Lenten parish mission designed to increase spirituality

Intermountain Catholic

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LAYTON — Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Layton will welcome Father Richard Gielow, C.M. for a three-day mission, titled “The Main Thing is Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing”  that is open to the entire diocese.

On each of the three days, two sessions will be offered, one in the morning and again in the evening. Each session will consist of a Mass and homily designed to increase spirituality, said Kit Cummings, the parish’s communications director.

Fr. Richard is the director of the Vincentian Parish Mission Center in Independence, Mo. The Vincentian Mission is the brother mission of the Daughters of Charity. The history of Vincentian missions traces back over 400 years to the ministry of St. Vincent de Paul.

One of the Daughters of Charity who ministers in the Diocese of Salt Lake City suggested Fr. Richard as a retreat presenter, Cummings said.

 “Fr. Gielow is a dynamic speaker whose stories and experiences bring his faith to life, and he has devoted over 30 years to his work on the Vincentian Mission Team,” according to his biography.

“We are very lucky to have him,” Cummings said.

The mission is intended to “spark people’s faith, and Lent is a great time to do it. We hope that all the Catholics that attend will have some spiritual growth,” said Cummings, adding that the Vincentian mission is centered on the Eucharist, with emphasis on conversion and reconciliation.

The Vincentian charism is modeled on the five virtues of Saint Vincent de Paul: humility, simplicity, meekness, mortification and zeal.

“The Mission Masses at 9 a.m. are designed for the people that are working in the evening or for people that don’t like or can’t drive in the evening, so they can have an opportunity [to attend],” Cummings said. “We set two different times so all people can come. It is the week before Holy Week, so it is an opportunity to center on the Eucharist, reconciliation, and getting in touch.”

WHAT: Lenten Mission

WHERE: Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 210 S. Chapel St., Layton

WHEN: March 19 - March 21, 9 a.m. or 7 p.m. each day

COST: Free, donations accepted