St. Catherine’s To Hold October Parish Mission

Published: October 21, 2004

KENNESAW—St. Catherine of Siena Church will hold a parish mission beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, and ending with the evening service on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The mission will be conducted by Father Larry Richards, a noted teacher, retreat master and speaker.

All sessions of the retreat will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the evening; the Wednesday and Thursday sessions will open with Mass at 6:30 p.m.

The opening session on Sunday will focus on the theme of

“Prayer” and the need to respond to God’s love by putting him first. Monday’s session is based on “Love of Others,” as Father Richards explores the only commandment of Jesus. “Passion and Confession” will highlight the Tuesday evening session, including a talk about the Passion, followed by a detailed examination of conscience. The Wednesday session, “Adoration and Healing,” will wrap up the mission with a focus on the Eucharist, with adoration and a healing service. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the mission.

Father Richards is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. He received a bachelor of science degree in mental health counseling from the college seminary at Gannon University in 1983. He continued his studies at the major seminary at St. Vincent in Latrobe, Pa., receiving a master of divinity degree in 1987. He is currently pursuing a master of arts degree in liturgy from the University of Notre Dame.

He was ordained to the priesthood on April 21, 1989, for the Diocese of Erie, Pa., and is the pastor of St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community in Erie. For the last eight years he was the director of campus ministry, teacher, and counselor at Cathedral Preparatory High School for Boys. In addition, Father Richards is the spiritual director of the TEC (To Encounter Christ) retreat program for the Diocese of Erie.

He has directed hundreds of youth retreats, parish missions and conferences and gives speaking engagements all over the United States and in Canada.  In addition, he has developed a number of audio recordings on all aspects of the Catholic faith for individual and small-group instruction. 

St. Catherine of Siena Church is located at 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw. For more information about the mission, contact the church at (770) 428-7139 or visit www.saintcatherineofsiena.org.