As Lent fast approaches, many women will faithfully observe the practices of giving alms and making sacrifices, but the power of prayer often takes a backseat in their busy lives.
This year, however, an event promises to reignite that spiritual flame.
On Saturday 29 March, St Mary’s Cathedral, the mother church of Sydney, will open its doors to host the annual Women’s Lenten Retreat.
This cherished event, organised by the Catholic Women’s Network in collaboration with the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, invites mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and women from all walks of life to pause and prepare their hearts for the holy season ahead.
The retreat, which has grown exponentially year after year, now expects to welcome around 500 women, if not more, a testament to the impact this day of reflection has had on participants in previous years.
“The Dominican Sisters will be leading women in reflections throughout the day. We’ve timed it so it’s early enough in length that people can schedule in the time just prepare their hearts to enter into that season,” said Helena Roumanus.
“The day will include morning tea and lunch. It will include an opportunity for all day confession and opportunity for beautiful Holy Hour in the cathedral,”
“Who do you say that I am?” a powerful question from Matthew’s Gospel is the theme of the retreat and will invite deep personal introspection, led by the Dominican Sisters.
“The way the sisters lead women on these retreats has proven to be so fruitful and so nourishing for the women who attend, said Helena.
“It just gets bigger every year.
“It started out as a small group and has now outgrown its original format and even the venues we used to have it in. We’re now blessed to need to host it in the cathedral, because of its popularity. Women love it, and the sisters have a great gift in the way they talk to women and connect with women.”
One of the retreat’s primary goals is to help women rediscover an intimacy with Christ through prayer, even in the midst of their busy lives.
“Sometimes we fall short on prayer. A retreat day is a way for us to schedule in that time and prioritise our prayers, to recollect, to reflect, and just to grow in intimacy with the Lord,” said Helena.
The retreat is already 70 per cent sold out with more than 350 tickets purchased. The organisers have thoughtfully included a group discount option, making it easier for friends to attend together and support one another in their spiritual growth.
This Women’s Lenten Retreat offers a unique chance for the women of Sydney to step back from their daily routines and immerse themselves in prayer and reflection. It’s an invitation to rediscover the power of prayer and to enter the Lenten season with renewed purpose and a deeper connection to Christ.
As we approach this holiest period on the Catholic calendar, the Women’s Lenten Retreat has become a beacon on the archdiocesan calendar for the women of Sydney.
“It reminds them that amidst their Lenten sacrifices and charitable giving, they must not forget the transformative power of prayer and the importance of nurturing their relationship with God,” said Helena.
For those interested in attending follow the link here.