This year’s retreat theme is “The Cross of Jesus: Source of Blessing and Source of Grace”. Our retreat, which falls during the holy season of Lent, will encourage you to explore, hear and respond to the call of conversion and a closer following of the Lord.

Fr. Mike is the new Pastor of the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest. Fr. Mike comes with a vast amount of life experiences based on his years of being a Pastor. He says “I love being a Pastor and that’s all I ever wanted to be”.  He was ordained a priest on May 20, 1989 and has served as an Associate Pastor at four different parishes as well as Pastor at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in Matteson and most recently Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Flossmoor.  He was appointed Pastor at St. Mary’s in July of 2016.

When asked to describe Fr. Mike, those asked created a video on YouTube and described him as a friend, funny, kind and caring, inspirational, loving,  a gracious shepherd, dedicated, a rock, holy, a golf enthusiastic, empathic, and a community builder. He was recognized by the Village of Flossmoor for his outstanding contribution as a community leader and had a plaque commemorating his service which was presented by the mayor.

We are very lucky to have him as our Retreat Leader. He asks that you bring a cross that has special meaning to you to the retreat.