Page 23 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2023 - Online Magazine

HISTORY OF SLATON

as well as the ones who taught at St. Joseph School across
the street.

By the early 70s, the hospital census had decreased as
physicians were attracted away to urban hospitals. In 1985,
the hospital was repurposed as Mercy Retreat Center.
Physical healthcare had been the focus for 58 years; but
since the mid-80s, spiritual care has become the primary
vision.

The rooms that once housed Sisters of Mercy and patients
now provide sleeping quarters for as many as 90 women
and men across the broad spectrum of the Body of Christ,
people hoping to find mercy and grace through one of the
many ministries happening within the facility throughout
the year. Many Slatonites were born within the walls of
the old hospital. Many of them are among the countless
who have been spiritually transformed within the same
walls. “Mercy” indeed reigns through the outpouring of
grace, not only through the Catholic Diocese of Lubbock,
Director Mark Meurer, and his staff, but also through many
volunteers. The Center is the backdrop for various retreats,
including Walks to Emmaus (Chrysalis, Kairos Prison
Ministry, Kairos Outside), ACTS (Adoration * Community
* Theology * Service), Cursillo, Engaged Encounter, and
marriage retreats. Mercy Retreat Center also serves as a
community center available for various groups to meet
during the week.
Mercy Retreat Center has a reputation for laughter and joy,
as well as good food, and community building. At the same
time, it is a place to retreat from the noise of the world to
reflect, to be silent, and to listen to the voice of God saying,
“I love you. I desire you to know Me as Father. I want you
to experience My grace and mercy.”
Slaton, Lubbock, and the South Plains are blessed to have
a place like the Mercy Retreat Center. Maybe you’d like to
experience it yourself.

Lubbock Senior Link 23