Southern Nebraska Register
As the Advent season approaches, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House is inviting men and women to join a 24-hour retreat designed to prepare hearts for the sacred time of waiting and joy.
The retreat will begin Friday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. with the rosary and Mass, and conclude Saturday with Sunday Vigil Mass and a 6 p.m. supper.
This year’s retreat will be guided by Father Gary Coulter, the retreat house’s director for the past 11 years. Father Coulter said he is excited to combine the spiritual practices of the retreat with the rich hymns and carols that are central to the Advent and Christmas seasons.
“Some of our most beloved and well-known hymns are Advent and Christmas carols,” said Father Coulter. “But even more, they often have a rich history and a theological beauty to them that can deepen our understanding of these holy seasons.”
The retreat will offer participants the chance to reflect on some of the oldest and most beautiful Advent hymns, such as “Creator of the Stars of Night” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The ancient melodies carry a timeless message of hope and anticipation. Father Coulter will also lead a reflection on early Latin Christmas carols, including “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” and “Christ was Born on Christmas Day.” More modern Christmas carols, such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” will also be part of the retreat experience.
“The theology behind these hymns teaches us about the mystery of the Incarnation and the power of Christ’s birth,” Father Coulter explained. “By reflecting on these songs, we can better prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ.”
The 24-hour retreat will include meditations by Father Coulter, the opportunity to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, and extended time for silence and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Devotions and quiet reflection will be encouraged throughout the weekend as participants seek spiritual renewal in a peaceful, prayerful environment.
Held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House, the retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and recollection. The facility, located on a large acreage near Waverly, provides 50 single rooms, each with a private bath, offering comfort and privacy for all attendees. A few double rooms are available upon request.
In an effort to make the retreat accessible to all, the retreat house encourages those who may need financial assistance to inquire about available scholarships. Additional donations to support the ministry are also welcome. If a retreat is fully booked, individuals can request to be placed on a waiting list.
Register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the office at 402-786-2705.
Upcoming events include four- or eight-day Ignatian retreats Dec. 15-18, Dec. 19-22, Dec. 15-22 with Father Christopher Barak, Father Gary Coulter, Matt Simmons, or Sarina Stokes; three-, four- and five-day retreats Dec. 29- Jan. 1, Dec. 29- Jan. 2, Dec. 29- Jan. 3 with Father Gary Coulter.
