Step II and 4th day renewal retreat

By Kathleen Simpson
Billings

Step II and the 4th Day Renewal are both a continuation of the Cum Christo movement. Step II was developed in 2002 after determining a need for renewal within the Cum Christo movement of the Great Falls – Billings Diocese in Eastern Montana. Step II originated in the Western Diocese of Montana as a program for “4th Dayers” (those having attended a Journey, Cum Christo or Cursillo weekend).

We are all called by the Holy Spirit to spend a “short course” with others to learn more about our faith and how to apply it to our everyday life in our homes, work and community.

For those of us who have participated in this special weekend can attest to the power of the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and souls with a love that can be described as beyond this world. We can glimpse a little bit of Heaven through the love that is given to us by others.

The Cum Christo weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for candidates. At the end of our 3 ½ day weekend we become 4th Dayers – the continuing of our journey at the end of our Cum Christo weekend. As a candidate we can only make the weekend once. We can participate in each succeeding weekends as volunteers to help new candidates experience their own 3 day revelation. The desire to renew our own 3 day experience has resulted in what is now known as a Step II experience.

The Step II weekend experience, unlike the Cum Christo, is a retreat and can be attended by both Men and Women as often as desired. The intent and purpose of Step II is to strengthen the faith of the participant and to support, nurture and renew in them their desire to continue in the work as laity in the Catholic Church. The weekend begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday.

The format is similar to Cum Christo in that it is based on a series of talks, one building upon another. The central theme that ties the talks together is “building up the body of Christ”. The opportunity for group discussion, reflections, Mass, meditations and prayer services are integrated throughout the weekend, as well as the opportunity to receive individual Spiritual Direction and/or the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The closing prayer service is a call for empowerment from the Holy Spirit and signifies the goal of the Step II weekend with this powerful “sending out” to continue the mission as evangelists in the Catholic Church.

Simplicity is stressed throughout preparation and during the weekend. Team members are minimal, there are no decorations in the dining room, no palanca, meals are kept simple, and there are no outside visitors. All are encouraged to sleep at the facility, although, for those who choose not to sleep at the facility, allowances are made. (Which means you are welcome to go home each night if you so desire.)

The importance and need for renewal has most definitely been recognized, however, the time commitment to attend a four day weekend has disallowed some to attend. In 2014, it was approved by the Diocesan Secretariat Board, the Miles City and Billings Vicariate Secretariat Boards to try a condensed weekend schedule using a similar format, starting late afternoon on a Friday and ending on Sunday afternoon, instead of the usual format of beginning on Thursday evening. In October, 2014, the first Cum Christo Renewal Weekend was held in Glendive with huge success.

This weekend is called a 4th Day Renewal Retreat which is offered to ALL 4th Dayers regardless when they made their Cum Christo or Cursillo.

There are two 4th Day renewal weekends scheduled for anyone wishing to experience such a positive, wonderful and spiritual renewal experience enabling us to continue our own 4th day journey, as well as to grow in our efforts to bring Christ to the world and the world to Christ. Registration fees or free will offering are determined by each Vicariate Secretariat and should be sufficient to cover all costs.
The Cum Christo Renewal Weekend for both men and women is scheduled for October 9, 10, 11, 2015, in Glendive MT, at the Sacred Heart Parish Center, 316 W Benham Street.

Contact Marilyn Wegmann (406) 365-3323 or Mark Brodhead (406) 488-6331 for more information or to register. The Scripture theme for this weekend is: “THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH” (Nehemia 8:10).

The Cum Christo Renewal weekend for both men and women is scheduled for January 15, 16, 17, 2016, in Laurel MT, at St Anthony’s Parish Center, 317 West 7th Street.

Contact Kathleen Simpson at (406) 690-7263 or kdsymington@gmail.com for more information or to register. The Scripture theme for this weekend is: “COME TO ME, ALL WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN; AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST” (Matthew 11:28).

In our world full of strife and chaos it’s so important to spend some time with our Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Sign up as soon as possible. You’ll never regret it!