FAIRFIELD — At the request of parishioners, St. Mary Parish will host a family Lenten Retreat March 9-14 at 3100 West Madison Ave. Sister Connie Krstolic, OSB, from the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kan., will lead the retreat, highlighting the source and purpose of Lenten traditions and practices and how these observances benefit our lives today.
Sr. Krstolic will offer reflections to help attendees embrace the benefits of observing the three traditional Catholic disciplines of Lent: fasting, praying and almsgiving. This Lenten retreat will support Catholics’ journey of spiritual self-improvement to prepare for Easter.
Sr. Krstolic has designed specialized opportunities to fit individual interests during the retreat. Participants can attend as many portions of the retreat as they are able:
• Evening Reflection Series: “The Three Traditions of Lent: Ancient, Yet Ever New.” Thursday, March 10, “Fast,” 7-8 p.m.; Friday, March 11, “Pray,” 7-8 p.m.; Monday, March 14, “Give Alms,” 7-8 p.m.
• A day of reflection for men and for women titled, “Inner Healing: Freedom through Reconciliation.” Women will meet on Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and men will meet on Sunday, March 13, from 1-3 p.m.
• Special presentations for seniors will be offered the mornings of March 9, 10, and 11 from 9:30–11:30 a.m. These reflections will facilitate a life more rooted in baptism. (Open to all.)
• Divine Reading: “Lectio Divina” will be offered on Monday morning, March 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Receive instruction in the ancient Christian contemplative/meditative method of reading Sacred Scriptures that deepens a relationship with God.
For more information, call St. Mary’s parish office at (641) 472-3179.
