Men's retreat to focus on reconciliation

Intermountain Catholic

+ Enlarge

PARK CITY — For the 16th year, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish will sponsor a men’s retreat. However, this year the retreat will be held in the parish hall instead of at the Trappist monastery in Huntsville, where it was held in previous years.

Another change is that the retreat will take place during the Easter season, instead of January, when it traditionally was held.

In today’s world, with all its noise and tragedies, attending a retreat is important because “while there is discussion, it takes men away from the commonplace and lets them relax in a different world,” said Frank Lesar, the retreat organizer.

Lesar, who has been attending the retreats since their inception, said each man who attends the retreat will come out with “ideas to change his life and his relationships.”

In the past, a dozen men from all over the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City have attended the retreat. The number was limited because of the size constraints at the monastery, which closed last summer, but this year more will be welcome in the larger parish hall.

“We have several who come every year, but there are always new faces,” said Lesar, who extended the invitation to attend to all the men interested in this day of reconciliation and forgiveness.

The spiritual leader for the retreat is Fr. Rogelio Felix, associate pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish.

Those attending the retreat will encounter talks led by retreat team members who will be open to questions and reflections by all, as well as facilitation by Fr. Felix, Lesar said. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered at the end of the retreat, and Mass will follow.

Men from all the parishes in the diocese are welcome at the retreat.

WHAT: Men’s Easter retreat

WHEN: Saturday April 14, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

WHERE: St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Hwy 224 & White Pine Canyon Road, Park City

COST: $25; includes light breakfast and lunch

The Sacrament of Reconciliation and 5:30 p.m. Mass will follow the retreat. Registration deadline is April 1; contact Frank Lesar, 435-655-5782.