April 15, 2026

By Suzanne Pietropaoli
Staff Writer

We speak his name each time we make the Sign of the Cross. We proclaim our belief in the Holy Spirit every Sunday at Mass when we pray the Creed; his name concludes the doxology every time Mass is celebrated. He is present in the sacraments. We know that the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles at Pentecost, inflaming them with grace and power to carry out Christ’s command to spread the Gospel throughout the earth.

This mission of the Church began at Pentecost, but it did not end there.

The power, the graces, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are always available in the lives of the faithful, and for the mission of the Church.

On May 8-9, a FIRE IT UP RETREAT will be offered at St. André Bessette Parish in Malone. This retreat is specifically designed to provide an opportunity for a personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.

All are invited to experience the love of God in a wide-ranging format that includes fellowship, music, multimedia presentations, inspirational talks, personal testimony – and the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.

The retreat will be led by Dan and Caroline Dirkes of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Between them, the couple has more than four decades of experience in various forms of ministry.

Their work in parish retreats and missions has taken them throughout the U.S. and Canada. They describe this work as “joyful, dynamic, and Eucharistic-centered.”

Co-founders of 2TIM4 Ministries, Dan and Caroline each bring specific skillsets to this work. With an extensive background in Youth Ministry and Music Ministry, Dan is a gifted speaker, church musician and worship leader. Currently Music Minister at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, Dan has been involved across the years with the Word of God Covenant Community, Renewal Ministries, and LIFE TEEN – as well as leading worship at many regional and national gatherings. Dan is a Board Member of Pentecost Today USA.

Active in youth ministry and evangelization for almost 30 years, “Caroline Gambale-Dirkes is known as a dynamic and passionate speaker whose motto is: ‘You need to do the ridiculous to see the miraculous.’ Sharing incredible stories such as how she evangelized two NY Giants football players, she keeps her audience engaged and wanting more,” the ministry’s website states. Caroline has served as a regional director for Life Teen, and as a diocesan director of youth ministry. She continues to serve as a council member for Pentecost Today USA. Caroline is a pioneer of multi-generational ministry through 2TIM4 Ministries, which she co-founded with her husband Dan.

All are welcome to this unique retreat. For details and/or registration, please contact Lucy at 518-578-1453.