WAVERLY (SNR) - Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly, together with Regnum Christi, invites all men Dec. 11-13 to a preached “Spiritual Exercises” retreat given by Father Chad Everts, LC.
The theme of the retreat is “I thirst” (John 19:28), reflecting on how the Lord thirsts for His people’s love and friendship, including meditation on his encounter with the Samaritan women, to whom Jesus says, “Give me a drink.” (John 4:7)
St. Teresa of Calcutta had the words “I Thirst” written on the wall next to the Crucifix in every home of the Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa made the connection between Jesus’ thirst and that of His people. She told her sisters: “‘I thirst’ is something much deeper than Jesus just saying, ‘I love you.’ Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you—you can’t begin to know who He wants to be for you. Or who He wants you to be for Him.”
Before the retreat starts at 7 p.m. Friday Dec. 11, there is a dinner-social Thursday Dec. 10 and an optional day of formation on Friday. The formation topic will be the seven spiritual works of mercy and include small group discussion.
Regnum Christi, the “Kingdom of Christ,” is an apostolic movement of Catholics from all walks of life with a deep desire to live, bear witness to, and proclaim the Kingdom of Christ. Through a Christ-centered spirituality and in union with the whole Church, members engage in apostolic action and works of evangelization.
The retreat and formation day are open not only to Regnum Christi members but to men of all ages who may be interested in the topic or learning more about Regnum Christi. The weekend retreat conferences will also be livestreamed.
Father Chad Everts, LC grew up in a large family in Wisconsin. At the age of 19, he entered the seminary and soon after went to Germany to begin his novitiate with the Legionaries of Christ. He continued his studies in Spain and in Italy, and was sent to Paris for his apostolic practice in charge of youth activities. He was ordained a priest in Rome in 2004 and returned to Paris to continue his mission with the youth.
After 24 years in Europe, he recently joined the Chicago community where he continues to dedicate most of his time to youth work.
Father Everts recommends and will quote from the book “Five Loaves and Two Fish” by Cardinal Francis-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan.
Other upcoming retreats at Good Counsel include “The Mystery of Marriage Revealed” Dec. 4-6 with Father Benjamin Holdren, “God is not Socially Distant” Saturday Dec. 19 with Father Jeffrey Eickhoff, and a pro-life retreat Jan. 15-17 with Father Thomas MacLean.
All retreats are available in-person with social distancing and via live-stream.
For the full schedule of retreats at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly and registration, see www.goodcounselretreat.com, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 402-786-2705.
