Dear Friends and Benefactors,
 
Bishop Thomas Daly just made a very surprising announcement concerning a temporary hold on programs offered by Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. 
 
Beginning August 31, 2020 through May 31, 2021 the entire IHRC facility will be transformed into a licensed COVID-19 quarantine facility operated and managed by the Spokane Regional Health District in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington.  This development comes precisely at a critical moment when the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of nearly all programs at IHRC for the foreseeable future.  Right when the impact of the pandemic was bringing into question the viability of our diocese’s retreat ministry, the income from this arrangement for the next several months will be a genuine Godsend.  Happily, this development opens the door in an unexpected way for IHRC to continue its mission in these challenging times.  After all, our mission statement pledges us to be a place where people can find hope, peace, and healing.  Instead of sitting vacant on Moran Prairie, IHRC will be able to reach out to vulnerable individuals in our community who need a place to be socially distanced and medically safe.  
 
Be assured, however, that IHRC does not anticipate terminating its service to the spiritual enrichment of the people of God in our diocese.  The IHRC staff and I will adapt, working from our homes, meeting with people in other locations and holding meetings as required.  Most importantly, we will use this time to continue our planning for a “new and improved” service to God’s people.  
 
The Coronavirus pandemic is bringing about fundamental changes in many facets of our economy, culture and living patterns.  The future is ours to design - if ever so carefully and attentively to the physical and spiritual welfare of those we serve.  In the months ahead, I will keep you advised of our efforts and progress.    Although the contract we are signing will assure IHRC of a good measure of financial stability for the next six months, I do ask for your continued financial giving in support of our diocese’s retreat ministry.  Funds given as the result of recent campaigns have not been in vain, and our regular fund-raising efforts must continue.  Once we are free from the grip of this pandemic, we once again can offer a slate of programs at IHRC. 
 
I am encouraged by Bishop Daly’s support of the mission and ministry of Immaculate Heart Retreat Center.  He has given his blessing to the temporary use of our facilities for the COVID-19 quarantining project.  I sincerely thank you, our friends and benefactors, for your on-going support of IHRC.  As we continue our mission in this unexpected manner, please continue to journey with us.  And please do remember our new “retreatants” in your daily prayers.
 
Your servant In Christ,
 
Deacon John Ruscheinsky, Director