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Evenings of Recollection
Recollections for Men Sponsored by Opus Dei in
Southern California
Spiritual Retreats
Retreats for Men
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What
is a Cooperator of the Opus Dei Prelature?
Cooperators of Opus Dei are those who, without being members of the Prelature, help out in the apostolates of Opus Dei in various ways. Being a cooperator does not require a specific
vocation. Cooperators often are parents, friends, colleagues, or neighbors of the Prelature's faithful. Or they may be persons who have received some spiritual benefit from the
apostolates of Opus Dei, or who have seen the human and social development fostered by the Prelature's apostolic works. The Regional Vicar of Opus Dei appoints someone a
cooperator at the proposal of one of the Prelature's faithful. Non-Catholics and non-Christians may also become cooperators.
What
benefits do Cooperators of the Opus Dei Prelature
receive?
They benefit from the prayers that the faithful of Opus Dei offer daily for all those who in one way or another help or have helped the Prelature.
In addition, on certain occasions the priests of the Prelature offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass for the eternal repose of cooperators who have died. In addition, the
Holy See has conceded indulgences that cooperators can gain on particular days of the year, by observing conditions established by the Church - sacramental confession united
to a conversion of heart, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Pope - and whenever they renew, out of devotion, their obligations as cooperators.
What is involved in being a
Cooperator of Opus Dei?
A cooperator makes a commitment to help the apostolates of Opus Dei. The Prelature's objective is to promote, in all areas of society, a deep awareness of the universal call
to sanctity and especially of the sanctifying value of professional work and the fulfillment of one's ordinary duties. The help provided by the cooperator can be either
spiritual or material. The spiritual dimension of being a cooperator is a commitment to pray daily, if possible, for the Prelature and its apostolic works. The material
aspect may be in the form of alms, the dedication of one's own time, or the provision of services for an apostolic work of the Prelature.
Spiritual
Formation
"Yours is truly a great idea," said Pope John
Paul II in 1979, "which from its beginnings anticipated the theology
of the laity which later characterized the Church of the Council and
the post-concilar era. Such is the message and spirituality of Opus
Dei: to live united to God in the midst of the world in any
situation, each one struggling to be better with the help of grace
and to make Jesus known with the testimony of his or her own life."
Opus Dei tries to teach many people all over the world, both
in theory and in practice, how to turn each moment of their life
into a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, through reading and
meditating on the Gospel, studying Catholic doctrine on faith and
morals, and striving to sanctify their work. Tilden Study Center
organizes various activities for spiritual formation throughout the
year such as spiritual retreats and talks, classes or circles on
doctrinal and ascetical topics, conferences, etc., all open to those
interested in going deeper into the demands of their faith. These
gatherings are made compatible with the normal completion of each
one's family and professional duties.
Monthly evenings of
recollection are offered at different locations in Southern
California. These meetings provide quiet time of prayer before the
Blessed Sacrament and a meditation (reflection) given by a priest.
After the meditation the priest is available for the sacrament of
Reconciliation. The evening also includes a talk given by a layman
on a virtue or some other aspect of Christian life and some time for
fellowship.
For information on the evenings of recollection, retreats or other events please
click on the link on the top left of this page.
Involvement
"These undertakings spring up in every corner of the
world with a marvelous spontaneity. Big-hearted people all over the world
tell us: we need this or that other thing. And through everyone's efforts it
becomes a reality and bears marvelous fruit. But each country gives rise to
different undertakings. Even when they look the same, they aren't, because
the character and circumstances of the people are different." -Saint
Josemaria Escriva
A truly Christian life brings with it an effective desire to
contribute to solving the problems around us. This ideal leads the
faithful of the Prelature and cooperators to foster many different
activities in each country. These projects include universities,
professional schools, student residences, high schools, and medical
clinics. They are professional initiatives that respond to real
needs. Those involved take full responsibility when starting and
bringing forward these projects. Their educational or social welfare
function means that in most cases these activities run at a loss.
"You ask me: why don't they close their doors?" said Saint Josemaria. And he answered: "Because we are not businessmen; our
goal is to give formation to souls. These apostolic undertakings go
forward through the work of everyone involved. The members of the
Work have their ordinary professional work, and there are also many
cooperators, including non-Catholics, who help to cover the
financial deficit."
Tilden Study Center organizes and
coordinates several activities locally within Southern California,
all of which can always benefit from the assistance of students,
working professionals, volunteers, and Cooperators. A Cooperator's
time and talent are especially paramount in ensuring the success and
vitality of the Ahead Leadership Program through mentoring or by
providing talks on careers and academics. Cooperators can also
participate in Tilden's College Activities for Undergraduates by
providing career advice, professional guidance, and networking
opportunities to the student participants.
Tilden Study Center also needs and appreciates
your financial assistance to fund scholarships for students,
retreats for high schools and college men as well as improvements to
its facilities. To volunteer your talent or offer a monetary
contribution please contact Hank Lopez-Oña at office@tildensc.org
.
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