Retreat inspires persons with disabilities

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 8, 2004

CARROLL/KINGSLEY - God is Love was the message of two regional retreats that were recently held for persons 18 and over who have moderate developmental disabilities.

According to Bev Hurni, director of adult and family programs, the retreats were presented by the Diocese of Sioux City's Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities.

About 60 persons with disabilities attended the Feb. 21 retreat that was held in the Kingsley Community Center. Another 99 persons with disabilities attend the March 27 retreat held at Holy Spirit Church's Greteman Center in Carroll. Participants in the retreat were from a variety of Christian faiths and ranged in age from 19 to 78.

"The retreat included music, sing-alongs, a talk, video, small group discussion and craft projects related to the theme," explained Hurni. "The participants really enjoyed open mic time. Every participant had the opportunity to share something with the rest of the group. They shared about their family, a hobby or something about what they just made. Sometimes they would sing a solo."

Father Tim Johnson of Remsen gave the talk at the Kingsley site and Sister Linda Riesberg of Carroll delivered it in Carroll. Father Johnson served as the master of ceremonies in Kingsley and Sue Wind of Jefferson did in Carroll.

The message delivered by these speakers, along with most aspects of the retreat centered on the message - God is love. The Scripture passage that centers on "God is love," 1 John 4:16 was incorporated. Then they explored the ideas of what is love and imitating God's love.

Among the crafts were a cross refrigerator magnet and a small poster that featured their own pictures.

Each retreat was setup in a similar fashion. In Carroll, however, the closing prayer service featured a sign language choir led by Amy Atherly, the music coordinator.

Many of the volunteers in Carroll were employees or volunteers of New Hope Village along with Kuemper High School students. Sandy Rohe led the recruitment effort in Carroll. The bulk of the volunteers in Kingsley were from the parish there, St. Michael's, as well as some individuals from Sioux City. Marie Washburn of Kingsley and Marlene Pietz of Sioux City led the volunteer effort for the Feb. 21 retreat.

"We receive several comments on the evaluations from volunteers that they have never had the opportunity to interact with a person who had disabilities. Some come with anxieties, but then find the day to be very enjoyable and inspiring," noted Hurni. "We put on the retreat as a service to persons with disabilities but we find that as volunteers we get as much out of the retreat."

Pietz, a member of the coalition, mentioned that she is always impressed by the interaction between the volunteers and participants.

"The sincerity of the participants in expressing their faith is really good for all of us," she said. "I'm looking forward to more retreats."

Washburn pointed out that it was her first time to work with persons who have developmental disabilities.

"It was a wonderful experience. I do know that every adult and student who helped, were very glad they did. They hoped that we would host another retreat," she said. "Most of the volunteers had never worked with persons with disabilities. It was an eye-opener for all of us. They had so much love in their hearts and were so accepting of everyone."

Washburn called it worth every effort in putting the retreat together. She was particularly impressed with the youth volunteers from the parish.

Frank Hermsen, a member of the diocesan coalition and executive director of New Hope Village in Carroll, pointed out that he felt the participants experienced the central focus of the retreat - God is love.

"They learned this and saw it in each other," he said.

He also heard many good comments from the volunteers. They benefited from it as well.

"It goes without saying that persons with disabilities need spiritual nourishment like anyone. They are no different than the rest of us," said Hermsen. "Their capacity to feel, to feel love and to feel God's love is every bit as strong as yours and mine."

The diocesan coalition, with generous donations of the Knights of Columbus, offers this retreat at two locations every spring.