HICKORY — The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused much physical harm and economic disruption, but has also called people to reexamine their spiritual health. In doing so, many have discovered the Catholic Conference Center as a place to seek answers to the searching questions prompted by the crisis and at the same time renew their own spiritual well-being.
People have taken advantage of the property in many ways: Some take a peaceful hike on the grounds, others spend some time in the chapel. Some have come for personal overnight retreats.
When the coronavirus pandemic emerged, the most popular feature at the conference center became its outdoor trails.
Deacon Scott Gilfillan, the director of the center, said he was initially surprised by the interest. “When we started clearing the trails last year with the help of youth groups from St. Aloysius Parish in Hickory and Holy Family Parish in Clemmons, I thought the quaint little paths would be a nice perk for the rare person who wanted to go for a walk during one of the retreats. I had no idea the trails would become a magnet for people seeking spiritual respite and renewal in a time of crisis.”
Rather than being cooped up inside, Donna and Joe Lichtenwalner used the trails to spend some safe, quality time with their son, his wife and their newborn granddaughter. Donna Lichtenwalner said after spending a day at the center, “the trails provided a great outlet for serenity and enjoyment of nature – with a few added surprises for prayerful moments. A great place to find peace!”
Some have come for full-day retreats.
Deacon Gilfillan noted, “We have a beautiful indoor chapel, perfect for Eucharistic Adoration.” For people who come for a day-long retreat, he usually spends a few minutes listening to them talk about where they are spiritually, then encourages them to spend an hour or more in Adoration and prayer – just listening to God.
One hidden blessing in this crisis is that it has invited many to use the slower pace and isolation to pose probing questions about their purpose in life and God’s will for them, he noted.
Peggy Bowes took advantage of her free time and structured a personalized retreat. “I reached out to Deacon Scott Gilfillan to plan a day retreat. We began with an incredibly helpful private spiritual mentoring session. Next, I spent time outside enjoying the beautiful grounds – outdoor Stations of the 
Cross, a picnic lunch and a long hike on the trails adjoining the center. I concluded the day with a very fruitful hour of Adoration.” Bowes left “full of joy and armed with many ideas to enrich my faith journey.”
Some people have extended their retreats to spend one or several nights in the center’s lodging.
Two friends recently arranged a one-night retreat. They used the time to renew their friendship, refresh their spirit, and encourage each other in their walks with Christ. They said the center was perfect to do all three.
“We really enjoyed the beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and mountains, as well as the nicely maintained paths to walk in this peaceful environment,” said Heather Blondin. Her friend added, “It provided just the atmosphere we needed to reinvigorate our spiritual life and friendship.”
— Catholic Conference Center contributed.
Pictured: People enjoyed a day-long outdoor retreat at the Catholic Conference Center last month, including attending an outdoor Mass and reciting the rosary while walking along the beautiful trails on the property. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the peaceful grounds of the center, located just outside Hickory. (Photo provided by the Catholic Conference Center)
Learn more
For more information about the Catholic Conference Center, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go online to www.catholicconference.org.