Parishioners leave behind 'Holiday frenzy' in favor of Advent Retreat

Loretta Cuccia provided this report from the Parish Advent Retreat:

St. Catherine's held its first Advent Retreat on December 14 at the Parish Center. For two hours, more than 70 parishioners ignored the usual distraction of Christmas preparations to bask in the narrative of the Holy Bible and its personal love story intended for each of us.

This year's retreat brought back Bill Donaghy, theology teacher, mission worker, and international speaker. Using sacred art, Bible stories, film clips and music, Donaghy demonstrated how God's family plan runs throughout sacred scripture, starting with the Creation Story and culminating in the marriage of Christ and the Church in Revelation.

The Parish Stewardship Committee coordinated the event, and Ken Mandoli contributed his audiovisual expertise. Father Chester expressed his thanks to them and to the attendees for taking time out of their Holiday schedules and for bringing many delectable snacks to share with our faith community. Father noted that it was wonderful to be together to honor the church's season of Advent. Coming in January, please check back for photos and links to Bill Donaghy's presentation.