This weekend, April 5-7, 2024, marks our Lenten Parish Retreat with Dr. Albert Rossi, a licensed clinical psychologist and Christian educator. Dr. Rossi has spoken and written widely on the topics of spiritual growth and Orthodox spirituality. He is joining us in prayer and leading presentations and activities around the theme, “Koinonia: Cultivating Christ’s Presence in Our Churches and Lives.“
Doctor Rossi is offering two Saturday sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) on the theme of koinonia, a Greek word meaning fellowship, joint participation, partnership, or a gift jointly contributed. Additionally, he is planning enjoyable and enlightening activities that explore pertinent topics and decision points we may encounter in our everyday parish life. As the author of the bestselling work, Becoming a Healing Presence, Dr. Rossi will guide us in a kind and inviting way, helping us deepen our Lenten spiritual walk.
On behalf of the Councils of Nativity the Theotokos (St. Mary’s) and St. Michael’s Churches, who unanimously supported this crucial time of fellowship, prayer, and eating together, your participation and attendance is encouraged at as much of the festivities as possible. All services, talks, and activities are free and open to all.
The schedule is as follows (all events at St. Michael’s Church and Hall in Irvona):
Friday, April 5
- Lenten Vespers, 6:00 p.m.
- Confessions, following
Saturday, April 6
- Memorial Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m.
- Continental Breakfast, 10:30 a.m.
- Keynote Address by Dr. Rossi, 11:15 a.m.
- Lunch (see sign-up below), 1:00 p.m.
- Second Session and Breakout Activities, 1:45 p.m.
- Wrap-Up / Q&A / Additional Time for Fellowship, 3:30 p.m.
- Great Vespers, approx. 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 7
- Hours, 9:10 a.m.
- Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.
- Monthly Panikhida for April, approx. 11:15 a.m.
- Coffee Hour, following
Don’t miss being a part of this enriching, one-of-a-kind experience! Although there is no cost for the retreat, as it is being sponsored by the Ss. Mary and Michael Outreach Fund, there are volunteer opportunities if you would like to provide lenten desserts, bottled water, juice, or other specific items for our Saturday meals. Please sign up using this link.
Thank you in advance for your prayers for Dr. Rossi and his travel, as well as your entire parish family.