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Aug. 31st, 2003
We attended a retreat over the weekend for the opening of our final year of formation in the diaconate program. We do this every year. The theme usually reflects the work for the coming year. This time it was about discernment and being open to the call.
It was supposed to be a silent retreat, but since we had barely seen each other all summer, everyone pretty much ignored the silent part. Everyone had a lot of questions about how Arlina and I were doing, and they were glad to see her. She did great--ate all weekend.
We spent some time in group discussing the themes, and were then sent out for a few hours to reflect and pray. I spent most of the time reflecting on how good a soft pillow feels on my big fat head. I feel more rested than I have in months.
I didn't expect to get much out of this. For some reason, I always seem to walk into these things with minimal expectations, and end up leaving with much more than I could have hoped for. This was no different.
I feel much more comfortable with my discernment than I have in a long time. The questions seem clearer, and the answers much less intimidating. I look forward to the process, and feel for the first time that whatever the outcome, it will be ok.
I wrote a letter to the bishop requesting to continue, and to be instituted as an acolyte--the final rite before ordination. Walking the path....
I took some pictures after the sessions, and a few as the sun came up this morning. It was my first attempt at night shots. I need to practice, but it was pretty cool.
( fountain )
It was supposed to be a silent retreat, but since we had barely seen each other all summer, everyone pretty much ignored the silent part. Everyone had a lot of questions about how Arlina and I were doing, and they were glad to see her. She did great--ate all weekend.
We spent some time in group discussing the themes, and were then sent out for a few hours to reflect and pray. I spent most of the time reflecting on how good a soft pillow feels on my big fat head. I feel more rested than I have in months.
I didn't expect to get much out of this. For some reason, I always seem to walk into these things with minimal expectations, and end up leaving with much more than I could have hoped for. This was no different.
I feel much more comfortable with my discernment than I have in a long time. The questions seem clearer, and the answers much less intimidating. I look forward to the process, and feel for the first time that whatever the outcome, it will be ok.
I wrote a letter to the bishop requesting to continue, and to be instituted as an acolyte--the final rite before ordination. Walking the path....
I took some pictures after the sessions, and a few as the sun came up this morning. It was my first attempt at night shots. I need to practice, but it was pretty cool.
( fountain )