Parishioners and staff of St. Maria Goretti Parish, Hatfield, invite all to their annual retreat on Thursday, Sept. 8 — a day dedicated to God alone.

The retreat directed by Father Pio Mandato, F.M.H.J., begins at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Bally (Berks County) with Mass, a holy hour and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. Retreatants will then travel to the National Center for Padre Pio in Barto. 

The center is home to Our Lady of Grace Chapel and the St. Padre Pio Museum. Participants will learn about Padre Pio’s saintly life and his powerful intercession, and may browse the religious gift shop and enjoy a catered meal on the premises at Café San Pio. 

The price for the retreat is $60 per person and includes lunch and bus transportation. For those who wish to carpool with a friend or travel on their own, the price is $30 and includes lunch.

The bus will depart from St. Maria Goretti’s parking lot at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 8 and return at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Retreatants are invited to register using the form that can be found on the parish website, and to return the completed form to the parish at along with payment to: 

St. Maria Goretti Parish Center
c/o Angela McClellan
1601 Derstine Road
Hatfield, PA 19440