Men’s ACTS Retreat

Dear Brothers in Christ,

I am writing you this letter in the hope of bringing attention to the upcoming Men’s ACTS Retreat, taking place June 8 - 11 at the Circle Lake Retreat Center. Retreats are a time when you set aside the busyness of your life to primarily focus on God and your relationship with Him.

You may feel uncomfortable with the idea of a retreat. After all, the needs around you are so great, the opportunities for service so compelling. You think, “How do I reconcile taking time away from the heat of hectic life when so much needs to be done?” It is precisely because the needs are so great and life so short that you should take a retreat. A retreat is the way to advance. This is true because of the way Jesus lived.

Life for Jesus was short and busy, too. Jesus had only three-and-a-half years for the public ministry, but this didn’t keep Him from taking retreats. He modelled and taught regular withdrawal into God’s presence. His life strikingly illustrates the perfect life: one of retreat followed by intense involvement in the world.

Jesus summed it up when He said, “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture” (John 10:9). He gives two clear calls: Go and Come. He sends us to a needy world in His name, and He calls us to draw near that He might reveal Himself to us and through us.

Retreat times are times of refreshment, replenishment, and reflection. It rekindles your spiritual fervor for God. Retreating renews a steadfast spirit in you and miraculously restores the joy of your salvation. Scripture admonishes us, “Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11). It also refocuses your beatific vision and refines your conscious perceptions by reshaping your innovative thinking according to God’s Word. Time set aside to seek the Lord heightens your love for Him, and He promises to reveal Himself to the ardent seeker.

I strongly encourage you to consider taking part in the upcoming Men’s ACTS Retreat. Jesus is anxious to see you there. Come and meet Him, Fr. John Samuel, and other Christian brothers there. And you will never regret it!

Contact Keith Lea (281) 543-5237 for more information.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Linh Nguyen