Retreat for persons with developmental disabilities focuses on people being unique like snowflakes

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
March 22, 2007

ESTHERVILLE - A retreat for adults who have moderate developmental disabilities was held in the Duhigg Center in Estherville on March 10.

Two other retreats were planned in Kingsley and Carroll but were canceled due to weather. There is a possibility that the retreats will be rescheduled.

The theme for the retreat was "Whiter than Snow." The retreat was sponsored by the Coalition for Ministry with Persons Having Disabilities. The retreat has been held for over 15 years.

"Our primary purpose is to give some kind of spiritual renewal to the adults with developmental disabilities and bring together folks from various group homes and folks that live on their own or with their families," Bev Hurni, the diocesan director of adult and family ministries and coordinator of the coalition. "It does as much for the volunteers as it does for them. It makes connections between people whose lives wouldn't ordinarily cross paths. These people really have simple faith and simple love for Jesus. It is contagious."

According to Hurni, there were 48 participants at the retreat in Estherville.

Hurni pointed out that the theme of the retreat "Whiter than Snow" was based off of Psalm 51 which states: "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. A clean heart create for me O God and a steadfast spirit renew within me."

"We had good community support with donations for supplies," said Hurni. "Every year the retreat is supported by Knights of Columbus councils who donate money to us."

Father Tim Johnson, a pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Webster County, was the leader for the retreat. Donna Day-Templin, member of the coalition and parishioner at St. Patrick's in Estherville, coordinated the retreat locally.

"As always, I feel it went well," said Father Johnson. "To me the entire retreat focuses on a place where the participants can ponder about God, pray to God and feel comfortable that they are created in God's image and loved by God as much as well anybody else."

He mentioned that he talked to the attendees about how each snowflake is different and unique as well as each person.

"They have different abilities, different families, different experiences and yet we are all precious," said Father Johnson. "Uniqueness is a gift that no one else could possibly give."

Father Johnson has been helping with the retreat for close to 10 years.

"I rediscover different aspects of God's presence in the world," said Father Johnson. "Through those who participate or volunteers, my senses, my eyes and my heart are open to different aspect of God's grace. It renews God's very real presence before me in ways that I have never looked at prior to coming into the retreat."

He added that the retreat is a place to be "creative and explore God in a different way and not be self-conscious about it."

This was the first time the retreat was held in Estherville. Day-Templin made sure all of the arrangements were made for the day including the Duhigg Center, invitations, registrations, food and beverages.

"I think it was marvelous. It was a total success," said Day-Templin.

Some of the activities that the retreatants experienced during the retreat were music, talks and crafts. Each year, coalition members create craft activities that tie into the theme. This year the retreatants made snow globes and door openers.

"The door opener was a symbol that we open the door of our hearts to let people into our lives to be our guides," said Hurni.

The retreat was open to all persons 18 years and older with moderate developmental disabilities. Many of the participants came from area group homes.

"Most of the participants and most of the volunteer leaders had not ever experienced a disability retreat before, so they were very pleased with the experience. They said, 'we'll be back next year. We want to help next year,'" said Hurni.