Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
May 29, 2002
Retreat director urges African-American Catholics to evangelize
Jesuits offer first retreat for African-American Catholics in the archdiocese
During the first retreat ever held for African-American Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver, participants were challenged to find opportunities to evangelize within their own parishes and communities, attendees said.
Twenty-five African-American Catholics from parishes in the Archdioceses of Denver, Colorado Springs and Houston gathered together for the retreat at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Sedalia April 19-21. The retreat house stands on beautiful grounds that resonate God's presence in lush, quiet surroundings.
Jesuit Father Gregory Chisholm of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles served as retreat master. The retreat began with vespers and the honoring of ancestors. Morning prayer services helped participants start each day centered on Christ, attendees said.
Father Chisholm presented workshops that applied the teachings of Christ to one's life and responsibilities both inside and outside of Church. The retreat included times for quiet reflection and times of joyful music. It culminated with Mass on Sunday.
Father Chisholm emphasized that the mission of the Church is to evangelize: to share Christ's message with all who will listen. Saying that a person's responsibilities or ministries in the Church must be Christ-centered, Father Chisholm urged participants to evaluate how Christ-centered their ministries are and challenged them to find opportunities to evangelize within their own parishes and communities.
Participants also discussed the challenges of ministering to youth and explored tangible ways to keep youth faithful.
Answers to the questions and problems of our time are found in Scripture, Father Chisholm said.
Participants said the retreat invigorated them with goodwill, fellowship and renewal of purpose.
The retreat house plans to make the retreat an annual event, organizers said. Next year's retreat is scheduled April 25-27.
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