By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor 

The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) is sponsoring a Lenten retreat Feb. 27-28 at the Villa Maria Catholic Life Center, located at 1903 East Lake Shore Drive on Lake Springfield. The retreat will feature spiritual presentations, prayer, time for personal reflection, Mass, confession, and fellowship. The retreat begins with registration and a light breakfast at 9 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 27 and concludes after lunch on Wednesday, Feb. 28. 

The subject of the retreat is “Gathered in Worship” and the speaker is Father Richard Chiola, pastor emeritus of St. Francis Cabrini Parish in Springfield.  Father Chiola holds a doctorate in historical theology and a master’s degree in human development counseling. Since he was named a senior priest in 2015, he has offered multiple retreats and workshops for priests, religious sisters, seminarians and lay people throughout the United States, Central America, and the South Pacific. He served in many parishes and taught at Yale University and SIU School of Medicine. Additionally, he has been a chaplain at University of Chicago, a theological consultant for Hospital Sisters Health System, has authored two books, and has a private practice in spiritual direction. 

Retreat costs include meals, refreshments, retreat materials, and use of the facility. Of course, all participants will listen to Father Chiola’s presentations as well. The cost for an overnight stay, single occupancy (if available) is $120. The cost for an overnight stay, double occupancy is $100. Commuters pay $70. 

Contact your parish office, your women’s group, or your deanery information for additional information and a registration form, or email Mary Ann Sullivan at gma.sullivan80@gmail.com  or phone (217) 463-2435. The registration fee is payable to S.D.C.C.W. by Feb. 17.