Cenacle Retreat in Daily Life and other events – 2020
“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day.” —Pope Francis –The Joy of the Gospel
The Cenacle Retreat in Daily Life Team gathers at the Cenacle in Waikanae at the end of November to reflect on their ministry of the year and to prepare for the next. We are aware of the many uncertainties and vulnerabilities which people face: earthquakes, floods and their consequences regarding buildings, dislocation of communities, jobs, insurance costs, health concerns and limitations, social and spiritual loss and global uncertainties.
As we consider the new year from the perspective of the Retreats in Daily Life, we feel gratitude for the participants who commit themselves to a week of guided prayer. As one person expressed it “wrinkles fell away”, there was the “thrill of discovering the person of Jesus in a new way”, and for others, issues resolved by praying the Gospel in the midst of everyday life. “I was aware of changes in myself as I went to work as the retreat progressed; I became less protective of my own time and more generous to others at my work”. These retreats which are an adaption of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola continue to be a powerful experience in people’s lives.
It is a privilege for the Team to enter into the faith community of a parish, be warmly welcomed there, and accompany people in a retreat.
Events in 2020 include:
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Ohariu Parish 19–24 April
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Writing the Soul Home – Poetry Day with Sr Anne Powell at Home of Compassion, Island Bay, Saturday 16 May
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Our Lady of Kapiti Parish Retreat in Daily Life 28 June–3 July
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St Theresa’s Parish, Plimmerton 13–18 September
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Otaki Parish 1–6 November
Members of the Team are: Merle Hiscock RNDM, Graham Millar, Fr Alan Roberts, Cenacle Companions Mrs Ronnie Parton and Mrs Merle Whiteman and Cenacle Sisters Mary J Kay, Clare O’Connor and Anne Powell.
Contact Sisters Clare O’Connor or Anne Powell for further information: