Members of two Catholic churches in  Barton County invite the public to join them for an Advent Retreat. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington and St. Ann’s Church in Olmitz will hold an Advent Retreat Monday, Nov. 29, through Thursday, Dec. 2 in their two churches. It will be presented by Fr. Simeon Gallagher, OFM Cap, from Denver, Colorado. 

The theme for the Mission is “A Spirituality for Relationships.”

Upon reflection, we realize that the core experience of all life is expressed in relationships. This defines the inner life of the Trinity itself. It is relationships that grow and mature us in our life journey; nothing escapes this inescapable reality. It is within relationships that we experience the greatest joys of life and also the most bitter of disappointments. In the four presentations of this Parish Mission, fundamental aspects of spiritual development are reflected through the lens of relationships: Faith, Prayer, Conversion, and Community. All four are intricately linked one to the other. The end result of this Parish Mission is a "spirituality" that will enable us to recognize God in each other.

Here is the program schedule:

Monday, Nov. 29 - Sustaining Good Relationships: Faith as Foundation (Hebrews 11:1-16) in Hoisington at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 30 - Communication in Relationships: Prayer as Model (Psalm 23) in Olmitz at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 1 - Breaking Relationships: Sin as Interpersonal (Romans 7:14) in Olmitz at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 2 - Building Better Relationships: Graces for Growth (1 Cor. 12:12-26) in Hoisington at 7 p.m.