary. Soulcore is a movement all its own. It is not tied to or affiliated with any other exercise disciplines. Soulcore is not yoga, or are yoga poses or Sanskrit referenced at any time. Soulcore is an invitation to integrate body and soul in prayer, fully orienting the heart and mind toward Christ, while discovering the beauty of the rosary. A gentle path to grow in virtue, interior peace, and strength. Classes will begin at 5 pm until 9 pm on Thursday, March 14th. Classes will resume on Friday, March 15th at 9 am until 5pm. Cost for these classes are $350.00. For more information contact Courtney Kerlegon at (337) 304-2387. Please visit www.soulcore.com for additional information.

“Lenten Private Directed Retreat”

Msgr. Ronnie Groth, Fr. Whitney Miller, Fr. Marshall Boulet, Deacon Brian Soileau, Judy Savoie and Gloria Villegas Monday, March 18th - Sunday, March 24th A directed retreat is a form of silent retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola focusing on the personal prayer of the individual. There are no group activities or conferences other than the daily Eucharist and an individual daily meeting with the director. The retreatant spends about four hours in contemplative prayer each day of the retreat. The retreatant may choose to do three or five days. For more information or to register, call the Center at (337) 855-1232. For this retreat, you must call the Center to register and cannot do so online at our website. Suggested donation is $350.00 for three days, and $475.00 for five days. Scholarship information is available upon request for those in need of assistance.

“Lenten Introduction to the Directed Retreat” Msgr. Ronnie Groth, Fr. Whitney Miller, Fr. Marshall Boulet, Deacon Brian Soileau, Judy Savoie

and Gloria Villegas Thursday, March 21st - Sunday, March 24th The directed retreat is prayerful silence tailored to the individual needs of the retreatant. Based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the retreat consists of the retreatant’s meeting with a director once a day and praying on assigned passages from the scriptures. This weekend introduction helps the retreatant learn the prayer technique and prepares the person for a longer retreat. Call the Center to register at (337) 855-1232. For this retreat you must call the Center to register and cannot do so online at our website. Suggested donation is $350.00 per person. Scholarship information is available upon request for those in need of assistance.

“The Existence of Angels – A Truth of Faith”

Presented by Deacon Brian Soileau Tuesday, March 26th 6:00pm – 9:00pm The whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of the angels. In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God. From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession (Catechism of the Catholic Church #334–#336.) There is a growing interest in the world concerning angels these days but unfortunately that interest is not always centered around what the Church believes. Come and experience the richness of true Catholic tradition concerning these purely spiritual creatures created to exist alongside us and to aide us in our journey. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, March 22nd so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

APRIL

“Spiritual Spring Cleaning”

Presented by Sr. Diane Depwe Tuesday, April 9th 6:00pm - 9:00pm It is time to begin spring cleaning. Open the windows for fresh air and clean the closets. Discard the broken and donate what is not needed. Rearrange your furniture. We know the importance of doing our house spring cleaning but what is most important is cleaning our hearts, minds and bodies. Our bodies are the temple of God. How are we caring for it? We need to plant his words deep into our hearts and minds so that we will flourish and grow closer to him. We need to renew ourselves in a more intimate spiritual union with Christ. It is the time we also experience the celebration of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. We need to look at our own life, death and resurrection and experience a rebirth. Please come and get a jump start with a new life in Christ! To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, April 5th so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

“Sisterhood of Saints: Guidance and Inspiration from Holy Women Along the Way of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection”

Annual Women’s Lenten Silent Retreat Presented by Fr. Whitney Miller Friday, April 12th – Sunday, April 14th This SILENT retreat is sponsored by the women of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in Lake Charles but is open to any and all women who choose to participate. The retreat culminates in the proclamation of the Passion account within the Palm Sunday Liturgy on April 14th. To prepare for this throughout the weekend, retreatants will explore the spiritual roles various women within this scripture passage reveal for guidance and inspiration to women of our own day and age. Come learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Joses, Salome, the Daughters of Jerusalem along the road to Calvary, Pilate’s wife, and the Women at the Tomb. All have valuable lessons of saintly insight to share with participants! Suggested donation for the retreat is $225.00 for a private room, $205.00 for shared accommodations. Please contact Andrea Blanchard at (337) 794-9679 or the Center at (337) 855-1232 or visit our website at stcharlescenter.com for registration. Scholarship information is available upon request for those needing assistance.

“An Evening of Mercy and Forgiveness”

Tuesday, April 16th 5:00pm – 7:00pm The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) will be available this evening for all who choose to come by the Center and spend some time in prayer and spiritual preparation during this holy season of Lent. At 5:00 pm, the Blessed Sacrament will be enthroned on the altar of the Assumption Chapel, for any who might want to spend a Holy Hour in this sacred space, which has come to be so meaningful to so many of our retreatants and guests through the years. Priests will be on hand for the ministry of Reconciliation (Confession) until 7:00pm at which time Benediction will be celebrated to conclude this blessed opportunity of Lenten worship and praise. Pre-registration is not required for this event.

“Good Friday Meditations” Presented by Fr. Whitney Miller and Deacon Brian Soileau

Friday, April 19th 11:00am – 3:00pm Honor these holy hours of quiet spirit and solemn reflection throughout one of the most sacred days of the liturgical year by spending some time in prayer at the Saint Charles Center. A brief meditation will be given by Fr. Whitney on the hours of 11am and 1pm; and by Deacon Brian on the hours of noon and 2pm. After each short presentation, a contemplative silence will be observed by all participants until the next hour of meditation. Come and join us for all or part of the time. If you plan to attend, bring your own lunch and beverage, if desired. There is no fee for this event but pre-registration is appreciated. To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or go to our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Tuesday, April 16th.

“On Being a Woman: Icon of Love”

A Theology of the Body Preached Retreat for Women Thursday, April 25th – Sunday, April 28th Retreat Leaders: Paula Hunter & Becky Clements Theology of the Body is a philosophical work written by St. Pope John Paul II and, is an in-depth study of the human person. His writings address the deepest questions about who we are, and about what makes us happy and united with Christ. This retreat focuses on the meaning of being a woman, how we relate to men, the hungers of our hearts, and the unique “feminine genius” – to quote St. John Paul II – that enables us to be God’s intimacy in the world. The retreat begins on Thursday at 5 pm and, ends by noon on Sunday and is open to all women 18 years and older. We will have Mass and Adoration, as well as presentations, discussions, music, prayer and silence. The Sacrament of Penance will also be available. Cost for the retreat is $250.00 for a single room (limited number of single rooms available); $225.00 for a double room. A $100.00 non- refundable deposit is required when you register. You may register at www.icsulphur.org or call Jamie Drummond at (337) 625-9719, if you have any questions.

MAY

“A Catholic Guide to Civility” Presented by Fr. Whitney Miller Tuesday, May 7th 6:00pm – 9:00pm

St. John Baptist de la Salle is the patron saint of all teachers of youth. Throughout his own years of ministering to troubled teens and challenging students, he developed customs for character formation and laid for them a cornerstone of civility upon which the foundations of faith could be built. Many in our culture and society today readily attest to the growing absence of some of these basic concepts of civility and courtesy. Come learn from the heritage of our Catholic culture as we will explore basic themes of civility such as prudence, modesty, discretion, loyalty, order, punctuality, cleanliness, manners and etiquette, as well as guidelines for discourse in matters of disagreement. Timely topics of consideration for our communal reflection and prayerful implementation! To register please call the Center at (337) 855-1232 or go to our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, May 3rd so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

“Co-Dependency According to Scripture” Presented by Sr. Diane Depwe

Tuesday, May 14th 6:00pm - 9:00pm Journey through scripture with Jesus to explore how He teaches us to move beyond our co-dependency and dysfunctions. Learn how to be free from people-pleasing, shame, care-taking and needing approval from others. Come and be rooted in Jesus and reclaim one’s integrity. Please bring your Bible. To register please call the Center at (337)855-1232 or go to our website at stcharlescenter.com. Please register by Friday, May 10th so that adequate arrangements can be made for supper. Suggested donation is $20.00 per person.

“Grief to Grace: Healing the Wounds of Abuse, Reclaiming the Gift of Human Dignity”

Presented by Fr. Whitney Miller, Courtney Kerlegon, Margie Long & Diocesan Team Tuesday, May 21st – Saturday, May 25th Grief to Grace is a five day psychological and spiritual journey providing safety and support for anyone who has suffered degradation or violation through physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect. This retreat is appropriate for those who have endured rape, incest, or other forms of traumatic violation in childhood, adolescence or as an adult. It is also suitable for those who have suffered abuse by a member of the clergy. This model of care provides therapy for the soul. The program is designed to help you experience the love and support of the suffering body of Christ as you journey though the Pascal Mystery of your own life. This effective healing process combines Living Scripture with journaling, group activity and discussion, therapeutic facilitation, cognitive restructuring and grief work. It is a pilgrimage to discover the love, tenderness, belonging, safety, joy and peace that are often missing from the stories of abuse victims. The cost for this program is $1500.00, which includes a private room, food & all materials. Scholarship assistance is available upon request for those in need of partial aid for participation. All inquiries are confidential. To register for Grief to Grace, please call (337) 489-2473 or email grieftogracelouisiana@lcdiocese.org.

Contact

Saint Charles Center
2151 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy
Lake Charles, LA 70611
(337) 855-1232

Facilities

• Tabor Retreat House
  
• Katharine Drexel Conference Center

Center Attractions

• retreats
• days of recollection
• evenings of reflection
• educational workshops and seminars
• meetings and conferences
• programs of spiritual growth and educational development for the Catholic Community and others of good will.