Diocesan Lenten retreat brings two speakers

Friday, Feb. 20, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — The Diocese of Salt Lake City Lenten retreat will have Sister Linda Marie Bolinski, of the Congregation of Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius of Danville, Penn., as the retreat leader for the English session. Cecilia Von Bertrab, a professor of the Oblate School of Theology, will lead the Spanish session.

The congregation of Sisters of Sts. Peter and Paul is committed to the works of education, evangelization, elder care, and ecumenism.

Sr.  Bolinski has a bachelor’s degree in English from Alvernia University, a master’s degree  in religious studies (dogma) from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, another master’s in education (school administration) from Villanova University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Oblate School of Theology. 

Her ministry experiences include teaching, serving as a diocesan director of catechesis and a Catholic school principal, and leadership of her religious community. She is currently the parish formation minister at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in San Antonio, Texas.

Sr. Bolinski’s presentation will help attendees prepare themselves in and for Lent, said Susan Northway, the diocese’s Office of Religious Education director.

“She [Sister Bolinski] has given a beautiful presentation in Saint George and has been one of our presenters at the Congress; she is very experienced as a pastoral minister,” said Northway.

At the Lenten retreat people can expect to experience contemplation, preaching and time for quiet reflection, she said.

“People that attend the retreat can expect a day of peaceful contemplation, a day of great exchange and conversation with others. … a lovely time for Lenten renewal,” said Northway, adding that everyone is welcome  to participate.

Lent “is the time of going out into the desert like Hebrew people did,” Northway said. “Going out to the desert is putting your entire trust in God. This is a day to remind us to put our trust in God.”

What: Diocese of Salt Lake City Lenten Retreat 

When: Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  

Where: Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, SLC

Cost: $10 per person, including a catered lunch