Retreat offers healing through an encounter with Jesus

The Archdiocese of Omaha is once again holding a healing retreat for those wanting to heal past hurts and reclaim their identity as a son or daughter of God.

Next month’s Come to Me Healing Retreat will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish in Tekamah.

“Jesus told us He is present when two or more gather in His name,” said Mary Beth Hanus, director of the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Victim Outreach and Prevention Office. “He will definitely be present at this retreat!”

The success of the first Come to Me Healing Retreat, held this spring at St. Elizabeth Ann Parish in Omaha, was what led to the decision to organize a second one, Hanus said.

She said the retreats are a brave step forward and offer people the rare opportunity to slow down and receive the healing Jesus wants for them.

“These retreats call people to come to Jesus, and that is what happens,” Hanus said. “At the spring retreat, I witnessed participants encounter Jesus in the most intimate way.”

One attendee told her that the experience “soothed my soul.” Others said the retreat “exposed the lies that rob us of intimacy with Christ,” and that the love of Jesus washed “over us, through us and for us.”

About 75 people participated in the spring retreat. Hanus said she prays that even more people will be brought into the arms of Jesus in the upcoming retreat.

The day will include formation by Deacon Tim McNeil, archdiocese chancellor, on God’s gift of restoration and mercy through a relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ. Father Andy Sohm, of St. Wenceslaus Parish in Omaha, will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick as ways to embrace God’s merciful love.

The retreat also includes time for personal reflection and prayer. All are invited to gather for fellowship at the end of the day.

For more information on the retreat, contact the Victim Outreach and Prevention Office at (402) 827-3798. Reservations can be made here.