Testimonies
Our adult retreats have been a game changer for adult ministry. Many of the adults now in leadership roles have attended one, if not all of the adult retreats. These retreats have blessed to see people. People have experienced God’s love, receive freedom and healing, and leave feeling on fire for the Lord. Here are some short reflections from previous retreat attendees as to how the adult retreats has impacted them.
“I thought the retreat was absolutely amazing! It is so hard to describe an experience that powerful. It was the most amazing, powerful, healing experience that I have ever had. The Lord always shows up in such a powerful way. It is truly an experience that I can't get anywhere else.”
- Karen Bengal
"In attending the parish retreat for the first time, I found a group of people who organize activities within the parish. I felt their love for all members of the parish. They are truly living the two greatest commands of Jesus to love God and neighbor as yourself."
- Bill Armbrustmacher
“I attended my first retreat last Fall and look forward to every upcoming retreat. It’s always a really nice time to get away and spend time with the Lord. We are all so busy that we forget to pause and spend time in fellowship with other members of the parish, spend alone time in prayer or participate in small groups, which is part of what the retreats offer. It’s such a welcoming atmosphere throughout the weekend. It’s not always serious, we actually laugh a lot! I was able to spend time getting to know many people that I would otherwise not have a chance to connect with. I’ve become good friends with several people I have met on retreat. Because of my participation in the retreats, I feel more connected to the parish community and want to go deeper in my faith. I’m no longer afraid to go out on a limb and attend Adoration or the healing services because I know I am becoming closer to Jesus. If I had not taken the leap of faith I did when I was invited on retreat last Fall, I wouldn’t have been able to experience all the wonderful things that the Lord has brought to me. I personally invite you to take the leap and attend the retreat. You will not be sorry you did.”
- Cindy Braun
“What I enjoy most about the retreats is an open atmosphere to actually discuss faith. How often in your daily life do you get that opportunity? The retreats feature many individuals who share their faith journey, "witnessing". It is surprising to hear they share the same challenges that I do. As a bonus, where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am there in your midst. Right from scripture, God himself promises to be present. After about 6 retreats we can safely every attendee has felt His presence.”
- Vern Thelen
"My husband and I decided to attend the retreat after moving to the area only 1 year prior. While we were a little apprehensive about knowing very few people prior to the retreat, everyone was welcoming and open. We not only were able to spend time with God, but He also blessed us with several new friends. We are so glad we went!"
- Kate Davis
“I’ve been on the last 3 retreats and they have been such a stepping stone for my faith, to the point I consider them essential for my spiritual growth. Each retreat brings something new to the table and I’m always amazed with what I take away from them. I have yet to walk away disappointed and I always leave wanting more. I was hooked after the first one and my calendar has been planned around them since! If you’re looking for a great start to take that next step in your faith, these retreats are a definite must!”
-Stephanie Kirvan
“I thought the retreat was absolutely amazing! It is so hard to describe an experience that powerful. It was the most amazing, powerful, healing experience that I have ever had. The Lord always shows up in such a powerful way. It is truly an experience that I can't get anywhere else.”
- Karen Bengal
"In attending the parish retreat for the first time, I found a group of people who organize activities within the parish. I felt their love for all members of the parish. They are truly living the two greatest commands of Jesus to love God and neighbor as yourself."
- Bill Armbrustmacher
“I attended my first retreat last Fall and look forward to every upcoming retreat. It’s always a really nice time to get away and spend time with the Lord. We are all so busy that we forget to pause and spend time in fellowship with other members of the parish, spend alone time in prayer or participate in small groups, which is part of what the retreats offer. It’s such a welcoming atmosphere throughout the weekend. It’s not always serious, we actually laugh a lot! I was able to spend time getting to know many people that I would otherwise not have a chance to connect with. I’ve become good friends with several people I have met on retreat. Because of my participation in the retreats, I feel more connected to the parish community and want to go deeper in my faith. I’m no longer afraid to go out on a limb and attend Adoration or the healing services because I know I am becoming closer to Jesus. If I had not taken the leap of faith I did when I was invited on retreat last Fall, I wouldn’t have been able to experience all the wonderful things that the Lord has brought to me. I personally invite you to take the leap and attend the retreat. You will not be sorry you did.”
- Cindy Braun
“What I enjoy most about the retreats is an open atmosphere to actually discuss faith. How often in your daily life do you get that opportunity? The retreats feature many individuals who share their faith journey, "witnessing". It is surprising to hear they share the same challenges that I do. As a bonus, where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am there in your midst. Right from scripture, God himself promises to be present. After about 6 retreats we can safely every attendee has felt His presence.”
- Vern Thelen
"My husband and I decided to attend the retreat after moving to the area only 1 year prior. While we were a little apprehensive about knowing very few people prior to the retreat, everyone was welcoming and open. We not only were able to spend time with God, but He also blessed us with several new friends. We are so glad we went!"
- Kate Davis
“I’ve been on the last 3 retreats and they have been such a stepping stone for my faith, to the point I consider them essential for my spiritual growth. Each retreat brings something new to the table and I’m always amazed with what I take away from them. I have yet to walk away disappointed and I always leave wanting more. I was hooked after the first one and my calendar has been planned around them since! If you’re looking for a great start to take that next step in your faith, these retreats are a definite must!”
-Stephanie Kirvan
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the retreat for?
This retreat is for MHT parishioners who are 18 and older. We hope to provide an opportunity for people to get away to a relaxing environment, which is something that most are in need of. The retreats have also been a great excuse for couples to get away, spend time with each other, and reconnect. Most importantly, the retreat is for anyone who is looking .to grow in their faith.
2. What do you do on a retreat?
Our three main goals for the retreat are for people to grow in their relationship with the Lord, to provide them with an opportunity to get away and relax for a weekend, and also to allow people to build relationships with others from the parish. We schedule a diverse set of activities to accomplish these goals while allowing people to go at their own pace. We have talks, free time, confession, Adoration, and personal reflection time. We treat people like adults and aren’t going to force anyone to do anything that they’re not comfortable with.
3. What if I don’t know my faith well?
Don’t let the idea of a retreat intimidate you. We purposely plan this time to have something for people of all levels of faith. We try to keep things at a level that no one will feel overwhelmed. We often have people share with us that they had fears of feeling judged or not being smart enough to attend, but quickly realized once the retreat started that there was nothing to worry about.
4. Who do I contact If I have questions?
We have a number of people who have been on the retreat before and would love to answer any questions that you have or share about their experience of what it meant to them. Andrea Schneider (andreas@mhtparish.com) oversees the retreat and can answer any questions that you have. Otherwise you could also contact any of the following: Cindy Braun, Jerry and Mary LeeKlein, Linda Luna, Sue Thelen, or Vern and Bonnie Thelen.
5. What if I don’t know anyone else going?
We have had people in the past who were afraid to sign up because they didn’t want to be alone and they found that those fears went away as soon as they got to the retreat. We are glad to help arrange carpooling if needed and we assure everyone feels welcomed and taken care of. The retreat center allows everyone to have their own room and bathroom so no need to worry about someone snoring and keeping you awake (or keeping someone else up if you’re the one who snores!). The schedule itself also allows for both personal and social time and we encourage people to participate in as much as they are comfortable. So on one hand it’s a great opportunity to meet new people if that’s something you’re looking for or you can keep to yourself if that is more your comfort level.
6. Am I expected to talk/share personal information?
Nope! There are times throughout the retreat where we invite people to share their thoughts if they would like, but no one will be expected to share or guilted into anything. We want everyone to be comfortable on the retreat so whether you share or not is going to be completely up to you.
7. What if I can’t afford to go?
As a parish we are called to evangelize and provide opportunities for people to grow in holiness. We believe that these opportunities should be available for anyone so we’re committed to working with people to help make it work financially. The cost is $150 per person for the weekend. If that isn’t an option, we will work with you to make it possible, even if that means that someone attends at no charge!. The Lord always provides for us and we never want the cost to be a determining factor in whether people attend or not.
8. What will accommodations be like?
The Bethany House in Dewitt is set up like a hotel so you can expect everything to be provided that you would get when you stay at a hotel. You aren’t required to share a room or bathroom unless you would like to. Meals for the weekend are provided (all day Saturday through breakfast on Sunday), as well as snacks throughout the weekend. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks if you prefer. We will accommodate special dietary needs, so just let us know if there is anything that you need.
9. Why now? I’m thinking that I will just go on the next one.
You know your life and responsibilities better than we do, so we’re definitely not going to try to tell you what to do. But...we encourage you to really take it to prayer if the Lord is calling you to attend this weekend. We often don’t give the Lord enough credit for what He can do in our lives. Most Holy Trinity is committed to providing these retreats because we have seen how powerfully the Lord works through them and how the lives of people have changed through attending. We’re never going to be perfectly ready to make something like this work in our schedule or be in the perfect place with God. Rather we need to make a commitment to Him and give Him an opportunity to work in our lives. If you really think about it, if God is going to give you a powerful experience on the retreat and change your life for the better, why would you want to put that off?
This retreat is for MHT parishioners who are 18 and older. We hope to provide an opportunity for people to get away to a relaxing environment, which is something that most are in need of. The retreats have also been a great excuse for couples to get away, spend time with each other, and reconnect. Most importantly, the retreat is for anyone who is looking .to grow in their faith.
2. What do you do on a retreat?
Our three main goals for the retreat are for people to grow in their relationship with the Lord, to provide them with an opportunity to get away and relax for a weekend, and also to allow people to build relationships with others from the parish. We schedule a diverse set of activities to accomplish these goals while allowing people to go at their own pace. We have talks, free time, confession, Adoration, and personal reflection time. We treat people like adults and aren’t going to force anyone to do anything that they’re not comfortable with.
3. What if I don’t know my faith well?
Don’t let the idea of a retreat intimidate you. We purposely plan this time to have something for people of all levels of faith. We try to keep things at a level that no one will feel overwhelmed. We often have people share with us that they had fears of feeling judged or not being smart enough to attend, but quickly realized once the retreat started that there was nothing to worry about.
4. Who do I contact If I have questions?
We have a number of people who have been on the retreat before and would love to answer any questions that you have or share about their experience of what it meant to them. Andrea Schneider (andreas@mhtparish.com) oversees the retreat and can answer any questions that you have. Otherwise you could also contact any of the following: Cindy Braun, Jerry and Mary LeeKlein, Linda Luna, Sue Thelen, or Vern and Bonnie Thelen.
5. What if I don’t know anyone else going?
We have had people in the past who were afraid to sign up because they didn’t want to be alone and they found that those fears went away as soon as they got to the retreat. We are glad to help arrange carpooling if needed and we assure everyone feels welcomed and taken care of. The retreat center allows everyone to have their own room and bathroom so no need to worry about someone snoring and keeping you awake (or keeping someone else up if you’re the one who snores!). The schedule itself also allows for both personal and social time and we encourage people to participate in as much as they are comfortable. So on one hand it’s a great opportunity to meet new people if that’s something you’re looking for or you can keep to yourself if that is more your comfort level.
6. Am I expected to talk/share personal information?
Nope! There are times throughout the retreat where we invite people to share their thoughts if they would like, but no one will be expected to share or guilted into anything. We want everyone to be comfortable on the retreat so whether you share or not is going to be completely up to you.
7. What if I can’t afford to go?
As a parish we are called to evangelize and provide opportunities for people to grow in holiness. We believe that these opportunities should be available for anyone so we’re committed to working with people to help make it work financially. The cost is $150 per person for the weekend. If that isn’t an option, we will work with you to make it possible, even if that means that someone attends at no charge!. The Lord always provides for us and we never want the cost to be a determining factor in whether people attend or not.
8. What will accommodations be like?
The Bethany House in Dewitt is set up like a hotel so you can expect everything to be provided that you would get when you stay at a hotel. You aren’t required to share a room or bathroom unless you would like to. Meals for the weekend are provided (all day Saturday through breakfast on Sunday), as well as snacks throughout the weekend. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks if you prefer. We will accommodate special dietary needs, so just let us know if there is anything that you need.
9. Why now? I’m thinking that I will just go on the next one.
You know your life and responsibilities better than we do, so we’re definitely not going to try to tell you what to do. But...we encourage you to really take it to prayer if the Lord is calling you to attend this weekend. We often don’t give the Lord enough credit for what He can do in our lives. Most Holy Trinity is committed to providing these retreats because we have seen how powerfully the Lord works through them and how the lives of people have changed through attending. We’re never going to be perfectly ready to make something like this work in our schedule or be in the perfect place with God. Rather we need to make a commitment to Him and give Him an opportunity to work in our lives. If you really think about it, if God is going to give you a powerful experience on the retreat and change your life for the better, why would you want to put that off?