By Shawna Hanson
“We were so blessed as a family to be at the Summit.”
~Summit 2018 participant
“I really want to extend my gratitude for the experience at
Terra Sancta. It was so great and I truly feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be one of the numerous people at
the Summit. God is really so good!” ~Summit 2018 participant
On Saturday, September 28 the Office of Stewardship will
offer the fifth annual Stewardship Summit. Last year, this event was
re-formatted in order to better meet the needs of parishioners of all ages and
from across the diocese. It was a great success, with more than 525
participants. This year’s conference is shaping up to be even better! We listened to your suggestions and are
working hard to make the day truly inspirational
Registration for the Summit is open now! Register at www.CatholicWayof
Life.org/events. Space is limited so we encourage you to register early. Last
year’s conference was full by September 15.
Like last year, this will be a one-day event, starting at 10
a.m. to allow time in the morning for those who have to travel. Also, like last year, we have built time into
the day for prayer, confessions, Mass, a healing service and fellowship. Once
again, the retreat center will provide lunch and dinner. Let us take care of
every detail for you so that you can come, relax, be inspired and be
refreshed.
Our speaker this year is Fr. John Riccardo of the Archdiocese of Detroit. In three talks: Created, Captured and Rescued, Father Riccardo will take us through the story of creation, the reality of evil in the world and the gift of redemption in Jesus Christ. He says this about the talks he will share, “This story, our story, is something I begin every conversation with. It is the lens through which I see the world. When I tell this story, people’s most common reaction to it is tears.”
Father Riccardo has a unique gift for telling this story,
our story, in a way that is relevant to our lives and our world; in a way that
speaks to our struggles, our joys and our greatest desires.
Lastly, the Summit is for the whole family! Child care will
be available for those ages 1-3. For those 4-years old up to 5th grade,
catechists trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will provide
presentations, activities, prayer and games that will explore Jesus as the Good
Shepherd and Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist. Middle school aged students
will have their own program with three talks similar to those given by Father
Riccardo along with games, activities and prayer all led by trained catechists
and youth ministers. High school students are invited to attend Father
Riccardo’s talks; infants are also welcome to stay with mom and dad.
The Summit is a wonderful opportunity for those already
committed to Jesus to come and be renewed in their faith. It is also a perfect place for those who
might be struggling with faith, or who feel like their faith has grown
lukewarm, to come and hear the life-saving message of Jesus told in a unique
way. If someone you know is in this place, invite them to come with you!
Cost for the Summit is $25 per person or $50 for a family.
