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

This Lent, St. Michael Parish in Lincoln is organizing its first Lenten retreat on March 22. The event, titled "Lay Bare the Heart," will be led by Father Benjamin Holdren and aims to foster a personal encounter with Jesus.

Father Holdren will be accompanied by Ashley Montag, a licensed mental health practitioner from Restoration Psychotherapy and Wellness in Lincoln. They plan to discuss themes such as the desires of the human heart, the beauty of surrendering one's heart, and achieving interior freedom through love.

The focus on the heart stems from a missional call received by Father Cole Kennett, pastor of St. Michael, during a leadership program at Acts XXIX in Michigan. "The Lord spoke powerfully to us: Jesus wants St. Michael Parish to be a family," said Father Kennett. He emphasized four key elements for parish life: sacrificial love, authentic forgiveness, heartfelt vulnerability, and communal life.

He added that their return was marked by gratitude and conviction about fostering these values within the parish community. "We want to build a culture of trust where everyone is delighted in as a son or daughter of the Father of Goodness," explained Father Kennett.

The retreat is scheduled from 8:15 a.m., starting with Mass and concluding at 3 p.m. It will feature talks, lunch, Eucharistic adoration, grace sharing, and opportunities for confession. Registration details are available on St. Michael's website.

In addition to the retreat, other Lenten activities at the parish include small group Scripture studies for men and women, a class on "Heart of the Healer" led by assistant pastor Father Ranil Weerackoon, stations of the cross, and a penance service.