Whoever does not face challenges, whoever does not take up challenges, is not living. Pope Francis

Transcription

1 Whoever does not face challenges, whoever does not take up challenges, is not living. Pope Francis

2 DEAR FRIENDS Thank you for your interest in the Westcott and Sheridan Study Centers. The past thirty years have seen continuous growth in the demand for our study centers, so that the volume of programs and students today far exceeds our current capacity. More space is needed for the rising numbers of people seeking the unique educational programs we offer. The doctrinal and spiritual formation offered at both Study Centers is entrusted to the Prelature of Opus Dei, a Catholic institution founded by Saint Josemaría Escrivá in Its mission is to help people turn their work and daily activities into occasions for growing closer to God, for serving others, and for improving society. Since Opus Dei first came to Texas in 1983, study centers have been launched in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, and retreats, classes and spiritual direction are also offered regularly in Austin, College Station, Schulenburg, El Paso and McAllen. The Woodlawn Foundation, a non-profit corporation, is undertaking a combined $15 million fundraising effort, The Texas Expansion, to build the new Westcott and Sheridan facilities. Through the generosity and dedication of many donors, approximately $10 million has already been committed to these projects. Your generous support is important and needed now to make these new facilities a reality so that we can provide for the development of future leaders in Texas and beyond. Please consider making a generous donation. Thank you and God bless you. Rev. Paul D. Kais, Vicar of Opus Dei in Texas

3 FORMING LEADERS in Texas and Beyond The healthy development of society requires men and women of great virtue and solid professional competence who by their work, words and example, will foster an environment of faith and solidarity where families and individuals can flourish. Since 1983, two Houston formation centers have been building these kinds of leaders. In those years, Chaucer Drive Study Center has offered many successful programs of personal, professional and spiritual formation for high school, college and professional men. Similarly, Sheridan Study Center has been expanding its mission of strengthening the family, by inspiring women of all ages to pursue personal and professional excellence in all they do. The Study Centers programs foster a sense of mission and service to the common good, encouraging students to aim beyond their individual interests. Programs and activities are open to men and women of all ethnic and religious backgrounds who share the vision and ideals of the Centers. In addition to the current programs listed here, both Sheridan and Chaucer provide weekend retreats, monthly days of recollection, doctrine classes, study groups, spiritual direction, and teachers for religious education classes in inner-city parishes. These world crises are crises of saints. God wants a handful of men and women of his own in every human activity. Saint Josemaría Escrivá

4 WESTCOTT Study Center The new Westcott Study Center will continue the good work of Chaucer Drive Study Center. It will increase our capacity significantly to prepare and support boys, young men and adults to be outstanding husbands, fathers, professionals, citizens and friends so they may build fruitful lives, joyful families and effective communities. Westcott will have two large classrooms with a combined capacity of 70 students, a library, a chapel, multiple meeting rooms, and living space for 14 residents. Live-in staff, priests and laymen, will allow the facility to be open for activities daily, with day and evening programs. With the expanded facilities at Westcott, Chaucer Drive Study Center will focus its efforts on the formation of college students at nearby Rice University, University of St. Thomas, University of Houston and Texas A&M. 410 Westcott Street Houston, Texas 77007

5 First become master of yourself, and then a guide, a chief, a leader: to inspire others, with your word, with your example, with your knowledge and with your power. Saint Josemaría Escrivá PROGRAMS Include High School and Beyond In this program, young men learn how to study effectively, and they develop the skills and attitudes they need to serve their families and society. The Grade Through this pre-professional, big picture program, a combination of classes, career presentations, and one-on-one mentoring forms high school students to be men of character, prepared for responsibility. Leadership for America Within the context of responsible citizenship, these philosophy seminars form young men to be positive catalysts for transforming our society. Summer Service Projects These are opportunities for high school and college men to participate in teaching and mentoring inner-city teens or to work on improving living conditions in low-income areas of Mexico and Peru. Community Outreach These work projects for Houston s marginalized provide our young men the opportunity to serve the disadvantaged on a regular basis.

6 SHERIDAN Study Center Sheridan s programs emphasize the role of women in society and help women and girls develop those virtues and concerns that St. John Paul II described as the genius of women. In these seminars and training sessions, students learn the theory and practice of serving the basic needs of the human person, raising this work to the level of an art. The new expanded facility will make the existing programs available to many more women and girls and it will make it possible to add new cultural and educational programs. The new center will include classrooms, conference rooms, a teaching kitchen, staff offices, a multipurpose room, and a chapel. There will also be a residential wing for full time staff, as well as accommodations for live-in trainees Bellefontaine Street Houston, Texas 77030

7 PROGRAMS Include University Boulevard This program encourages high school students to grow in intellectual integrity and moral courage that will be the basis of their service to their families, businesses and communities. Avanti This seminar offers high school freshmen and sophomores an opportunity to grow in their understanding of leadership as service. Topics include public speaking, effective decisionmaking, study habits, time management, and learning to confront peer pressure. The Art of Living This high school program provides comprehensive training in areas vital to the care of the home and the needs of the person. It also includes studying culinary arts, fashion, home health, eventplanning, and interior design. Do not be afraid to go and bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society. Pope Francis Summer Service Programs These programs enable young women to acquire professional skills and gain experience in home management and the hospitality industry. Community outreach projects provide direct contact in serving the needs of others. Home Management Workshops These workshops relating to marriage, family and education explore current issues, inspiring women to attain a healthy work and life balance.

8 FORMATIONAL VENUES affiliated with the Centers Western Academy, Houston TX A liberal arts school for boys. Featherock Conference Center, Schulenburg, TX Retreat center operated by Opus Dei. Family Enrichment A program offering practical guidance to parents. Murray Hill Institute-Texas A program to help women integrate ethical standards in their personal and professional lives. The Business Ethics Forum A forum to guide business leaders in analyzing real life challenges. Holy Cross Chapel of the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston is under the direction of Opus Dei priests. For information on The Texas Expansion, please contact JL Marti at [email protected] For more information on Opus Dei, visit For more information on the Woodlawn Foundation or to donate, visit