The Bishop's Commission for Women invites all women of the Diocese to a peaceful morning of community, prayer, and reflection this Advent season. Join us on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Allentown from 9:00am - 1:00pm.
In honor of the Jubilee Year of Hope, our keynote speaker, Fr. John Frink will offer a talk on how to find hope through the practice of prayer. Bishop Alfred Schlert will celebrate Mass, and a continental breakfast will be provided.
Prepare for the Joy of Christmas with this wonderful morning retreat for all women in the Diocese. Registration is open until Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Space is limited, so please register early. Please register using the form below:
Event Details & FAQ
Who can attend? All women of the Diocese are invited to attend. Please invite your friends and family. All are welcome!
Where is the Retreat located? This year the retreat is located in the church and parish hall at St. Francis of Assisi Parish 1046. W Cedar Street Allentown, PA 18102
When should I arrive? Mass will begin at 9:00am. Volunteers will be eager to welcome you beginning at 8:30am.
Where should I park? The Advent Retreat will begin and end in the church. Parking is available by the church entrances.
Who can I contact if I have questions? Mary Ann Guman, Chairwomen of the Commission for Women. Contact Information: 610-295-8523 or [email protected]
Keynote Speaker: Fr. John Frink
Fr. John Frink grew up in Sinking Spring and attended St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. He entered Seminary following his graduation from Holy Name High School in 1979. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown by Bishop Welsh in 1987. Since his ordination, Fr. Frink has served in various roles across different parishes, high schools, college ministry, as well as serving in Ireland and studying Rome.
Fr. John Frink is currently the pastor at St. Francis deSales in Robesonia, PA.
Keynote Address | Finding Hope through Prayer
“The virtue of hope protects us from the “world,” that is, from all the values and forces in society or a culture that are either hostile or antithetical to the values of the Gospel. To discover the virtue of hope we must learn, not merely how to pray, but more so, ‘why pray?’ and even ‘what is prayer? Using stories from the life of the saints we will find hope through answering these two fundamental questions.” -Fr. John Frink
