Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Feb. 5, 2004 edition of the Inland Register)

Bishop Thomas Connolly (right), Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Baker, Ore., will lead a “Franciscan Experience” retreat March 21-26 at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, Spokane.

The retreat is described as “a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis.”

Beginning with a day of contemplation, the retreatants will move out into the community, working in various facilities dedicated to charitable work – shelters and soup kitchens – doing food preparation and meeting the needs of the homeless.

The retreatants will return to IHRC in the evening to pray, share, and integrate their experiences.

Bishop Connolly said that he had planned such a retreat for several years. Working with Catholic Charities, Bishop Skylstad and Immaculate Heart makes the retreat possible – “through prayer and the least of our brethren we expect to find the Lord who said, ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me,’” said Bishop Connolly.

Bishop Connolly has been a priest for 56 years. He served as bishop of the Baker Diocese from 1971-2000.

He has given retreats based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola for 30 years.

In retirement he lives in Bend, Ore. He continues to lead retreats, parish missions, and offer private spiritual direction.

The retreat is open to 40 participants.

For more information please contact Diane Myklegard. Call toll-free 888-233-9929; or write to her at 3100 Crescent Rim, STE 408, Boise, Idaho 83706.