It was due to our Pastor, Father Bernard Oleru’s suggestion that the Women of the Parish Council of St. Philip the Apostle in Statesville planned our first Women’s Retreat. Our theme was St. Philip the Apostle’s famous saying, “Come and See.”  And they did; we had over two hundred women in attendance. There was both a Spanish and English option available. On Saturday, March 29 we began with Holy Mass in the morning, breakfast was served and guest speakers, Father Bernard Oleru, M.S.P., Jean Whelan, founder of Women of Joy Prayer & Scripture Study, Maggie Considine, Regent of Court Ave Maria Catholic Daughters of the America’s, Maricruz Olascoaga and Mariana Navarrete.

There was yoga/meditation in the courtyard during break available as well as a mini-ministry fair representing Women-only ministries offered in our Parish. The Knights of Columbus St. James Council #7152 beautifully served breakfast and lunch. The afternoon led to more listening and impressive sharing. We finished with a brief explanation from a few of our ministry leaders; Marie Gomez, our Spiritual Director, Becky Scales who leads our Women’s Bible Study and Mary Zemaitis, the Regent of our Catholic Daughter’s Court.  The Holy Spirit was in the music, scripture and surely guiding our planners and speakers to touch each one in attendance. It was an amazing uplifting, powerful experience that will live with each of us for long time to come. Next time – “Come & See.”

  Next is a Men’s Retreat which is in its planning stages.