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

More than 200 people gathered at Wilderness Ridge Country Club in Lincoln on Sept. 13 to celebrate Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House at its second annual dinner celebration, “The Magnificat.”

The event included a social hour with live music from local praise and worship band Simple Faith. It highlighted the retreat house's achievements over the past year, including serving more than 2,500 adults and over 560 school-aged children on retreats. The retreat house has hosted individuals from 48 states and eight countries.

The evening focused on teaching youth how to "retreat" as part of their spiritual formation, hoping this habit will continue into adulthood. The benefits of retreats in all life phases were acknowledged, especially spiritually directed retreats like the Ignatian retreats.

The event raised more than $70,000 for the retreat house. These funds will support various ministries, including 25 weekend retreats each year, 14 Engaged Encounter weekends, youth retreats for school classrooms across the diocese, and new one-day weekday retreats called “Desert Days,” aimed at making retreats more accessible.

Andy Arbie, a certified life coach and host of the “Own Your Revival” podcast, served as emcee for the evening. She shared her testimony about finding interior peace during a difficult time through a retreat at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Scott Sullivan, campus minister at Pius X High School in Lincoln and developer of the school retreat program at the retreat house, was a featured speaker. He discussed the importance of youth formation and its impact on young lives.

Father Gary Coulter, director of Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House and keynote speaker for the evening, recently attended a 30-Day Ignatian retreat as a participant. He shared his experiences from this quiet time with God and encouraged others to try four- or eight-day Ignatian retreats.

“I want to say thank you to all who have sacrificed for 60 years to make retreats a reality there,” Father Coulter said. “All of the directors, all of the retreat masters, all of the retreatants. Thank you to those who come and pray and experience a retreat there. When you do that, you help make it possible for so many others to have that same experience. In reflecting on my 30-day retreat I also need to thank God. God was amazing.”

A youth choir from North American Martyrs School in Lincoln performed Matt Maher’s “Lord, I Need You.” Directed by Stacy Pfeifer, some choir members had experienced graces from past retreats.

Corporate and individual sponsors supported the event attended by various individuals ranging from frequent retreat participants to those interested in learning more about them. The retreat house aims to grow this event annually to inform and inspire more people about its offerings.

Bishop James Conley concluded the evening with remarks and a blessing. Reflecting on new youth retreats offered at the house he stated that young people “need these encounters on retreat with each other face-to-face and with nature.”

“They need to experience silence and being unplugged from this very busy chaotic world in which we live,” he said. “On retreat they get to discover this freedom encountering God in prayer first of all each other in friendship... The retreat house is more important than ever poised as an oasis for young people adults alike.”

For information about upcoming retreats volunteering or supporting visit www.goodcounselretreat.org.