We set aside time for the things that matter to us. Whether it’s keeping up with our children’s activities or scheduling a vacation, we plan ahead. Similarly, we can plan and intentionally set aside time for God.
“We have to be intentional about our time, talent, and treasure because there’s no other way,” says Fr. Brian O’Brien. “If we’re not intentional, life will quickly pass us by and what God can do through us will be greatly diminished.”
On Sept. 23, consider making the time to recenter on Christ and on giving back to Him and the faith community by attending a one-day retreat at Immaculate Conception.
The retreat will be facilitated by Fr. Brian O’Brien, Pastor at St. Francis Xavier in Stillwater, Okla. Fr. O’Brien grew up in Stockton, Calif., and then moved to Houston, Texas, when he was 7 years old. He has been a priest since 2007 and is a big fan of both sports and retreats.
“I played a lot of sports as a kid and now watch them for fun, so it’s great being in a college town like Stillwater,” Fr. O’Brien says. “I’ve been on many good retreats over the years both personal and communal. One of the best retreats I ever did was with the Carmelite Sisters in Alhambra, Calif.”
“The theme for the retreat is ‘Stewardship and the Saints,’” Fr. O’Brien says. “We’ll take an in-depth look at the great heroes of our faith and how they show us what a stewardship way of life looks like.”
Community members who participate in the retreat will come away with an increased understanding of stewardship and inspiration from the saints.
“A stewardship way of life is not easy,” Fr. O’Brien says. “It requires sacrifice. I hope that those who come will be inspired by the lives of the saints, including a few they may never have heard of.”
Mark your calendars and plan on spending a little time recentering yourself on Christ with our like-minded faith community members.
“I love Jesus, I love His people, I love stewardship, and I love parishes,” Fr. O’Brien says. “Put all that together and I’m excited to be with the people of Immaculate Conception for the day. I really hope a lot of people come to be part of this.”
For more information and details about the Sept. 23 retreat at Immaculate Conception, please contact the parish office at 440-942-4500.