WAVERLY (SNR) – When the COVID-19 pandemic began, and events began to be canceled, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly adapted to continue to serve people of the Diocese of Lincoln.
“How does one handle change, anxiety, uncertainty, isolation, challenge, loss?” asked Father Gary Coulter, director of the retreat house. “The current pandemic is a reminder that in any trial, believers must absolutely, continually turn to the One who does not fail.”
Thankfully, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House has been able to help people look to the Lord, continuing to carry out its mission, even in difficult times. It has provided, as its mission states, “a sanctuary and experience which leads people to encounter Jesus Christ” and it has been able to “transform and renew the spiritual” lives of many.
“The pandemic required us to adapt by holding smaller retreats with increased social distance and by providing online retreats,” Father Coulter said. He added that doing so actually provided unseen blessings of grace.
“By holding small retreats,” he explained, “we were able to provide the sacraments to people who had no other access to the Eucharist or confession when churches were closed. Our livestream retreats have enabled us to reach a much broader audience throughout the U.S. and even touch lives around the globe.”
In the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100 lay people attended retreats at Our Lady of Good Counsel in person, in smaller, socially-distanced events. But more than 1,000 signed up for virtual retreats via live stream, and even more watched recordings available online. Retreat attendees came from 42 states and even 16 countries – on every continent.
Online retreatant Tami Pytlik from St. Wenceslaus Parish in Wahoo said although participating at home, “I really felt connected through the prayers and talks. It was different, but showed me the outreach of God, that nothing limits His love and guidance.
“I would recommend an online retreat to anyone who cannot attend in person during COVID because the experience brought God to my home, to my family. My family reaped the benefits… I was able to meditate on talks while better serving them!”
“Our mission has become even more essential when so many are battling anxiety and loneliness, feeling isolated and helpless,” Father Coulter said. “Our virtual retreats have been an answer and a real Godsend for many shut-ins, providing a meaningful connection to others and to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
“I always wanted to attend a retreat in person but couldn’t afford it,” said Kerstin Mullen-Bagby from St. Patrick Parish in Lincoln. “So online retreats have been wonderful since they are free-will.
“I love the option of going back and watching on YouTube the talks that I miss,” she added. “Distractions are harder unless you make a prayer corner in your home. The retreats spoke to my heart about growing closer to God and being a child of God.”
Al Zach, office manager and development director of Our Lady of Good Counsel explained that while the retreat house will never turn away anyone for an inability to pay, “the online retreats have certainly helped those who are currently unemployed or on a fixed income with limited ability to donate.
“Some of our online retreatants are truly ‘shut-in’ as many nursing homes and facilities do not allow visitors,” he said. “Joining online retreats has been an opportunity and blessing for them.”
All retreats at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House near Waverly are offered “hybrid” – both in person with social distancing and limited occupancy, and online with livestream and recorded options.
The latest updates to the retreat schedule are listed at the website: goodcounselretreat.com. Those interested may register online or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 402-786-2705.
Good Counsel Retreat House held its first retreat in October 1968 and has served tens of thousands since that time. The facility includes 50 single rooms, each with a private bath. The rooms were updated in 2018 and 2019.
