Women's retreat brings hope and joy to participants

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By Donna Masek and Elizabeth Aranda

WEST HEAVEN —Amidst the prayerful grounds of the St. Mary Catholic Church campus in West Haven, 46 women from across the Diocese of Salt Lake City gathered for the parish’s third annual women’s retreat. The event took place in a camping environment from June 9 through June 11. Led by Father Gustavo Vidal and mentored by Father Kolbe Missionary of the Immaculata Ann O’Donnell, the retreat developed the theme “Joyful in Christ.”

Beginning with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Friday evening, participants were introduced to the realities of being women of joy through a presentation by Ann O’Donnell, and concluded their first night with the choir recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours Compline.

On Saturday, the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima was highlighted through a visual presentation followed by the praying of a living multi-lingual rosary in the sanctuary. After lunch, retreatants broke into groups and presented Scripture passages of women experiencing joy at various stages in their lives. A Stations of the Cross procession around the parish grounds, the chanting of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Our Lady’s rose garden, and an evening marshmallow roast concluded the day’s events.

Knowing the peace that is acquired while praying in adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament, women gathered hourly through the night in silence, offering supplications to God especially for priestly and religious vocations in our diocese.

On Sunday morning, women were introduced and invited to make their total consecrations to the Immaculata before dispersing to their various places of residence.

The retreat was a refreshing experience not only for those who have attended in the past, but also for those experiencing it for the first time.

“The church’s beauty was a wonderful backdrop for liturgies and adoration,” said Patti Moe from St. George. “Father’s homilies reminded us of the value of women in the growth of our church.  Let us be joyful because we have the unconditional love of Christ.  Let us bring that love to others.”

Cristina Bingham, a mother of three children, described her experience in this way: “Sometimes one gets worked up in daily life, and this was a renewal and reminder to create a balance, so God does not get lost in the day-to-day responsibilities.”

Kassadi Beckstead, a young adult who is not Catholic, said she came to the retreat because she wanted to learn more about the Catholic faith. “At this age, we are trying to find ourselves and become closer to God,” she said. “I liked learning about the different prayers, what they mean, and why they are prayed , such as the Stations of the Cross and how Jesus walks with us.”

Kassadi added that she also enjoyed the personal stories, as well as Father Gustavo Vidal’s homilies, and that she looks forward to attending next year.

The annual retreat occurs the second weekend of June and is open to all women over the age of 18 and of any denomination. For information, visit www.stmarysutah.org.