Diocese plans retreat for catechetical leaders

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 22, 2004

"Resting in God's Loving Presence" is the title of a retreat designed to offer spiritual enrichment to religious educators, youth ministers and pastoral personnel working in the Diocese of Sioux City.

According to Linda Anderson, diocesan director of catechesis, the diocese has offered such a retreat for several years.

"We want to provide a time for reflection and spiritual nourishment," she noted, and stressed it is designed to be inspirational as opposed to educational. "Most religious education programs have ended by the first part of May. This is always presented as something for their refreshment and spiritual renewal. While they may learn from it, information is not the goal."

This year's retreat will be held May 10 and 11 at Camp Okoboji. Sister Nancy Lafferty, FSPA, will facilitate the retreat. She has been in retreat ministry for the last 14 years. Presently she is the spiritual director of the Dorothy Day Retreat Center in Sioux City.

Sister Nancy holds an interdisciplinary Ph.D., a master's degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Arts degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She has facilitated diocesan and parish-based spirituality days as well as participated in faith sharing sessions in China, Taiwan, Tanzania and Central America. In addition to her retreat ministry, Sister Nancy worked for 45 years in her teaching ministry at numerous universities, colleges and high schools.

The retreat will begin at 4 p.m. on May 10. That evening, attendees will enjoy a meal together, followed by a 7 p.m. talk by Sister Nancy titled, Connecting with the Sacred. Following the evening prayer, there will be time for meditation and contemplation.

"We always try to build quiet time into the retreat so they have time for personal reflection," noted Anderson. "The weather is usually pretty good and there are lovely grounds, so many people often move outside for this."

There will be several opportunities for prayer and presentations by Sister Nancy on May 11. The experience will include a Prayer of Thanksgiving Dayenu prior to the noon meal. The retreat will conclude in mid-afternoon that day.

Anderson pointed out that the diocese recognizes that people who serve in religious education and pastoral ministries work very hard throughout the year and often they have little time for themselves.

"They are so busy trying to feed and serve others, that they can lose out on their own. We want to offer this time for them to get away and relax," she added.

Past retreats have received an overwhelmingly positive response.

While it is intended for religious educators and pastoral personnel, Anderson said other interested persons may inquire about attending and would be considered if space is available.

Cost of the retreat is $35 for both days including meals and overnight accommodations. If individuals want to attend Monday evening only or Tuesday day only, the cost is $25.

If persons need a registration form or have questions, they should call (712) 233-7520. Registrations are due by May 4.