Rest Stops on the Journey of Faith
Retreats can be a wonderful time to reflect and share with a faith community, bringing members closer both in their spiritual relationships and to each other. In November, 35 members of Our Lady of the Lake Parish participated in an 8-week retreat entitled, “Praying with St. Ignatius, “ lead by a team from the Jesuit Retreat House.
Each Monday evening session began with prayer and guided meditation, followed by teaching along the lines of the theme for each evening and small group sharing at the tables. Participants formed around tables, and worked together throughout the retreats. Many found their table experience to be among the most rewarding blessings from the retreat. Spiritual “homework” each week included a “Prayer Theme,” Scripture passages which reflected that theme, related brief readings, an introduction to another type or style of prayer, and guides to cultivating a spiritual discipline as described by St. Ignatius of Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Those who wished to also kept a spiritual journal, which they could then share during their table group time.
Comments from participants reveal that this 8-week commitment was well worth the time, energy and discipline required, including comments like:
“This retreat has been a gift.”
“I feel I was meant to be here – to meet and exchange and pray.”
“The retreat gave definition and direction to my prayer life…making my daily life a prayerful ministry was a beautiful insight.”
“Time well spent!”
Time spent with our faith community always feels like time well spent. Our Lady of the Lake looks forward to another rewarding advent retreat on December 6. If you'd like more information about retreats, or any of our many faith formation activities, please feel free to call the Rectory or email Shawn Witmer at shawn@ourladyofthelakeoh.org. We would be happy to welcome you, as well!
Sarah Gyorki
Shawn Witmer, Pastoral Minister