Search and Discover Retreat offers opportunities

by Christina Neumann

On the weekend of July 19 - 21, four men and ten women participated in a retreat to discern and learn about the option of religious life. The Search and Discover Retreat took place at Christ the King Retreat House in Buffalo, MN. A team of priests, religious sisters, and a brother conducted the retreat. Fr. Stephan Bauer, Sr. Lois Byrne, Sr. Marie Dockendorf, Sr. Elaine Dufresne, Fr. Todd Petersen, Brother Conrad Richardson, Sr. Linda Soler and Fr. Tom Wilson made up this retreat team.

The retreat offered opportunities to ask questions about religious life, hear speakers, and share in communal prayer. People from North and South Dakota and Minnesota were invited to attend.

On Saturday, a panel consisting of three men and two women in formation for religious life shared their vocational stories and answered questions. The panel included one man who was in formation for diocesan priesthood. Later, retreat participants had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with a man or woman religious.

Participants also had the opportunity to listen to speakers during the retreat whose topics included: "Discovering God" and "the Discernment Process". A presentation of resources for those interested in religious vocations was also given.

The group gathered for prayer several times during the weekend and Mass was offered on both Saturday and Sunday.

The retreat was financially supported by the the Serra Club, a group of lay people that promotes vocations. Retreats such as this are offered annually in mid-July. For further information contact the diocesan Office of Vocations, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966; e-mail: dnu@dnu.org