Our Spirit
NEWS
Spiritual Searchers Consider ‘Where am I going?’ : 3-5 August, 2007
Taking time away from the hustle-bustle of daily life gave ten Searchers an opportunity to be supported in their life journey with God at Clifton’s retreat and conference centre, Emmaus House. The ten, mainly in their 20s and 30s, came from university and professional backgrounds working at home and abroad.
Sr. Liz Shaw of the Sisters of La Retraite, who lead the team from four different religious congregations, said of the weekend “The theme of Life Journey gave us time to notice God’s presence or absence in life, as well as seeking to deepen trust in the God who travels with us.”
Team member, Sr. Anne McLoughlin, Sisters of St. Paul, added that people today need a mix of gentle support and input to guide them in living their faith in today’s world. “There are many ways to break open the Word of God and discover the riches of scripture.”
Participants appreciated the different styles of prayer offered during the weekend : “Praying with pictures said so much to me, especially when I noticed there were no people in it!” said one, who appreciated sharing her concerns with others; whilst Andy reflected that “1:1 time with a team member was encouraging and it was good simply having peace and quiet in the gardens”.
Petra commented that her “expectations of the weekend were completely transformed between Friday night and Sunday lunchtime – in a really positive way”, whilst another Searcher was helped to face serious questions in his life but came to see that “God really is in it with me whatever the future holds. Only time will tell.”
Having a social on Saturday evening created yet another way of being together; and the weekend came together in a Eucharist on Sunday before both Searchers and team headed off again on the next step of their respective journeys.
The other team members were Sr. Michele Totman from La Sainte Union and Fr. Dave Nixon, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. For further information on Searcher weekends in 2008, contact
Sr. Liz Shaw on eshaw@laretraite.ws.
Useful URL www.emmaushouse.org.uk
