Women’s CEW— Friday, January 31 – Sunday, February 2, 2025
Contact: Michelle Gavin
Men’s CEW—Friday, February 14 – Sunday, February 16, 2025
Contact: Todd Misel
Deaf CEW—Thursday, October 10 – Sunday, October 14, 2024
Contact: Minette Sternke
Check out this vido on the history of CEW starting with Fr George Karnik and St Carole Freking.
Christian Experience Weekends (CEW)
CEW is a spiritual renewal retreat. It consists of presentations, reflection, group prayer services, opportunity for Reconciliation, and Sunday liturgy. The renewal of one’s life in Christ is the focus as each participant examines his or her relationship with self, others, and God. In John 10:10, Jesus says: I came that they might have life and have it to the full.” The Christian Experience Weekend gives adults an awareness and appreciation of this fullness of life.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The weekends are held separately for men and women (ages 18 and older) at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Church, 510 East First Street, Ankeny, IA
CEW begins with registration at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and closes at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Participants sleep at the retreat site in order to maintain a sense of community. Special arrangements can be made for those with special needs.
Shower areas are available.
You will be served wonderfully prepared meals during the weekend.
The weekend is directed by a team of lay and ordained.
During the weekend, you will experience a community experience of faith sharing through presentations, group prayer, and reflections.
Each person is allowed to experience the weekend at their own comfort level of sharing.
A donation of $50 is suggested for the weekend with $10 requested at time of registration. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
WHY A CEW?
Many of us lead busy lives and at times our faith life is neglected. CEW gives us an opportunity to take time out and away from the many challenges we experience in leading our lives in the way God would have us live. CEW gives us the time to think and reflect on where we are in our faith journey, and where we would like to go. As Christians we are part of a community of believers. During CEW, participants not only experience community on a variety of different levels, but come to understand the importance of Community in our lives.
WHERE DID CEW COME FROM?
The Cursillo movement was active for many years. It provided an excellent program of spiritual leadership training. Its intensive program and follow-up commitment have equipped many people with a deep and active spiritual life. In 1972, the Cursillo movement in the Dubuque Diocese initiated a two-year moratorium to study and re-define the true nature and purpose of Cursillo. The fruit of that dialogue was CEW, the first of which was held in 1974.
CEW has taken the best parts of Cursillo and developed another wonderful weekend experience.