Diocese of Fairbanks
The director of the Rural Deacon program, Father Gregg Wood, SJ, hosted a 3-day retreat for the diocese's rural deacons in Bethel at the Moravian Seminary. The event drew all 11 rural deacons and their wives from 8 villages. The theme was prayer, and attendees explored different forms of prayer, including the Jesuit Examen, Franciscan prayer, and praying with a breviary, among others. Unlike previous deacon retreats, which were focused on equipping the men to more effectively minister too the faithful, this retreat was specifically focused on helping participants devote time to spiritual renewal, reflection, and deepening their relationship with God. “It’s a matter of putting your own oxygen mask on so that you’re better able to help others,” explains Father Gregg. The focus of the retreat was specifically requested by several deacons, who had expressed a need for spiritual renewal after the difficult years of ministering during prolonged pandemic shutdowns. “These are older men who were doing double duty for years because priests just couldn’t get into the village,” says Father Gregg. Many felt “worn out” and the retreat provided the much-needed opportunity to care for their own spiritual welfare.
