Retreat Center Director Position Available in 2018

Mission Statement

We are a Passionist Retreat Center,
dedicated to preaching
the Passion of Jesus Christ.
We welcome all who wish to hear
the message of the Passion
through our traditions of preaching,
hospitality, and compassion.
  We place our focus on the Passion of Jesus Christ
And its relevance in the lives of people today.
We also foster and promote
spiritual growth and renewal
through Passionist retreat programs
and by providing a peaceful environment
of prayer and reflection.

OVERVIEW

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center is located in the beautiful foothills of Sierra Madre, California.

The Passionist Priests, Brothers and Laity of Mater Dolorosa are dedicated to the remembrance of the Passion of Jesus Christ.  Their purpose is to bring a vibrant message of hope, healing and spiritual renewal to all who visit Mater Dolorosa.

The Passionist tradition of preaching, hospitality, and compassion is carried out through weekend retreats and special programs.  Our retreat ministry began in Sierra Madre in 1926 with the first retreat held outdoors under the shade of a tree and continues to flourish.  While the heart of ministry at Mater Dolorosa is the Passionist preached retreat, other groups whose identity is in harmony with the mission and goals of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center also use the facilities.    Our outreach is not only in the Southern California Catholic Community, but extends to individuals and groups from across the United States and internationally.  The message of hope and love that transforms the hearts of the retreatants enables them to more effectively live their lives as Christians in our contemporary society.

More than 10,000 individuals grace the retreat center and grounds of Mater Dolorosa annually.  They are participants in programs that include Passionist Preached retreats, Hosted Group programs, special programs, private retreatants, Tuesday morning mass, and special events. Many of our weekend retreatants and hosted groups have been returning annually for years.

The peaceful and serene environment of Mater Dolorosa and the wisdom and love of the Passionists make the retreat center an ideal answer to the spiritual needs of society today.  The father who has just discovered his son’s drug addiction, the woman who was forced to put her mother into a nursing home, the teen who chooses not to join a gang, and the individual who needs to get away from the “busyness” of every day life, all find a place for solitude, counseling and prayer at Mater Dolorosa.

Who are the Passionists?

The Passionists are a world wide religious community of priests, brothers and nuns within the Roman Catholic Church who intervene in the suffering and death present in the world through their prayer and service.  The Passionists proclaim and extend the compassion and love of Jesus through their ministry as scholars, spiritual directors, retreat masters, pastors, teachers, chaplains, authors, ministers to the sick and dying, and ministers to the suffering people of the world.

The Passionist order of Priests was founded in Italy in 1740 by Paul Daneo, now known in the Catholic Church as St. Paul of the Cross.  In 1852, four Passionist priests established the first Passionist community in the United States.  In 1906, Holy Cross Province, now reaching from Detroit to Los Angeles, was established as the second province in the United States.  Each Passionist Retreat Center, Church, Parish or School is financially responsible for its own operation.  The Passionists are now present in 59 countries.

History of the Passionists in California

• In 1923, the Passionists were invited to come to Sierra Madre to staff St. Rita’s Catholic Church.
• In 1924, the Passionists purchased an abandoned ranch house located at the foot of Mt. Wilson formerly known as the Wilson estate.
• In 1926, the first Passionist retreats were held informally, under the shade of a majestic Moreton Bay Fig tree, which is still on the property today.
• By 1932, as the popularity of the Passionist retreats grew, the community built a monastery on the hillside overlooking the San Gabriel Valley where weekend retreats were held.
• In 1950, Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center was built to accommodate more retreatants.
• In 1985, further expansion occurred with the addition of the Father Isidore O’Reilly Wing to the Retreat Center.
• In 1991, the monastery was demolished due to irreparable earthquake damage, but, the Retreat Center survived and has flourished.
• In 2006, the Passionists celebrated the 100^th anniversary of Holy Cross Province.
• In July 2017, Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center will begin its 95^th year.

This growth of the retreat ministry in California allowed the Passionists to expand their retreat program to host parishes throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles and Orange and beyond.

Community Served 

A.  Weekend Retreats

Passionist preached retreats are led by the Passionist Priests, Brothers, and Laity of Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center.  It is a long-held tradition of the Passionist Congregation never to turn anyone away from a weekend retreat because of inability to pay.  This tradition is sustained by the generosity of retreatants, who donate more than the requested retreat donation amount, and also donors and annual fundraising events.

Most retreatants are from Southern California.  Members of more than 150 Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino County parishes are served through the weekend Passionist preached retreats.  An average of 85 retreatants attend weekend retreats throughout the year.

Passionist Preached weekend retreats include the following:

• Weekend retreats for men
• Weekend retreats for women
• Married Couple’s weekend retreats
• Young Adult Retreats
• Spanish Speaking weekend retreats for men, women and couples
• Italian men’s weekend retreat

B.  Special Programs

Special programs are events that are held at the Retreat Center and do not fall into the category of weekend or hosted groups.   They may be held as a one-time event, a once a year program, a weekly or monthly program, etc.  Examples are:

• Married Couple’s Evenings of Recollection
• Good Friday Stations of the Cross – more than 3,000 people visit the retreat center on this day
• Ash Wednesday Evening of Recollection
• Weekly Tuesday morning Mass

C.  Private Retreatants

Many individuals find Mater Dolorosa to be a special place for getting away from the daily rituals of life.  The quiet and solitude offer an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual renewal.  Day and overnight personal retreats are available.

D.  Hosted Programs

The Mater Dolorosa Strategic Plan includes the goal of “attracting and promoting hosted and special programs consistent with the Passionist Charism and tradition of hospitality.”  A hosted program is a group that uses the facility of Mater Dolorosa to conduct its own program, as opposed to a Passionist-preached or Passionist-sponsored program. Revenue from hosted programs directly supports our operating fund.  Hosted programs supplement Retreat Center revenue; and have become an important ministry.  Although we are a retreat center in the Catholic tradition, Mater Dolorosa welcomes groups of diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds who respect our Catholic environment.

Our hosted program ministry has grown to include local, national and international groups.  We welcome religious communities; faculties; community and service organizations; Archdiocesan programs; theological seminary programs; college, high school and eighth grade students that include at risk youth and teens; and many others.   Some of these hosted groups are:

• Vicar for Clergy, Los Angeles Archdiocese
• All Saints Episcopal Church
• Fuller Theological Seminary
• World Vision International
• Loyola Marymount University
• Loyola High School Kairos Retreat
• 12 Step Retreats
• Rancho San Antonio High School
• Verbum Dei High School
• Reach Me Foundation
• Holy Trinity Korean Community
• Healing Light Center Church
• Office for Hispanic Ministry-San Bernardino Diocese
• AA Retreats

E.  Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center is not financially supported by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL FOUNDATION 

As a Passionist institution, the governance of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center is informed by the vision and spirituality of St. Paul of the Cross.

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Inc. was incorporated as a religious non-profit corporation in California in May of 2004 and is qualified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The by-laws of the Retreat Center reflect a model of governance in which operating control of all business, property, and affairs of the Retreat Center are vested in the Board of Directors.  The Board of Trustees holds reserve powers and consists of the Provincial of Holy Cross Province and his council.  The Board of Directors consists of up to 21 members with special expertise who are elected for a renewable term of three years.  The Board of directors is a governing board and operates using the Carver Policy Governance Model.

The Retreat center has 25 staff members that include: Retreat Center Director, Retreat Center Administrator; Director of Retreatant Services, Director of Development; Office Staff (Registrar for Hosted Groups and Special Programs, Weekend Retreat Coordinator, Financial Admin. Asst., and Data Entry Specialist); kitchen staff; housekeeping staff; building and grounds maintenance staff; and a Weekend Retreat Team of six people.

Financial responsibility and stability are long held traditions at Mater Dolorosa.  The Retreat Center has implemented a financial system that adheres to the discipline of budgets and certified outside audits each year.  Our vision expresses the goals and key values of the Passionists and their retreat ministry in Sierra Madre, California.

The generosity of retreatants, donors, and benefactors has enabled a stable income foundation to meet the expenses of operating the Retreat Center including maintenance of its grounds and facilities.  Development efforts supplement the operating income each year, particularly in facility refurbishment.

Retreat Center income is also derived from annual fundraising projects, an annual giving club, donations, bequests, weekend retreats and hosted programs.  Proceeds from various annual appeals, along with income received from weekend retreats and hosted programs, guarantee the fiscal stability of Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center.  Proceeds from our annual giving Century Club are dedicated to building and grounds maintenance, renovations and improvements.  Proceeds from our annual giving sponsorship circle are dedicated to financial aid to those retreatants who do not have adequate resources to pay.  The income from our annual Harvest on the Hill Auction & Dinner fundraiser that takes place in October each year and our annual Golf Tournament that takes place in May of each year may be used for both operating needs, special projects and special programs.

COMMENTS FROM RETREATANTS 

“My heart is full of gratitude and appreciation for the work that the Retreat Team and staff accomplished this weekend.  Thank you to our wonderful staff in the kitchen for providing the delicious meals, nourishing our bodies as you nourished our spirits.  Your grounds are beautiful, presenting a sense of His spirit and a place of solitude for us to meet with Him.  The entire retreat center will be in my prayers this season.”

“Beautiful!  You can’t help but see the hand of God everywhere!”

“Superb.  You should be very proud of your center and very good stewardship.”

“Thank you for your continued loving devotion to our Lord and for your humble service to the retreatants.” 

Mission Statement:  We are a Passionist Retreat Center, dedicated to preaching the Passion of Jesus Christ.  We welcome all who wish to hear the message of the Passion through our traditions of preaching, hospitality, and compassion.  We place our focus on the Passion of Jesus Christ and its relevance in the lives of people today.  We also foster and promote spiritual growth and renewal through Passionist retreat programs, and by providing a peaceful environment of prayer and reflection.

Annual budget: $2,524,000 – FY 2017

Number of employees: 18 Full Time, 8 Part Time

• Administrator 1
• Finance  1 Financial Assistant
• Development 1 Director; ½ Data Entry Person
• Operations 1 Weekend Retreat Coordinator; ½ Data Entry Person
• Facility 1 Director; 3 – Housekeeping; 1- Security; 2 – Maintenance
• Food Service 1 Director; 6 full-time Staff
• Part-Time 8 part-time staff
• Contracted 1 Part Time Contracted Accountant; 1- Full Time Landscaping Contractor

Passionist Community in Residence:

• Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P., Community Leader
• Fr. Michael Higgins, C.P., Fr. Michael Hoolahan, C.P., Fr. Bruno D’Souza, C.P.,
• Fr. Clemente Barron, C.P. (Shared), Br. John Rockenbach, C.P.

Ministry

Retreat team currently consisting of two full time vowed Passionists, two part-time vowed Passionists, one theologian, one deacon, one lay member.

Facilities 

Grounds consist of approximately 83 acres located in the beautiful foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains encompassing outdoor Stations of the Cross, the Garden of Seven Sorrows, Sacred Heart Plaza, an amphitheater, open fields and manicured gardens.

Facilities consisting of the main retreat center building (66 single guest rooms and 20 double; 4 conference spaces), the Chapel (seating for 110), the dining room (seating for 110), and a support building.

Retreats 

• 38 annual Passionist-preached weekend retreats
• 67 hosted programs (overnight)
• 55 hosted programs (day long)
• Approximately 7,500 people participating in retreats annually and 3,500 visiting on Good Friday and for special programs

Volunteers:

• Retreat League – 300 Captains
• Events – Good Friday (75); Golf (15); Harvest on the Hill (35)
• Other – Stuffing Projects (10); Office (5)

Donor base profile:

• Gift Range # of Donors
• $20K-$70K 3
• $7500-$15K 6
• $1200-$5K 32
• $500-$1000 95
• $1-$450 1244

Annual friend and fundraising activities and their proceeds:

• Auction $137,390
• Bequests $81,348
• Century Club $94,024
• Current Campaign $270,592
• Golf Tournament $128,090
• Lenten Appeal $11,108
• Memorial Donations $4,225
• Naming Opportunities $1,500
• Prayer League $7,366
• Sponsorship Program $14,140
• Temporarily Restricted Donations$2,381
• Unrestricted Donations $45,592
• Year End Appeal $33,430
• Total FY2016$831,186

Policy Governance Model

Ends policy:  Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center exists for People to encounter the peace and love of Christ, as reflected in his Passion, and experience a spiritual transformation in a naturally beautiful and sacred space, at a cost enabling access for all.

Governing Board Policies for Executive Limitations:  The Mater Dolorosa Board of Directors uses the Carver Policy Governance model and has developed Executive Limitations, Board-CEO Linkage and Governance Process policies consistent with the model.  These policies define the relationship between the board and the Retreat Center Director.  The policies are reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors.

Vision Plan:  Developed by Board of Directors with input from all constituencies

Policy Governance Policy HandbookSummary statement:  We will transform our retreat center into a ministry center focused upon the retreat experience and sustained by a variety of programs and facilities intended to deepen and extend the spiritual journey of those who come to Mater Dolorosa.  This will require programming innovations, changes to the way the existing buildings and grounds are utilized, including some renovation and some new building, addition of new staff and/or affiliated position(s) and fundraising.

5-Year Strategic Plan developed by staff in spring of 2017 and presented to the Board of Directors in June 2017

Financial Statements – FY2016 – Enclosed

Organization chart — Enclosed

Expectations of Retreat Center Director (transitional and ongoing)

The Board of Directors recognizes that the scope of this position is significant, in part because it represents a transition of leadership from a vowed Passionist to a person who has been or will be formed by Passionist spirituality. This document is intended to

Outline the core expectations and essential resources deemed vital by the Board of Directors to a successful transition.

1. It is essential that the new retreat center director (RCD) participate in immediate and ongoing formation in Passionist Charism.  This formation will involve coordinated efforts by the Provincial Office of Mission Effectiveness (OME) and the local Passionist Community.  Arrangements for this process will be negotiated with the new director based on availability and compensation for the process will be provided.
2. It is intended that the new retreat center director will assume full responsibility of the position on July 1, 2018.  The RCD will report to the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors governs under the policy governance model.
3. It is intended that the new director work side-by-side with the current retreat director, Fr. Michael Higgins, for a period of three months.  During this time the following activities are to be undertaken:
   1. participating in weekend retreats,
   2. attending board, board committee, retreat captain, and staff meetings,
   3. meeting donors, pastors, and building relationships with all constituencies,
   4. learning about the policy governance framework by which the center is governed (see Reinventing Your Board:  A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Policy Governance by John and Miriam Carver).
4. It is intended that the Passionists will maintain a community, residential presence at Mater Dolorosa serving as a resource and support to the ministry.
5. It is expected that the new retreat center director will utilize and continue to develop strong pastoral skills in all aspects of the role.  Ongoing spiritual direction while in this role is expected.
6. It is expected that the new retreat center director will regularly participate in weekend retreats while in this role.
7. It is expected that the new retreat center director will develop strong relationships with the Provincial Board of Trustees and leadership at the other Passionist Retreat Centers within the Holy Cross Province.  Regular attendance at appropriate province meetings, and hosting both meetings and Passionists at Mater Dolorosa is expected.

Policy Governance Policy Handbook

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
Strategic Plan 2017

This Strategic Plan was created by the management team of Mater Dolorosa to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, ensure that employees and other stakeholders are working toward common goals, establish agreement around intended outcomes/results, and assess and adjust the organization’s direction in response to a changing environment.

The Retreat Center Director/CEO (RCD) is responsible for management and oversight of the Retreat Center, including implementing the strategic plan. It is understood that the RCD has ultimate responsibility for all these goals.  In this document, the initials following the goal indicate the staff person(s) who have secondary responsibility on the goal, as follows:

• Management Team – MT
  • Director, Ministry – DM
  • Director, Finance and Administration – DFA
  • Director, Facility Operations – DFO
  • Director, Mission Advancement – DMA

Goal 1:   Expand our vibrant Passionist Retreat Ministry (programs led by Passionist Preaching Team) at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center. (DM)

1. Continue to enhance the promotion of the Passionist Charism in the ministries of the RC. (DM)
   1. Create a wall of the quotations of St Paul of the Cross, or publish the quotes on different media and place around the property.  This will be included in the signage program for the Retreat Center.   (DM/DFO)
   2. Publish and post information regarding the important sites of the Retreat Center – the different rooms and who they are named for and history of that person. (DFO)
   3. Publish a History of the Stations of the Cross, Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden of Seven Sorrows.  Produce a pamphlet.  (DM)
2. Retreat Team and Staff will participate in programs on Passionist Spirituality when they are available.  Utilize programs offered by the Province and Office of Mission Effectiveness.  Gather and share the resources used by each center to promote the Charism. (RCD)
   1. Work with our Board of Directors, our Captains, Holy Cross Province, the Archdiocese and surrounding Dioceses to promote the Passionist Weekend Retreat Ministry.  (RCD)
   2. Intentionally work with our captains in their role representing the Retreat Center.  Encourage them to add younger co-captains or leadership in the recruiting process. (DM)
   3. Support our captains in more ways in the resistance they face when their pastor does not want to encourage attendance at a retreat. (DM)
   4. Encourage the Board of Directors to expand the diversity in demography of the board members.  Assist them in accomplishing this goal.  (RCD)
   5. Explore the availability of Catholic radio to promote the activities provided by the Retreat Center (RCD)
3. Staff will be prepared to offer support in every way possible to assist in the formation of a future Retreat Director. (MT)
4. Offer special programs with facilitation by our retreat team or by outside facilitators who provide program consistent with our mission.  Market by sending letter/materials to retreatants, parishes, schools, etc. (RCD/DM)
5. Support and expand the youth and young adult ministry at Mater Dolorosa (DM)
   1. Establish fund raising plan to support this ministry. (DMA)
   2. Ensure that Retreat Team includes a person responsible for YA ministry.(DM)
6. Continue to support and expand the Hispanic Ministry outreach as decreed by the Provincial Chapter. RCD

Goal 2:   In the spirit of Passionist hospitality, continue to attract and welcome hosted groups and programs that are not incompatible with the Passionist Charism and the Catholic Church. (MT)

1. Annually review the hosted program policies to ensure that they are consistent with our mission and vision plans.
2. Review our mix strategy for hosted groups to increase revenues and accommodate a greater diversity of groups.

Goal 3:  Develop, implement and maintain a Marketing and Communications Plan (RCD/MT)

1. Create and implement a written plan that sets forth communication, public relations and marketing objectives.
   1. A summary of the marketing efforts we currently have in place will be completed; i.e. the programs in place for the Captains. (DM)
   2. Create a brochure of the conferencing capacity of the Center and disseminate to our target marketing groups. (DFO)
   3. Determine how people hear of our retreats and other programs, and capitalize on the information. (RCD/DM)
2. Formally study demographic changes in Southern California in religious practice and the population in general and determine its effect on MD ministry. (RCD/DM)
3. Maintain an effective program to obtain accurate and pertinent feedback from all constituencies.   (DM/DFO)
   1. Review the Retreat Evaluation Form annually to ensure its effectiveness. (MT)
   2. Ministry and Operations Staff will review the Retreat Evaluations for each weekend retreat. (DM)
   3. Develop an electronic review form for the website to gain feedback from our constituents and make any necessary adjustments. (DFA)
4. Use technology to improve Retreat Center communication and marketing, e.g., online registration, interactive website, archived retreat talks, etc.  (MT)
   1. Evaluate the need for participation on Social Media by the Retreat Center.
   2. Evaluate the need to expand access to WiFi in the Retreat Center building.
   3. Regularly evaluate the conferencing system that we currently have in the conference rooms.
5. Retreat Director will write a letter to the pastor of each parish advising of when his parish is scheduled for retreat and inviting the participation of the parish.  After the weekend a report will be sent to the pastor on his parishioners’ attendance. (DM)

Goal 4:  Strengthen the Retreat Center’s financial foundation.

1. Develop the funds which will be required to maintain the facility and sustain the ministry. (RCD/DMA)
2. Continue to hold the annual appeals and special events currently active; (DMA)
3. Explore the possibility of participating in the Province mission appeals fund because of our work in Hispanic ministry. (RCD/DM)
4. Ensure that our operating costs are reflected in the amount charged to the retreatants and groups using the facility.(MT)
5. Offer the Retreat Center as a facility for Archdiocesan functions. (RCD)
6. Explore other income sources for the Retreat Center (MT)
   1. Consider expanding bookstore hours. (DFA)
   2. Expand items to include religious order products in the bookstore. DFA
   3. Offer PPLs on our website. (DFA)
   4. Consider the possibility of events that could be produced and run by outside organizations that would raise money for the Retreat Center.  (RCD/DFA)
   5. Approach Catholic tour groups to include Retreat Center on their itinerary. (DFO)
   6. Renew the interest in a building a columbarium on the property.(DFA)
   7. Investigate the possibility of Mater Dolorosa becoming a shrine location. (MT)
7. Annually assess the cost of operations at the Retreat Center to evaluate any potential for delivering the mission at a lower cost. (DFA)
8. Seek to lower our costs by co-sponsoring events, i.e. young adult activities, and sharing the costs with other groups involved in the event. (DM)
9. Incorporate into our budgeting process the requirements mandated by Policy Governance.(DFA)

Goal 5:   Determine and fund compensation packages for committed and qualified personnel. (DFA)

1. A summary of the process by which wages and salaries are determined will be formalized for the Financial and Accounting Policies Manual.  A process will be included in the policies to evaluate the need for adding or removing positions depending on the current needs of the Center.  (DFA)
   1. Seek to expand opportunities for volunteers to support the Retreat Ministry.
   2. Create a calendar of events for which we need volunteers, create a template and post it in the newsletter, Facebook and on the website.  The person in charge of the event would field the calls from the potential volunteers and invite their participation. (MT)
   3. Utilize the resources of the Holy Cross Province, including the Office of Mission Effectiveness, to provide opportunities for education in the Passionist history and Charism. (MT)
2. Create an “onboarding” policy for new staff and methods for current staff which would offer information and links that can be accessed for further information. (DFA)
3. Staff will incorporate Policy Governance into the management of the Retreat Center by providing appropriate education and training for staff. (MT)
4. Staff will be educated on the changing Retreat Center organization structure and provided the information required to adapt. (MT)

Goal 6:   Continue to evaluate, update and implement Mater Dolorosa Facilities Plan. (MT)

1. Ensure that the Retreat Center is infused with the Passionist Charism. (MT)
2. Implement and maintain a facility management program, and align with the Reserve Study and the Fixed Asset Module of Financial Edge. (DFO/DFA)
3. Continue to update and utilize the Reserve Study to enable an effective Capital Improvements Plan to address major repairs, enhancements and additions. (DFO/DFA)
4. Identify future facility needs. (MT)
5. Consider use of existing buildings and what is needed to enhance their use. (MT)
6. Evaluate the ordinary safety needs of retreatants and guests and maintain a safety program. (DFO)