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      Online Catechist Retreat: Hope That Nourishes and Gives Life

      On April 5, the Religious Education Ministry of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia hosted an online retreat for catechists. This prayerful and spiritually enriching gathering brought catechists together to reflect on the gift of hope in our Christian life and ministry.

      The retreat began with welcoming words from Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the catechists’ tireless service to the Church and their dedication to nurturing faith in the hearts of children, youth, and adults. He led a prayer to the Holy Spirit and offered his blessing to all participants.

      The main spiritual reflection was offered by Rev. Volodymyr Radko, who focused on the theological virtue of hope—one of the three theological virtues. Fr. Volodymyr delivered a profound and practical reflection on how hope operates in our daily lives, especially in catechetical ministry, which often brings its own challenges. He emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in God and fostering authentic, living relationships with Christ as the true source of all hope.

      Following the spiritual talk, participants were invited to share personal testimonies—experiences of hope in various life circumstances, particularly within the context of their catechetical vocation.

      The retreat concluded with a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the model of hope, trust, and dedication to God’s divine plan.