Father Corapi draws 900-plus to Carroll
By TAVIA MALONE
Globe staff writer
Posted June 13, 2002

CARROLL - Holy Spirit Parish recently welcomed one of EWTN's (Eternal Word Television Network) priests, Father John Corapi, for a two-day retreat. Thanks to the dedication of diocesan Catholics, Father Corapi was able to spread his message and discuss the views of the church with the retreat-goers.

Father Corapi presented his retreat on May 10-11, which included Mass, multiple presentations and benediction on both Friday and Saturday. More than 900 people attended the retreat from various towns and states.

Due to the recent events within the Catholic church, Father Corapi decided to change his theme and speeches for the retreat. The previous theme of "Immortal Combat" was changed to "The Catholic Church."

"We felt that it was a great opportunity to have Father Corapi this close," said Joan Hansman, who helped organize the retreat and a parishioner of St. Mary's in Willey. The closest that he has come to the diocese in the past was Fargo, N.D., and Chicago.

The six talks that he presented included: The Church, The Body and Bride of Christ; The Priesthood: Sacrifice, Service and Crucifixion; The Eucharist: The Source and Summit of the Church; Mary: Mother of the Church; Peter: The Pope in Christ the Rock; and Scandal! Attack from Within and Without.

Presentations on the church and the priesthood were given on Friday evening, with the rest of the talks given on Saturday. The retreat consisted entirely of Father Corapi's presentations, along with Mass and benedictions. There were opportunities for those attending the retreat to talk to Father Corapi at the end of each day, although there were no question and answer sessions due to time constraints.

Judy Feld, who also helped organize the retreat, enjoyed Father Corapi's talks and how he presented himself.

"Everything was stated so well and so simply," said Feld, a parishioner at Holy Spirit. "He would be very quiet, peaceful and serene at times and then liven up and drive his point home."

All of the feedback from the retreat was positive. Both Feld and Hansman explained that they learned a lot from the retreat.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat and it was wonderful to hear Father Corapi," said Feld. "We hope to get him back again; he was really great."

Currently, there are plans to book Father Corapi for May of 2003 at Holy Spirit Church.