From: McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
Date: September 25, 2008 12:19:27 AM EDT
To: “Jasperfjohn Reinke”
Subject: Retreat
Dear John,
A quick report on last weekends retreat at the Passionist Retreat Center in Riverdale. About 60 men attended. The theme was Gratitude and the 4 speakers were outstanding. Friday nights speaker was Bob Baughman, V.P. Mandkind Corporation whose topic was Why Aren’t We More Grateful. He gave a very powerful talk that led to interesting discussion groups later.
Saturday morning, Brother Ray Meagher, FSC spoke about “Gratitude: Vocational Vitality” which had the groups attention for the entire presentation. Brother teaches in the School of Education and it was evident why he is so well liked by his students,
Saturday afternoon, my brother Ed led a round table type discussion : Laymen’s Introduction to Scripture and Prayer.
Ed explained what some parishes are doing in setting up Men’s Ministries that meet early on Saturday mornings to study and discuss scripture. In some parishes as many as 60 men take part. Many men found the idea of attending such a program interesting.
Msgr. Dermot Brennan’s, former pastor of St. Patrick’s in Yorktown., topic was Developing An Attitude of Gratitude, which demonstrated that he has not lost a step in his preaching skills. Even after a long day and dinner he kept everyone awake and attentive.
Fr. Paul Fagan, the Retreat Director, delivered the final presentation, Staking Our Life on God’s Promises with Gratitude, was the perfect end to a great Retreat.
I should report that on Saturday, after Confessions, we had Mass at which Father Paul and Father Michael, administered the Sacrament of the sick to those who wished to participate.
All in all a great weekend to take stock of our relationship with God.
Sorry that all of you could not join us!
Mike
[JR: Thanks for the report. Usually I'd try to make a joke, but sounds like there were serious men doing serious work. Quietly. Courageously. Reverently. Nothing to joke about there. But, most importantly did you get us more readers? :-) After all, priorities are priorities. Seriously, thanks for all you do for Jottings. So what's the date for next year? Never too early to start publicizing.]
# # # # #
