Registration is open to all parishioners in the cluster parishes: Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Joseph, Holy Trinity and St. John the Evangelist. You must be 18 years of age or older. Registration slots will be held for each of these parishes to attend. The slots are based on registered parishioner size. If slots are not filled two weeks prior to the event date, we will fill them with parishioners from the other cluster parishes who wish to attend.
Are you thriving or just surviving?
We all have an insatiable desire for happiness. We all want to feel like we belong. And we all want to find friends who will walk with us through life’s challenges.
Four Parishes, One Faith is always looking for ways to help our parish become the-best-version-of-itself and for ways to help you become the-best-version-of-yourself. And one of those ways is through a new ministry called Welcome.
Welcome is a renewal weekend at the parish that helps parishioners discover what is missing in their lives and what to do about it. The Welcome Weekend will inspire you to:
- Find clarity and purpose in your life
- Form meaningful relationships
- Approach your life with renewed energy and a fresh perspective
Welcome is a ministry of Dynamic Catholic. Listen in as Matthew Kelly, founder of Dynamic Catholic, shares about the Welcome experience.
Upcoming Welcome Weekends at Four Parishes, One Faith
Men’s Renewal Weekend
March 25-26 – Hosted at St. Joseph Church (Rice Lake)
September 30-October 1
For questions or more information, please contact:
Dale Odell – 304-704-3894
Women’s Renewal Weekend
April 1-2 – Hosted at St. Joseph Church
October 7-8
For questions or more information, please contact:
Christine Knight – 910-987-2742
For General Questions
please contact welcome@stjosephricelake.org or call the cluster administration office at 715-234-2032.
FAQs
What is Welcome? Welcome is a weekend retreat designed to bring parish members together in Christ and emphasizes continued growth in Christian life. It is found throughout the United States. During the weekend you will find love and laughter, great food and friendship, and a renewed sense of belonging to your parish.
When and where do the weekends take place? Separate retreat weekends for men and women are held at Our Lady of Lourdes (Fall) and St. Joseph (Spring). Opportunities to attend the retreat are available every 6 months in Spring and Fall. See registration information above for specific weekends.
What happens during the weekend? The weekend will be an enjoyable experience for you. It will include some group activities and interactions, some prayer together, and reflections shared by members of the presenting team. You may expect an opportunity, in a relaxed setting, to hear Christ’s call to you and to respond to a deeper and closer relationship with Him.
Who may attend? Each weekend is open to 24 participants, who are over the age of 18.
Who conducts the weekend? 10-20 fellow parishioners that have been preparing for four to six months will conduct the weekend.
How long will it last? The Welcome weekend begins with breakfast, Saturday at 8 a.m., and ends no later than 4 p.m. on Sunday.
What should I wear? The weekends are casual, so bring your most comfortable clothing—jeans, sweats, etc. Layers are recommended.
How do I sign up? You may register by filling out the online link on our website at https://stjosephricelake.org/welcome/ or complete the form available at the parishes. Please note any special needs on this form.
Where do I sleep? We will be staying on-site at the retreat location (Our Lady of Lourdes or St. Joseph). Accommodations for Saturday are simple and adequate. You should bring your own bedding (such as a sleeping bag or blanket), cot or air mattress, pillow, and earplugs. If you have any concerns or questions about the sleeping accommodations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Don’t let the sleeping accommodations prohibit you from experiencing the Welcome Weekend.
What about my meals? Delicious hot meals, as well as coffee, cold drinks, and snacks, will be provided throughout the weekend. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
What is the cost? There is no cost to you to attend the Welcome weekend.
If I have special needs or health issues, may I still attend? Certainly! Please note any special needs on your registration form.
Will I have to get up and talk in front of people? No one is required to get up and speak, although you may share your thoughts with a small group.
How can I be contacted in an emergency? An emergency number will be given to you before the weekend, which will be answered by one of the weekend team members. To avoid interruptions, please plan to give family members this contact number instead of your personal cell phone.
For other questions, feel free to contact: Roland Flasch at 715-736-3106