Mark your calendars — the dates for the 2014 Provincial retreats have been announced. This year, friars will choose between two separate events, each with a different speaker.
Fr. David Couturier, OFM Cap., will lead a retreat on “Gospel Brotherhood and the New Evangelization” from Jan. 20 to 23 at St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla. Fr. David is a member of the Province of St. Mary, New York/New England. With an academic background in psychology, Fr. David has been extensively involved in pastoral planning and teaches regularly in the Franciscan Institute summer program at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y.
He previously served as vice-rector of St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and as director of pastoral planning for the Archdiocese of Boston. Fr. David has published two books: “The Fraternal Economy” in 2007 and “The Four Conversions” the following year.
Friars interested in attending this retreat are asked to make a reservation with guardian James Toal, OFM. The retreat will cost $200. Checks must be made payable to St. Anthony Friary.
Fr. Charles Smiech, OFM, will lead a retreat on “The Spirit of St. Francis for Today’s Church” from Feb. 3 to 6 at St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J. A member of St. John the Baptist Province, Fr. Charles is an international retreat director and spiritual advisor. He has worked with a wide variety of religious communities, diocesan priests, deacons and laity.
Friars interested in attending this event should contact Richard McFeely, OFM, to make a reservation. The retreat will cost $200. Checks should be made payable to St. Anthony Friary.
Also in 2014, friars have the opportunity to participate in the Interprovincial Retreat, scheduled for Jan. 6 to 10 at Holy cross Retreat Center in Las Cruces, N.M.
— Compiled by Maria Hayes