Retreat Forward 2019-20

Olivia Corso
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Like Marilynn, Olivia started coming to Holy Family about ten years ago. She and her mom
signed up for the women’s retreat and have come every year since. She says the friendly people
and the peaceful atmosphere keep her coming back. She also loves the gift shop and the fresh,
vegetarian-friendly food, especially the cookies.
Apart from the culinary delights, she enjoys listening to the music ministry at Sunday night Mass,
and during retreat, walking the labyrinth and meditating.
“The retreat is always transformational for me,” says Olivia, “because each year, its theme speaks to
me at that moment in my life, and I always walk away inspired, changed, and grateful as I continue
my journey in faith.”
Olivia’s journey included another very special Holy Family experience on August 18, 2018, when
she and her husband Chris were married by Fr. David in the main chapel.
Come and experience Holy Family for yourself! It’s a beautiful place where everyone
is welcome. You will leave forever changed, in a wonderful way.
– Olivia Corso
Brian and Amy Rucci
ACTUARY, PARISH SECRETARY
ACTORS IN COMMUNITY THEATER
For Brian and Amy Rucci, Holy Family is, indeed, a “family” affair. Brian comes
with his dad Paul to the men’s weekend, Amy comes with mother-in-law Gloria to
the women’s weekend, and Brian and Amy frequently attend the couples’ retreat
and Valentine’s dinner together, and they both sing in the choir. They’re also
“religious” about bringing their three children to the family retreat.
“It is one of the highlights of our year,” says Amy, “being involved in a retreat
weekend with our whole family. We’ve formed such beautiful friendships with
other families, and the love and support we feel from them and the retreat team is
incredible.”
Brian says the men’s weekend, which he’s been attending since 2000, has become
part of a continuing journey rather than the once-a-year “tune up” it was at the
beginning. He especially enjoys the talks and presentations and during free time,
walks the labyrinth.
“I also really like morning and evening prayer. I actually bought CDs at the
bookstore so that I can do morning and evening prayer on my own at home.”
For Brian, the main chapel at Holy Family holds special meaning, particularly the
mosaic on the wall. “I like to pick one tile and think of it as being me—one piece
in the picture of God and life.”
You can sit in the back and hide
during the whole retreat if you want to.
But try it once. It changed my life.
It can change yours, too.
-Brian Rucci
Each year the retreats build on each
other, and they have become a vital part of my
spiritual journey. I can’t express in words how
important the retreat is to me.
-Amy Rucci
Reflect. Renew. Retreat. 5