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

In preparation for Holy Week, a Palm Sunday weekend retreat titled "Compassion in the Passion" is scheduled from April 11-13 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly. The retreat will focus on the Passion of Christ, offering participants an opportunity for deeper reflection and prayer ahead of the Triduum.

The retreat will be led by Father John Rooney and commence on Friday evening with a rosary and Mass at 8 p.m., concluding with a noon lunch on Sunday. Father Rooney expressed his intention behind the retreat: “I asked for help in prayer, and the idea came to me to give short reflections to lead people to pray with the Scriptures for the different moments of the Triduum. The focus is on imaginatively entering into the hearts of the people in these scenes.”

The theme "Compassion in the Passion" emphasizes the significance of heart, particularly focusing on the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary during Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday. Participants will engage in scriptural reflections and personal prayer, contemplating the emotions and experiences of those present during Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.

Father Rooney hopes that attendees will find inspiration through imaginative prayer, enhancing their connection to Gospel accounts from Holy Week.

Further information or registration details can be found at goodcounselretreat.org or by calling 402-786-2705.

Additionally, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House has several upcoming retreats planned: March 14-16 features “Maturing in Prayer” with Father Christopher Kubat; April 4-6 hosts a women’s retreat titled “Back to the Garden” with Sarina Stokes and Father Cole Kennett; April 17-19 offers a Holy Week retreat for young women with the Marian Sisters; May 9-10 presents “The Power of a Praying Mother” featuring Natalie Giford and Kristin Schiff from Women at the Well Apostolate. Ignatian retreats are also available on various dates throughout March and April led by Father Gary Coulter, Matt Simmons, or Father Christopher Barak.