February 2021 "From the Ridge"

The Bishop, Head of Deanery, and Diocese ​Secretariat of Communications Visit Heart Ridge and Pledge Support

Although the weather predicted rain, the sun shone brightly as we proudly showed Bishop Guglielmone, Fr. Newman, and Michael Aquilano the buildings, property, and current renovations at Heart Ridge.  All were impressed with the many buildings ready to go and the potential of Heart Ridge for hosting all kinds of events for the diocese.  When we told the Bishop we had a few requests, one of them being the permission for the Blessed Sacrament to be in our chapel, he said, "Make me a list, and I'll make it happen."  

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Our First Workday of 2021 Almost a Complete Success

When we first made our list of chores for the January Workday, we were not thinking that we'd be able to get through them all.  But with many hands comes light work.  
Clean beach. Check.
Move pews out of chapel. Check.
Clean out garden. Check.
Work on trail. Check.
Move pile of logs. Check.
Rake and remove leaves. Check.
Organize boathouse. Check.
Roast hot dogs. Check.
A big thank you to all of the families that came out to help!!!
Oh, and one more item.  Break an arm. Check.  

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Our Exciting News for February-- Our Summer Family Camp is Open for Registration 

This camp will be a life-changing experience for many families. Although the camp will be filled with fun and exciting activities, it will challenge families to be intentional about their relationships like they've never done before, all delivered in a lighthearted way.  
We'd love you to be a part of this mission.  If you still have kids at home--even if they are all teenagers, we'd like you to consider coming.  Invite other families who would also enjoy a time like this.  It's more fun with your friends. If you have adult children with their own families, encourage them to come.  It would make a great gift.  We'd also be thrilled to have volunteers for any week.  Just let us know. 
A simple way to help us out in a big way would be to forward this email on to a prospective family or supporter.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share any post about family camp.  

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Other Upcoming Events (See them all on our event website)

Heart Ridge Anniversary Celebration: Saturday March 20--Mark Your Calendar!

It was on March 20, 2020 that Keith and Tami signed their lives away and closed on the piece of property known as Heart Ridge. Nothing in the world was the same after that! Because the closing was originally scheduled for the 19th on the Feast of St. Joseph, we consider this real estate saint to be one of our patrons.  (We also found a rather large statue of him here, but that's another story.) And now on our first year of running retreats and camps, the Pope declares that this year is dedicated to this quiet, holy man.  All that to say that a celebration is in order!  Please mark your calendar for this event that will be part workday, part party, and maybe a Mass.  Details to follow.
​St. Joseph, pray for us!

A Lenten Retreat for Men

This is tentatively an overnight, but due to Covid concerns, it may become just a daylong retreat.  Fr. Jonathon Duncan has agreed to lead this Lenten Retreat of reflections, Mass, opportunities for confession, times of silence, and fellowship around the campfire.

Simply Love: A Catholic Marriage ​Enrichment Retreat

April 27-28

​This is more than a weekend get away with your spouse, - it is an opportunity for your marriage to grow deeper and ascend new heights!  There will be inspiring talks, time for discussion, marriage-building exercises, an opportunity for Confession, Mass, Rosary walk around the picturesque lake, and free time to get outside and enjoy God's creation together in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.  It will be lead by marriage presenters and authors, Kathleen and Troy Billings. 

Look for Our Mother/Daughter and Father/Son Overnights during Easter break