“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…” Ezekiel 36:26
Dear Friends of Christ the King,
Easter blessings to you and those you love. In this joyful season, we proclaim with grateful hearts that Christ is risen, and because He lives, new life continues to unfold among us. Easter is not only something we celebrate on one day; it is a grace we are invited to live and share every day.
St. Paul reminds us, “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor 5:17). We see this truth come alive again and again here at the Center. People arrive carrying burdens, questions, weariness, or longing—and through prayer, silence, community, and the sacraments, something new begins to take root. Lives are gently renewed, hope is restored, and faith is strengthened.
Our ministry continues to grow in beautiful and encouraging ways. We have been especially blessed this year with an increase in Confirmation retreats. At one recent celebration of the Mass, our chapel was completely full—55 young people, joined by many of their parents. It was a powerful grace-filled moment, a visible sign that the Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts of our youth and their families.
During our Catholic retreats we are welcoming many more individuals and groups seeking rest, direction, and deeper communion with God. At the same time, more people are requesting financial assistance than in past years. Many sincerely desire to come but simply cannot afford the full cost. Your generosity helps bridge that gap, ensuring that no one is turned away from an encounter with God because of financial hardship.
We are grateful, too, for steady progress in caring for these sacred grounds. We continue moving forward with our solar panel project, a step toward long-term sustainability. We are also beautifying and safeguarding the grounds with the necessary costly removal of 17 large dead trees. We are blessed by outstanding volunteers who give their time, skill, and love to help care for this sacred place.
Through it all, we hear the Lord’s promise: “See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). As we celebrate the new life in the Resurrection, I warmly invite you to consider an Easter gift in support of the Center. Your generosity makes it possible for Christ’s new life to be shared with so many.
Thank you for your prayers and faithful support, and your belief in our ministry. Please know of our gratitude and our continued prayers for you and your loved ones during this Easter season.
With gratitude and prayers,
Fr. Joe Moons, C.P.
Retreat Center Director