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To help men and women grow spiritually through prayer, reflection, guidance, and teaching according to the Ignatian tradition

Manresa MattersManresa Jesuit Retreat House

1390 Quarton Road • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-3554 248.644.4933 • 313.564.6455 • www.manresa-sj.org

August 2011

The Sun Shines on Family Picnic As if to make up for last year’s rainfall, clouds and drizzle, the weather offered picture-perfect conditions for the June 5th, 3rd Annual Family Picnic at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House. Seasoned by the event’s previous two years, hard-working volunteers pitched the tents, arranged the chairs, posted the signs, set up the food lines and decorated the Lourdes Grotto for the big day.The picnic started at 2:00 with a procession by guests and clergy to the grotto for Mass, celebrated in both English and Spanish, assisted by priests in residence at Manresa. An Hispanic ensemble provided music for the liturgy. In his homily, Bishop Hanchon related that the feast of Pentecost, to occur the following Sunday, remedied the disaster of Babel by causing the world’s languages to unify rather than divide. In present times, he continued, the influx of Hispanic faithful has reenergized many parishes in and around Detroit. In one of these, an octagenarian parishioner, seeing 30 or so people being confirmed, remarked, “Hispanic families have brought my parish back to life.” As if on cue and in affirmation, a colorful butterfly flew past at the end of the homily. (Read More)

Spirit of Manresa Dinner/Auction Gala to be held September 24th at the Troy Marriott

An exciting and stimulating evening is planned for our 8th Annual Spirit of Manresa Dinner and Auction. A group of very dedicated people, led by the General Chairs, Keller and Debbie McGaffey, Larry and Crystal Davidson and Steven and Susan Raymond, have been hard at work behind the scenes gathering gifts, securing entertainment, planning the evening and managing the hundreds of small steps necessary to make the evening a success. Bud Wilson and his stalwart team, including Karen Brown and last year’s C.A.V.E. Award honoree, Grace Seroka, have combed high and low for some wonderful auction items you simply can’t miss. In fact, this year you do not have to miss this auction, even if you can’t attend! Many of the auction items, including the “Hot Parties” in the “Parties and Gatherings” section, will be available for purchase online at the Manresa Website. No need to bid. If you want an item and are willing to pay the “buy it now” price, the gift can be yours.Manresa will be honoring several people during the evening who are instrumental in helping Manresa achieve its mission. Bob and Lee Kendell will receive the Volunteer of the Year award (C.A.V.E) for their incredible participation in so many of our activities. From Open Houses, to our picnic, to the Auction and beyond, they have been unwavering, hands-on supporters of Manresa. (Read More)

Manresa Concert Series Returns for 2011-2012 SeasonReturning after a very successful inaugural season, the Manresa Concert Series begins with a concert on October 9, 2011 featuring mezzo-soprano Dorothy Duensing with pianist Fr. Eduardo Perrone. The program, entitled Reflections in Song, will feature classical selections.Metropolitan Opera District Finalist (Detroit1991), Dorothy Duensing has brought audiences “spontaneously to their feet with her artistry and flair.” A review in the Dearborn Press and Guide, September 3, 1998, proclaimed, “Dorothy Duensing was stunning. her accomplished vocal abilities, her stage presence and mysterious beauty combined to make her the perfect Carmen.” She holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan (1990) and a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University (1984), both in vocal performance. (Read More)

Click to see more Picnic photos