Deanery retreat focuses on joy

Friday, Apr. 07, 2017

ST. GEORGE — The Southwestern Deanery Council of Catholic Women hosted a women’s retreat titled “Finding Joy.” It was held March 25 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church.  There were three speakers who shared different ways that people find joy in today’s world.  

The first speaker, Donna Rish, is a member of the Christ the King parish in Cedar City.  Her topic was “Call to Love,” highlighting that when people say “yes” to God’s call, they have the responsibility of doing his will, not their own. 

The second speaker was Holy Cross Sister Yvonne Hatt, who spoke on “Doing the Beautiful.” Sr. Yvonne’s simple message was that you can speak to God in your own way. God is there to listen whenever he is needed, she said. 

One of the main ideas shared by the third speaker, Carole Drake, whose talk was titled “The Joy and Peace of Humility,” was that someone who is truly humble is comfortable with him- or herself and has no need to impress anyone. All people have limitations and need to recognize that others have, as well, she said. She pointed out that this is what St. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, that it really didn’t matter if someone else judges him, because God is the one who is judge. 

The retreat was attended by approximately 60 women from various parishes in southern Utah.