By Jessica Easthope
A unique retreat is bringing together clergy and lay people to reshape their approach to preaching in the Catholic Church.
Organized by ‘Called,’ a nonprofit focused on transforming how the church engages its followers, the “Attentive Heart” retreat, held at the Thomas Berry Place in Jamaica Estates, New York, is aimed at empowering individuals to share their faith in new ways.
Father John Gribowich, the director of the Called Curriculum Team, highlights the retreat as a response to the crisis of ineffective preaching in the Catholic Church.
“This retreat is about how we communicate in a compelling way what God is doing in our lives,” he said.
Attendees from across the country gathered to share their experiences, listen, and learn to preach from the heart.
For some, like Father Andrew Dutko, this retreat is part of a personal journey of healing.
Father Dutko, who lost his wife Barbara in 2011, shared his emotional story.
“I woke up one day, and my life changed,” Father Dutko. “It still hits me in the stomach when I think about it, but my love for God never wavered.”
Others, like Christine Turner, found solace after experiencing profound loss.
Christine’s son Will died by suicide ten years ago, and the pain left her searching for spiritual meaning.
“I was feeling disconnected from the homilies I heard in church,” Turner said. “This retreat has taught me how to see God’s presence in my life, and it’s been incredibly healing for me.”
At its core, the retreat aims to encourage participants to recognize that anyone can preach, according to Kathy Lorentz, a member of the Called team.
“This retreat helps people realize that preaching isn’t just for the pulpit,” Lorenz said. “We all have the power to preach in our everyday lives.”
The next “Attentive Heart” retreat is scheduled for March. For more information, visit SundaytoSunday.net.