The Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Vocations and sisters from several local religious orders will host a day of prayer, reflection, and fellowship for women discerning consecrated religious life. The retreat is scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Holladay.
The event, themed Speak, Lord, for Your Servant is Listening, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants will hear discernment reflections from a Holy Cross sister, a Discalced Carmelite nun, and a Daughter of Charity, all of whom serve in Utah. The morning schedule includes time for silent prayer, personal reflection, and small-group discussions with the religious sisters regarding consecrated life. Following lunch, the afternoon will include Mass, midday prayer, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Participants may also choose to visit with the religious sisters in the parlor after Mass.
The retreat is intended to provide a concrete way for women to learn about religious communities and hear directly from sisters about the discernment process. Father Andre Sicard, assistant director of the Office of Vocations, noted that the office is sponsoring the retreat because women's religious life is not as well-known as the priesthood within the diocese. The initiative follows a vocational discernment dinner held by the diocese in April, which prompted requests for more guidance and resources from approximately two dozen women.
Currently, three religious orders minister in Utah: the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, and the Discalced Carmelites. The Office of Vocations intends to host future retreats to create a supportive community space where women can explore questions they may have previously only considered individually or online.
The retreat is open to all women ages 16 to 40 who are discerning a religious vocation. While the event is free, registration is required and can be completed at dioslc.org/retreatday.
