Refreshing retreat planned for catechetical leaders, pastoral personnel

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted April 10, 2003

"Finding the Truth in God's Love" is the theme of the retreat for religious educators, youth ministers and pastoral personnel slated for May 12 and 13 at Camp Okoboji.

Ellen Soukup, a contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter, will facilitate the overnight retreat that is designed to allow attendees a time for pause, prayer and reflection.

"Ellen selected the topic of Finding the Truth in God's Love because a lot of her music relates to her own spirituality," said Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese.

Soukup recorded her first CD, titled Ellen...Thy Will Be Done, in the fall of 2000. In just under one month, over 1,200 CDs and cassettes were sold. Since that time, Ellen has recorded a Christmas CD called Ellen...What Shall We Give, and recently released a third CD, Ellen...The Truth is There, featuring 11 original Christian contemporary and Gospel songs that proclaim her faith in Jesus Christ.

A resident of Lincoln, Neb., Soukup and her husband, John, have two children. At her parish, she is the music coordinator and director of two choirs. Soukup's music and her words of faith that are centered on the sanctity of life and the importance of the Eucharist have been heard at such places as the Midwest Catholic Family Conference, Marian Peace Conference, the Nebraska State Knights of Columbus Convention and nationwide on EWTN Radio and the Catholic Music Network.

"She has a music ministry, but she also speaks about her personal experiences and her spiritual journey," noted Anderson, who added that she first heard Soukup's music while coping with illness. "Late in 2001 at a particularly challenging time of my life, to help strengthen and comfort me, a friend shared Ellen's CD with me. I played it over and over again."

Anderson pointed out that the overall focus of the retreat was not for education but was for "spiritual refreshment, renewal and community building for people who work in the church. Ellen's music alone will be enough to uplift anyone. I would like for people to be uplifted and nourished by her message."

During the retreat there will be time for personal reflection and socialization.

"They may want to take a walk by the lake. It should be a very relaxing time for people," said Anderson. "Usually classes are over for the year so this is a chance to unwind and share with one another about what's happened during the year. It's a wonderful opportunity to be with people who understand your joys as well as struggles."

The retreat will begin at 4 p.m. on Monday and will conclude at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Cost of both days including overnight accommodations and meals is $35. If an individual is unable to attend both days, they may attend Monday evening only for $25 or Tuesday day only for $25.

Registrations, which are due by May 2, may be sent to Judy Forrest, Office of Catechesis and Youth Ministry, P.O. Box 3379, Sioux City, IA 51102-3379. Registration forms have recently been sent to parishes and will soon be mailed to individuals involved in these ministries.

For more information, contact Anderson at lindaa@scdiocese.org or Forrest at jforrest@scdiocese.org.