Christmas Appeal 2025!
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Dear Friends,
As the holy season of Christmas draws near, our hearts are lifted in joyful celebration of the Savior’s
birth—God’s great gift of love to the world. Christmas reminds us that light shines even in the darkest
night, and that Christ, born in Bethlehem, continues to dwell among us—bringing peace, healing, and
renewed hope. Here at Christ the King Retreat Center, we witness that miracle every day through the
lives touched by prayer, recovery, silence, and fellowship.
This year, as we celebrated our 75th Jubilee, we gave thanks for God’s steadfast love and for you—our
retreatants, our friends in recovery, and our Spanish-speaking community—whose faith and generosity
make this sacred place a true home of grace. Your presence, your prayers, and your support transformed
our Jubilee into a moment of deep gratitude and renewed commitment to God’s mission of mercy.
Our theme for this retreat year, “Listen, Jesus is Calling: A Pilgrimage of Our Hearts,” invites each of us
to pause amid the noise of the world and hear the gentle voice of Christ: “Come away by yourselves to a
quiet place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Every retreat is a small Bethlehem—where hearts find room
for Christ, and weary souls are reborn in hope. Many have shared how, in that quiet chapel or during a
simple meal, peace returned to their hearts. As St. Augustine beautifully said, “Our hearts are restless
until they rest in You, O Lord.”
As we look to the coming year, our Christmas Appeal invites you to share in the ongoing mission of
Christ the King—to be a place where hearts are renewed, burdens are lifted, and hope is restored. Your
generosity helps us care for this sacred space and sustain the many ministries that unfold here: retreats
that rekindle faith, programs that heal the wounded spirit, and moments of quiet prayer that open hearts to
God’s peace. Every gift—large or small—helps us continue welcoming all who seek rest in the Lord
and encounter His love in this holy place.
Thank you for your faithfulness, generosity, and prayers. May the joy of Christmas fill your home with
peace and light. From our Passionist family at Christ the King, we wish you and your loved ones every
blessing this holy season.
Merry Christmas and peace in Christ,
Fr. Joe Moons, C.P.
Retreat Center Director