August is here! We have a great line up this August, kicking off with a three part series Spirit, Body and Mind THIS upcoming Tuesday, August 5th! Hope to see you there!
#summertime #summerevents #retreat #pittsburgh #pittsburghevents #spiritbodymind #concert #mentalhealth #augustevents
Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents a three part series "Spirit, Body and Mind", Tuesdays, August 5, 12 and 19 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. $20/person or $40 for all three.
Tuesday, Aug. 5- Music in the Spirit with Dr. Tom Octave.
Tuesday, Aug. 12- Praying with your Body: Elevated Prayer with Laudate Fitness in a faith filled experience of movement.
Tuesday, Aug. 19- Praying with Scripture with Fr. Michael Greene.
Register Today at the link in our Bio! š¼šŖš¼šš»
#retreat #mindbodyspirit #prayer #workout #scripture #pittsburgh #pittsburghevents #peaceful
Every now and again when Iām invited to some family home for meal or a visit, I encounter three scenarios:
The family is on good behavior because the priest is in the house; halfway through a meal the conversation lets me know that Iām there to be a referee because of the conduct of him or her (spouse or children); and thirdly, thereās the happy family that just wants to have g guest over.
I think that Jesus walked into the second scene. Martha does not wear the martyrās crown lightly. She lets Jesus and everyone else know that she has to do all the work. Mary should be told to do here part.
You know how it ends; Jesus doesnāt take the bait or solve the obvious problem. He simply says that Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken away.
This Gospel reminds me of the perspective we have here at St. Paulās Retreat Center.
We want to show peopleĀ radical hospitality.Ā Weāre not only happy that youāve come to join us for the weekend or the day, but also that you feel at home, relaxed and rested.
Also, in a world where experiencing denial, scarcity, fear, and loss, we want to remind people of theĀ abundance of blessingsĀ and providence of God.
Then, if people take time to reflect on their life and those family and friends that God has given them,Ā their time here couldĀ gentlenessĀ rather than reaction. They could return to their homes or work with a spirit ofĀ gratitude.
You see, just as in the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Jesus can melt hearts and lower tempers. So, as we visit, relax, and vacation, choose the better part, not just the bigger piece of the pie.
We have a perfect opportunity this summer to relax, reflect and Remember Your Why! Join us NEXT WEEKĀ forĀ Quiet Time with GodĀ July 24th-25th... Register at the link in our bio!
-Fr. Michael Greene, C.P.
#rememberyourwhy #quiettime #reconnect
The spirituality of the Passionists is given new life by reflecting not only upon Scripture, but upon the history of the Church as well. The saints offer us as Catholics a vibrant, concrete example of the Churchās tradition, as they waded in its waters throughout their lives on earth and add to its depths as exemplars of holiness through their heavenly lives. So many excellent, faithful examples are celebrated throughout the month of July, from medieval monastics like St. Benedict to a modern example of faithful marriage in Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin.
We invite you to join us in reflecting on this truth and the ways it intersects with the Passionist spirituality of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center at our July 15th evening event, Saints in the Garden!
Register Today at the link in our bio ā price includes wine, cheese, and prayerful meditations on the joy to be found in better knowing the communion of saints and continued presence in our spiritual lives.
#saints #julyfeastdays #wineandcheese #underthelights #summer #summerfun
"He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant."
-Saint Maria Goretti
Honored as one of the first Passionist martyrs. Pray for us! šš»š¤
#passionists #feastday #saints #catholicchurch #italy #stpaulofthecross
Happy July 4th šŗšø from our Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center family to yours! #independenceday #july4th #america #freedom #brave #godblessamerica
Rummage Sale THIS Saturday! Come enjoy coffee and donuts āļøš© from 8:30am-10:30am or a hotdog barš from 11am-12pm while discovering vintage and unique items! Also, come explore the gardens and retreat center with guided tours. All proceeds go to supporting the mission and outreach of Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center! See you there! #rummage #rummagesale #antiques #goodfinds #pittsburgh #pittsburghevents #goodfood #treasure
Summer is here! We have a great line up this July, kicking off with a Rummage Sale THIS Saturday, July 5th! Hope to see you there!
#summertime #summerevents #retreat #pittsburgh #pittsburghevents
Summer Fun at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center! Thank you to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Jersey for spending this week with us! Thank you for sharing your hearts of faith and service with Pittsburgh!
We are in need of rags, buckets, and of course snacks/cold treat treats for these teens this week! If you can donate any of these items, please contact us at 412-381-7676 or email us at [email protected]! Thank you. #summerfun #stpaulofthecross #pittsburgh #localsupport #mission #summervibes #retreatcenter
Happy Feast of Corpus Christi!
"The feast of the Blessed Sacrament is the feast of love. Oh, what great love! what immense charity!" -St. Paul of the Cross
Blessed, Broken, Give Thanks
Recently I celebrated my 43rd anniversary as an ordained priest. So, youāll forgive me if I seem a little awestruck as we celebrate this feast. As baptized Christians we receive the dignity of priest, prophet, and king. From these Biblical titles, we can experience the responsibility of blessing and offering prayer and praise on behalf of Godās people; to speak a word that will rouse them to return to the way of the Lord; and supply and protect those God has entrusted to you. And from our psalm response for today we hear, āYou are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek.ā Ā Whatever your vocation, your call, you are chosen to live, speak, bless, act, and love in Jesusā name. We do this by being true to our identity as sons, daughters, and servants of God.
We also see in our gospel story that the Twelve apostles were challenged to feed the people from what they had. Though it seemed impossible, with Jesus all things are possible. That day the challenge was to trust and obey Jesus. I can just imagine the disciple passing among the people with food and being amazed that they never ran out. They had experienced his other miracles and felt empowered to be giving in the name of God, to the people of God.
Thatās the reason that I smile as I recall these years of celebrating Mass and the sacraments. Itās what causes me to encourage others to join in. Jesus did say, āGive them something to eat yourselves.ā
-reflection by Fr. Michael Greene, C.P.
#corpuschristi #eucharist #catholicchurch #holy #feastday
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. We celebrate the mystery of Godās love revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the saving waters of baptism, each of us are named and claimed as the beloved of God, and members of the Body of Christ, the Church. As we celebrate the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity we are reminded that the mystery of Godās unconditional love continually is with us, encouraging us, and inviting us to bring Godās love to our world.
Happy Fathersā Day to all Fathers!
Prayer for Fathersā Day
God our Father,
In your wisdom and love you have created us and called us your own. Bless our fathers, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. In moments of joy, rejoice with them. In times of struggle, give them your courage and perseverance. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor and appreciate them always with a spirit of profound respect. May the example and prayer of St. Joseph inspire them to live their vocation with courage.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen. šš»
#happyfathersday #fathersday #thankyou #rolemodel #protection #family #mostholytrinity #catholicchurch #blessedtrinity #trinitysunday
As we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost, we conclude the Easter season of the liturgical year.Ā The summons of our baptismal call invites us to respond to the lavish gifts the Holy Spirit has given to all of us!Ā In the waters of baptism we are named and claimed as Godās beloved children and invited daily to claim our baptismal agency to go out into the world and by our very lives proclaim the Gospel of Jesus.Ā Sometimes the call may seem overwhelming, but in each moment of our lives we have the opportunity to breath new life into the world through a kind word, being patient with someone, dealing gently with conflict, forgiving another who has hurt us, reaching out to the poor, letting go of a grudge, or seeking to serve through giving our gifts to others.
This Pentecost let us pray to be transformed by the Holy Spiritās inspiration to breathe new life into the world around us.Ā Let us pray for the courage to allow Godās transforming love to change our hearts and move us to live as Godās beloved children here and now and bear the message of the Gospel in all we say and do.
#pentecost #happybirthday #holyspirit #stpaulofthecross #catholic #prayer #catholicchurch
Wow! Thank you to everyone who came out for our first Dining in the Kingdom Wine Dinner! It was such a beautiful, delightful and inspiring evening. We are so grateful for all the support and generosity. A special shoutout to the amazing team of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center & all those who help make this event so amazing. If you missed out make sure to check the link in our bio upcoming events.
Join us Next Wednesday, June 4th from 6:30-9:00 pm for Dining in the Kingdom: Spiritual Reflection & Wine Dinner at the historic St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center! This evening will feature wine parings from Dreadnought Wines and reflection by Father Nick Vaskov.
$75 donation per person and includes dinner and wine. We only have a few spots left so register today at the link in our Bio! We hope to see you there!
#retreatcenter #stpaulofthecross #pittsburgh #pittsburghspaces #pittsburghhistory #reflection #winedinner #localevents #food #fun
Happy Feast of the Ascension!
Promises, promises. Itās been forty days since Jesus appeared in the Upper Room where we were⦠well, letās be honest. We were hiding. We didnāt know what to think, say, or do. Frankly, we were scared, but we tried hard not to show it. We didnāt want to upset Mother Mary. But if they killed Jesus, surely they would be coming after us. That was then. That very night, He appeared to us and the first words he said was āPeaceā. Thomas wasnāt there that night, but leave it to Jesus to come back and make sure that he was included, even with all his doubts. It wasnāt a regular routine of Him being present, but one that took us all by surprise was when he made us breakfast at the beach. He asked the same question as when he first met Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Weād caught nothing, but he made sure he had enough fish. What was so important was that he wanted us to remember all that He taught us. He was even going to send an Advocate to remind us of our days with him. He was always thoughtful like that.
The last time we saw Him was on one of the mounts. It always reminded us that He was no ordinary teacher, no, we came to know Him as the Son of God. He told us that He would go to the Father and that we had to do three things: stay together and await for His Spirit, and we would receive power, then we would go out to tell the world the Good News.
Today, on this great feast we invite you to join us, not only in preaching, but also living a life that tells every one that Jesus is alive and wants the best for you. Let us proclaim Godās love, goodness, fidelity, and we live in hope, trusting in Our Lord. In ten days, weāll hear the story of Pentecost. The story continues and the Church is born!
-Reflection by Fr. Michael Greene, C.P.
#feastday #ascensionofourlord #catholicchurch #catholicfeastdays #easter
Today, we acknowledge the courage and supreme sacrifices made by all men and women who have given their lives for our country.
With sincere gratitude we pray for all the men and women who gave their lives to serve this nation. May their example of sacrifice and courage inspire us!
#memorialday #usa #thankyou #courage #honor #sacrifice
Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center is offering a presentation on āRule of Lifeā THIS Thursday, May 22nd from 6:30-8:30 pm with Ellen Mady.
Come learn about the significance and benefits of a rule of life. Explore scriptural foundations and spiritualities in the history of the Church that offer tools and concepts to discover how God speaks to you and guides you, and the difference that can make in daily life. Cost is $50 per person. All proceeds go to support Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center. We hope to see you there!
Register today at the link in our bio!
#stpaulofthecross #retreat #inspiration #spirituality #catholic #prayer #pittsburgh #pittsburghhistory
As we celebrate this week the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, we are reminded of our Ladyās message to the children to seek Godās mercy through the Sacraments and prayer.Ā Each day our Passionists offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the front door of our Monastery. This gift to celebrate Godās great mercy and love invites each of us and all of us to know that God desires to be close to us and to offer us mercy and compassion as we seek Godās forgiveness.Ā
In this month of May, a month that we honor the Blessed Mother, perhaps we can take some extra time to pray the Rosary for peace in our world, for the sick, the poor, those who have fallen away from their faith and for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.Ā
Let us remember Our Ladyās message at Fatima to pray the Rosary and seek Godās love, mercy, and compassion in the Sacraments of the Church, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.Ā Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
#fatima #prayforus #peace #blessedmother #immaculateheart #praytherosary #rosary
From the words of our founder St. Paul of the Cross! Our retreat center here in Pittsburgh is just that. A place to unplug from the world of distractions, to unburdened oneself, find beauty, peace and quiet.
Book your stay at Saint Paul the Cross Retreat Center today! You can book a night or a few or attend our upcoming event on Thursday, May 22 on the "Rule of Life"! Click the link in our bio to learn more.
#retreatcenter #stpaulofthecross #getaway #pittsburgh #pittsburghspaces #pittsburghhistory #history #hiddenjem #unplug #reconnect
Habemus Papam!
"God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God."- Pope Leo XIV
Join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV!
#newpope #whitesmoke #catholicchurch #vatican #pope
The Passionists, a Roman Catholic religious order, trace their origins to Italy in 1720 when St. Paul of the Cross founded the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ in Monte Argrentario, Italy. Their primary mission is to promote devotion to the Passion and suffering of Jesus Christ. They preach the message of Christ's love and suffering to all, particularly the poor and neglected.Ā
Passionists engage in various apostolates, including preaching, parish missions, retreats, and serving in hospitals, orphanages, and other ministries, all rooted in their devotion to the Passion.
From their origins in Italy, the Passionists expanded to other parts of the world, establishing congregations in various countries, including the United States, when they came to Pittsburgh in 1852. At the request of Bishop Michael OāConnor of Pittsburgh, Passionists began preaching parish missions and quickly became a place of peace and destination for those in need.
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, even 173 years later, still offers a unique space set apart from daily demands and concerns for spiritual reflection, prayer, leading to deeper connection to faith, renewed sense of purpose and renewal of heart in relationship with God; through weekend retreats, evenings of recollection, as well as specialized programs and hosted events.
Come and see this historical gem of Pittsburgh, the first in all of the United States. Unplug from the world and be renewed! Click the link in our bio to learn more!
#passionist #stpaulofthecross #retreat #unplugged #connect #inspiration #history #pittsburgh #pittsburghevents #catholicchurch #neighborhood #communityfirst
Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center is hosting āAn Evening of Reflection on Saint Gemmaā THIS Wednesday, May 7th from 5:00-8:30 pm with Deacon Ralph Bachner. The evening will begin with Mass at 5:00 pm. Following Mass, there will be a dinner and a special reflection on Saint Gemma.
Address: 148 Monastery Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Cost is $55 per person and includes dinner.
Register Today at the link in our bio!
#retreatcenter #stpaulofthecross #pittsburgh #pittsburghevents #reflection #inspiration #encouragement
Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center is hosting āA Celebration of Mary, Embracing Holiness as Grandmothers, Mothers and Daughters of Todayā NEXT Tuesday, May 6th from 7:00-9:00 pm. The evening will begin with Mass at 7:00
pm followed by rosary, reflection, dessert, coffee and fellowship at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center.
Address: 148 Monastery Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Cost is $30 per person and includes dessert and coffee.
Register Today at the link in our Bio! šš»š #mothersday #grandmothers #honor #motherhood #celebration #mary #stpaulofthecross #pittsburgh #pittsburghevents #catholic #inspirational
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center was founded in 1852, the first Passionist Retreat Center and Monastery in all of America by four young Passionist who, at the request of Pittsburgh Bishop Michael OāConnor left Rome to follow a dream to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the new world!
Tucked away, yet still convenient to the city, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center is one of Pittsburghās best kept secrets. This sacred and historical space offers the ability to unplug from the busy world. Sometimes disconnecting is the best way to connect and find peace with a renewed perspective.
Our center offers quiet nooks for you to reflect, while also providing ample meeting space for gatherings with family, friends or colleagues for meaningful conversations, meetings, talks or retreats. Come and spend some time exploring our beautiful grounds or Book a night or two and make it a private, peaceful, getaway experience. Click the link in our bio to learn more! #stpaulofthecross #retreat #pittsburghpa #pittsburgh #historical #passionist #catholic #spirituality #peace #healing #getaway #renew #wellnessretreat #nature #families #couples #staycation