While the Scranton Diocese is announcing its new Parish Life Coordinator plans, the oldest church in the diocese, St. Augustine, is hosting a half-day Retreat 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 3rd led by parishioner Marilee Beyer.

Beyer is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Theology with an emphasis on Pastoral Life and Administration through Layola University, New Orleans, with the future hope of serving locally as a Parish Life Coordinator.

“This schooling is a faith journey for me,” said Retreat leader Beyer. “I don’t know where it will take me. Any future appointment as a Parish Life Coordinator for me is entirely up to the Bishop.”

Marilee and husband Marty Beyer called Bucks County, Philadelphia, home until three years ago when they chose Montrose as their new retirement home.

The Retreat opens at St. Augustine Church, located directly off either Rt. 167 or 4002 in Silver Lake Township. (Church Road loops around to both routes.)

At 9 a.m., Pastor Father Casimir 'Cas' Stanis extends the official welcome with the celebration of Mass.

Beyer then plans to offer spiritual lessons, followed by the Stations of the Cross as seen through the eyes of The Blessed Mother Mary.

The 14 Stations are a spiritual journey depicting the condemnation of Jesus to his death on the cross. Traditionally, churches have the Stations mounted around the interior church walls through primitive and/or magnificent artwork or sculpture. The inspirational Stations are available daily for prayer and meditation, but on Fridays during Lent, public services are led based on scripture and oral tradition.

St. Augustine Church is fortunate to have outdoor Stations wrapped around the church grounds as well as indoor Stations. The Oct. 3 Retreat offers a short pilgrimage around the outdoor Stations, weather permitting. Those unable to walk may follow the printed prayers while seated.

In anticipation of this Retreat, St. Brigid community parishioners have been grooming the sacred grounds and pressure washing the rugged wooden crosses, which have weathered many storms since their installation.

Meditation, small group discussions and a time for sharing bring the half-day retreat to its 1 p.m. closure with Exposition of the Eucharist led by Deacon Ken Brennan.

The Retreat is open to the public. Participants are urged to bring their own chairs and snacks. For information, call 570-553-2288 or email sfxc@epix.net.

For information on The Roman Catholic Community of St. Brigid Parish comprised of St. Francis Xavier Church, Friendsville, and St. Augustine Church, Silver Lake, visit their web site at www.ourparishcommunity.com.