GREENWOOD – During the first weekend of October, 12 girls from three parishes gathered at Locus Benedictus retreat center for their first of five overnight sessions of the Young Women of Grace study program. The study, designed for girls ages 12 and older, teaches young women how to discern their purpose and mission in the world, and to find true fulfillment. It is based on an adult study program of the same name and uses a magazine-style workbook packed with facts, testimonials and stories of saints and other Catholic role models.
The retreat began with dinner on Friday at 6 p.m. and included Mass and reconciliation.. On Saturday morning after breakfast the girls gathered at the Mary, Mother of the Delta Shrine for a time of meditation and prayer.
In this first session of Young Women of Grace, the girls learned they have a special call from God and about the gifts of women to influence the world. In addition, they learned about Saints Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and Madeline Sophie Barat.
The monthly sessions will continue until April 2018. For more information on the Women of Grace or the Young Women of Grace, visit the website, www.womenofgrace.com.
(Story submitted by Tara Trost)