NEWS | EVENTS | COMMUNITY | PEOPLE | HISTORY
URSULINE RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTRE open doors
change lives
HONORING THE PAST . . . LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE As I begin the role as the new Director, I first want to thank Harry Tholen for his selfless leadership of the Ursuline Centre over the last two decades. Harry’s dedication, commitment, and genuine love for this fabulous place is evident to anyone who has had the privilege of speaking with him about the Ursuline Centre or who has stepped through our doors to experience the warmth and acceptance of a man ready to serve others through the ministry here. “Thank you Harry” for truly exemplifying our motto, Open Doors to Change Lives. Let me be brief in writing about myself, as my heart for the vision of the Ursuline Centre is what I want to relay. I grew up in Great Falls and graduated from college in Billings. I have been married for almost 20 years to the most beautiful women and my best friend, Jill. We have three amazing boys, ages 18, 16, and 13. We love being a part of the Great Falls community. The Ursuline Centre provides a place for needs to be met and lives to be changed and it is with this heart, mind, and mission that we look toward the future. These are challenging, yet exciting times, and the future demands us to dream and embrace the opportunities ahead. I cannot overstate that we currently have an incredible need to fund the day-to-day operations, as well as the long-term need to secure the future of the Ursuline Centre building. We sincerely need your immediate support, which allows us to meet the daily mission of the Centre. This incredible historic treasure is a facility that serves as the destination for hundreds of groups and thousands of individuals every year. We offer space for
www.ursulinecentre.com
retreats, conferences, workshops, and serve as a peaceful setting for civic, non-profit, and ecumenical groups. Young students in our childcare and preschool programs learn, grow, and flourish in this wonderful environment. We are a gathering place for many and the vision is that in the days and years ahead we will shine brighter, reach further, and give back in greater measure and with deeper impact than ever before. The vision is one that sees lives forever changed because of their experience in this place. I want to thank a wonderful and supportive staff who labor here with love; countless volunteers who give of their time, talents, and resources to fulfill the mission; and all of our supporters. Our success is driven by all of you who partner with us prayerfully and financially. We are expectant for the future and truly believe that together we can press forward toward the mission of serving others. I want to thank you in advance for sharing in the Ursuline Centre vision and partnering with us today, in honoring the past and moving ahead into the future.
OUR MISSION In the tradition of service, Ursuline Centre strives to meet the everchanging needs of the people we serve by providing a setting and atmosphere for spiritual and intellectual renewal and growth. In the Ursuline spirit of inclusive hospitality, the Centre welcomes many diverse groups, respecting each one with Christ in our midst.
Spring 2014