Clergy Spouse Association of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

	Clergy Spouse Prayer : Heavenly Father, We ask for your continued care for the clergy spouses of this Diocese. Keep us ever mindful of your love for us, our families, and the Church. Enable us to be enlightened by the vision of the ministry to which you have called us. Continue to bind us together as a strong, caring, and loving family in your Name.   ~   Amen
Upcoming Events: 2008: October 18 (Saturday) - Time and venue to be advised. Spouse luncheon at Diocesan Convention. 2009: Clergy Spouse Retreat - March 27-29 (Tentative)	Committee: Bonnie Jean M. Durning , Chairperson Kathleen Kelly , Treasurer Board Members: Alexis Crawford Sherre Henley , Communications Leader Ella Grady , Past Chairperson Barbara Suhar Quincey Thoeni Maryellen Smith

The annual diocesan Clergy Spouse Retreat is 48 hours that I look forward to all year long. I have made it a priority to be at every single one since I have been in the diocese. There are usually about 25 of us, men and women, who take two days away from our hectic lives to learn, grow, relax, and fellowship. (And who can beat the DaySpring salad bar?!) The word that best describes the Clergy Spouse weekend is “comfortable”. The spouses are wonderful - some are introverted, some extraverted, and there are plenty of opportunities for each to be spiritually and emotionally fed and rejuvenated throughout our short but meaningful time together. The presenters that the committee has selected have all been professional, varied in topic, and edifying - well worth the investment and the effort it takes to bring them in. There is plenty of free time interspersed with the sessions, worship, and fellowship, and it always feels like we’ve had a week off instead of just two days. You can pick your roommate or just write “someone introverted” or “someone who likes dogs” and they always seem to match you up with just the perfect person.
The spouse retreat is one of the “hidden gems” of being in this diocese. You can’t return from this weekend “unblessed”. I hope that all the clergy will encourage their spouse to try it just once - it will benefit both people!     ................by Quincey Thoeni