St. MARY CHURCH

Welcome 2.0

Don't let the name fool you...
NOT JUST FOR NEW PARISHIONERS!
It is a weekend experience that will change your life and the life of our parish! 

Most of the people you see every day feel like something is missing in their lives. Welcome is an incredible experience that helps us discover what that something is - and what to do about it. It’s run by parishioners for parishioners, and it’s re-energizing parishes across the country.  We're offering the Welcome Program as a way to help you be the best version of yourself, and help our parish be the best version of the Catholic community you call home...

Men and women of our parish (and some of our neighbors from St. Michael in Exeter) will meet on separate weekends. They come together to enjoy a time of sharing and fellowship in a comfortable setting, filled with love and respect. As an attendee you will have the opportunity to hear your fellow parishioners, people you may see in church every week, share personal witnesses of how God has worked and is working in their lives. You will enjoy great food, great conversation and wonderful fellowship.

The weekend begins on Saturday morning at 8:30am and ends around 2pm Sunday afternoon. Your body and your soul will be fed in abundance throughout the weekend. Saturday’s activities will culminate with time in peaceful adoration of Our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be an opportunity for reconciliation, and then the celebration of Holy Mass.

You will enjoy our 5-ish-Star rated sleeping arrangements in Cotter Hall in Exeter, NH, wake to a delicious breakfast, and then continue hearing beautiful, personal witnesses on Sunday. We will wrap up with two more personal witnesses before we go our separate ways around noon.

Please consider joining us for an upcoming Welcome Weekend, an experience to remember.  Please contact Deacon Eric, [email protected], or 603-772-2494 x211, if you have questions.

Upcoming Retreats:
Men’s: April 22-23
Women’s: April 29-30

Who can attend?

Any registered parishioner of St. Mary or St. Michael Parishes

How much does it cost?
We realize the positive impact of this program and have agreed to offer this program to our parishioners at no charge again this year.

Do I have to sleep over Saturday night?
Because the overnight experience is one of the most difficult commitment to make, it is one of the most rewarding parts of the weekend. We set up rooms for groups of 5-6 people to sleep in for more privacy. We know that when we let our defenses down and allow others to experience our true selves, (we may snore, we may use medical equipment to sleep, we may have terrible bed head Sunday morning) we remove the barriers that allow us to grow closer as Christian brothers and sisters. Let us never be ashamed of who God has created us to be. Everyone who has struggled with this part of the weekend in the past has expressed how happy they were that they chose to step out of their comfort zone. 

How is the food?
The food is exceptional. We strive to meet all our participants dietary needs without singling anyone out. We do ask that you make us aware of your needs up front.

Is the environment safe?
Once all the participants and team are settled in Saturday morning, the doors to Cotter Hall are locked and signs posted of an ongoing private retreat, nobody is allowed entry unless they are part of the retreat. The talks and small group discussions and anything said by team members and the attendees is confidential and this is restated regularly throughout the weekend.

If you have not already done so, please pray about attending and let us know your intentions as soon as possible. If you are already signed up consider asking someone you know to sign up as well.