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Dear Pastoral Assistants of Faith Formation and Catechists,
On March 15 and 16 we had the opportunity to offer a Lenten retreat at the Archbishop Brunett Retreat Center for Pastoral Faith Formation Assistants and Youth Ministry Directors. 21 people participated and Fr. Justin Ryan, director of Vocations in our archdiocese was our facilitator.
The theme of the retreat was: "From Exile to the Promised Land" offering points of reflection through specific readings to guide personal reflection. Noting that this year saw a return to in-person ministries and services, Father Justin invited participants to reflect on the graces gained over the past three years, as well as to reflect on the hardships due to the pandemic. The theme of the first reflection was: "Letting the dust of the road calm down in the return from exile".
In his second reflection, he reflected on the book of the prophet Haggai focusing on the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the minister. This reflection was focused on the challenges that were presented to us during the last 6 months and discovering the presence of the Holy Spirit, despite our fears and doubts.
The third and final reflection, based on the book of Zechariah, invited us to reflect on the hopes for the upcoming year both, in our ministry and in our own families, and identifying ways to enhance our personal relationship with God.
Participants had the opportunity to recharge their batteries, receive spiritual direction, participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and we were blessed for having the opportunity of opening and closing the retreat with Holy Mass.
We want to thank Fr. Justin for his pastoral accompaniment, the participants, and the organizing team for making this retreat a moment of encounter, accompaniment, reflection, and renewal of our vocation to the ministry of evangelization.
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