Contact

Biography

Father John Burchill, O.P. was born in Cambridge, MA. He holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) and his experience in ministry includes service in religious formation and renewal programs, extensive retreat and parish work in the United States, Canada, Africa and New Zealand, as well as the teaching of a variety of theological topics.

Sister Barbara Metz, S.N.D. de N. was born in West Roxbury, MA. She has a Master of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Theology. In ministry, she has served in religious formation and renewal programs and has many years of experience in teaching, retreat work, and parish ministries in the United States, Ireland, Canada and Africa.

Programs

Father John and Sister Barbara have offered parish missions and retreats as a team for over 10 years now. The parish mission is aimed at offering "Spirituality for the New Millennium." A mission is a time for remembering who we are as a people, being responsive to the graces and gifts of the present moment, and living into the future with hope. The team offers seven different mission programs, namely: "With What Great Love"; "I Have Come to Bring Life"; "You Are Near"; "Advent Themes"; "Lenten Themes"; "Catholicism 2000"; and "Create Your Own Mission." Each mission opens with an invitation at the weekend Liturgies. Mission sessions take place on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. In each mission, there is a renewal of baptism and confirmation promises, a sacramental reconciliation service, and an anointing service. After the daily morning Eucharist, there is the possibility of repeating the mission talk or offering a short course on personal prayer. The mission leaders are available for visiting shut-ins in their homes or to offer individual spiritual guidance should that be desirable. A brochure is available giving further details.

Retreats are either preached, guided or directed. They are offered as a team or individually. The titles of the retreats are: "Guided by the Mystics"; "Vowed: Faithful and Free?"; "Teach us to Pray"; "Contemplating the Person of Jesus"; "In the Company of Friends of God and Prophets"; "Aging with Grace"; and "Blessed Are You: A Retreat on the Beatitudes." Descriptions of these retreats are also available on request. Father John and Sister Barbara also lead weekend retreat programs, Days of Recollection, directed retreats, and spiritual direction. References are available on request.

Availability

It is usual to schedule a parish mission or a retreat at least one year in advance. A minimum of six months is needed.

Fee

Fees are available on request.