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After the Step Up Men’s Conference back in August, repeated inquiries came in asking if the Diocese would be holding a women’s event. Well, as Matthew 7:7 states, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

The Diocese will be hosting the Unleashing Love women’s retreat on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. The day starts with continental breakfast and will include three presentations, boxed lunch, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Hour, Rosary, Mass with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, and the opportunity to develop relationships with other women from across our Diocese.

There are many reasons to attend the Unleashing Love retreat, but most especially having a day focused on your faith and spiritual formation — what a great way to keep your Advent focused on Jesus. By the time Dec. 10 arrives, it will be perfect timing to recharge yourself and put Christ back in Christmas.

The retreat will unite our hearts with our Blessed Mother as she draws us into her eagerness to see the face of Christ and prepare to receive and encounter Him more deeply. As Jesus said to the Apostles in Mark 6:31, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Amidst the hectic preparation for Christmas, this is your opportunity to get away and rest. What a beautiful gift to yourself and the opportunity of a plenary indulgence.

The Sisters of Life will provide engaging and enlightening spirit-filled presentations. Topics include: The Heart of a Woman, Encountering the Merciful Heart of Christ, and Praying with Mary Mother of the Eucharist. Through these talks, the sisters will invite you to regain sight of yourself as a gift, the victory of love being won in your life, and the hope that Jesus can make all things new in His mercy.

The goals of the day are multifaceted and include the opportunity for women to rediscover the mystery of Love who reveals His face and His desire for us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The day is intended to be the start of something great and foster opportunities for accompaniment. How can we better journey and support each other?

The Unleashing Love women’s retreat will provide the opportunity to connect attendees with other faith-filled women and create connections in order to develop resources such as a women’s small faith-sharing group at your parish or parish network after the retreat. These connections may be the link needed to move your spiritual life from the back burner to a full boil!

More information about the Diocesan Women’s retreat and a registration link can be found here: https://www.rcda.org/UnleashingLove.

Tom Cronin is the advisor to the Bishop for Evangelization in the Diocese of Albany. Contact Tom with any questions about boosting evangelization efforts at your parish at [email protected] or by visiting https://www.rcda.org/evangelization. Follow me on Instagram: tom_rcda

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