The 2026 RTPTCA Lenten Retreat was held on March 14, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Durham, under the theme “Step Forward into a Deeper Connection with God.” The day brought our community together for prayer, reflection, and renewal. For the first time in RTPTCA, distinct Leadership, Family, and Women’s Retreats were held, allowing each group to reflect on its unique calling and responsibilities.
Leadership Retreat
The Leadership Retreat, the first of its kind for RTPTCA board members, began with a hymn and prayer invoking the Holy Spirit. Centered on Stewardship, Fr. Vimal Backyaraj reflected on the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) and reminded the ministry leaders that they are not owners, but faithful stewards of God’s mission. He urged them to care responsibly for the organization’s mission and resources so they may serve future generations.
Father emphasized servant leadership, leading by example, collaborative decision-making, unity, and mutual trust. He reminded participants that effective leadership depends not only on vision and strategy, but also on humility, integrity, and character.
He concluded with the words:
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is God’s gift.”
He challenged everyone to use that gift wisely and reminded us that we are all merely “karuvi” (tools) in God’s hands. God’s work will continue through His people—if not through us, then through someone else.
Family Retreat
The Family Retreat focused on reconciliation with God and the transforming power of His Word. Fr. Vimal reminded families that sin weakens our relationship with God and that we can discern His will only by spending time in His presence through prayer and Scripture.
He called everyone to seek God’s forgiveness, forgive one another, and become living examples of faith for their children. Through Scripture, the witness of the saints, and prayer, families were reminded that God’s Word heals, transforms, and brings lasting peace to receptive hearts.
A powerful reminder echoed throughout the retreat: our children learn not only from what we teach them, but from the lives we live every day.
Women’s Retreat
The Women’s Retreat, the first of its kind in RTPTCA, was embraced with great enthusiasm and became a deeply meaningful experience for all who attended.
Fr. Vimal reflected on the glory of Mount Tabor, where Jesus was transfigured before His disciples in the presence of Moses and Elijah, and the Father’s voice proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son.” He then led the women to Calvary, where the same Lord, wounded and rejected, prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
By connecting these two sacred moments, Father reminded everyone that true glory is never separated from sacrifice. He also reflected on the unique vocation of women as the heart of the family—called to nurture faith, preserve unity, and pass Christian values to the next generation.
The retreat offered women a grace-filled opportunity to place their concerns about children, family life, and daily responsibilities before God, and to face life’s challenges with wisdom, patience, hope, and faith.
The 2026 Lenten Retreat became a memorable milestone for RTPTCA, inspiring every participant to grow closer to God, deepen their faith, and renew their commitment to serve Christ, their families, and the community with joyful hearts!
