by Bob Hart
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When you promote a retreat as a “Day of Boundless Joy,” you’ve got your work cut out for you. But past participants in this annual retreat for women say there’s nothing but truth in advertising going on here.
“It’s a day that I look forward to each year,” said Anne McGranaghan, a parishioner at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park. “It’s a real spiritual awakening. It’s one day when I get to share my faith with women of all backgrounds and ages.”
The 6th annual retreat for archdiocesan women will be held at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., on Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It is intended as “a time for Catholic women to connect the everyday beauty of love, laughter and life with the deep tradition of our Catholic faith.”
Katie Glynn, 82 years old and a parishioner of St. Bernard Parish in Wamego for 58 years, made the trek last year and said she enjoyed all the day’s events, but treasured one in particular.
“Just the time to be quiet in the chapel,” Glynn said. “It’s hard to explain. . . . But that, I liked.”
Mary Ellen Rusche, of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, enjoyed the day so much in the past that she’s turned it into a family affair. This year, she will attend with her three daughters and two daughters-in-law, two of the younger generation coming for the first time.
“It’s a very fulfilling day for all of us,” Rusche said. “It’s enlightening.”
Speakers for this year’s event include:
• Vickie Broxterman, of St. Matthew Parish in Topeka, is known for finding humor in one of God’s greatest gifts: everyday life. Her topic is “Praying it forward while stumbling thru life!”
• Dr. Laurie Heap is a wife, mother and M.D. who believes women’s medicine should not only uphold women’s dignity, but help them to appreciate what an extraordinary gift it is to be a woman. Heap’s presentation is called “Daughters of God: Made in His Image and Likeness.”
• Msgr. Charles McGlinn, pastor of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, has been a priest of the archdiocese for 41 years. He is uniquely qualified to present “Scripture and Prayer” to the women in attendance.
• Wendy Unrein, a parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, is a talented singer/musician who says, “Anytime I can sing for the Lord, I jump at the chance.”
Also included is a special 11 a.m. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, plus breakfast treats and lunch for all the participants.
“The food is outstanding. And, of course, we always look forward to cel- ebrating the Eucharist,” McGranaghan said. “I go with other parishioners from Holy Spirit. We usually have a couple of cars in our carpool, and we look forward to seeing all the friendly faces from past years.
“It’s just such a wonderful experience. I think the best thing about it is just getting away from everything for one day — everything but our faith.”
Cost for the day is $35, or $15 for those 18 and under. For more information or reservations, call Mary Anne Kierl at (913) 647-0345.
