Ursuline Associates gather for a Retreat Day with Fr. Mike Woost Ursuline Associates are women and men who live the gospel message in the spirit of St. Angela. They are in relationship with the Ursuline Sisters in many ways throughout the year. One of the places where they give service together is the Dorothy Day House. The Sisters and the Associates take time each year for retreat. Fr. Mike Woost from St. Mary Seminary in Cleveland was the retreat director for the Sisters last June. On Saturday, November 20, he offered a retreat day, “Living Life as a Contemplative in Action”, for the Associates and members of the Company of Angela. There were thirty men and women who took time out of their busy lives to participate in this day of prayer.
Retreat – Contemplation and Action Icon of the Holy Trinity Each year the Ursulines make a retreat. Many sisters make retreat at the Motherhouse while others take the opportunity to experience retreat at another venue. This year, all the Ursulines of Youngstown joined together the week of June 21 for a communal retreat. Father Michael Woost, Father Michael Woost Assistant Professor of Liturgy and Sacramental Theology at St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in the Diocese of Cleveland, served as retreat director. The theme of the retreat was Contemplation and Action. This theme was taken from the spirituality of St. Angela Merici, Founder of the Ursulines in 1535, 475 years ago this year. Fr. Woost developed the theme of Contemplation and Action in light of the mystical journey and in light of the writings of St. Angela. Each day the sisters gathered for 2 conferences as well as Eucharistic liturgy. Though the house was filled with sisters, there was a peaceful silence. It was a profound experience of listening, prayer, and grace.