Retreats & Evening Seminars » 2006 Retreats

2006 Retreats

2006 RETREATS

Retreat Nelson 23-25th June

A fortnight beforehand Nelson had such foul weather...
rain, floods, sleet, thunder, lightning...
you name it, we had it.

Friday dawned a glorious picture perfect day - blue sky, snowcapped mountains, crisp fresh air and we all looked forward with anticipation to our first ever Dove Fellowship for Catholic Women retreat to be held at Bridge Valley Camp, Wakefield, Nelson on 23 - 25 June, 2006.

National team President, Carleen Walshe welcomed 45 women to the weekend, and told us Jesus had personally invited us on this weekend, and the vision was a bonding together of women to women in gentleness and love.
Women arrived from all parts of New Zealand, particularly the South Island, and as this is the Centre of New Zealand it seemed quite fitting that new ground would be broken.

Father David Knight from Memphis, Tennessee was the guest speaker. He holds a doctorate in theology, and has written many books - some of which we were able to buy. His teaching was sound, entertaining and inspiring, and we felt challenged and encouraged to know more about our Lord Jesus Christ.

He encouraged us to read the Vatican II documents as there are only 16 of them, so we would be more enlightened and informed in our Catholic faith, as we pursue perfection. He promotes a five point focus for growth of the spiritual life for every Christian in the world - to live out their Baptism – to be Christ - we are the Body of Christ by Baptism but need to interact with Him consciously.

We must come to Mass with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. If we are bored at Mass we are not listening to all the words because the words are exciting. We are not spectators - we are participants, celebrating the Good News. Our prayers are as important as the presider – priest who speaks in union with the whole Church. We need to return to the reality that WE are celebrating the Mass back from the Mass being something the priest did. We should come into the church with the attitude, I’m going to do something; - Praise God like I mean it, talk to God - not just say the words, develop a personal relationship - person to person with God. We are called and challenged to be disciples that is students of Jesus Christ. We must not be deceived, sometimes if the devil can’t tempt us - he will get us to do something good, but not as good as what God wants us to do.
Don’t rationalise - admit weaknesses. God doesn’t ask the impossible. All God asks right now is for us to invite HIM in - never leave HIM out. "Love the Lord with all our heart"
Listen to the Words of the Mass - they are exciting - the key to the Catholic faith is the Mass
We have been enlightened by God. We are committed - called. Called to the mission of Jesus.
Abandon ourselves at Holy Communion - once all have received this should be a time of SILENCE - stop talking, stop singing- be enclosed with Christ. In this Sacrament He comes to give us Himself, a preview of Heaven.

This retreat was a truly blessed weekend with very rich teaching. We were cocooned in warmth and love - nurtured in the cradle of Gods love. We came together as one to praise and learn in unity and harmony. Food”par excellence", and entertainment Saturday night - side splitting!!.

And last but by no means least the three, young at heart ladies, who just had to try their skills on the flying fox across the lake before heading for home and their families, what an exhilarating experience for them, and pure joy for those watching. Showing the powerful healing of the Holy Spirit with the gentleness of the Dove throughout the weekend.