Thursday, July 17, 2008

WOAM Retreat






Study, Laughter, Worship and Eucharist...

We came from five different parishes and four separate states, but we had one goal...to utilize every minute of our three days together. For many of us there were friendships to renew, spending time with friends from previous retreats, learning even more about each other. For all of us there were new friends to meet and with which to share our stories. Icebreakers throughout the weekend unearthed fun facts about each one of us.

The first Loving Well session, “Joy”, began Thursday night. Those who hadn’t experienced a Beth Moore video study before were surprised by her delightful sense of humor. We all found this study to be insightful and challenging. After each segment, we met in small groups for further study, encouraging one another.

Whether in the hotel’s hot tub, gabbing and snacking in a friend’s room, or sharing a meal at one of the local restaurants, laughter was an essential ingredient. The Friday night pajama and pizza party was especially fun.
Hallie Smith put us all to shame with her ability to Name That Love Song. Left Center Right, a simple party game, was modified to be an interactive and entertaining method for receiving our mission mites.

As we brought our prayers together in Morning Prayer and Compline we were reminded that we are many members, but one Body in Christ. Our retreat, begun in worship, culminated in Holy Eucharist Saturday morning. Fr. Francis Wardega bestowed a benediction upon us as we prepared to journey home.

And One More Thing...

Each year while driving away from the latest retreat, my heart is full, and I can’t help thinking that this was the best one yet. This year was no different, but I think it REALLY WAS the best one yet. Our hearts were challenged to know God’s perfect love for us, and then to love those around us in the same way.

Also, as I am driving away each year, I think of all the things I should have said and didn’t. So, let me take this opportunity to give proper thanks to several of you. Thank you, Julie, for preparing the necessary things to enhance our worship. Thank you, Kristen and Elizabeth, for sharing your gifts of music. Fr. Francis, you always know how to be with us, but not so that we notice. Thank you for tying everything together for us with your words and the celebration of the Eucharist. Many thanks to Trisha, Hallie, Patty, Anna and Kristen, who helped to put everything together and made my job so much easier. Thank you all.

I also want to thank all of you who attended this retreat for loving me, and
allowing me to love you back. Each of you is special to God, and so very special
to me. I can’t wait to share with you again next year.
Jan

Monday, January 14, 2008




January 10, 2008

Greetings, and God’s blessings in this new year!!

I am so blessed to bring you the news of our spring retreat this year. As the dates have been established, and the planning has begun, I am already excited about what God is preparing for us! I always look forward to our time together, and can’t wait to see all of you again. This year we will be using a retreat teaching based on lessons by Beth Moore. If you have not experienced one of her studies, you are in for a treat!

This year’s retreat brings us back to the La Quinta Inn, in Auburn, Indiana. Their information is on the attached flier, and if you would like to check out their amenities and get directions, you can find them on the La Quinta website, www.lq.com.

We will begin on Thursday evening, May 15, at 6:30 p.m., and dismiss at noon on Saturday. I will send a complete schedule as we get closer to the retreat. Your registration fee will include all necessary materials for the weekend. Just bring your bibles and prayer books. Breakfasts are included at the hotel. You will be responsible for your lunch and dinner on Friday. We encourage you to bring your teenage daughters, as long as they will be accompanied by a parent. There will be sessions specific to their age and experience.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at the number listed above, or you can send me an e-mail at janfick@sbcglobal.net.

If you have been to one of our retreats before, I’m really looking forward to catching up. If this will be your first time with us, it will be wonderful to get acquainted!

I hope to see you soon.



Jan Fick
Women On A Mission
Missionary Society of Saint John

Monday, January 7, 2008

Save the Date


Ladies mark your calendars for our annual WOAM retreat. The dates are May 15-17. We will be at the LaQuinta Inn, in Auburn, Indiana. More information to follow!!!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

WOAM Supports Office of Foreign Missions


WOAM supports the
Office of Foreign Missions
within the in the
Missionary Society of St. John


There are many ways that you can support the work of the Office of Foreign Missions. Not all can travel to the most difficult areas of mission work, but all can share in the graces.

Get your parish involved. Your parish can become a sponsor of our missionary teacher, Fr. Francis Wardega. Often this partnership begins by inviting Fr. Francis to come and speak at your parish. He brings a wealth of information and a wonderful presentation that will introduce your people to the ministry of the Office of Foreign Missions.

Become a Missionary “Jamaa” (companion). You can get involved personally with the mission by committing to financial or other assistance. Your support is desperately needed. OFM is a mendicant (a begging) work. It is only through missionary partners like you that this ministry can go forward. The support you offer may come in financial contributions or in helping to provide African dioceses with needed clerical and parish items.

You can pray. God works great things through the prayers of His faithful. We especially welcome prayers offered not only through the intercession of individuals but in the parish during Sunday worship. Won’t you join us in this ministry? Won’t you consider becoming our “Jamaa”?

You can contact Fr. Francis with financial contributions or to schedule a visit with your parish at:
Office of Foreign Missions - 18401 Canal Rd. - Clinton Township, MI 48038.
Phone: USA-248-345-2651

Donations of new or used clergy shirts, collars, vestments, BCPs (1979), or Bibles may be sent to: Fr. Francis Wardega, OFM - 8665 Hickory Rd. #E - Sterling Heights, MI 48312
All gifts are tax deductible and contributors will be issued receipts.