The annual retreat for nearly 400 Diocese of Raleigh catechists and ministry coordinators began with the long awaited arrival to our state of the Dominican Friar Nelson Medina, who opened a beautiful day of growth at St. Eugene Parish in Wendell with a sermon and holy hour focused on the Life of Grace in the Family.
The next day, Friar Nelson led a group of nearly 300 servants eager to deepen their relationship with God and their brothers and sisters at St. Ann Parish in Clayton, where the Dominican preacher led the participants in a presentation on Call to Holiness, touching on fundamental aspects to walk the path that God desires for all of us.
"Friar Nelson led the talks in a very pleasant way, trying to be very close to the families," said Carolina Gallo, a parishioner of St. Michael's in Cary. "I loved that he took the time on several occasions to speak to the young people who were present, inviting them to continue growing in their faith, not only as individuals, but also as a family."
Ruthie Margarín, a server at St. Eugene Parish, said, “The Holy Hour by Friar Nelson highlights the importance of adoration and intimacy with God, especially for those of us who are servers. This time of prayer not only strengthens us spiritually, but also prepares us to be authentic witnesses of Christ's love in the world and in service to others.”
The Diocese of Raleigh Office of Evangelization and Discipleship was grateful for Friar Nelson accompanying the participants on this retreat of growth and formation that will continue to help provide the necessary tools for many servers across eastern North Carolina who are eager to embark on and strengthen their journey of grace and their relationship with God.
The diocesan Office of Evangelization and Discipleship will be developing support material based on this retreat, which will be available on the Hispanic Ministry website.
Learn more: Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Raleigh
