Tenth Anniversary of Come Aside Retreat

The call to do pro-life work at any level comes from God. A pro-lifer must therefore remain rooted in God. Otherwise, the battle could destroy him." Based on this reflection, Fr. Frank Pavone and Priests for Life have been promoting pro-life retreats around the country and the world. "A retreat is a time to face God more directly. A pro-life retreat is a time to see in God the call to do pro-life work, and to be sure that such work is leading one back to God," Fr. Frank explained.

Priests for Life offers several types of pro-life retreats: for clergy and seminarians, for leaders of pro-life groups, and for Christians who are striving to be more active in the pro-life movement. Although Priests for Life has sponsored pro-life retreats for clergy and laity since 1993, such activity goes back even further.

The Come Aside Retreat, spearheaded by Fr. Mike Mannion, marks its tenth anniversary this year. According to Father Mannion, founder of the event, the Come Aside retreat originated from a conversation with Wanda Franz, president of National Right to Life. They agreed that pro-life leaders needed a retreat to focus on the spirituality of fighting abortion. Father Mannion says that this retreat, "reaffirms a commitment to proclaim the pro-life mission with conviction, yet compassion."

This year’s retreat will be held July 7-9 in Blackwood, NJ. The retreat master will be Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. Past masters have included: Father Benedict Groeschel, Molly Kelly, Father Tom Cusack, Jean Garton, and Father Mike Mannion. To register, contact Sr. Roberta Harding, IHM; Come Aside Retreats; 10201 Georgia Avenue; Silver Spring, MD 20902. Fax: Attention Sr. Roberta at 301-681-8793. More Info: Call 301-681-7634.

Priests for Life is calling on dioceses and pro-life organizations around the country to organize retreats in their communities, and will be happy to help with details. Contact Priests for Life at PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314; Tel: 888-PFL-3448, 718-980-4400; Fax: 718-980-6515; email: pfl@priestsforlife.org  web: www.priestsforlife.org