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Frances Ruocco
3/20/2009
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This year I experienced my second retreat at San Alfonso and my 20 year old granddaughter experienced her first retreat. We had a wonderful time and look forward to attending again next year with God's blessings.  Thank you so much for a very nice weekend to refresh ourselves and hopefully serve God every day of our lives.  P.S. It was interesting to hear Father talk about his sister who wanted him to speak to her sons about living together, and Father said to keep telling them how much God loves them.  I noticed he did not say it was right for them to do so, I am sure my daughter and granddaughter enjoyed hearing him say that.  Of course I did mention that Father didn't say it was right, but God loves us anyway. The blow poem was written last year when I attended my first retreat at San Alfonso, I had been at Stella Maris [I believe that's the name a few years earlier] and also have made some retreats in Upstate New York.  Again, thank you for a wonderful weekend. Â
Retreat at St. Alfonso
As I was quietly walking to Mass one sunny day
I accidentally overheard a group of Parishioners say
It’s time to get ready for our yearly retreat
The cost of the weekend really can’t be beat
Down by the Jersey shore, such an awesome view
St. Alfonso’s Retreat House will pamper you Â
Following the teaching of Jesus down by the seaside
Redemptionist Priests not only inspire, they guide
The time passes so quickly, not a minute to spare
As we join in Adoration and Rituals, glad to be there Â
Food aplenty, truly superb; guest rooms extra clean
The perfect answer to every overburdened person’s dream
Of spending a peaceful weekend that refreshes the soul
Making new friends, while catching up with friends of old
Growing closer to God, as He opens our eyes and ears
While supplying the keys to overcome all of our fears
I turned and cried out: “If I came along would you mind?
I couldn’t believe their reactions; they were all so kind
“Why of course not, the trip has always been open to all
Women go in the Spring-time, groups of men reserve the Fall
Religious Priests and Nuns enjoy summer months when it’s hot
Young and old, married and engaged couples each have a slot
Teenagers become nourished with the grace they all need
To avoid becoming followers, instead they learn to lead
Money always well spent, yearly cost equals a few dollars a day
I couldn’t resist, I hurried to sign up for this year’s get-a-way!
Every word of each sermon kept opening doors in my heart
The more I listened the more I knew I’d was becoming a part
Of praising the benefits of a weekend down by the seashore
Where everyone leaves loving God and our neighbors more
  FR-© 3-7-2008
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Sandra Ann N+Bradshaw Lucas-Morrow
10/2/2007
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Peaceful reprieve; met the most wonderful nuns and priests ever, and was most gratified concerning the three days and two nights spent at the retreat house. Would reccommend for all who want an escape from the frenzy of every day life to be able to rest in harmony and grace among those who seek the same. To mesh with like minds and experience what God and his disciples wanted for us all: a little bit of peace with our fellow mankind. Thank you St. Alfonso Retreat House. Sincerely, Sandra Ann Bradshaw Lucas-Morrow
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PEGGY CABLE
9/29/2007
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I LOVED THE RETREAT I WENT FOR MY FIRST TIME IN MAY COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHEN THERE IN ANOTHER ON IN OCT OR DEC,PLEASE I REALLY NEED TO COME THERE AGAIN THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
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