“Retreats are not luxuries, they’re lifelines! God is, of course, everywhere. Anthony DeMello told a story about a fish searching for the ocean. The ocean gave the fish both life and sustenance, and the fish never recognized it! In God I live, and move, and have my being. Whether or not I’m paying attention determines the quality of my life. Nurturing my life in God takes time and awareness. God gives me time and attention 24/7. I wish I could say I give back as good as I get!

Jesus regularly went with his disciples to “an out of the way place” to refresh and renew themselves. The same gift is available to me by going on a retreat. A Passionist preached retreat weekend gives opportunities to listen to God’s word being broken open in ways I haven’t had the time or experience to consider alone. There is time to pray, time to rest, time to talk with a compassionate listener about important issues, time for fellowship with others, time for reconciliation, and time to worship from my heart. Giving God the opportunity to tell me what I need to hear is essential to growing into greater fullness of life. Retreats are not luxuries, they’re lifelines!”

Dianne Cotton, 2.28.08


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