Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The annual Ash Wednesday "Day of Recollection" is scheduled to take place on February 14th at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly. This day of reflection is open to both men and women and will be presented by Deacon Matthew Hecker, PhD, a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Deacon Hecker invites everyone to join and "be with Jesus in the desert as we enter into the liturgical season of Lent." He emphasizes the importance of finding a desert within the circumstances of our own lives. According to Deacon Hecker, the desert is accessible to anyone, and he hopes that attendees will be able to "find their desert" and have a profound encounter with the Lord during the retreat.

Having spent nearly 30 years in higher education after earning his Ph.D in education administration, Deacon Hecker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as a permanent deacon. He was ordained as the first permanent deacon for the Lincoln Diocese in 2021 and currently serves as the director of permanent deacons for the diocese. Deacon Hecker and his wife Dani have three daughters and two grandchildren.

The Day of Recollection will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include conferences, the chaplet, the rosary, the stations of the cross, confessions, and Mass with the distribution of ashes. While advance registration at goodcounselretreat.org is encouraged for in-person attendance, it is not required. Participants are advised to arrive between 9 and 9:30 a.m. for registration. The cost for the day is $10, and attendees should bring a meatless sack lunch, with drinks provided.

For those who prefer to participate online, registration at goodcounselretreat.org will ensure that the link to join the event is sent directly to their email. Additionally, subscribing to the Good Counsel Retreat House YouTube channel will provide notifications when the livestream begins. Free-will donations are appreciated for online participants.

In addition to the Ash Wednesday Day of Recollection, there are other upcoming retreats at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House. These include "Unbound: Freedom in Christ" with Father William Holoubek from February 2nd to 4th, the LDCCW winter symposium for women on February 16th and 17th, and four- or eight-day Ignatian retreats with Father Christopher Barak, Father Gary Coulter, or Sarina Stokes from February 17th to 20th, February 21st to 25th, or February 17th to 25th.

As the season of Lent approaches, the Ash Wednesday Day of Recollection at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to take time for reflection and spiritual growth. Whether attending in person or participating online, individuals can find solace and a deeper connection with their faith during this retreat led by Deacon Matthew Hecker.