A Lenten Retreat
for ECW Pilgrims
On the weekend of March 12-14, forty-two
women representing fourteen parishes in the Diocese of Springfield met at
Toddhall for a time of reflection, rejoicing and renewal.
The
Very Reverend Anthony B. Holder, Vicar of St. Michael’s, O’Fallon, retreat
leader, chose the theme Called to Be a Pilgrim – The Way to True
Discipleship. Father Holder led five meditations: 1) God the Primary
Pilgrim 2) Human Beings Are Called to Be Pilgrims 3) Secrets of A Pilgrim
4) The Pilgrim’s Duties and Responsibilities 5) The Pilgrim’s End.
The participants were asked to see God as
faithful, loving, merciful and forgiving. He asks for our love in return.
Although we as pilgrims will meet obstacles on our journey, we should keep
focused on the goal of God’s presence in our lives, joy, eternal life,
peace and happiness. We are created to know, love, and serve God in this
world and the life to come.
Why are pilgrims so energized? Through
Baptism we are called to be sons and daughters of God and to become heirs
of eternal life. We were asked to strive for holiness, have faith in God,
love one another, strengthen our prayer life, and receive Christ through
the sacraments.
The duties and
responsibilities of a pilgrim cannot be avoided. We must deal with
persecution and false prophets, build up the kingdom of God and proclaim
the good news of reconciliation, become a new people, be examples for
those who do not know God, make time for God in our lives, and not take
heaven for granted. We must prepare ourselves now and strive to have a
closer personal relationship with God.
Following Father Holder’s inspirational
meditations, participants were able to share fellowship time.
Dorell
Hawley and Terry Paeltz provided guitar accompaniment for spirited
sing-a-longs. Saturday afternoon was spent walking the Stations of the
Cross and being a pilgrim on the labyrinth path. Time was also set aside
for those wishing to speak with Father Holder for spiritual direction.
Saturday evening a video Generations of
Hope was presented by Pat Rudloff. Two of the grandparents from Hope
Meadows, Fran Biederman and Irene Bohn, were present to share their
experiences working with the children and families of this endeavor. ECW
is currently involved in fund raising for this wonderful and deserving
community.
Sunday
brought sunshine and a promise of a wonderful day. We heard our final
presentation from Father Holder and had free time to reflect, visit, walk
the labyrinth, re-visit the Stations of the Cross and prepare for
Eucharist.
It was a moving experience to gather for
the last time in the chapel, to be enlightened by the word, pass the
peace, share the Eucharist, and lift our voices in praise.
We are already looking forward to next
year when we will once again gather at the table and share the joy of our
journeys.
The article was written by
Ms. Brenda Phillips, an ECW member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Alton,
IL.
Click here to see more photos from the ECW
Lenten Retreat.
