Center for Spiritual Development

This September, the Center for Spiritual Development launches a brand-new series designed for all who long to know, love, and serve God more intentionally -- and YOU'RE INVITED! Embrace the Sacred encourages you to open yourself to spiritual practices and knowledge for a deeper spiritual life that will motivate and sustain you in your relationships, in your daily life, and in transforming work into ministry. Attend on Zoom or in person -- or sign up for individual sessions, if you prefer! More info and registration here:

In-person series: www.thecsd.org/event-details/embrace-the-sacred-foundations-of-spirituality
Zoom series: https://www.thecsd.org/event-details/embrace-the-sacred-foundations-of-spirituality-zoom

In today's First Reading, Elijah waits for God to pass by -- but God is not in the strong in heavy wind. God is not in the earthquake. God is not in the fire. But God is in the small whispering sound that follows all these dramatic demonstrations.

What can you do this week to open your heart to God's still, small voice? How can you open your ears and your mind to what God is saying to you?

Ladies, there are still a few spaces available for you to join us in a directed retreat at Mission San Luis Rey this month! Our Sisters will provide retreatants with daily spiritual direction; there will also be Mass, Taizé prayer, and ample time to stroll the grounds, refresh, and re-charge your spiritual life. Best of all, you can choose between a 4-day directed retreat, or an 8-day directed retreat! Get more information and reserve your spot:

8-day retreat (Aug 23-30): https://www.thecsd.org/event-details/reconnect-with-the-holy-an-8-day-retreat-for-women

4-day retreat (Aug 23-26): https://www.thecsd.org/event-details/reconnect-with-the-holy-a-4-day-retreat-for-women-august-23-26

4-day retreat (Aug 26-29): https://www.thecsd.org/event-details/reconnect-with-the-holy-a-4-day-retreat-for-women-august-26-29

We look forward to seeing you in Oceanside!

So many people are looking for connection with God and with each other, for a community where they feel seen and heard, for a time of rest and repose.

If you are a young adult (aged 18-39) and this sounds like you, we invite you to join a gathering of other young adults who feel the same way! We will enjoy time to get to know each other, individual prayer and reflection in our gardens, conversation, light appetizers, and fun. We look forward to seeing you at this FREE event -- August 20, 7-8:30 pm, at St. Joseph Center in Orange. RSVP here: https://www.thecsd.org/event-details/youbelong

How can your spiritual life impact your physical being? How can you integrate body, mind, and soul? JOIN US August 22 as Deacon Joe Marino and Margit Dornisch lead is through an Introduction to BioSpiritual Focusing to consider these questions -- and help us discover the answers to them. Reserve your spot today: https://www.thecsd.org/event-details/a-day-of-presence-an-introduction-to-biospiritual-focusing-3

Today's readings are filled with God's love and care for us, even beyond this beautiful invitation from Isaiah.

"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness," we hear in Psalm 148.

"Neither death, nor life ... nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Our Lord," writes Paul in the epistle to the Romans.

And we see in the Gospel that even as he mourns his cousin, Jesus refuses to turn away the crowds who have followed him, and multiplies the loaves and fishes so they can eat.

As you reflect on God's tremendous love for you, ask yourself: how can you share that love with the dear neighbor in the days ahead?

Are you eager to more readily sense God's presence -- to feel the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life? A spiritual director can help enable you to discern the movement of your faith and how to live in growing fidelity to God's call. We have an ever-growing directory of spiritual directors who would love to companion you on this journey. Check it out: thecsd.org/sdt

We've passed the half-point of the year, the kids will soon be going back to school, businesses will be gearing up for fourth-quarter planning -- it's a great time to pause and take time to reflect, Whether you need space for staff enrichment, a rejuvenating retreat, a prayer group, planning meeting, or other event, we have a place for you with beautiful surroundings and state-of-the-art amenities. Check out what we have to offer and get more info: https://www.thecsd.org/meetingspaces

In today's Gospel, Jesus also describes the kingdom of heaven as a buried treasure; the finder will sell everything he has to buy the field in which that treasure is buried. How can you begin this week with that mindset, that your most precious possession is your soul, and that your most important task is to draw nearer to God?