PLYMOUTH – The Diocese of Gary was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center’s Enduring Partnership Award. A letter received by the diocese announcing the decision stated that the diocese’s contributions have been exceptional and have played a significant role in shaping Lindenwood.
The Enduring Partnership Award is presented annually to a group that has demonstrated outstanding levels of participation over the years at the retreat facility. The award honors the unwavering commitment to engage with the community and take full advantage of all that the retreat center has to offer.
“Through active involvement in the program events and retreats, the Gary diocese has enriched our community and contributed to the growth and success of our facility,” said Paul Mach, director of Lindenwood. “We are grateful for your continued support and engagement and are honored to recognize your efforts with this award.”
Bishop Robert J. McClory accepted the award during the retreat and conference center’s annual “Slow Down” Dinner on July 11 inside The Center of Donaldson in Cana Hall. The evening included a dinner, silent auction, speaker and wine pull.
The bishop said the diocese is grateful for the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center and its openness to hosting groups from the Diocese of Gary for renewal. He added that center staff is always warm and hospitable.
“We are moved that the center chose to recognize this historic connection between the Diocese of Gary and the Center,” Bishop McClory said. “We are most grateful for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who continue to offer this as one of their ministries.”
The permanent deacons of the Diocese of Gary use the center annually for their own convocations. A young adults retreat titled Amatus (https://dcgary.org/amatus) is being held at Lindenwood on Dec. 5. Some lay apostolates have also used the center.
Vicky Hathaway, coordinator for youth and young adults, further validated that the Diocese of Gary was thankful to receive the Enduring Partnership Award from Lindenwood Retreat Center. She acknowledged that for years, Lindenwood has been a retreat home for many ministries in the diocese.
“Our young adult ministry is excited to be hosting a retreat there this Advent,” she said. “The staff always make sure our groups are taken care of and helpful to create a prayerful environment for events there.”
Hathaway added that being back on the grounds of Lindenwood reminded her of how the Holy Spirit is present in every gathering and how, over the years, hundreds of people from the Diocese of Gary have grown in their faith there.
Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center is a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. Its mission is to provide a welcoming sanctuary where individuals and groups can find rest, experience opportunities for deep reflection and open their hearts to the Holy Spirit. Rooted in hospitality and harmony with the natural world, it strives to nurture spiritual growth, foster meaningful connections, and inspire lives of purpose and peace.
For more information about Lindenwood Retreat & Conference Center, visit https://lindenwood.org/. To make a reservation and learn more about renting spaces at the center, send an email to lindenwood@poorhandmaids.org, or call 574-935-1780.
