God Behind Us & God Before Us
29 December 2008
Students and professionals gathered at Emmaus House in Bristol, for a ‘searchers weekend’ together with a team from four religious congregations. We looked back on how God has been present on life’s journey so far and what could be a ‘next step’ forward.
Based on “I will show you the path of life” (psalm 15), the group spent times alone and together. Father Dave Nixon, Missionary of the Sacred Heart showed how to create a ‘personalised candle’; it proved a very meditative way of thinking about how God had been in each one’s life through people, places and events. It was just one of the different ways into prayer that were offered.
One of the reflections from a student from South Korea mentioned that she, “had time to calm down and look at her life deeply”. Others appreciated feeling welcomed and valued having the time to be still with God and talking with members of the team. Being allowed to be, without being judged, was important for Petra, and Ann said how she had, “come to some clear decisions about work and parish since attending last year’s weekend”.
Sister Michele Totman, of La Sainte Union, gave examples of Ignatian discernment tools that participants would be able to use in daily life choices. She commented that she always finds it a privilege and a joy to accompany anyone on their journey of self discovery and their search for God. She also said she felt blessed by the diversity of the group, the uniqueness of each individual and the personal way in which God finds us. She also really enjoyed the international flavour of the group and the richness it offered.
Sister Liz Shaw, a Bristol-based Sister of La Retraite, also on the team, introduced lectio divina as another way to pray. She said, “Looking at how Jesus approached his life helps us place Gospel values alongside the values of the world today, and see where we are called to make changes in the way we live our lives.”
“The peaceful atmosphere of the house and gardens helped to support moments of personal challenge”, commented Sister Bernadette Hynes, Sister of St Paul, who also lead a session looking at hopes for the future.
The fantastic food was appreciated and of course the social evening provided a great opportunity to chat and connect with new people in a relaxed way. The weekend ended with the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday which was also the beginning of the Church’s new year of Advent 2008.
Sister Moira McDowall
Students and professionals gathered at Emmaus House in Bristol, for a ‘searchers weekend’ together with a team from four religious congregations. We looked back on how God has been present on life’s journey so far and what could be a ‘next step’ forward.
Based on “I will show you the path of life” (psalm 15), the group spent times alone and together. Father Dave Nixon, Missionary of the Sacred Heart showed how to create a ‘personalised candle’; it proved a very meditative way of thinking about how God had been in each one’s life through people, places and events. It was just one of the different ways into prayer that were offered.
One of the reflections from a student from South Korea mentioned that she, “had time to calm down and look at her life deeply”. Others appreciated feeling welcomed and valued having the time to be still with God and talking with members of the team. Being allowed to be, without being judged, was important for Petra, and Ann said how she had, “come to some clear decisions about work and parish since attending last year’s weekend”.
Sister Michele Totman, of La Sainte Union, gave examples of Ignatian discernment tools that participants would be able to use in daily life choices. She commented that she always finds it a privilege and a joy to accompany anyone on their journey of self discovery and their search for God. She also said she felt blessed by the diversity of the group, the uniqueness of each individual and the personal way in which God finds us. She also really enjoyed the international flavour of the group and the richness it offered.
Sister Liz Shaw, a Bristol-based Sister of La Retraite, also on the team, introduced lectio divina as another way to pray. She said, “Looking at how Jesus approached his life helps us place Gospel values alongside the values of the world today, and see where we are called to make changes in the way we live our lives.”
“The peaceful atmosphere of the house and gardens helped to support moments of personal challenge”, commented Sister Bernadette Hynes, Sister of St Paul, who also lead a session looking at hopes for the future.
The fantastic food was appreciated and of course the social evening provided a great opportunity to chat and connect with new people in a relaxed way. The weekend ended with the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday which was also the beginning of the Church’s new year of Advent 2008.
Sister Moira McDowall
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