Women’s retreat at St. Ann Parish will explore ‘The ABCs of Advent’ to help prepare for Christmas

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SALT LAKE CITY — St. Ann Parish is offering an upcoming Advent retreat to the women of the diocese. “The ABCs of Advent” will be presented by parishioners Jeanne Lachowski, Cecilia Tonna and Jeanette Sagala.

All three have presented several retreats in the past, including last year’s retreat at St. Ann’s. When they approached their pastor, Father Dominic Sternhagen, about a topic for the retreat this year he suggested Advent.

At the retreat each woman will take one of the letters (A, B and C) and examine the subject of Advent through that lens.

“We use Scripture to base our talks on and talk about how God has been working in our lives or has used us and has worked in our lives,” Lachowski said.

Of the retreat’s format, she said, “I personally like more than one speaker because I feel one speaker may touch a couple of people where they’re at, but other speakers may touch other women.”

Along with the presentations by Lachowski, Tonna and Sagala there will be opportunities for personal prayer and different activities such as word games.

“Some are spiritual-based, Scripture-based, and others are just general,” Lachowski said of the activities.

Throughout the retreat, music will be provided by Sagala, who is a pianist and guitarist.

 Attending the retreat will allow women “to set aside the stress and hectic schedules of getting ready for Christmas and spend a day preparing spiritually to embrace the true meaning of Advent, feeling closer to Jesus,” Lachowski said. “I think it’s a bonding for women to get to know other Catholic women. There’s good discussion and it’s a little more personal than the diocesan retreat because it is small groups, we divide into small-group tables.”

WHAT: Women’s Advent Retreat “The ABCs of Advent”

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Check-in and breakfast at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Kearns-St. Ann School cafeteria, 430 East 2100 South, South Salt Lake

COST: $25 if registered by Nov. 27 or $30 at door. Send payment to St Ann Catholic Church, 2119 South 400 East, SLC 84115,  Attn: Women’s Retreat.  

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. For information, call Jeanne Lachowski, 801-580-2513.