Religion at its best strengthens the ties that bind the human person to God, to one another and to the natural world. Taught by Pope Francis in messages on Gospel joy and creation care it helps Catholics meet the challenges of today in ways that give hope to the rising generations. The parish retreat acknowledges the obstacles while presenting resources to overcome them.

SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Hamburg will host Simply Live! True Religion for the 21st Century, Oct. 1-4 with Mass at 9 a.m. and evening sessions beginning at 7 p.m.

At each morning Mass there is a homily drawn from the Scripture that proclaims: "Jesus is the answer" and invites people to encounter him through participation in the parish mission.
Evening Themes include:

Beauty of the Earth - The six days of creation are matched with six geological ages to harmonize Scripture and science in the truth that God is the beginning and end of nature. Made in the image of God human beings are co-creators according to the pattern revealed in Jesus Christ. In ritual, we use water to commemorate our birth and rebirth in Christ.

Befriending our Grief - Under a sinful philosophy that de-mystifies nature to make it useful for a market economy, humanity has turned the earth from a wondrous wilderness into a warehouse of consumer goods with little concern for long-term consequences. Distress is heard in the cries of the poor. We grieve over our sins and plead for divine mercy. The service leads into the Sacrament of Penance. Confessions are also heard the next day each hour on the hour.

Healing One and All - Thanks to the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ we can reverse and/or adapt to the damage we have caused. We hope for a sustainable environment that contributes to the health of humanity from age to age into the world without end. After a prayer for the healing of body, soul and spirit for ourselves and our loved ones, each person receives a small folder of suggestions for healing the earth and uplifting the poor in Christ's name.

The Way Forward - By doing what Jesus asks us to do in memory of him we draw refreshment from the stream of life-giving waters as we face the challenge of spreading the joy of the Gospel in a world of confusion and conflict. Mass is celebrated as the climax of the mission. Here we experience the hope and feel the energy to be good stewards of the earth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A plenary indulgence is announced.

Morning Program - To complement the evening service, the missionary celebrates and preaches at morning Mass. After light refreshments in the social hall he gives a brief informal talk that complements the evening sermon. In place of a final talk there is a question and answer session. Morning prayer is said when Mass is part of the evening service.

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. Mass, refreshments. Talk: The Greatest Commandment, 7 p.m. Beauty of the Earth. Ritual: Birth through Water and the Holy Spirit, then refreshments for those interested.

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. Mass, refreshments. Talk: The Second Great Commandment, 7 p.m. Befriending Our Grief. Ritual: Sacrament of Penance

Thursday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. Mass refreshments. Talk: Good Grief, Accepting the Loss of a Loved One Gracefully, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Confession are heard each hour on the hour. 7 p.m. Healing One and All

Friday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. morning prayer, refreshments, questions and answers, 7:30 p.m. The Way Forward. Ritual: Mass of St. Francis of Assisi

There is no cost, but a freewill offering will be accepted to support the Oblate missionary effort in Zambia, Africa.
For more information call Mary Heist at 716-649-6557 or mhh1950@yahoo.com