On Holy Ground - The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

Christmas 2010
On Holy Ground
Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center
Houston, Texas
The Passionists of Holy Cross Province
“Wheqe Miqacler Happen”

On Holy Ground
Page 2
Fr. Joe Moons
(left) and
Retired
Auxiliary Bishop
Vincent
Rizzotto work
together to
encourage the
ministry of
sharing a retreat
with team
leaders, teams
and parishioners
in different
Catholic
parishes.
Dear Retreatants and Friends of
Holy Name,
Christmas is special for me. It
pulls me out of my daily routine
and has me reflect on all the gifts
the Lord has given me. It hasn’t
been a perfect or easy year, but as
always, I find
myself
grateful for
the people
the Lord has
placed in my
life.
My family,
my
Passionist
brothers and
now my
relationship
with many of
you has given me a depth of
gratitude and appreciation of the
goodness of people. You have revealed to me
resilience in your desire for God in your lives and
forgiveness and healing in your hearts. Your Spirit
touches that underlying yearning in each of us that
desires to relate and love again. Thank you for
sharing that with me.
An oak tree fell on the south side of the
retreat center on July 2nd.
We had a busy and blessed fall. The Annual Golf
Tournament went well and was enjoyed by all, and
the Graceful Gardens Luncheon was a great event
for our friends who support our gardens. We also
had a little excitement here. At the beginning of the
July 4th weekend on a very rainy Friday evening, a
31-inch diameter oak tree fell on the bedrooms on
the south side of the retreat center while 72 women
were on retreat. Thank God they were all in Daneo
Hall. No one was hurt. There was damage to three
bedrooms, but it was fixed in seven days. God is
good.
Our mission to the Catholic and the 12-Step
Communities continues to be blessed. On Sunday
mornings when I ask the newcomers on retreat how
it went, they all feel uplifted, healed and many
sense a miracle has taken place in their lives. This
spirit always touches and
surprises me. Truly God is on
these sacred grounds because
all of us show up doing the
work God has entrusted to us
for one another. Thank you for
being there.
This year Bishop Vincent
Rizzotto, Retired Auxiliary
Bishop of the Archdiocese of
Galveston-Houston, has joined
us in encouraging the ministry
of sharing a retreat with team
leaders, teams and parishioners
in different Catholic parishes (see front cover).
Inviting someone to share the gift of a Catholic or
12-Step retreat is an opportunity entrusted by God
to all of us.
Holy Name continues to face challenges. We never
refuse those who want to make a retreat, whatever
their financial situation. This year, like last year,
many want to come, but they need our help. I am
asking you to support Our Christmas Appeal for
the Financial Aid Fund, so they may experience a
retreat. Please be generous. Many times those least
able to pay are the ones that need it most.
I pray that each of you have a Blessed Christmas
and faith-filled New Year. Know that you remain in
my prayers, as I am grateful for your prayers.
God bless you all,
Fr. Joe Moons, C.P., Retreat Director
2010-2011 Catholic Retreat Season
Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World
“While the lost son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.
The father ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him…. (But) the older
brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.”
The Parable of the Lost Son, Luke 15:11-32
Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center
Houston, Texas

Page 3 Christmas 2010
Lent 4.5: Christian Simplicity Discussion Group
Christian Simplicity is a more meaningful way to experience Lent than simply giving
up chocolate. Developed by the Passionst's Earth and Spirit Center, this seven week
program informs and inspires Christian communities on how to use prayer, fasting,
and almsgiving to care for God's creation. It offers practical opportunities for people
to apply church teaching on Gospel simplicity to their everyday lives. This program
is in a discussion group style setting and will be offered the Monday before Ash
Wednesday and every Monday during Lent. Our first session will be offered
March 7th at 7:00 p.m. Drinks will be provided. Cost: $15 per session or $70 for all
7! Come and bring your favorite snack. Try living more simply, so that others may
simply live. For more information visit Lent45.org.
Lessons & Carols
Come and join us for Lessons and
Carols on Sunday December 12th
at 3 p.m.! This Advent prayer
service consists of Lessons
(Scripture readings) and Advent
songs and hymns which walk us through the story of
Salvation History. Holy Name invites you and your
family to enrich your Advent journey with us as we pray
and sing about the coming of our Lord.
Las Posadas
Join us for Las Posadas on Sunday,
December 19th at 4 p.m. Las Posadas
is a religious celebration that reenacts
the biblical journey of Mary and
Joseph as they searched for shelter in
Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.
The afternoon will conclude with pan
dulce y chocolate! Come and join us
for prayer, singing and celebration!
Acompáñenos para celebrar Las Posadas el Domingo, 19 de
Diciembre a las 4 de la tarde. Las Posada es una celebración
que recrea el recorrido bíblico de Maria y Jose durante su
búsqueda de asilo en Belén, antes del nacimiento de Jesús.
¡Terminaremos con una convivencia de pan dulce y chocolate!
¡Vengan y acompáñenos para rezo, canto y celebración!
Lenten Evenings of Reflection
"No other major American writer of
our century has constructed a fictional
world so energetically and forthrightly
charged by religious investigation."
Brad Leithauser, The New Yorker
Join us as we reflect on the passion, death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ through
the writings of Flannery O'Connor. We
will be exploring a different short story
by this Southern
Catholic author
each of the four
nights.
Familiarity with
the stories and
attendance to all
four evenings is beneficial but not
necessary. Bring a friend and spread the
word! Suggested Offering: $20 per
evening or $70 for series. Dates: Ash
Wednesday-March 9th, March 23rd,
April 6th and April 20th. Dinner at 6:00
p.m. Presentation at 6:45 p.m. followed
by confessions with Mass starting at
8:00 p.m.
Married Couples Retreat
The Lord of the Rings: The Power of The Word
February 11th-13th
The reflections offered will focus on the essential elements of the Sacrament of
Marriage and its lifelong ministry. Fr. Donald Nesti, C.S.Sp., a professor at St. Mary's
Theological Seminary in Houston, will be the presenter. Cost is $300 per couple.
tel 713.464.0211 fax 713.464.0671 www.passionist.org/holyname holyname@passionist.org

On Holy Ground
Días de Oración y Reflexión
Dedica un día para renovar tu espiritualidad con
Dios. Un día para dar tiempo a escuchar charlas
espirituales, tiempo para oración y reflexión
personal, dirección espiritual y los sacramentos
de Reconciliación y Eucaristía. Comenzando a las
8:30 a.m. y terminando a las 4:30 p.m. Donación
$30 por persona e incluye almuerzo.
26 de febrero
12 de marzo
16 de abril
25 de junio
“Abre mis Ojos Señor que Yo
quiero Ver”
“Yo Quiero ser un Vaso Nuevo”
Día de Oración y Reflexión en
Cuaresma
“No hay Dios tan Grande”
“Cantare Alabanzas al Señor”
12 Step Day of Reflection
Thursday, March 3rd
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The 12 Step Day of Reflection is for
women and men. Registration
begins at 9:00 a.m., and the
program follows at 9:30 a.m. Cost
is $35, which includes lunch.
Open House
Sunday, May 1st
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Holy Name will host it's 2nd annual Open House
on May 1st, 2011 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. This
event is an opportunity for those who have not
had a chance to see the retreat center to come
experience it. It will include tours of the house
and gardens, and a reception with the chance to
meet and greet the Retreat Center staff. Come by
and bring a friend to experience the miracle.
Page 4
Parish Staff Days of Prayer and Reflection
Wednesday, May 4th or
Wednesday, May 11th
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Now with two dates to choose from, Parish
Staffs can reflect on the importance of their
ministry in the work of the church. No matter
whether you are a parish administrator,
receptionist, department head, secretary or
maintenance worker, as ministers we are all in
need of Spiritual Renewal. On May 4th, Msgr.
Frank Rossi will be the speaker, and Larry Payne
will be the presenter for the May 11th reflection.
Women’s Days of Reflection
Praying with the Magnificat
Thursday, January 27th
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
You are invited to spend a day reflecting on the
seasons of Advent and Christmas and pray with
Mary the Mother of God. Using the Magnificat
as our guide, how can we find the joy and trust in
the Lord to model our lives after that of Mary's
The Triumph of the Cross
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
In true Passionist fashion, spend a day of prayer
and reflection focused on the mystery of Christ's
Passion and the reason that we can preach Christ
crucified: triumph of the cross. May the passion
of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.
Living with Passion — at a New Time
Tune in as Fr. Cedric Pisegna,
C.P. hosts his television
program Living with Passion!
on Houston TV channel 55
every Sunday morning at 7
a.m. (instead of 6:30 a.m.).
Visit www.FrCedric.org to learn
more about his ministry.
Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center
Houston, Texas

Page 5 Christmas 2010
We Hold in Our Hearts
Let us pray for the following deceased retreatants
Onnie L. Bailes
Patricia Besch
Oktavia
Carstarphen
Tom Colley
Mary J. Dever
Patricia Dowling
Dr. P. Fagan
Robert R. Fretz
James Griggs
Auburn Higgins
Earle Jansen
William De Jong
Sarah LaFaver
Leo Lauer
Louis S. Macko
Jose Miranda
Don Nagle
Arthur Palos
Josephine R. Puma
Girard Riess
Jan Shafron
George Shimek
Franz J.
Stuedemann
Nelson Taylan
Lowell Thies
Jesse Vela
Robert H.
Washington
Steven Weber
Harry F. Wilhelm
We invite you to hold these retreatants and their
families in your thoughts and prayers.
Our New Programs Coordinator
Native Houstonian Angelica
Garcia is a graduate of the
University of Houston with a BA
in Spanish and has been part of
the Holy Name Staff since July.
She is the Programs Coordinator
where she not only works with
the hosted programs that come
to Holy Name but also offers
support to the growing Hispanic
Ministry Programs.
Piwonka Family Exemplifies Volunteerism
Community of Passionist Partners
If you are interested in Passionist
spirituality, the Community of
Passionist Partners (CPP) of Houston
invites you to attend our upcoming
January and February meetings. CPPs
include lay and vowed members who meet once a
month for prayer, discussion, and study. For more
information on these meetings, formation, and
the community, please call Justine 713-647-0377
or Scott 281-589-9200 or visit our website at
www.passionist.org/ministry/ome/cpp.
Our New Pastoral Associate
Kim Garcia, a native Texan, has
a BA in Catholic Studies from
the University of St. Thomas.
She has been involved in church
music ministry, youth programs
and retreat ministry. Kim is a
member of the retreat preaching
team for Catholic Men and
Women and is the Coordinator
of the Youth and Young Adult
Retreat Ministry.
Beth Piwonka Capps (left) edits the Holy Name
newsletter from her home in Dallas. Janet
Piwonka (center), recently retired, has devoted
her time to training our registrar Deborah
Johnson on the intricacies of our new computer
program Raiser’s Edge and David Piwonka (right)
is a member of the Board of Directors.
All our volunteers are special to us. We depend
on them to support our ministry of providing the
Sacred Space needed by the many who come
desiring a grace-filled retreat. If you are
interested in sharing in our mission at Holy Name
as a volunteer please contact Heidi Teichgraeber
at 713-464-0211.
Graceful Gardens
Fall Luncheon
The Graceful Gardens
Fall Luncheon was a
huge success. Keynote
Speaker and Image
Consultant Cathy
Fitzpatrick Cleary
spoke beautifully about
the spiritual nature of
her work. We are
looking forward to
next year's luncheon.
tel 713.464.0211 fax 713.464.0671 www.passionist.org/holyname holyname@passionist.org

On Holy Ground
Page 6
4th Annual B-geO Magnolia Miles Bike Ride
Saturday, March 19th
Saturday, March 19, 2011 will mark the fourth annual B-geO
Magnolia Miles Bike Ride. Ride start is at 8 a.m. Routes are 71
miles, 41 miles and 23 miles. The ride begins at the Magnolia
Junior High School in Magnolia. Register online at
www.bikereg.com. Registration is $35 with early bird specials for
early registration. If you are not riding, come out for a $5
barbecue lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. and watch the riders
finish.
Holy Name partners with the Magnolia Area Chamber of
Commerce for this BP MS 150 Recommended ride. We always
need volunteers. For information on the ride or volunteering,
please contact Heidi Teichgraeber at 713-464-0211.
Head bowed
during the prayer
at the beginning
of the ride.
Christmas Appeal
Financial Aid Fund
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming
down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does
not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
The Christmas Appeal is for our Financial Aid
Fund to help those in need of financial support.
During this season of giving, please prayerfully
consider supporting our men and women who
need to come to these holy grounds for retreat.
Enclosed is an envelope that you can use for your
convenience.
Thank you to the Foundations
that support Holy Name and our ministries
Andrews Foundation
Cameron Foundation
Ray C. Fish Foundation
Kenedy Foundation
McGovern Foundation
Simmons Foundation
Strake Foundation
Scanlan Foundation
Texas House
Foundation
The Texas Alcoholism
Foundation, Inc.
Trull Foundation
Thank you for making our
Golf Tournament a Success!
One hundred thirty-eight golfers had a fun day at
the 16th Annual Golf Tournament at
Meadowbrook Farms Golf Course in Katy, Texas.
The tournament netted $44,292, which will
benefit our Financial Aid program for those who
can’t pay for a retreat at Holy Name. Many
thanks to our Golf Committee, chaired by Chuck
Rodine, and the event organizers, Mary Kay
Tortorice and Fr. Peter Berendt, C.P.
We hope to see you at next year’s Golf
Tournament Monday, September 26th, 2011,
Meadowbrook Farms Golf Course.
Congratulations to the winners!
1st Place Gross Left to right: John Burke, Pete
McCaffrey, Rick Hestley and Palmer Hestley
Sports equipment for youth retreats and activities
provided by a grant from the Kenedy Foundation.
Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center
1st Place Net Left to Right: Fred Seale, Toby Seale,
Jeff Seale and David Rhodes
Houston, Texas

Page 7 Christmas 2010
below and mail/fax to the retreat center.
Today’s Date: _____________________
Reservations: Please reserve a place for the weekend/day of: ________________ (month/day/year)
__ Catholic Men’s Retreat ($190) __ Catholic Women’s Retreat ($190)
__ 12-Step Retreat ($190) __ Young Adult Retreat ($125)
__ 12-Step Day of Reflection ($35) __ Women’s Day of Reflection ($35)
__ Día de Reflexión ($35)
__ Married Couples Retreat ($300 per couple)
__ Lent 4.5 Discussion Group ($15 per evening/$70 for series)
__ Lenten Evening of Reflection ($20 per evening/$70 for series)
More Information: Please send me more information on:
__ Stewardship __ English Retreats __ Programas en Español
Gift Certificate Request for a retreat ($190); Weekend: _____ Name of Person: _____________________
Your Name: ______________________ Address: __________________ City: _________ State: ___ Zip: ______
Home Phone: (____)_________ Work Phone: (____)________ Email Address: ___________________________
Pay by credit card: Amount: $_______ VISA __ MC__ Disc__ AmEx __
Card Expires __ __ / __ __
Credit Card #: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Card Holder: ______________________________
Authorized Signature: _________________________________________ Security Code: ____________________
Donate Your Vehicle
Donate your vehicle to Holy
Name and receive a tax deduction
for your charitable donation.
Call Mary Kay Tortorice at 713-464-0211. Your
vehicle will be picked up and all the details will
be handled by our representative. Invite your
friends and family to participate in this program.
ReDuce. ReUse. ReCycle.
New Fundraiser for Holy Name
If you are coming on retreat or just for
a visit, bring us your old newspapers
and magazines. Look for the green
receptacle near the basketball goal.
Help the Miracle Grow: Impact of Regular Giving
Thank you for your generosity, commitment, support and prayers to Help the Miracle
Grow. Through your sacrifices we have been able to replace the main water line coming into
the buildings, create a new office by the library, replace shower heads and make parking lot
landscaping improvements. For information on how you can become a regular donor, visit
our website at www.passionist.org/holyname or contact the Center at 713-464-0211.
Giving Cycle
Number of Donors
per Giving Cycle
Total Amount
per Giving Cycle
One Year Projected
Recurring Income
Monthly Giving 118 $3,411
Quarterly Giving 5 $245
$41,912
tel 713.464.0211 fax 713.464.0671 www.passionist.org/holyname holyname@passionist.org

Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center
The Passionists of Holy Cross Province
430 Bunker Hill Road, Houston, TX 77024-6399
“Foq unso ur a child ir boqn.”
A Seasonal Newsletter from Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center Christmas 2010
tel 713.464.0211 fax 713.464.0671 www.passionist.org/holyname holyname@passionist.org
Upcoming Events
December Lessons & Carols: An Advent Prayer Service December 12
Recovering GA Men & Women's Retreat December 17-19
Las Posadas
19 de diciembre
February Recovering Alcoholic Men's Retreat February 4-6
Catholic Married Couple's Retreat February 11-13
Recovering Alcoholic Women's Retreat February 18-20
March 12-Step Day of Reflection March 3
Women’s Lenten Day of Reflection March 24
April Recovering Alcoholic Men's Retreat April 29-May 1
Recurring Events
Catholic Women's Retreats will be held December 3-5 and February
25-27.
Catholic Men's Retreats will be held January 7-9, January 14-16,
January 21-23, January 28-30, March 4-6, March 11-13, March 18-
20, March 25-27, April 1-3, April 8-10 and April 15-17.
Catholic Women’s Days of Reflection are January 27 and April 28.
Lent 4.5 will be March 9, March 23, April 6 and April 20.
Lenten Evening Reflection Series is March 9, March 23, April 6th and
April 20th.
Días de Reflexión son 4 de diciembre, 26 de febrero, 19 de marzo y
16 de abril.
John Parziale
Chairperson
Ron Bickers
Vice Chair
Sr. Julie Greig, O.P.
2nd Vice Chair
Charism Formation
Kathy Hughes
Michael Schillaci
Cristina Garcia-Luense
Legal Affairs
Brad Wilder
Dennis Storemski
Governance
Dennis Storemski
Ron Bickers
Don Gauci
Stacy Edick
Strategic Planning
Bill Berger
Stacy Edick
Facilities/Grounds
David Piwonka
Finance
Don Gauci
Ron Bickers
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Committees
Don Gauci
Treasurer
Stacey Edick
Secretary
Bill Berger
Advancement
Bob DeBesse
Michael Schillaci
Marketing
Jan Rodine
Kathy Hughes
Programs
Sr. Julie Greig, O.P.
Joe Castro
Cristina Garcia-Luense
Passionist Trustee
Fr. Arthur Carrillo, C.P.
Non Voting Members
Fr. Joe Moons, C.P.
Retreat Director
Joe Castro
Administrator