“Nothing without You, Nothing without Us!”
This is the core motto of our Movement. In Schoenstatt, we don’t see our relationship with Mary as a one sided commitment on her part. Rather, she will work with us, IF we are willing to work for Her. Naturally, her love for her children is always there, but the specific work of Schoenstatt is a relationship which requires effort on each side. She will surely do her part… the question is… will we do ours?
How to get involved
Small Groups
At its root, Schoenstatt is a small group based movement. The groups use the spirituality of Schoenstatt to shape us into the saints which God created us to be. But, the specific structures and topics of Schoenstatt groups are dependent on the needs of the members of the groups. Currently, there are couple’s groups and girls youth groups active or forming in Normal and Peoria.
Contact info@schoenstattcentralil.org if you are interested in learning more about the opportunities for you in Schoenstatt.
Groups can be organized for just about anyone (women, men, couples, youth), however the preference in Schoenstatt (when possible) is for married couples to participate in groups together. Members can participate in whatever works for them, but (for those who are married) the preference in Schoenstatt is always given to trying to get couples to grow in their faith together. As such, if you are married, you are encouraged to try to participate in a group as a couple.
Each Schoenstatt group is different, as they are highly customized to individual members. They will typically include going through the membership preparation materials at some point (but membership in Schoenstatt is not required to participate in the groups). The primary focus of the groups is the ‘formation’ of the members but a secondary goal is as a min-evangelization team (with apostolic zeal). A successful group will come to be a second family and many groups continue for a lifetime (30-40 years). These groups are a small environment where we get to practice the art of being ‘little Mary’s’ to one another.
Couple/Family Groups
Couple/family groups meet monthly and work through materials on topics varying from marriage enrichment, practical issues (financial panning, communication) to family based spirituality and individual spiritual growth. Basically, what stops you from shining as a domestic church… that’s what they try to cover. Groups are for couples of any age (and having a group of different aged couples is often preferred). Childcare and potluck meal is typically provided and groups usually meet at member’s houses or parks. But, the goal of the group is to serve the group… so once a group is formed, there is a large amount of freedom to do what is necessary to make the group work.
“A support group for holy families”
The Schoenstatt community in Central IL has had a specific focus on serving young families (as they hold the future of the church in their hands), but Schoenstatt couple’s groups are for everyone (any age) and a specific focus is on building relationships between younger and older families (so they can learn from and inspire each other). All are welcome and needed.
Youth Groups
Small groups for children are organized for boys or girls separately. Younger groups are typically parent led. By high school age, the groups are expected to be fairly independent (working directly with sisters and priests for guidance). Schoenstatt groups are focused on building ‘firm, free and priestly personalities’ with a deep love for our Blessed Mother.
Individual Adult Groups
Men and women meet to build relationships, grow in holiness and work to serve the church There are groups for Professional Women, Young Women, Mothers, Fathers, and Men.
Retreats
For many in the current community in Central IL, the way they became familiar with Schoenstatt was through the retreats offered at the Schoenstatt Retreat Center outside Milwaukee WI. Retreats are facilitated by Schoenstatt Sisters and Priests and hosted in a conference center run by the Sisters. Retreats typically include confession, daily mass, time in the shrine, adoration, talks for the specific communities, games/activities, and lots of food (homemade by the Sisters and their assistants). The center offers retreats for families, women, young women, men, young men, girls youth, boys youth, Father/Son and Mother/Daughter. Subscribe to the mailing list to be emailed as retreats are announced.
Activities
Schoenstatt has a focus on building healthy and holy relationships to build a community where saints can thrive. Part of this involves just creating opportunities for Catholics to gather together in fellowship. Activities vary from picnics, movies, roller skating and anything else we can think of.
You don’t need to be in a Schoenstatt group or active in Schoenstatt to participate in Schoenstatt activities… all are welcome!