2023 Spring Retreat Day
Fr. Joe Muth presents to companions and sisters gathered at Our Lady of Angels.
Our 2023 Companions Spring Retreat was held at Our Lady of Angels Convent on April 22. About 40 sisters and companions gathered, including about ten Zoom participants. The retreat focused on Laudato Si’ and goal four of the Laudato Si’ Action Plan, Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles. Our presenter, Fr. Joe Muth, shared his thoughts on Laudato Si’ and the call to speak for the Earth and be advocates for all creation. Weaving in stories from his many years in ministry and his travels across the globe, Fr. Joe challenged participants to be a voice for the voiceless.
After Fr. Joe’s talk, all were invited to take some time for reflection and to enjoy the beautiful grounds. Participants returned to share the fruits of their reflection in small groups and there was also time for large group sharing. A delicious lunch followed for in-person guests, along with plenty of time to enjoy one another’s company.
There were two optional afternoon sessions. One session gave participants the opportunity to kick-start their summer gardens by planting seeds in egg cartons. Seeds included vegetables, herbs, and milkweed seeds. Milkweed plants are where monarch butterflies lay their eggs. In the other session, participants viewed the video created by the congregation’s Care for Creation committee on the Laudato Si’ Action Plan and used the simple living checklist from Catholic Climate Covenant to discuss ways to live more sustainably. The retreat concluded with a closing prayer where companions were asked to write down one action towards sustainable living that they could take in the coming month.
Companions Connie Rosenberger and Marion Bennett enjoy the grounds during their reflection time.
Companions were invited to stay for 4 P.M. Mass in Our Lady of Angels Chapel. Fr. Joe was the presider and after communion, companions were invited to the front of chapel to pray the Companion’s Prayer. Fr. Joe also prayed a special blessing for Patricia and Paul St Clair, two of our companions, who were celebrating their wedding anniversary that day.
Colleen Collins
In-person participants gather with Fr. Joe for a group photo.
Companions were invited to the front of chapel to pray the Companion’s Prayer.
Sisters and companions sang “The Blessing of St. Francis” for Patricia and Paul St Clair.
