Over the last weekend in July, 150 Catholic singles attended the first National Catholic Singles Retreat held in Chicago at the beautiful campus of the Mundelein Seminary.
We had 4 different countries and 30+ states represented at the retreat. Anastasia and Mirjana Northrop and the local organizers did a fantastic job planning and hosting the retreat.
There were some pre-retreat events so most people arrived Thursday night or Friday morning. I was part of a group that toured Chicago’s historic churches on Friday, while another group did an architectural boat tour of the city.
The theme of the conference was “Remaining Relational in an Un-Relational World." The two main speakers did a great job holding our attention and conveying spiritual truths to us. Fr. Thomas Loya spoke to us on the topic of “Intimacy – How one can’t live without it” and on “Cognitive Distortions: Moving beyond Common Impediments to Intimacy.” Jim Martini encouraged us with “Remain Relational”, “Act like yourself”, “Immanuel Journaling” and “Return to Joy.” For those who could not attend, you can order these talks on CD/DVD.
I made new friends who have continued to stay in touch with me after the retreat. We will likely meet up again at the National Catholic Singles Conference in October.
I asked some of them if they would be willing to let me interview them about their experience and they very kindly agreed to share their thoughts. I tried to pick people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
What were your expectations going in?
Maria Isabel (Mexico) – I wanted to take time to listen and hear what God wanted for me, His plans. I was also interested in learning more about the Theology of the Body.
Josefina (Mexico) – I had no expectations. My mind and heart were open to receive whatever God had for me.
Rhea (Philippines) – I’m here primarily for discernment about “someone”, seeking clarity about my life plans.
Mayra Cristina (USA) – I came to connect with people. I’m open to what God wants me to learn. I’m a teacher and I wanted to learn how to be relational as a teacher. I was attracted by the retreat topic.
Keslie (in the Navy) – I wanted to learn to grow in faith and fellowship.
Anne (from Africa) – I wanted to try and find myself in terms of relationship with God and to have a good relationship with others.
Celia (USA) – My goal was to work on my relationship with the most important man – Jesus.
What did you like best about the retreat?
Maria Isabel – Prayer, Adoration, Mass
Josefina – It was wonderful to experience the union of the faith with people from another place
Rhea – I’m here primarily for discernment about “someone”, seeking clarity about my life plans.
Mayra Cristina – Without engagement, we cannot be relational. People have been very engaged and participating in their breakout groups.
Keslie – I’ve been enjoying my time here with my friend. The campus is beautiful and I feel God speaking to me through nature.
Anne – I’m naturally shy and it’s been great to meet new people, open up my life to them, get comfortable relating to them and overcome my shyness.
Celia – It’s been good getting away from life’s demands. I’ve enjoyed the introspective aspect of the retreat, praying that God would make me a better woman.
What has been your takeaway from this retreat?
Maria Isabel – If a man is following his nature, he will be happy and doing the plan that God has for him.
Josefina – God answered my prayers during one of the talks and gave me clarity for my life.
Rhea – Remember who you are – you are a child of God. Know your value and your worth. You are loved by God.
Mayra Cristina – We cannot build relationships outside of God. We need to know our roots in God.
Keslie – Keep God in the center of your life to help others and be the light of Christ and bring souls to Christ.
Anne – Be yourself. Cultivate a relationship with God. Make Him the center and out everything in His hands.
Celia – My biggest takeaway was ‘Immanuel Journaling’.
After a nice Sunday brunch, some folks left for another day of sightseeing in the city.
John F. gave a couple of us a whirlwind tour of the city before dropping us off at the airport. Thank you for your kindness, John. We met up a few more folks from the retreat at the airport and continued our fellowship there over a meal, until it was time to say our goodbyes.
And that’s a wrap, folks. I hope you got a feel for what the many wonderful folks at the retreat experienced and I pray that you are able to avail of the opportunity to register for the next retreat/conference.
