Felician Sisters of North America

Wintertime in the Woods: New Year Guided Hike Around Lake Elliot
2026-01-03 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
Hosted by Maryville Retreat Center

Start your year with fresh, healthy goals and scenic views at Maryville Retreat Center! Explore the winter beauty of Lake Elliott with a peaceful guided hike, then come inside to enjoy healthy, light refreshments.

$25 per person; children 4 and under are free.(includes dinner and guided hike)

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National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
2026-01-11 00:00 - 23:59
We wear blue to show solidarity with survivors, raise awareness of human trafficking and promote a world free from exploitation and abuse.

Directed Retreat Week: Winter 2026
2026-01-11 16:00 - 2026-01-16 11:00 | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
With Sister Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF, Deb Buczkowski and Father Ron Wagner

Join others as you deepen your faith and gain focus on your spiritual journey. Guided by Sister Judy Blizzard, Deb Buczkowski, and Father Ron Wagner, you will have private half-hour sessions each day to help you progress at your own pace in a silent, prayerful environment. The retreat provides time for personal prayer, reflection, rest, and contemplation, with daily Mass as the only set time. Meals and lodging can be arranged flexibly to suit your needs. While mostly silent, the retreat offers opportunities for optional spiritual exercises or contemplative activities. This experience is fully customizable to accommodate your individual needs. Call to reserve your spot, as space is limited.

This program includes a 5-night stay, all meals and Spiritual Direction.

Main Center — $695: Private bedroom and private bathroom

Program can be customized based on individual needs, including adjustments to lodging and meals. Call for additional options.

Sr. Judith Marie Blizzard is dedicated to the Maryville ministry as coordinator of spiritual direction and programming. She also serves as one of the vocation outreach ministers for the Felician Sisters of North America. Engaged in evangelization, retreat ministry, and parish missions, she holds a bachelor’s degree in education and religious studies from Felician University in Lodi, NJ and a master’s degree in spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Sr. Judith’s diverse past ministries include education, leadership, vocation ministry, formation, retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and mission leadership for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs.Deb Buczkowski is a Spiritual Director, formed and commissioned in the Diocese of Oklahoma City and is an experienced facilitator of the Ignatian Exercises. She and her husband, Joe are engaged Parishioners at St. Daniel Catholic Church in Clarkston, MI and are active in the Cursillo movement.

Fr. Ron Wagner recently retired after 46 years as a parish pastor in the Diocese of Saginaw. He earned a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction from Creighton University in 2007 focusing on Ignatian Spirituality and has served nearly 20 years as a spiritual director, offering retreats for lay ministers and deacons. Formerly Vicar for Priests, he now enjoys time with family, friends and ministry at Maryville Retreat Center, while occasionally assisting his brother priests.

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Feast Day of Our Lady of Hope
2026-01-17 00:00 - 23:59
Our Lady of Pontmain, also known as Our Lady of Hope, is the title given to the Virgin Mary following her apparition at Pontmain, France on January 17, 1871 When they formed their North American Province in 2008, the Felician Sister chose Our Lady of Hope as their patron.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2026-01-19 00:00 - 23:59
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors Dr. King’s legacy and his role in the civil rights movement.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day
2026-01-27 00:00 - 23:59
Honors the memory of the six million Jews and millions of others who were murdered during the Holocaust and commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

Felician University MLK Legacy Award Dinner
2026-01-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Michael’s Riverside, 528 Riverside Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ, 07071, United States
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Felician University invites you to the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award Dinner, taking place on Thursday, January 29 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The university is proud to honor Shavonda E. Sumter, President and CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services and 35th District Representative in the New Jersey General Assembly. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award was established by Felician University to recognize individuals who actively work toward realizing Dr. King’s vision, demonstrating a personal commitment to social justice, civil rights, and economic equality.

Tickets for the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award Dinner are available for $150.00 each, or you can purchase four tickets for $550.00. Student tickets are priced at $100.00 each.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Gold Sponsorship Level – $5,000

Full Page Color Advertisement in the Program Journal

Display of corporate logo on all MLK print and online marketing

Recognition at the event

2 tables with 20 participants

Silver Sponsorship Level – $2,500

Full Page Color Advertisement in the Program Journal

Display of corporate logo on all MLK print and online marketing

Recognition at the event

1 table with 10 participants

Bronze Sponsorship Level – $1,500

Full Page Color Advertisement in the Program Journal

Display of corporate logo on all MLK print and online marketing

Recognition at the event

5 event tickets

Student Participation Sponsorship – $1,750

Full Page Color Advertisement in the Program Journal

Display of corporate logo on all MLK print and online marketing

Recognition at the event

1 table with 10 event tickets for our students

Ad Journal

Full Page in the Ad Journal – $200.00

Half Page in the Ad Journal – $150.00

Business Card in the Ad Journal – $100.00

Felician University, founded in 1942 by the Felician Sisters, is one of the few Franciscan universities in the country and the only one in New Jersey. Its reputation was built on an emphasis on service and respect for humanity, in line with the vision of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska. To this day, the university continues to embody these values in all that it does.

Black History Month
2026-02-01 00:00 - 23:59
Honors the achievements and faith of Black Americans and strengthens our commitment to racial justice.

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
2026-02-02 00:00 - 23:59
In 1997, Saint John Paul II, instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life – consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day.

Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita
2026-02-08 00:00 - 23:59
Honors St. Josephine Bakhita, patroness of human trafficking victims, and symbolizes hope, dignity and the ongoing fight for freedom.

Red Hand Day: International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers
2026-02-12 00:00 - 23:59
Raises awareness of the use of child soldiers worldwide and promotes their protection, recovery and safe return.

New Year, A New Renewal: Married Couples Retreat
2026-02-13 16:00 - 2026-02-15 16:00 | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
Led by Deb and Joseph Buczkowski

$549 per couple2 nights of accommodations and 6 meals including a special tableside Valentine’s Dinner

Spend Valentine’s Weekend with your spouse

Join Maryville for a reflective and rejuvenating weekend designed for couples of all ages. This retreat offers an opportunity to revisit the meaning of sacramental marriage, restore the Christ-centered foundation of your relationship, and redefine your perspective and commitments.

Couples will also have the chance to renew their vows with a fresh, faith-filled outlook, deepening their connection and strengthening their shared journey in faith. Whether you’ve been married 1, 5, 15 or 50 years, take this time to refresh, reconnect and rejoice together.

Retreat Highlights:

Guided reflections on Christ-centered marriage

Opportunities for honest heart-sharing communication

Exploration of God’s vision for your marriage

Vow renewal ceremony

Tools to restore a life-giving foundation to your marriage

“Revisit, Restore, Redefine, Renew—together in God’s love.”

Space is limited—reserve your weekend today!

Register Online

Ash Wednesday
2026-02-18 00:00 - 23:59
Ash Wednesday is a holy day of fasting and prayer, to mark the beginning of Lent.

Lent
2026-02-18 00:00 - 2026-04-02 23:59
Lent is the 40-day period of fasting and prayer, from Ash Wednesday to Easter.

World Day of Social Justice
2026-02-20 00:00 - 23:59
Promoting efforts to address poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, and human rights, this UN initiative aims to build a more inclusive society.

2026 Lenten Series: Felician Spirituality
2026-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The Blessed Mary Angela Institute for Contemplation, Action and Transformation is pleased to announce its 2026 Lenten Series.

These complimentary Zoom presentations will take place: Four Fridays in Lent1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST.

Sister Jeremy Marie Midura, CSSFExecutive Vice President Charism and Mission IntegrationFelician Services Inc.

From the beginning of the Congregation, the ideals of Saint Francis were an inspirational force in the life of Mother Mary Angela, the foundress of the Felician Sisters. As women who follow in her footsteps and as carriers of the Felician charism these aspects of Franciscan spirituality: Evangelical, Ecclesial, Eucharistic and Marian, permeate our lives.

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Directed Retreat Week: Winter 2026
2026-02-22 16:00 - 2026-02-27 11:00 | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
With Sister Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF, Deb Buczkowski and Father Ron Wagner

Join others as you deepen your faith and gain focus on your spiritual journey. Guided by Sister Judy Blizzard, Deb Buczkowski, and Father Ron Wagner, you will have private half-hour sessions each day to help you progress at your own pace in a silent, prayerful environment. The retreat provides time for personal prayer, reflection, rest, and contemplation, with daily Mass as the only set time. Meals and lodging can be arranged flexibly to suit your needs. While mostly silent, the retreat offers opportunities for optional spiritual exercises or contemplative activities. This experience is fully customizable to accommodate your individual needs. Call to reserve your spot, as space is limited.

This program includes a 5-night stay, all meals and Spiritual Direction.

Main Center — $695: Private bedroom and private bathroom

Program can be customized based on individual needs, including adjustments to lodging and meals. Call for additional options.

Sr. Judith Marie Blizzard is dedicated to the Maryville ministry as coordinator of spiritual direction and programming. She also serves as one of the vocation outreach ministers for the Felician Sisters of North America. Engaged in evangelization, retreat ministry, and parish missions, she holds a bachelor’s degree in education and religious studies from Felician University in Lodi, NJ and a master’s degree in spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Sr. Judith’s diverse past ministries include education, leadership, vocation ministry, formation, retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and mission leadership for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs.

Deb Buczkowski is a Spiritual Director, formed and commissioned in the Diocese of Oklahoma City and is an experienced facilitator of the Ignatian Exercises. She and her husband, Joe are engaged Parishioners at St. Daniel Catholic Church in Clarkston, MI and are active in the Cursillo movement.

Fr. Ron Wagner recently retired after 46 years as a parish pastor in the Diocese of Saginaw. He earned a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction from Creighton University in 2007 focusing on Ignatian Spirituality and has served nearly 20 years as a spiritual director, offering retreats for lay ministers and deacons. Formerly Vicar for Priests, he now enjoys time with family, friends and ministry at Maryville Retreat Center, while occasionally assisting his brother priests.

Register Online

2026 Lenten Series: Eucharistic Living
2026-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The Blessed Mary Angela Institute for Contemplation, Action and Transformation is pleased to announce its 2026 Lenten Series.

These complimentary Zoom presentations will take place: Four Fridays in Lent1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST.

Sister Judith Marie Kubicki, CSSFProvincial MinisterFelician Sisters of North America

St. Augustine’s dictum that we “be what you can see and receive what you are” challenges us to embrace eucharistic living. Sister Judith will explore what it means to “do eucharist” and how fidelity to Christ’s mandate transforms the church into the body of Christ for the world.

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Coldest Night of the Year
2026-02-28 16:00 - 19:00 | St. Felix Centre, Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 2K7, Canada
Hosted by St. Felix Centre

Coldest Night of the Year ’26 is here! Join St. Felix Centre’s winterrific family-friendly walk on February 28, 2026.

St. Felix Centre invites the community to join its annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walkathon. This in-person 5K event, part of a nationwide initiative in over 160 locations, raises funds to support programs for people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, food insecurity and precarious housing.

Participants will experience a glimpse of life on the streets in winter while walking to raise critical funds. This year, proceeds will also support St. Felix Centre’s largest project yet: a new building providing permanent, affordable, and supportive housing for women and women with children experiencing homelessness.

CNOY is a chance to have fun, build team spirit, and make a real difference in the community. Join friends, family, or coworkers for a meaningful walk that warms hearts as much as it helps lives.

Help St. Felix Centre reach its $100,000 goal!

Participants can register as individuals or teams, and those who can’t walk 5K are encouraged to contribute through sponsorship or creative fundraising ideas. Everyone is welcome to make a real difference at the Coldest Night of the Year!

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Women's History Month
2026-03-01 00:00 - 23:59
Celebrates the leadership and courage of women who inspire justice, compassion and peace.

Lenten Taizé Prayer Service
2026-03-01 19:00 - 20:00 | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
Free will offering

With Sister Judith Marie Blizzard

Experience peace and tranquility in this meditative prayer session centered on simplicity and stillness. This sacred time includes gentle chants, brief spiritual readings, and silent reflection — all in the calming presence of the Eucharistic Christ.

Sr. Judith Marie Blizzard is the vocation director for the Felician Sisters of North America, serving as a spiritual director in Pittsburgh. Engaged in evangelization, retreat ministry, and parish missions, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Religious Studies from Felician University and a Masters in Spirituality from Creighton University. Sr. Judith’s diverse past ministries include education, leadership, vocation ministry, formation, retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and mission leadership for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs.

Register Online

2026 Lenten Series: Living Contemplatively
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The Blessed Mary Angela Institute for Contemplation, Action and Transformation is pleased to announce its 2026 Lenten Series.

These complimentary Zoom presentations will take place: Four Fridays in Lent1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST.

Brent Anderson, M.Div., BBCCharism and Mission OfficerFelician Sisters of North America

Contemplation invites us into a deeper rhythm of life—one that brings us into contact with our core selves, the wider universe and the presence of deep truth and love. This session explores contemplative themes and practices drawn from major religious traditions and how they resonate with the Felician way. Through brief reflection, teaching, and guided silence, participants are invited to experience how contemplative practice nurtures personal awareness, spiritual depth and a more fully alive way of being and relating.

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Discernment Retreat: Following Your Heart’s Desire
2026-03-06 16:00 - 2026-03-08 16:00 | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
With Sister Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF and Father Ed Nowak

Following your heart’s desire, this program is for women and men. The opportunity for spending time in discernment in what God is calling you next in your life, religious, priesthood, marriage or career. Sister Judy and Father Ed will walk you through the discernment process to help you discover God’s call for you.

$275 per person and includes 2 nights of accommodations and 6 meals.

Main Center – Single Occupancy with Private Bath – $275

Clare’s Cove – Single Occupancy with shared Bath – $275

Hermitage – Single Occupancy with Private Bath – $275

Sr. Judith Marie Blizzard is dedicated to the Maryville ministry as coordinator of spiritual direction and programming. She also serves as one of the vocation outreach ministers for the Felician Sisters of North America. Engaged in evangelization, retreat ministry, and parish missions, she holds a bachelor’s degree in education and religious studies from Felician University in Lodi, NJ and a master’s degree in spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Sr. Judith’s diverse past ministries include education, leadership, vocation ministry, formation, retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and mission leadership for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs.

Fr. Ed Nowak from Pittsburgh, PA, earned a B.S. in Ceramic Science and Engineering from Penn State before joining the Paulist Fathers. He received his M.Div. from The Catholic University of America and was ordained in 1989. He has served in Paulist ministries across the U.S., including campus ministry, OCIA, evangelization, outreach to inactive Catholics, young adult ministry, parish missions, retreats, and vocations. He currently serves in vocation ministry and resides at the Paulist seminary in D.C.

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Special Auction for McGuire
2026-03-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Eat, Drink and Be Giving!

Celebrate over six decades of compassionate care with McGuire Memorial at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and appetizers, followed by a delicious three-course dinner.

Enjoy a wide selection of silent auction items with mobile bidding, exciting raffle opportunities, an engaging live auction, and a truly unforgettable night—where hope turns into reality.

McGuire Memorial extends its heartfelt thanks for another record-breaking year of fun. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, nearly half a million dollars was raised for its Entrusted Treasures.

McGuire Memorial opened its doors and heart to individuals with profound, complex disabilities over half a century ago. Founded on the belief that every life is sacred, McGuire Memorial rededicates itself each day to this founding belief — to encourage every individual we serve to live life to the fullest by providing new opportunities, skills, and experiences.

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International Women's Day
2026-03-08 00:00 - 2026-03-09 00:59
Recognizes women’s contributions and calls for equality, dignity and opportunity for all.

Catholic Sisters Week
2026-03-08 00:00 - 2026-03-14 23:59
Celebrate With Joy!

Join us for Catholic Sisters Week from March 8-14. Fifty-two weeks a year women religious stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community and offer hope. For one week we shine the spotlight on our sisters.

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Hospice Empowerment Resources
2026-03-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Angela Hospice Care Center, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI, 48154, United States
Hosted by Angela Hospice

Join Angela Hospice on March 18, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Hospice Empowerment Resources.

H.E.R. (Hospice Empowerment Resources) invites women to join a supportive and engaging event created for those who are looking for trusted guidance and resources for managing their homes and everyday decisions.

H.E.R. brings together a trusted group of women-friendly professionals ready to share practical advice on home services, organization and moving, legal matters, vehicle buying and maintenance, jewelry and valuables, painting, heating and air conditioning, and more.

This is a comfortable, judgment-free space where women can ask questions, gain knowledge, and connect with experts who understand their needs.

Gather your friends and join us for this fun event to support the caring work of Angela Hospice!

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St. Joseph Table
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
With Sister Noel Marie Gabriel, CSSF

Celebrate tradition and community at Maryville’s St. Joseph’s Table. Enjoy a shared dinner followed by a meaningful prayer service. This event offers a chance to gather in faith, reflect and honor the spirit of St. Joseph through fellowship and prayer.

Sr. Noel Marie Gabriel a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience, has served both laypeople and Felician Sisters in various health settings. Known for her down-to-earth presentations, she connects health aspects to support spiritual journeys, enriching her audience with an interactive and realistic approach.

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All proceeds benefit Deo Gratias Ministries

2026 Lenten Series: Contemplative Compassion
2026-03-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
The Blessed Mary Angela Institute for Contemplation, Action and Transformation is pleased to announce its 2026 Lenten Series.

These complimentary Zoom presentations will take place: Four Fridays in Lent1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST.

Father Thomas Franks, OFM, Cap.Vice President of Mission IntegrationFelician University

Learn how contemplation and compassion intersect in our lives. Father Thomas will guide participants in reflecting on ways to cultivate empathy, mercy and loving action through contemplative practice, emphasizing how deep listening and mindful presence can transform relationships and communities.

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Contemplative Stations of the Cross
2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI, 48442, United States
Free will offering

With Sister Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF and Sister Mary Anna Falbo, CSSF

Join us for a profound and reflective journey through the Stations of the Cross presented in a contemplative style. Using visual projections in San Damiano’s Chapel to guide the experience, this prayerful event is designed to deepen your meditation on Christ’s passion and love.

Sr. Judith Marie Blizzard is dedicated to the Maryville ministry as coordinator of spiritual direction and programming. She also serves as one of the vocation outreach ministers for the Felician Sisters of North America. Engaged in evangelization, retreat ministry, and parish missions, she holds a bachelor’s degree in education and religious studies from Felician University in Lodi, NJ and a master’s degree in spirituality from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Sr. Judith’s diverse past ministries include education, leadership, vocation ministry, formation, retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and mission leadership for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs.

Sr. Mary Anna Falbo grew up in a small town in central New York and has spent more than 50 years of religious life in Buffalo, NY. She served in a variety of ministries, most joyfully as a college librarian, and also spent time serving in the United States Army. Today, she is most excited about her ministry at Maryville Retreat Center. Sr. Anna is in awe of the center’s beauty and serenity and delights in welcoming others to experience it for themselves.

Register Online
