Standing with lit candles in hand, donning jovial smiles, over 200 women joined their voices in singing “Silent Night” to close out the Allentown Diocese’s Women’s Advent Retreat on Dec. 13.
The event was held at St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, and the theme was “Rejoice and Be Glad” – a message that resonated with the women in attendance.
“It is such a busy time of year. It is amazing to be able just to sit and relax and reflect,” said Trina Marie Fixl, parishioner of St. Nicholas, Walnutport.
The retreat opened with Mass officiated by Bishop Alfred Schlert, who delivered a moving homily. “It was beautiful. I always love listening to Bishop Schlert. He always touches your heart in one way or another and always reminds me that I need to get back to Mary,” said Fixl.
Eileen Killian, parishioner of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown, is a young Catholic making time for her faith.
“In this world, it’s hard to kind of take a step back,” she said. “So when you have an opportunity to actually put it in your calendar, do it. It makes it a priority. It makes you actually take time to do it.”
Killian looked at ease at a table full of strangers. She was grateful to meet women with the same beliefs. “There's a really good community,” she said. “You just connect on the aspect that God is bringing everyone together.”
Mary Denny of St. Ann, Emmaus reflected on the timing of the retreat. “Everything is so busy. You need to take time to just sit back and focus on what’s really important. It’s not always the shopping and the cooking. It’s focusing on our Creator and on Jesus and what’s happening and He’s coming and we should be prepared.”
Denny was pleased to see women of all ages, but especially the younger women. She hopes more millennials make time to hear God’s message for them. “We need Him. We need to remember that He loves us and takes care of us.”
Guest speaker, Father John Hutta pointed out women’s special role during this time of year. “Every Advent every woman carries a flame, but Mary carries the fire. Mary is the first Advent procession. The first Eucharistic vessel. The first Gospel proclamation. The first tabernacle and the first missionary of joy … our purpose is to always learn as daughters of [Mary], to observe, to learn and to love and serve the Master.”
Karen Makosch, mother of seven and parishioner of St. John Baptist de la Salle, Shillington, admitted she was feeling anxious about taking time away from her family and the demands of daily life to attend the retreat, but she was grateful she chose to participate. “I’m feeling calm now that I’m here and I’m happy that I made the decision to come down.”
Father Hutta acknowledged women have a heavy load caring for everyone in the home, and it is precisely for this reason that he urges women to make time for Christ. “You sisters are called to serve. You must carry Christ to those who need Him in your own homes, in your workplaces, in your own vocational life, for your children, for your husband.”
Makosch agreed with Father Hutta and said she notices the difference in her life when she makes time for God by attending daily Mass. “The days that I'm able to do that versus the days that I can’t are less chaotic, more focused. I feel better. I even notice the difference with that half an hour Mass.”
The Bishop’s Commission for Women organized the retreat. The event featured breakfast served by members from John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington and music by Beverly McDevitt and the Angelorium Choir. Father Richard Brensinger, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, concelebrated the Mass along with Father Hutta and Bishop Schlert.
Sign up now for the Women’s Lenten Conference, “Love, Hope, Holiness,” scheduled for Saturday, March 7. Click here to register.
Photos by Norm Steinruck.
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