Storytelling helps us to understand the shapes of our lives, to see the extraordinary in what feels, in the day-to-day, ordinary. People of faith are always living that faith, in the simplest, the most joyful, and the most challenging circumstances. Rarely do we recognize the gospel in our actions, yet somehow, we are the gospel from moment to moment.

Over the course of this retreat participants will be encouraged to recognize faith in our everyday lives. Just as ordinary bread becomes living flesh in the Eucharist, we will learn to see and give language to the sacrament of our own lives in the world, through prayer, conversation, journaling, and storytelling.

Retreat Leader:

Ric Smith is not a well-known speaker or retreat leader, though he does occasionally think of something worth saying, and says something worth listening to. He has lived a full, rich life and draws on a wealth of ordinary, and sometimes remarkable, experience.

He worked directing church and community choirs of all ages for over 40 years until his retirement in 2021. He is married to Cynthia, lives in Muscatine, Iowa, and has two daughters and two grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, cycling with Cynthia, playing the piano, gardening, cooking, and reading. Ric is a Benedictine Oblate of St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island and directs a small chant schola in his parish in Muscatine.

Date/Time: Fri. Oct. 25: 7 pm-Sun. Oct. 27: 1 pm
Fee: Registration and payment in full by Sept. 25, 2024: $260 (Single), $245 (double). Registrations and payment after Sept. 25, 2024: $275 (single), $260 (double)

Scholarship funds are available. Inquire at registration.