Retreat focuses on icons

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
May 19, 2005

"From Portraits to Icons: Windows to Heaven" was the theme of an overnight retreat offered to catechetical leaders and other interested persons May 10-11 at Camp Okoboji.

Sponsored by the diocese's Office of Catechesis, the majority of the 25 people who attended were directors of religious education and youth ministers. However, the director of catechesis, Linda Anderson was quick to point out that others - a couple of Catholic school teachers, a catechist, a former catechist who is interested in art and even a Catholic school student - rounded out the group.

"There was more variety in the past, but people interacted so well and there was an openness with each other," she explained.

Anderson mentioned that when the retreat was first offered it was specific to DREs and pastoral ministers but in recent years its reach has broadened. Next year she plans to increase awareness that the retreat is open to anyone.

The facilitator for the retreat was Sister Maryam Gossling, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, who works part-time as the artist in residence at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center.

Following a Religious Education Advisory Board Meeting and lunch, the afternoon began with a PowerPoint presentation that centered on the history of the icons and what they are in today's world.

Time for personal reflection or interaction with other participants was offered after that first presentation.

Each participant then had the opportunity to decoupage an icon.

"Sister Maryam brought small cutouts of various icons and then had various boards - we glued the icons onto the boards and then varnished over them," noted Anderson.

After dinner, there was a session that centered on praying with icons. The presenter asked the participants to gaze upon the images, and see which one spoke to them. They were to look closely at the image and try to notice its various dimensions. Again, there was another period of personal reflection time.

The remainder of the evening was filled with sharing and socialization.

Breakfast and a prayer experience titled Objects of Praise, that centered on using a common place object such as a paperclip for reflection and praise was held the next morning. For example, if someone selected the paperclip they might say, 'God, to me you are a paperclip. You keep all of my thoughts together, help me stay collected when my thoughts are scattered.' Anderson had each person select two items and then they came up with a reflection relating to the item.

Carolyn VonTersch, DRE at St. Rose of Lima Church in Denison, said the retreat is a good way to end the year as it offers a relaxing setting to share ideas with others in ministry. She also liked the focus of the retreat.

"When you first look at the picture, you notice overall that it is Jesus or Mary, but then as you sit and pray with it you tune into the details - notice little things that you normally wouldn't when you glance quickly," she said. "It causes you to look deeper into things - not just brush by."

While it was a small crowd, VonTersch said it was a very worthwhile retreat.

Deb Rikkers, a catechist for Christ the King in Sioux Center, enjoyed Sister Maryam's presentation about the history of icons. She also had the time for some one-to-one conversation with the retreat facilitator about how Sister Maryam created her own icons.

"People think an icon is something you pray to, but it is something you pray with," said Rikkers, who found the location to be conducive for reflection.

The catechist pointed out that she had attended the retreat a few years ago and finds it to be a good way to end the year.

She added that she might attend one of Sister Maryam's retreats over at Prairiewoods some time.

Eduardo Boro, a senior at St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge, pointed out that he learned of the retreat through an article in The Globe. The topic of icons appealed to him.

"The speaker gave a nice history of how they were started, what they evolved into and how they are praised today - the veneration of saints," he said.

Not only was he the youngest retreat participant but he was also the only male.

"Going into it, it felt a little uneasy, but all of the women made me feel welcome and that feeling diminished quickly," said Boro, who added that he learned things even through conversations. "It was nice with the down time we had in between events and talks."

After graduation, he is joining the army.

"Eduardo was a wonderful example of the faith-filled young person. He participated and his thoughts were very well put and very in-depth," noted Anderson. "He wanted to be there and added a lot for all of us."

Closing prayer concluded the retreat on May 11.