The joy of sharing

I recently had the delightful experience of attending a Retreat organised at Ampleforth Abbey for Catholic Converts by the Coming Home Network in the US.  Many people in the UK follow the podcasts and broadcasts this admirable organisation puts out on the internet.  They were originally launched more specifically to provide support for convert clergy and ministers but they provide counsel and support generally to inquirers and converts, some of whom face considerable obstacles on their path to conversion.  The leaders of the Retreat told us that they have about 700 contacts in the UK.  I was particularly delighted by the format: they have found that what converts and inquirers most want is not to be offered talks or lectures but the opportunity for sharing: so in each of our sessions the designated leader would launch by talking about his own experiences as a convert minister and then throw the meeting open for others.  We talked about what first drew us to the Catholic Church, about the crucial moments or experiences in our respective journeys, about the obstacles we faced and so forth.  This resonated with me as a Secular Carmelite because I have noticed down the years in our meetings that they are important opportunities for just this kind of sharing of life and faith experiences.  I myself was drawn to Carmel by the realisation that the road of spiritual growth did not need to be a solitary or lonely one, and I have relished that aspect of our gatherings.  We do not need to walk this road alone.

Intercessions:

Brian Davis – cancer

Cancer: Marie, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Sue B, Theresa K

Siena, Elara – sick children

Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated

David OCDS - housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Joy Smith OCDS – seriously ill