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Each year when the time for Our Lady Of the Lake Welcome Retreat for Women came around, I thought that I would like to go. Somehow, time would pass and I would not get signed up and then other life stuff would take over and I ended up not attending. Each time, after the retreat was over, I would hear the comments from the women that attended. I would then regret that I had not followed through enough to attend.

My husband did sign up for one of men retreats and went. It was a meaningful experience for him and he still has fellowship with several of the men that attended.

Last year, I decided that this would be the year that I would attend. I was excited about the retreat and when I drove up to the parking lot, I was greeted by a couple of the Retreat Organizers who came over to my car. They walked in with me and then began to introduce me to other attendants around the room. Fellowship with women from my church started immediately. I met the table leader, Elaine, and the other women that would be seated with me. Introductions continued throughout the weekend.

The event was so well planned. Our Leaders began to give their program. Some gave their personal faith journey talks that would inspire each of us. My experience was not only the fellowship, wonderful food, and study, I spent time sharing my own reflections and time with my Lord in prayer.I found myself on the committee to help present the Welcome Retreat in October. This has been another fellowship best. Our planning group has decided to continue meeting when the retreat planning has ended. We have become a prayer group; we have become a Bible study group. Our group stops to be silent to listen to God— our group stops to listen to each other!

Marilyn Margiotta