WAVERLY (SNR) - As the Unbound Ministry continues to grow in the Diocese of Lincoln and across the country, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House will hold an Unbound Retreat Aug. 28-30.
The Unbound retreat will be held in conjunction with the Office of Evangelization and Spiritual Formation; led by Matthew Simmons, director of that office, and Father Gary Coulter, director of the retreat house.
Unbound provides a safe and effective model that helps individuals respond to the Gospel and apply the Lord’s grace, love and truth. Based on the book “Unbound: A Practical Guide to Deliverance” by Neal Lozano, it employs five keys that enable people to experience a profound conversion experience: repenting of sin and expressing faith in Jesus; forgiving oneself and others; renouncing the lies, spirits and tactics of Satan; taking authority over the works of Satan; receiving the Father’s blessing.
Simmons first learned about Unbound when he was a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionary.
“It’s about stepping more fully into our identity as a son or daughter of God,” he said. “We are made for intimacy with him, to experience the truth of His heart that counters the lies and helps us to know that we are loved. The retreat is important because all of us need time to be with God, to allow the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts.”
Father Coulter, who has also personally experienced the healing and freedom of Unbound, explained the retreat theme, “Freedom in Christ.”
“The retreat will be an opportunity to encounter Christ,” he said, “to experience the healing of Christ, who comes to reunite us with the Father. Jesus’ ministry was one of healing, one of deliverance. We can encounter the overwhelming love of God who can enter into the pains and wounds of life.”
Men and women who come on the retreat will have the opportunity to be prayed for using the five keys, but should read the first part of “Unbound” or watch the video series beforehand.
Weekend retreats at Good Counsel Retreat House near Waverly begin with a rosary and Mass at 8 p.m. on Friday and conclude with Sunday Mass and lunch.
The suggested donation for in-person retreats is $170, and free-will offerings for online retreats support Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House.
Upcoming retreats include a women’s retreat Aug. 14-16 with Father Sean Kilcawley, a directed “Ignatian Spiritual Exercises” Sept. 4-7 for men or women, and a “Work of the Holy Angels” retreat Sept. 10-13 with Opus Sanctorum Angelorum. Learn more and register at goodcounselretreat.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 402-786-2705.
