June 19, 2008

Bishop's Appeal 2008

A Place to Find Peace

Forty miles from Memphis, on a quiet country road, is a treasure that continues to be discovered by the Catholics of the Diocese of Memphis. Dedicated in September 2005, Our Lady Queen of Peace Retreat Center offers a place for people to be spiritually renewed.

In his remarks at the dedication Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D. said "This is Holy Ground, a place where the love of God surrounds us in the beauty of creation, a place where the spirit of God will bring peace to those seeking new awakening, refreshment and ever-deepening union with God."

That statement has proven to be true, as evidenced by some 5,000 people, who in the past three years have come to the retreat center for a day, a weekend, or longer.

Parish weekend retreats continue to be a primary focus of the retreat center. Sister Eileen Fucito, Director sees the parish retreat as an essential means of introducing the concept of retreat at the parish level. The number of parishes who now have an annual retreat has increased each year as have the number attending the parish retreat. Close to 200 women and men have attended parish weekend retreats so far this year. Some parishes such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of the Holy Spirit, St.Francis of Assisi Church, St.Ann Church and the Church of the Nativity have held regular weekends for their parishioners. This year the retreat center welcomed Holy Rosary Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to their first parish retreats. Efforts are being made to gather smaller parishes for a weekend retreat experience. This has begun with a retreat for the women of the Jackson Deanery which takes place this year in October.

The annual Valentine's Evening of Reflection for Married Couples is a regular offering that now has an added feature. Along with Mass and dinner, couples are welcome to spend the night. Plans are underway for a weekend retreat for Married Couples.

On June 7, single adults gathered at Our Lady Queen of Peace Retreat Center for a day of reflection on the topic Becoming Who You Are Called to Be. Participants came from many different parishes in the diocese. In the morning session Sister Fucito gave an overview of the reality of singleness in American culture and how singleness has been viewed in the Catholic Church both in the past and today. A major emphasis of the day was the call to live a holy life which comes not from one's state in life but from Baptism. Along with the conferences participants had an opportunity for reflection and group sharing. The day culminated in celebration of the Eucharist.

The Retreat Center has also welcomed many diocesan groups for retreat days and weekends. All employees of Associated Catholic Charities and the Catholic Center enjoy an annual retreat day in May given by Bishop Steib.

Diocesan RCIA and Confirmation programs, Catholic school faculties, campus ministry, directors of religious education, health care ministers, diocesan priests, deacons, religious, pastoral councils, Legion of Mary, Cenacle, Charismatic Renewal, Cursillo, Prevention and Rescue and many more included a retreat at Our Lady Queen of Peace as part of their annual events.

While reaching out to the Catholics of Memphis, the retreat center has also attracted the attention of other churches in Memphis and the surrounding areas, as well national Catholic groups. The retreat center was the site for the Methodist sponsored Care of Creation Day which was held in February 2007. Regional meetings of Natural Family Planning, Cursillo and Diaconate Directors are scheduled to take place at the retreat center in the coming year.

Throughout the year, individuals take advantage of the peace and quiet of the retreat center for a private or directed retreat. Two weeks are set aside each year in June and July for directed retreats but people are welcome throughout the year for this type of retreat.

In September 2007, the retreat center held its first lawn concert. The concert is a means of gathering people for an afternoon of music and fellowship. The proceeds will be used to begin a scholarship fund for persons who do not have the financial means to make a retreat. The second Lawn Concert is scheduled for September 28 2008 and will feature John Angotti.

Our Lady Queen of Peace continues to reach out to the many spiritual needs of individuals.

The treasure on Dancyville Road is a particular gift for the Catholics of Memphis. It is God's "holy ground" waiting for and welcoming all who come. Without funds generated by the Bishop's Appeal, the retreat center would not be able to meet the spiritual needs of so many. Donations to the Appeal help the retreat center to run smoothly and at full staff.

For more information about the 2008 Bishop's Appeal, call 901-373-1208 or visit the diocesan website at www.cdom.org. Information about Our Lady Queen of Peace Retreat Center is also available at the diocesan website or by calling 731-548-2525.