Before You Do Anything Else: Reclaiming Prayer as Relationship
May 21, 2026
A retreat day for catechetical leaders whose prayer lives have quietly become another place of pressure rather than rest. This day creates space to name the hidden lies we carry about prayer – what it should look like, how it should feel, and how easily our work for the Church can replace time with the Lord.
Through reflection, Scripture, silence, and sacramental prayer, participants are invited to encounter prayer again as honest relationship rather than performance or obligation. This is not a retreat about learning new methods or fixing spiritual habits, but about letting Jesus meet us where we actually are and gently restore prayer to its rightful place at the heart of our lives.
Mareda is an independent association of catechetical leaders in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Additional resources and downloadable resources & reflections to help you unpack the retreat's theme and topic will be found below the day after the retreat.
Pilgrims of Hope: Parish Mission Dec 1 - 3, 2025
This Advent, we’re invited to rediscover a hope that’s more than just positive thinking – it's a way of living that brings light even in hard times. Over three evenings, Tony and Kristin Bird will share honest stories, Scripture, and practical ways they’ve found hope through forgiveness, prayer, and everyday struggles. Whether you’ve been close to God for years or are just wondering where to begin, these evenings offer a space to rest, reflect, and be renewed. Come as you are and find encouragement to keep going, no matter where you are on the journey.
Additional resources and downloadable resources & reflections to help you unpack the mission's theme and topic will be found below after each night of the mission.
Christ the King Lutheran Church Oct 15, 2025
Navigating technology and social media can feel overwhelming—for both teens and their parents. Join Tony and Kristin Bird as they share real-life insights from raising three teenagers and working with youth in both public schools and Church settings.
Through honest conversation, practical strategies, and breakout sessions for both parents and kids, this event will explore setting healthy boundaries, delaying smartphone and social media access, and keeping open communication about online life. Parents will leave with tools to foster trust and accountability, while teens will have space to reflect, share, and explore what real connection looks like in a digital world.
Additional resources and downloads are available below
