Retreat renews spirit for ministry

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted May 22, 2003

As the end of the year winds down, about 30 parish directors of religious education (DREs), youth ministers and pastoral ministers took time away from their busy schedules for personal spiritual enrichment at the annual overnight retreat sponsored by the diocese.

Held May 12 and 13 at Camp Okoboji, Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese, pointed out that this was one of the best attended spring retreats.

"There were a number of people that told me they almost didn't come because they were down or didn't have any energy, but I don't know how many told me it was just what they needed," she said.

The retreat was facilitated by Ellen Soukup, a contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter from Lincoln. She offered a mix of personal witness stories and song.

"She had a beautiful message through her words and her music. She also has her own wonderful spirituality," said Anderson. "She is a very down-to-earth person with a wonderful sense of humor."

Linda Neppl, youth minister at St. Patrick Church in Estherville, pointed out that this was the first time she has attended the overnight retreat. She compared it to going to the doctor for a shot to feel better. The retreat, she described, was like a shot in the arm that renewed her for ministry.

"Hearing what other parishes are doing was really affirming. It helped me to know that I am on the right track," said Neppl, who pointed out that they do not always hear feedback about their programs.

Like many of the attendees, Neppl purchased Soukas CDs and listens to them regularly, taking her back to the mood of the retreat.

Jan Crowe, DRE at Ss. Peter and Paul in West Bend and St. Mary's in Mallard, pointed out that this was the first year she made time to attend this retreat and at the last time she almost backed out. She's happy she went.

"It was absolutely fabulous," she said. "The presenter was so good, she touched all of our hearts. It was exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries and helped me recommit to the ministry. Whoever organized it, deserves roses and rosaries."

Crowe also found value in getting to visit with others to gain new ideas as well as learn of other program successes and challenges.

"It was definitely food for the soul," she said.

Marie Washburn, DRE from St. Michael's in Kingsley, described it as awesome and added that it was the best DRE spring retreat that she has attended.

"After being emptied all year long, you need to be filled back up," she explained. "It was worth the time taken away from my family to go to."

She extended gratitude to the personnel from the diocesan office - Anderson, Stephan Davis and Judy Forrest - for their efforts and work in offering the retreat.

Anderson pointed out that the overall focus of the retreat was not for education but was for spiritual refreshment, renewal and community building.

Along with musical sessions by Soukup, the retreat offered opportunities for community prayer as well as time for personal reflection. While the weather was cool, it was warm enough to go for walks along the lake.