Jesus himself gives us a model for taking a spiritual retreat as He himself would often sneak away from his disciples to go to a deserted place to pray and be alone with His Father.
I remember my first retreat: I was 15 years old and attended my parish confirmation retreat at a Christian camp in the beautiful foothills of the San Diego mountains. I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect, but I remember being overwhelmed by the love, warmth and hospitality of the retreat team. The older teens, young adults and parent volunteers called me by name and made me seen, known and loved and their zeal for God led me to open my heart to Jesus in a new way and experience his love for me poured out through his people and through his sacraments.
Jesus himself gives us a model for taking a spiritual retreat as He himself would often sneak away from his disciples to go to a deserted place to pray and be alone with His Father.
The need for spiritual retreat is especially vital for those Jesus has called to serve as evangelists. We who have been commissioned to preach the Gospel, lead teams of parish staff and volunteers, pour ourselves out for our people in countless ways day after day, night after night and weekend after weekend run the risk of burnout and discouragement. This is to be expected. St. Peter warns us, "Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour." (1 Peter 5) Saint John of the Cross teaches us that the most common weapon the devil uses on disciples of Jesus is the temptation for spiritual discouragement.
How do we defeat temptation in our lives? By prayer and communion with Christ. We read in the Gospel of Mark how Jesus commands his evangelists to go on retreat. As the apostles were in the midst of great growth in the ministry, Jesus tells them to "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31)
The Parish Support Team invites you to step away from your everyday life of service to "come away and rest a while" on our Reignite Retreat this January 11-12, 2027 at Maria Stein Retreat Center. During this two-day retreat you will find a quiet place to pray, receive the love and hospitality of our team and grow in communion with God and other evangelists. This year we will be partnering with the Integrated Life Foundation to offer an incredible slate of talks and experiences exploring this year’s theme of "Burning Brightly", and times for spiritual mentorship throughout the retreat.
Like my parish confirmation retreat team who showered me with love and led me to Jesus, the Parish Support team is looking forward to receiving you and creating a space for you to retreat with Jesus.
CNE Appreciation Banquet Saturday, February 6, 2027 | The Event Center of Middletown | 5:00 pm
You're invited to join us on Saturday, February 6, for the annual CNE Appreciation Banquet! Each year, we gather to celebrate the incredible work of passionate evangelists serving across the Archdiocese. It’s an evening dedicated to recognizing their commitment, celebrating the impact they’re making, and looking ahead to the year to come.
We’ll also present the 2027 Radiate Christ Awards, honoring those who are helping bring the light of Christ to others in meaningful ways. Mark your calendars and join us at our new location this year!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Introducing Lucy Perez
The Hispanic Evangelization team welcomes Lucy Perez as the new Associate Director of Hispanic Evangelization. Lucy is originally from Mexico and has always had a deep love for Jesus, His Holy Mother, and everything about the Church. In her new role, she hopes to help every person know, love, and serve Jesus. She strives to make Jesus and His Church known in all she does.
Before coming to the CNE, Lucy worked for 22 years evangelizing Latino communities in New York, Minnesota, and North Dakota before serving as the medical coordinator for the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. In her free time, Lucy loves reading, watching movies, going to the theater, and spending time outside. Her favorite prayer is one in Spanish: "Por amor vuestro Jesus mio…," "For your love, oh my dear Jesus…".
See the message below for an important update from the Divine Worship Office on the Rite of Election:
Dear Parish Initiation Ministers and Family Directors of Worship,
Thank you for your faithful ministry throughout the year to those seeking Christian Initiation.
We wanted to draw your attention to a different schedule this February for the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion.
In light of the "complicated" nature of February 14, 2027 (simultaneously the First Sunday of Lent, President’s Day weekend, Valentine’s Day, and Super Bowl Sunday!), we will celebrate this important Lenten liturgy on bothFebruary 14 and 21.
Liturgies will be celebrated (as usual) in both Dayton and Cincinnati, with afternoon and evening options available; your Family of Parishes can choose the best option based on geography and timing. For those Families of Parishes on the south side of Dayton and further south, please strongly consider coming to the cathedral on either Feb 14 (afternoon) or 21 (evening) to alleviate potential overcrowding at Immaculate Conception on Feb 21 (afternoon).
You can learn more here, and stay tuned for more details about registration, etc. in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the Rite of Election, please contact the ODWS: worship@catholicaoc.org.
I ask you for your patience as we navigate a new approach to the Rite of Election this year!
The Peace of Christ to you,
Nicholas Hardesty, Assoc. Dir. of Adult Evangelization & OCIA
