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

As the Lenten season draws near, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House is offering two spiritual events. The first is an Ash Wednesday day of reflection on March 5, aimed at helping participants begin Lent with a focus on God. This event will start with personal prayer and a chapel gathering, followed by a talk at 10 a.m., adoration, confessions, and the rosary.

Father Thomas Broulliette, vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, will lead the session focusing on hope in celebration of the Jubilee Year. The day concludes with a Mass at 2 p.m., including the distribution of ashes. Participants can leave any time after 3 p.m. Attendees are advised to bring a meatless lunch or request one for $20. No pre-registration is required.

The second event is a Lenten retreat titled “Maturing in Prayer,” scheduled for March 14-16 and led by Father Christopher Kubat. This weekend retreat will delve into silent prayer as a way to encounter Jesus's love and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance.

“I frequently pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit,” Father Kubat said, “especially when I do not know what to say. And I pray with confidence because the Lord will answer this prayer; we can rely on the aid of the Holy Spirit Who will give us the words to speak.”

The retreat begins on Friday evening with a rosary and Mass and ends Sunday with lunch. A virtual option is available for those unable to attend in person.

Father Kubat serves as pastor at St. Andrew Parish in Tecumseh and St. Mary in St. Mary and has previously directed Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. He emphasizes that retreats can ignite one's passion: “Once someone has experienced the power of a retreat and is enkindled with the fire of love, they will make it their mission to encourage their family and friends to attend.”

To register for these events, interested individuals can call 402-786-2705 or email through protected channels requiring JavaScript activation. More information is available at goodcounselretreat.org.