A team of three Associates and three Dominican Sisters of Hope hosted the annual Women Bearing Gifts retreat via Zoom from 3 to 5 June. The theme, Holding onto Hope, Moving toward Peace, was presented in four two-hour sessions and resonated with women across America. Participants came from California, Washington, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana West Virginia and Michigan. Many old friends from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey were also present in this special circle of women.
Speakers included Associate Sue Smith and Dominican Sisters of Hope Connie Koch and Pat Jelly. Their presentations were followed by contemplation as well as small and large group sharing on questions provided by the speakers.
Host and administrative duties were handled by Janet Marchesani, OP and Associates Martha LaVallee and Nancy Brennan. The Center’s IT Wizard Nick Travis kept the Zoom lines up and provided all audio-visual support.
Next year we plan to venture into the hybrid retreat world by hosting a Zoom and in-house retreat at the Center at Mariandale. Mark your calendars now for the June 2-4, 2023 Women Bearing Gifts retreat and watch for a registration announcement in next April’s Associate Diary. We’d love to have you join the circle!