2023 Postulants and Candidates Retreat 

My Dear Kindred in Christ,

The Postulants & Candidates Retreat with the Commission on Ministry (COM) and Standing Committee is scheduled for September 8-10, at the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center, a part of Marian University’s Ancilla College, in Donaldson IN. As some of you may recall, the postulants and candidates arrive on Friday afternoon and evening, and then remain through Sunday morning.  This enables them to have some extra time with Bishop Douglas, with Marie Gambetta as the Chair of the COM, and with me.  

The COM and Standing Committee members: 

• arrive for a meeting on Friday afternoon, 
• have social time with the postulants and candidates Friday evening. 
• meet with each individual postulant/candidate on Saturday to reflect with them on how they are doing in their various formation programs. 
• Have a follow-up meeting Saturday afternoon after which they are free to go home.

One way of thinking about the discussions with individual postulants/candidates is as extension of the topics covered in the Ember Day Letters each postulant/candidate writes to the Bishop four times a year. The main difference is the wider group of conversation partners and the interactive format.

Our social time on Friday is self-catered, so please indicate whether you have a type of snack and/or (non-alcoholic) beverage you would prefer to bring. If you have no preference, you can indicate that, and as we get closer to the date I will let you know what gaps need to be filled in. Postulants and Candidates should be assured that COM and Standing Committee members will at least try not to judge you based on the quality or quantity of your snacks!

Please complete this registration form by August 15, the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  This way, we can make reservations for rooms and meals, as well as any special dietary or mobility requirements you may have.

I will send out more details about the retreat later.  For now, please register as soon as you can. If you are a postulant or candidate and unable to attend any part of the weekend, please send me an email. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Blessing and peace in Christ Jesus,

Terri