Advent retreat is Dec. 1

SALT LAKE CITY — The annual Diocese of Salt Lake City Advent Retreat, scheduled for Dec. 1, will feature Dominican Father Carl Schlichte, pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena/Newman Center, and Father Omar Ontiveros, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish.

Fr. Carl will give the presentation in English; Fr. Ontiveros in Spanish.

"Two Companions for the Year of Faith" will be the title of Fr. Carl’s presentation; he will focus on John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary.

"For me the fundamental piece of evangelization is always personal relationships, and Mary and John are good companions, although very different companions," Fr. Carl said. "John is not warm and cuddly; he’ll tell you what you don’t want to hear but you know is true, as prophets are supposed to do. His message can be challenging. We always need prophets to give us a swift kick in our complacency. And then Mary is a little more comfortable and comforting and encouraging in her maternal way."

The retreat will give people a chance to take time from the hustle of the holiday season and think about what Advent means, which is preparation for the coming of Christ, Fr. Carl said.

Fr. Ontiveros agreed. "This is a moment to rediscover profoundly and value the gift that we received in baptized Christians."

In his presentation, Fr. Ontiveros will offer those present the opportunity through the dynamic of prayer to renew their baptismal promises.