Annual women's retreat at West Haven parish offers spiritual refreshment

Friday, Jul. 29, 2016

By Donna Masek

WEST HAVEN — Fifty women from across the Diocese of Salt Lake City gathered at St. Mary Catholic Church in West Haven the weekend of June 10-12 for the parish’s second annual women’s retreat. 

The retreat was led by Father Gustavo Vidal, pastor, who was assisted by Father Kolbe Missionary Ann O’Donnell; the theme was “We are One Body in Christ.” 

The retreat included group presentations that focused on women in the Bible, lectio divina, the Liturgy of the Hours, Mass, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and the rosary. Taking place within a campground setting, the retreat also provided opportunities for silent reflection, chatting, singing, and roasting marshmallows at the evening fireside pit. 

Fr. Vidal provided the Sacrament of Confession, and the women also prayed for an increase in priestly and religious vocations during nocturnal Adoration. 

A concluding presentation by Ann O’Donnell on Total Consecration to Our Lady resulted in 25 women participating in a Rite of Total Consecration at the weekend’s conclusion. 

Information on this annual June event can be found on the parish website, www.stmarysutah.org, or call 801-621-7961.

Donna Masek is a St. Mary parishioner and Militia Immaculata volunteer.