Four neighboring Depew and Lancaster parishes are joining together to offer a two-part Lenten retreat, entitled "A Heart for God," on Monday, Feb. 26, and Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. This is the third consecutive year St. Mary of the Assumption, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Our Lady of Pompeii and St. Martha parishes have collaborated on presenting a faith enrichment Lenten program.

"A Heart for God" will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 1 St. Mary's Hill in Lancaster. (Participants should use the Aurora Street entrance.)

Speaker and author Michelle Castelli will present "Love Received," exploring God's continual offer of love in our lives, on Monday evening, and "Love Returned," our response to God's love, on Wednesday evening. How is God's heart like yours and mine? Does God really care what we're doing in our lives? This extraordinary program will lead participants to an understanding that God's heart is loving and kind, as revealed in the Bible.

Castelli has extensive training and experience in mental health counseling, theology and spiritual direction. She has counseled individuals and families in both mental health and ministry settings. In her role as a pastoral associate and counselor, she has been able to share her journey with the Lord with many people in a gentle, wise and compassionate way. She is a resident of Fairport.

Join this retreat and look deeper into the heart of God. At the same time, explore how the men and women of the Bible experienced it, and at how God's heart touches your life. All are welcome and participants may attend either or both sessions.

The retreat planning committee includes Father Lawrence Damian, pastor of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Depew; Sister Therese Chmura, CSSF, director of faith formation at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Lancaster; Sister Joyce King, CSSF, pastoral associate at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, Lancaster, and Laurie Koerner, youth minister at St. Martha Parish, Depew.

There is no charge to attend "A Heart for God," but there will be a free will offering. Refreshments will be served following each evening's presentation.