Looking to Enrich Your Lenten Journey?
Explore the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of our Catholic Faith
Do you struggle to understand the true meaning of the Eucharist as the body and blood of Jesus Christ?
Are you seeking a deeper understanding of what our faith teaches about this sacred sacrament?
Gain insights to your questions at the Saint Christopher Parish Lenten Retreat, March 28 and 29. Deacon Mike Hayes will guide us as we reflect on the Eucharist and the loving presence of God it represents. Rediscover, or discover for the first time, why we as Catholics believe the Eucharist is truly Christ himself – body, blood, soul, and divinity. Together, we will learn how to deepen our spiritual awareness and connection to the Eucharist in our daily lives.
Friday, March 28 – 6:30 pm (in the Church)
Saturday, March 29 – 10:00 am (in the Parish Center)
Saturday will feature two additional presentations by Deacon Mike, small group breakout discussions, the Rosary, Ask Deacon Mike (where no question is “out of bounds”) as well as reflection & prayer. Session concludes with Confession at 4 pm and Mass at 5 pm. Registration for Saturday is $30 and includes all materials, continental breakfast & a luncheon catered by Italian Creations.
Registration deadline: Monday, March 24
About Deacon Mike Hayes
Deacon Mike Hayes was ordained in 2024 and is assigned to St. Christopher parish. In addition to his parish duties, Deacon Mike serves as the Director of Young Adult Ministry and the Bishop’s Delegate for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations for the Diocese of Cleveland. He is also involved with Baptism and Marriage Preparation as well as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Chris, and is available for individual spiritual direction.
Deacon Mike is best known as the founder of BustedHalo.com and the author of two books. He is married to Marion, who you can meet at the 5pm Vigil Mass – she is one of our parish ushers. Deacon Mike and Marion live in Lakewood with their dog, Vito.
Retreat Agenda
Friday, March 28 – In the Church
| 6:00 PM | Registration/Sign-In – Church Gathering Area |
| 6:30 PM | Presentation – What Our Faith Teaches About the Eucharist – Deacon Mike |
| 7:30 PM | Break |
| 7:45 PM | Holy Hour with Exposition of the Eucharist – Deacon Mike |
| 8:30 PM | Adoration (church open for silent prayer/reflection until 9:30 PM) |
Saturday, March 29 – In the Parish Center
| 10:00 AM | Sign-in and Continental Breakfast |
| 10:30 AM | Opening Prayer & Scripture Reading |
| Presentation: Become What We Receive | |
| 11:30 AM | Breakout Session I |
| Noon | Lunch – Catered by Italian Creations |
| 12:40 PM | Rosary – Led by Melissa DiFini |
| 1:00 PM | Deacon Mike’s Question Box – Open Discussions |
| 1:30 PM | Break |
| 1:45 PM | Presentation: Sharing the Eucharist |
| 2:45 PM | Breakout Session II |
| 3:15 PM | Regroup – Open discussions |
| 3:45 PM | Reflection & Concluding Prayer |
| 4:00 PM | Process to the Church for Confession |
| 5:00 PM | Mass – Retreatants take up the collection (rows reserved for retreatants) |
Luncheon Menu
Grilled chicken*
Pasta
Green Beans*
Fresh mixed green salad*
Homemade focaccia bread
*Gluten Free
