LAYTON — For the third year in a row a women’s retreat will be held in northern Utah in the spring. This year the theme is based on a quote from Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross: "On the question of relating to our fellowman – our neighbor’s spiritual need transcends every commandment. Everything else we do is a means to an end. But love is an end already, since God is love." "This is the third year this has been held and has once again drawn so much interest. It surprises me! It confirms for me that there is a need, a deep desire, for women to learn," said Maria Devereux, a Saint Mary parishioner who is organizing the retreat. For the past two years the retreat was held at Holy Family Catholic Church, but "I am looking forward to hosting this at St. Rose of Lima this year. It is a beautiful church; it has an awesome social venue and Fr. Sandoval [the pastor] is a lovely man, so generous," said Devereux. This year the retreat will have six presentations by six different speakers. The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, will speak on the topic "Love Never Fails ... 1 Corinthians 13:8." Jeanne Lachowski, Saint Catherine of Sienna Newman Center parishioner and Maryknoll missionary, will have the topic of God’s message. Dominican Father Carl Schlichte, St. Catherine of Siena pastor, will address "The Greatest of These is Love." The topic of Dr. Paul White, moderator of the Lay Dominicans, St. Catherine of Siena Chapter, will be "To Live One’s faith." Jean Hill, the diocese’s government liaison, will speak about Catholic social justice and Catholic viewpoints at the local, state and national levels with the topic "Love, Charity, Responsibility." Ryan Ingle, musician and campus ministry intern at St. Catherine of Siena, will present the topic "Musician/Presenter." "I feel blessed this year to have Bishop Wester be a part of this retreat," said Devereux. "His deeply spiritual vision, the inspirational way he communicates and his gift of humor. ... will ultimately leave us all enthused. In addition, Fr. Carl has been our spiritual advisor for the retreat from the beginning, providing insight, incentive, wit and knowledge to educate and inspire women throughout the diocese." Devereux said she realized the need to develop local women’s spirituality when she began going to retreats with her husband, Tom Devereux, who is in the diocese’s Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation program. "There is something so heartwarming to be with a friend, mother, sister, and other women to listen, learn and love God – together," said Devereux, extending the invitation to all the women in the Diocese for the retreat. WHAT: Love Never Fails Women’s Retreat WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; registration begins at 8:15 a.m. WHERE: Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 210 S. Chapel St., Layton Cost: $15, includes a light breakfast and lunch All women are welcome. For information, contact Maria Devereux, joyfulevent@yahoo.com or 801-989-2257.
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