Brother Knights Group Lenten Retreat

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish of Hot Springs Village completed their annual Men's Lenten Retreat at the St. John's Catholic Center in Little Rock on Thursday, March 10th.  The Knights of Columbus, Council 10208, again hosted this event for the men of their parish.  Thirty-four men participated in the four-day retreat.  Bishop Taylor had dinner with the men and visited on Wednesday evening.

 Fr. Jeff Hebert, the Diocese Vocation director, was the Retreat Master; he provided eight inspiring talks on "The Story of Salvation."  Session topics included   "Adam and the fall; " Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;" Moses, Aaron, and Joshua;" "David and Solomon;" "Elijah, and Jeremiah;" John the Baptist;" Jesus of Nazareth;" and concluded with "Peter, and You, the Man of Today."  

 Fr. Hebert held daily Mass at Fletcher Hall or in the Chancery Chapel; he also provided four hours of Sacramental Reconciliation and spiritual counseling. The rosary was prayed in the chapel, and daily time was provided for reflection, meditation, and other prayer opportunities.  Two hours of social time and discussion closed each day's events.

Deacon Chuck Ashburn of the DOLR led Stations of the Cross twice. The Deacon arranged the use of Fletcher Hall (the totally refurbished former Diocese seminary) and the use of the well-equipped Dining Facility. The Men on Retreat were grateful for the Deacon's attention to detail and administrative support throughout the retreat event.

 Fr. Bill Elser, their Sacred Heart of Jesus Pastor, asked all his parishioners to "make every effort necessary to ensure this would be the best Lent, Triduum, and Easter of their lives."  Fr. Hebert, Deacon Ashburn, and the Knights' hosting the retreat provided a wonderful opportunity to make this a great Lenten start for these men.

Thanks to Sir Knight Tom Donnelly for contributing this article.