September 24, 2023 – Reflection
Last year at this time Roland and I were both brand new employees in this four parish community. We were both trying to get the lay of the land as both an employee and a parishioner. So, we each decided to sign up for the 1st Welcome weekend along with our spouses.
Roland says of his experience, “I went into the weekend with no expectations. Welcome was an incredible experience where I began to heal from a past that I’ve tried to move on from for over 20 years. Welcome provided a time of reflection where God was able to move within my heart. I came out of the weekend refreshed, renewed, and humbled. It was exactly what I needed at that time.”
My family was new to Rice Lake altogether and we didn’t know anyone. We were longing for community and wow, did we ever find it! I now have authentic friends that I can call on anytime. When a hospitalization came up this summer, I didn’t have to ask for help… it just showed up! My family was taken care of, meals were made, and prayers were said. Welcome did that!
We are now just two weeks out from our 3rd retreat weekend, and we have another team preparing to give the weekend away and many parishioners preparing to receive. We ask for prayers for both the teams and the participants, that the Lord may move within them and help draw them closer to His most merciful heart. For those who have never experienced the weekend, we hope and pray that you consider it. It might be just what you didn’t know you needed and there is still time to sign up! To sign up visit our website at 4parishes1faith.org/welcome or call 715-736-3104.