A Lenten retreat for women, focused on the mystery and meaning of Lent and how to prepare for Holy Week and Easter, was held at Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling Feb. 23.
The Little Way Ministry invited more than 140 women to come together for an evening of faith and fellowship led by Father John Riley, spiritual director at San Damiano Retreat Center in White Post.
The evening began with adoration and confession, and Father Riley offered practical suggestions for embracing the cross in little ways.
“We Catholics tend to obsess about food when it comes to penance,” he said. “We need to be a bit more broadminded in these matters. Why not fast from entertainment, technology or music? Try to fast from gossip and negative speech for 40 days or more, and you might find yourself a lot closer to Christ at the end of it. And as you fast, be sure to also “feast” ‘on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God’ “ (Mt 4:4).
Father Riley also spoke of Mother Mary Francis, foundress of the Monastery of Poor Clare Nuns in Alexandria and author of the book, “A Time of Renewal: Daily Reflections for the Lenten Season.”
The Little Way Ministry, inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Teresa of Kolkata, was formed by women who desire to reach out beyond their parish borders to offer women of all ages a variety of spiritually enriching events.
“Our goal is to provide opportunities where women around the diocese can harness their unique gifts and talents to build up the kingdom of God,” said Marie Kennedy, cofounder. “This is best accomplished by growing in faith, and encouraging a culture of cooperation, love and support.”
Find out more
The Little Way Ministry’s next event, an International Marian Tea, will be held May 14 at Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling (all ages welcome). For more info, email [email protected].
Fr. Riley has two upcoming retreats at San Damiano in White Post: Young Adults Lenten Retreat (ages 20-35) on the Passion Narratives, April 1-3; and Martha and Mary Silent Retreat for Busy Women, May 20-22. Email [email protected].
