Wholehearted: CONNECT, a women’s conference, is quickly approaching on Saturday, Feb. 8 at St. Mary’s. By now you have hopefully seen the bulletin announcements, been approached by a friend about going, have already registered or are still on the fence. I am grateful to you all for the prayers and support as we prepare our hearts for this retreat event as sisters in Christ before Lent begins. Oil in the Lamp theme is all about spiritual preparedness so as we approach this event, I would like to take a moment to provide some more important information about the retreat, including some optional things you can choose to participate in.
Father Vincent will offer a daily mass beginning at 8:00 am before the retreat begins. Partaking in this mass can help orient your mind and heart for the day. There will be a light continental breakfast provided. You will need a little time to check in at registration, and then the speaker will begin promptly at 9 am, make sure to be on time! Lunch will be provided and we will do our best to accommodate declared dietary restrictions and allergies throughout the event. We will have a lovely break for Adoration, the main event of our day, and confession opportunities. I have quite a few wonderful items for giveaways donated from generous catholic businesses. If your heart is calling you to join us, but have hesitations because you don’t know what to expect, please sign up!
The Wholehearted retreat has also offered support for PREPARES annually and I am grateful to offer the same support for our region at the Chewelah event. A crib for donations will be set up over the weekend for retreat attendees, and mass attendees, to participate in the donation drive.
PREPARES is a nurturing response of the Catholic community to provide support to families from pregnancy through their child’s 5th birthday. During the 2024 calendar year, PREPARES volunteers helped an average of over 75 children every month in Stevens County distributing diapers, wipes, newborn totes, and other essential baby items. Providing free diapers is one of the biggest ways to help struggling families in our Northeast Washington communities. As a parish-based ministry, PREPARES relies on the support of parishioners, other parish ministries, and other community and regional resources to network support to families in need. During the Wholehearted 25 Women’s Conference, the PREPARES ministry invites the faithful to fill the PREPARES display in the vestibule with donations of diapers (especially sizes 5 and 6) and other essential items as well as financial contributions. Thanks to a generous donor, the first $25,000 given statewide online in February will be matched. Give at preparesforlife.org/support and double your impact! Your gift is truly a blessing! For more info contact Pat Taylor, 509-942-9592.
Every Wholehearted retreat I have attended has helped me deepen my faith, and I am sure you won’t be disappointed. Registration hasn’t ended yet, but you are running out of time, so act fast to claim your spot and your swag! I don’t want anyone to miss out on that swag bag (seriously I get a new favorite coffee mug every year from this retreat)! There is a reason this retreat is expanding this year and it is that burning desire for a deeper relationship with our Lord. Our day will be absolutely lovely, because of all of you!
Go to wholeheartedcatholic.org to buy your CONNECT ticket. This event is for sisters, friends, mothers, and daughters age 18 and over! Contact me for more information at (509) 936-3533.