Grow In Faith And Community At Our Upcoming Catholics Encounter Christ Weekends

For Kathy Boroff, attending a Catholics Encounter Christ (CEC) weekend was a lifechanging decision.

“Because of my participation, I’m more involved with the Church, and my prayer life is strong and consistent,” Kathy says. “I’m more aware of recognizing Christ in others. I regularly read to learn more about Catholicism and change my mentality to be more Christian. My faith continues to grow.”

And while it was more than 15 years ago that Kathy participated in her first CEC weekend, she continues to see the lives of participants grow and change. Kathy has since served on the weekend team and CEC Leadership Council and served as president of the council for six years.

“I’ve seen a change in churches where people who have been a part of CEC are much more involved in the churches, volunteering and helping that way,” Kathy says.

There will be a CEC weekend this March, with separate weekendsfor both men and women. Both follow the same outline of talks, fellowship, music, prayer, and more. Beginning on Friday and concluding on Sunday, participants are given the opportunity to learn how God’s grace works within their lives, how this grace can be shared with others, and how to become effective evangelizers.

“It’s a good way to meet like-minded individuals whose faith is important to them,” Kathy says.

The weekend includes daily celebration of the Eucharist and opportunities for spiritual direction through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Talks and discussions are also key elements of the weekend. And while some retreats are a onetime event, participants of CEC are encouraged to connect with others in small groups beyond their weekend experience.

“The weekend in itself is simply a beginning,” Kathy says. “The actual goal of the movement is to make Christ the prime influence in one’s life and community.”

Sue Kohles has participated in the weekend herself and has helped in various capacities over the last 13 years, including presenting talks during the retreat. She says CEC has heightened her faith life, particularly with the smallgroup meetings that follow the weekend.

“I look at it as a wonderful way to grow my faith life, and make me more open to sharing it with others,” Sue says.

The CEC weekends take place at Comeca Camp and Retreat Center, in Cozad. For more information or to register, please contact Patty Margritz at 308-325-9981 or patricia.margritz@gmail.com. The women’s weekend will be held on March 4-6, and the men’s weekend will be held on March 25-27. The cost is $175, which includes accommodations and food. Scholarships are available for those who need assistance with payment.

Kathy Boroff says her longtime as participation with the Catholics Encounter Christ retreats has helped her grow in her faith. Parishioners have the opportunity to attend a retreat this coming March.