Men's retreat focus: St. Alphonsus Liguori's 'The Glories of Mary'

Intermountain Catholic

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PARK CITY — The lives of many men, particularly those who are filling the role of breadwinner, can be extremely hectic in this day and age. Often, just getting through each day seems to be the priority, and important goals like becoming a more spiritually developed Christian can be left by the wayside.

Aware of that reality, the men’s group at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish sponsors an annual retreat for men to take much-needed time to pause, re-center themselves and connect with the divine.

This year the retreat will be held Friday-Sunday, March 8-10 at the Diocese of Salt Lake City’s retreat house in Park City.

With a theme of “Mary, Mother of Jesus,” this will be the group’s first Marian retreat, organizer Frank Lesar said.

“We do this to basically develop our spirituality as men, distinct from the lives that men normally lead and the roles we fill,” he said.

The retreat, which is in its 17th year, was started by Fr. Rick Sherman at the Huntsville Trappist monastery.

“When he started it … Fr. Sherman realized that there were a lot of men who were not thinking about their spirituality,” Lesar said. “He felt a need to help them do so; we continue to see that need today.”

The retreat’s small-group format lends itself to intimate group discussion and interactivity, Lesar said.

This year, Fr. Christopher Gray, pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, will be the retreat’s spiritual director. Over the course of the three days, he and four members of the men’s group will present on the theme and on the importance of an active faith in a Christian man’s life.

“There are never enough opportunities to come together to talk about holy things, and one of the real strengths of this retreat in particular is that members of the men’s group –  and not just a priest or a deacon –  have prepared the conferences, “ Fr. Gray said.

The retreat’s starting point will be St. Alphonsus Liguori’s “The Glories of Mary,” Fr. Gray said, “and several different lay leaders will each give their particular perspective, having been enriched with their lived experiences. This is not a retreat where participants sit around and listen to one person, but rather one in which participants are asked to engage the material.”

During the retreat, participants will also enjoy meals together, along with group discussions, a private Mass with Fr. Gray and several quiet periods for introspection.

On Sunday, prior to the end of the retreat, the participants will join the parish community at the St. Mary of the Assumption Old Town chapel for Mass.

“Anyone who is willing to further expand and develop his own personal notion of his faith and what role that plays in his life” will benefit from the opportunities the retreat presents, Lesar said.

WHAT: Men’s Lenten retreat

WHEN: Friday–Sunday, March 8-10

WHERE: Diocese of Salt Lake City retreat house, 2610 Aspens Springs, Park City

COST: $50; includes meals and a copy of “The Glories of Mary” by St. Alphonsus Liguori

While lodging is not generally available for the retreat, there is a very limited opening for those who might wish to stay over in Park City. (There will be a small cleaning fee). For information about lodging or the retreat, call Frank Lesar, 435-655-5782.