Long Homeshrine Dedication

Congratulations to the Long family on their Schoenstatt Homeshrine Dedication on September 22 2019. Their shrine is named ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ and was dedicated by Fr Pushpa, a Schoenstatt Father visiting from Wisconsin.

United in the Covenant, we look forward with hope to the graces which will flow from the shrine into your family and beyond. Our Blessed Mother is going to love living there.

Head Homeshrine Dedication

Congratulations to the Head family on their Schoenstatt Homeshrine Dedication on September 21 2019. Their shrine is named ‘United in Love’ and was dedicated by Fr Pushpa, a Schoenstatt Father visiting from Wisconsin.

United in the Covenant, we look forward with hope to the graces which will flow from the shrine into your family and beyond. Our Blessed Mother is going to love living there.

December Father & Son Retreat (Dec 13-15)

Boys (10 and up) and their dads are invited to the annual Schoenstatt Father & Son Retreat in Waukesha Wisconsin the weekend of December 13-15. This retreat has been attended by many Bloomington-Normal families over the years and is an annual favorite. The retreat typically includes capture the flag after dark (in the shadow of the Schoenstatt shrine), flag football, kick ball, card games all interspersed with talks on heroic virtue and celebrations of the sacraments (daily mass and confession). The retreat is held at the Schoenstatt International Retreat Center and food and lodging prepared by the Schoenstatt sisters. Every guy whose gone on this retreat has raved about it as an awesome weekend of father/son fun. Multiple families from the community will go this year. Will you join us. Contact the sisters to book a room ( phone: 262-522-4300 ) or talk to Tim Olsen for details.

New Couples Groups Forming (Summer/Fall 2019)

Do you ever feel like you are on your own, trying to raise a family in a hostile world?  Do you struggle to connect your faith into your daily life? Do you want to be part of a community where you are inspired to be who God created you to be, but loved in spite of your failings?  Do you want a community of friends who become more like family and are there to support you when you need them? These are some of the goals of our Schoenstatt Family Groups. Roughly one year ago, we formed 2 Schoenstatt Family Groups (16 families total).  Would you like to be in one too?

We are looking for families who may want to join additional groups.

  • Topics covered
    • Marriage enrichment and family growth (financial management, communication etc)
    • Personal and family sanctification
    • Devotion to Mary
    • Schoenstatt spirituality (Childlikeness, Everyday Sanctity, Trust in Divine Providence)
    • Some limited reading is expected
    • 80% forming our own families, 20% working in the community to serve marriage and family
  • Meetings
    • Meet once a month (date can fluctuate to accommodate schedules)
    • Couple’s meet while kids meet (or play)
    • Potluck meal for the group (1 part meeting, 2 parts fellowship, mix and serve)
    • Food allergies are welcomed and managed by the group.
  • Additional activities
    • Apostolic efforts to encourage marriage and family focus with God at the center (‘domestic church’ building)
    • Social get togethers (bowling, movies, picnics)
    • Spiritual gatherings (retreats, talks, praise nights)
  • Membership in Schoenstatt is not required
    • Groups will typically go through the Schoenstatt preparation materials (Covenant of Love with Mary and Homeshrine preparation), however actually joining after preparation is not required and is your own discernment
    • Some people participate in Schoenstatt activities for decades without joining
  • A successful group:
    • Is long lasting (many groups last decades rather then years)
    • Is an extended family that you can rely on
    • Encourages you to become who God called you to be
    • Draws you closer to our Heavenly Father, through a relationship with our Blessed Mother
    • Is something you (and your kids) look forward to
    • Open to any couples (young or old, 0 to 20 kids)
    • Something that allows you and your spouse to grow in your faith together

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNhVKEruZsgf-8eoAqxfED3y-a4nnFkjc3vmx1raG5PbJUlw/viewform?usp=sf_link