Parish Community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Richmond, Virginia

by Sindy Collazo

OIS’s Love and Serve (Amar y Servir) retreat, presented by Ministerio Hispano Ignaciano, is a two-day Ignatian retreat designed for all those who serve in parish ministries. This retreat begins Friday and ends Saturday so participants are available to the parish community on Sunday.

Recently, the parish community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Richmond, Virginia, experienced a profound encounter with God through this retreat.

A total of 64 liturgical ministers — ushers, Eucharistic ministers, lectors, choir members, and service teams — participated, gathering at the Roslyn Retreat Center from March 27–28. The retreat was facilitated by Fr. Rocco Danzi, SJ, and Sindy Collazo from Ministerio Hispano Ignaciano.

Because Sacred Heart is a Jesuit parish, there is a strong desire within the community to deepen their understanding and practice of Ignatian spirituality. For many, this retreat served as a gateway into this way of proceeding, which invites us to find God in all things.

One of the most beautiful fruits of the retreat was the discovery that ministry is not merely external service, but a response to God’s love. Participants were able to see their service with new eyes—the eyes of Ignatius.

A desire was awakened in them to learn more about the life of St. Ignatius and, above all, to live a personal relationship with Jesus through the Gospel. They came to understand more deeply that God loves us not because of what we do, but simply because He loves us.

Gratitude was evident, especially toward the pastor, Fr. Shay Auerbach, SJ, for making this experience possible.

The impact did not end with the retreat; it was reflected in the way the community lived out Holy Week, with a renewed spirit that was felt throughout the entire parish.