St. Mark’s Church will hold a Lenten retreat March 7, 8 and 9. Led by the Religious Sisters of Mercy from Alma, Mich., and Denver, the retreat will offer a series of talks on discipleship—its gifts and duties as well as its challenges and promises.

The retreat will begin on Sunday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation entitled “The Vine and the Branches.” On Monday, Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Following both of the Masses will be the presentation with the theme, “He appointed them…that they might be with Him and he might send them forth…” Tuesday’s sessions will feature a reconciliation service with a guided examination of conscience. There will be opportunities for individual confession. Tuesday’s Mass is at 9 a.m. with the presentation, “…I will never forget you,” following. The same presentation will repeat at 6:30 p.m.

Sister Moira Debono, RSM, will be the featured speaker for the retreat, which will use the theme “Come, My Beloved.” The director of the Office of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Denver and a faculty member at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, Sister Debono holds a doctorate in sacred theology and a licentiate in dogmatic theology. She is also a specialist in sacramental theology.

Sister Debono has worked with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican in matters requiring translation and collaboration. She regularly gives conferences and retreats to Religious and lay faithful on liturgy and the sacraments.

Sister Debono said that the theme of the retreat speaks to all participants.

“It is a loving message that has been given to each of us. It is the call of the Lord that not only draws us to him but unites us with each other,” she said. “All participants in this retreat will be challenged to reflect on how each respond to such an invitation, how each responds to the call of the Lord.”

Mother Mary Patricia Glowski, RSM, director of postulants for the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, Mich., will facilitate the retreat sessions as well, along with three postulants from the Alma convent—Sister Bridget Ahearn, Sister Briana Lester and Sister Megan Hoffman. The three postulants, or candidates in formation, will be on hand to lead discussion groups throughout the retreat, in particular with the children and youth.

Mother Glowski is one of the founders of the convent in Alma, and she is the administrator of Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Clinic there. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in administration.

Father Luis Zarama, pastor of St. Mark, said the examples of faith shown by the sisters will have an impact on all who attend.

“Lent is a time of prayer and penitence, and we are so fortunate to have such a great team of ‘disciples’ to show us what it means to be true disciples of Jesus,” he said. “They live daily a message of love and charity, and I know we will be touched and moved by their presence among us.”

St. Mark Church is located on Highway 197 South.

For more information call the church at (706) 754-4518, or e-mail the office at stmark_dre@alltel.net.