The half-day gathering welcomed 140 parishioners and guests from surrounding Diocese of Saint Petersburg parishes who were seeking peace, clarity, and a faith-centered approach to navigating life’s uncertainties.

The retreat was led by Melissa Overmyer, author of From Worry to Wonder: A Catholic Guide to Finding Peace Through Scripture, who guided participants through prayerful reflection on three key spiritual themes: trust, rejoice, and stand firm. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by Overmyer’s personal struggles and conversion to Catholicism, the retreat encouraged attendees to begin the year by intentionally placing their worries in God’s care.

Overmyer opened the retreat by acknowledging worry as a shared human experience – one that often intensifies during seasons of change or uncertainty. Rather than viewing worry as a failure of faith, she invited participants to see it as an invitation to deeper trust. Drawing on biblical examples and practical insights, Overmyer emphasized that trust is not about having all the answers, but about choosing to rely on God even when outcomes remain unclear. Participants were encouraged to reflect on areas of their lives where fear or control may be limiting their sense of peace.

The retreat’s second theme, rejoice, focused on cultivating joy as a spiritual discipline. Overmyer reminded participants that rejoicing is not dependent on perfect circumstances, but on an awareness of God’s presence and goodness. Through guided prayer and reflection, attendees were invited to identify moments of gratitude and wonder in their own lives, recognizing how a posture of joy can transform perspective and lessen the hold of anxiety. This theme resonated strongly with participants seeking ways to live their faith more intentionally amid busy and often stressful routines.

The final theme, stand firm, called participants to spiritual perseverance. Overmyer spoke about the importance of remaining rooted in faith during times of challenge, emphasizing that standing firm means continually returning to God’s promises. Participants reflected on the spiritual practices and relationships that help anchor them, and how they can draw on those supports when worry threatens to overwhelm.

Throughout the retreat, St. Luke’s provided a welcoming and prayerful environment that fostered both personal reflection and communal connection. Group discussions allowed participants to engage with the retreat’s themes while learning from one another’s experiences, and many attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to step away from daily distractions and begin the year grounded in faith and hope.

As the event concluded, participants left with practical tools like the Worry to Wonder Checklist and Talk-Back Truths to use when they feel worried. Participants were also encouraged to commit to practicing turning from worry to wonder by journaling for 40 days using the process provided in the book.  

As Overmyer wrote, “You will never regret one step you take that brings you closer to full trust in God and thus to true freedom in him – freedom from worry, freedom to take delight in the life you have been given.”

For more information about St. Luke the Evangelist, click here.