The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley, which is composed of St. James Parish, Pennington; St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and St. George Parish, Titusville, will host a retreat, “Encountering Jesus in a Joyful, Vibrant Life of Faith,” Oct. 7, 8 and 9 in St. James Church, Pennington.

Each day of the retreat there will be two presentations at 4 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Facilitator Deacon John Lozano will base his presentations on his book, “Becoming a Fervent Disciple” (Twenty-Third Publications, 2018), which builds on the teachings of Pope Francis, especially his recent “Gaudete et Exultate” in showing very practical ways in which the faithful are called to be joyful disciples in their daily lives.

Deacon Lozano is director of adult faith formation in St. Norbert Parish, Paoli, Pa. He worked for 24 years in campus ministry in Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., and as an instructor in the department of theology and religious studies. He holds master’s degrees in theology, counseling and liberal studies. Over the years he has worked as a therapist, developed small faith sharing communities and programs  for lay leadership development, marriage preparation and retreats. He is the founder of “Encountering Jesus Today,” a ministry dedicated to helping people from any background better understand, appreciate and personally engage the Good News of Jesus Christ. Deacon Lozano has traveled widely presenting retreats, parish missions and workshops. his first book, “Good News in Bad Times: Discovering Spiritual Meaning in the Midst of Crisis and Uncertainty,” was published in 2010.

St. James Church is located at 115 East Delaware Ave., Pennington.