A beautiful Lenten Retreat was held for women at Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend led by our own Yvonne Kidder and our precious Evangelizing Sisters of Mary. The retreat was held on March 6-7, an overnight 24 hour with a focus on growing closer to the Lord and “Bearing Fruit in All Seasons.” The theme was centered around the scripture of Jeremiah 17:8.
More than 25 women, ranging in age from 27-68, participated from 8 of our Diocese of Knoxville Parishes. The women listened as the Sisters shared in small groups, laughed and cried in small groups, and held Mass, Adoration, and Stations of the Cross. Father Schuster, after Mass also heard Confessions. When asked, at the end of the retreat, the one word they would use to describe the experience: calm, blessings, peaceful, strong, formation, community, and freed were just a few of those words shared. It was truly a blessed trip, and we are hoping this is something we can continue year after year!
Retreat Theme Artwork created by SJNCS Art Teacher (and Yvonne’s daughter) Elizabeth Hinds.
The women’s overnight lodge at Wesley Woods in Townsend, TN.
The gathering/meeting room.
Exploring the scenery!
Stations of the cross – through the eyes of Mary.
The Sisters sharing a song in Swahili during transition <3
Walking to the dining hall for lunch.
Kindling used for the fire on Friday night – Sister Elizebeth spoke to the group about the many uses and meanings of fire as the women sat around a campfire. The women also offered their own Lenten sacrifices to God.
Exodus 3:2-4 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”
The Bonfire Pavillion.
Small group study.
Sisters making breakfast.
These two wonderful ladies are missing from the group picture below. They were a big part of the group, though!
Here they are! We hope you will consider joining future retreats! A great time was had by all!
