Retreat Inspires Women to Follow God’s Lead

By Andrea Hoisl

The chapel on Enders Island in Mystic set the perfect backdrop for this year’s women’s retreat, sponsored by the National Catholic Women of Norwich. The retreat took place on a picture-perfect day in September for 100 women from across the diocese. The keynote speaker was author and spiritual director Kathy Irr, who resides here in the Norwich Diocese. The day was a time to reflect on each woman’s individual relationship with God through prayer and Eucharist.

Irr’s talks on the Eucharist throughout the day were not only inspiring, they also gave everyone a personal challenge to take home with them. She stressed the importance of keeping Christ at the forefront of our lives through simple everyday actions – saying grace before meals, making the sign of the cross when you pass a church – these simple practices bring us into the presence of Christ throughout our day.

She also highlighted the importance of letting God lead each of us, as well as trying to open ourselves to prayers that quiet the mind and promote listening to God rather than speaking.

Irr addressed the need most women have to try and fix everything in the lives of those they love. She reminded everyone present that God can handle everything and

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encouraged the women to hand all of their worry and stress over to the Lord.

The main focus of her presentations was the Eucharist, significant during this three-year revival on the Eucharist promoted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Irr said the Eucharist is the supreme proof of God’s love for all of us, as well as the closest any of us will get to heaven while here on Earth.

Bishop Michael Cote celebrated Mass for participants and offered his support and encouragement for the day.

Kathy D’Amelio from St. Bridget of Kildare, Moodus, especially liked the reminder that the Eucharist is our connection to Christ, a gift given at the Last Supper for Christ to remain with us forever. “The day was wonderful and left us all feeling inspired and enriched,” she said.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2018 AT 4:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022 AT 4:00PM

MYSTIC MARRIOTT HOTEL

SAINT CLEMENTS CASTLE & MARINA

625 NORTH ROAD

1931 PORTLAND-COBALT ROAD

GROTON, CT

PORTLAND, CT 06480

Honoring the recipients of the Most Reverend Michael R . Cote, D.D. Award for Cont ributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Nor wich:

Monsignor Robert L. Brown (Posthumously)

Amy Freeman

Mother M. Elaine Moorcroft S.C.M.C.

Reverend Mark D. O'Donnell

Reverend Joseph Tito

Mrs. Doris Messina

All proceeds to bene t tuition assistance for Catholic Schools. e following sponsorships are available:

$5,000 SETON SPONSOR

Premium reserved table for 10, full-page program ad

Premium reserved table for 10, full-page program ad

$2,500 AQUINAS SPONSOR

Reserved table for 10, half-page program ad

Reserved table for 8, half-page program ad

$1,500 NEWMAN SPONSOR

Seating for 4, quarter-page program ad

Individual prog ram ads are also available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact K athy Gaito at 860-886-1928 or kgaito@nor wichdiocese.net

Please contact Gina Foster at 860-886-1928 or gfoster@NorwichDiocese.net