Bonding Retreat 2017 with Single Working Adults
Bonding Retreat 2017 with Single Working Adults
Rachael D'Rozario 15 November 2017
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Since announcements to build a single working adults ministry was made in July of 2017, single working adults began to encounter each other over fortnightly gatherings during the months of August and September 2017. On October 13 to 15, 11 single working adults from the Parish of Jesus Caritas and Chapel of Kristus Aman responded to this call more deeply and got together for a stay in weekend at the Canossia House in Kepong. The group were joined together by facilitators, husband and wife team, Felix and Yvonne, who have over 7 years of experience journeying with single working adults at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, in Sabah.
The weekend began with a BBQ dinner followed by an evening of conversations, introductions and prayer. In the first COME AND SEE session, participants were then invited to be present and open to the weekend retreat. Day 2 then began with a community prepared breakfast which included transforming the leftovers of the BBQ. As conversations began to over-flow at the dining table, participants were then ushered for the morning session; SHARING IN GOD’S BLESSED LIFE (CCC1). This includes reflections on one’s relationship with God, self and others; inviting also one to name one’s true identity in Christ. Recollecting the challenges of a working adult, participants expressed the desires to be brave, secure, safe, sheltered, joyful, desire, hopeful, at peace, free, uniquely created and simply at home in the Father’s house.
The afternoon continued with a time of sharing life in men and women cell groups followed by a creative mug painting session called FILL MY CUP. Participants were invited to reflect on the name that God calls them and to paint this expression on the mug, after which, participants offered this mug prayerfully at the altar, as a symbolic act of surrendering their lives and the desires on their heart to God. This session was followed by Mass at the Church of Jesus Caritas and once again participants heard the invitation from God to come HOME through the liturgy of the word and homily by Fr. Michael Raymond (OFM Cap). The evening continued with a lovely ‘bak kut teh’ dinner and a “ROFL” (roll on the floor laughing) night of pictionary/charades. Indeed, for some present, artistic expression is a great challenge.
Day 3 saw similar enthusiasm for fellowship, conversations, prayer, reflections and sharing of life through the sessions on BEING A SINCERE GIFT OF SELF and IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY AS A CHRISTIAN WORKING ADULT. Participants shared that they would like to see this fellowship continue in months to come. Overall, each one present, went home with an enriching time with God and each other. Single working adults have had 2 gatherings since the bonding retreat and it is heart-warming to hear that God is still inviting participants to bond with Him in their daily lives. He is our authentic source of life and in Him we are truly loved, truly at home.
“One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple.” - Psalm 27:4
“One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple.” - Psalm 27:4
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