Bishop to lead Carroll retreat

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
July 17, 2003

Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo will facilitate a retreat Aug. 8 and 9 in Carroll that is open to all people of the diocese. It will be presented at Holy Spirit Church.

According to Joan Hansman, the retreat is sponsored by the Holy Spirit Retreat Committee with Father Jim McCormick, pastor at Holy Spirit.

"People have mentioned that it would be really nice to have the bishop at the retreat," said Hansman. "The retreat is open to anyone who wants to attend. We are hoping for a good turnout." People of all faiths are also welcome to attend.

Talks by the bishop are expected to focus on the early fathers of the church.

The retreat will begin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 with music. The bishop's first talk is slated for 7:30 p.m. that night, followed by personal prayer and benediction. People will have the opportunity to make a confession that evening as well, during time set aside for private prayer and meditation.

Day two will begin with Mass at 7:30 a.m. The bishop will deliver another two talks on Aug. 9, at 8:30 and 10 a.m. with time for reflection after each. At 9:45 a.m., Hansman said they planned to recite the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Benediction at 11:30 a.m. will conclude the retreat. Coffee and rolls will be served that morning.

The committee that sponsored the event is a group of parishioners, mainly women, from various parishes in the Carroll area that have met for Bible study and faith sharing for more than six years. Initially, they met in different people's homes and eventually they began to meet at Holy Spirit Church, thus the name affiliation. Presently they meet twice a week - one day in a fellow group member's home and another day at Holy Spirit.

"We wanted to grow in our faith and learn more about it, so we started organizing retreats," she noted. "The retreats help to deepen our faith."

Their initial retreat was held at the Holy Spirit Convent about five years ago. About 25 to 30 people attended this retreat that was offered to people in the Carroll area. Since that time, the retreats have grown progressively. Hundreds of people have attended two retreats facilitated by Father John Corapi.

With the bishop's upcoming retreat, this will be the third retreat organized by the Holy Spirit Retreat Committee this year.

"Whenever we get the chance, we try to bring someone in who will help people learn and grow," said Hansman. "At the retreat there will be time for reflection - time to spend with the Lord."

There is no charge to attend the retreat. A free-will offering will be taken. No reservations are required. Adults and high school-age students are invited to attend.