Diocese plans retreat for persons who have developmental disabilities

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
January 29, 2004

God is Love is the theme of a regional retreat planned in the diocese for adults who have moderate developmental disabilities.

The retreat, presented by the Diocese of Sioux City's Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities, will be offered twice - Feb. 21 in Kingsley and March 27 in Carroll.

"The response from the participants is always wonderful," noted Bev Hurni, director of family ministries for the diocese and coordinator of activities for the coalition. "They love the day and look forward to coming to it every year."

The diocese has sponsored a retreat such as this for several years. As in the past, it is open to people of all faiths 18 years old and above.

"They can be people in a group-home setting or those living on their own with some assistance from their family or an agency," she said.

Information has been sent to area group homes and agencies, but Hurni noted that they really want to get the word out to individuals who live on their own and their families. She pointed out that if it makes family members feel more comfortable, they are welcome to attend the retreat as well. At the same time, ample volunteers will be on hand to serve as small group leaders.

While organizers of the retreat continue to look for volunteers to help with the event, each year many volunteers return because they have such a good experience. High school students and adults are invited to volunteer as table leaders to help retreatants with activities.

Hurni mentioned that one staff member of a group home found it to be such a powerful experience that it inspired them to once again become an active Catholic after years of being away from the church.

The retreat is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. It will include music, activities, lunch and a closing prayer service. Dismissal is at 2 p.m. Father Tim Johnson and Father Dennis Meinen will be involved.

Hurni noted that the theme would tie in to 1 Corinthians 13: "Love is patient, love is kind."

"We will explore what love is and transfer that in to what God is," she explained. "In the afternoon, we will emphasize that now that we know we are loved by God, he asks us to love other people."

Registrations for the Feb. 21 Kingsley retreat are requested by Feb. 7. This retreat is organized by Marie Washburn of Kingsley and Marlene Pietz of Sioux City, a member of the coalition. Call Pietz at (712) 239-0953 to register or to volunteer.

Registrations for the March 27 Carroll retreat are requested by March 13. If people want to volunteer for this retreat they should call the site coordinator, Frank Hermsen at (712) 792-3737. Call Mary Kennedy-Seiler of Humboldt at (515) 573-1637 to register.

The annual retreats are supported through the generous donations of the Knights of Columbus. Thanks to the support of the KCs, the retreat is offered to participants at no charge.