Comments on: Online Retreat for Catechists – Week 2: An Openness to God

By: Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:21:55 +0000

I’m a little behind here on this retreat. I agree that “trust” is the key word in growing closer to our Lord and in understanding God’s ways over man’s. Every time, I’ve basically said, “I don’t know how, Lord, but I know You can…”, He has revealed answers to my prayers in ways I would never expect. I’ve learned that trusting is the hardest for all people (adults and children alike), because God is not visible to us. Science teaches tangible proof. Our society seems to have become the “Doubting Thomas”. We as Catholic Christians know that the Holy Spirit is present in each of us and through each of us, when we cooperate with His will. When the world bombards us with fears of “How can you have more children?”, “How can you afford college?”, How will you pay your bills?”, “How can you afford to retire?”, we too quickly forget to place our trust in God that He will take care of us. Although, there are times, my husband seems to be more trusting than me, I have seen God answer so many prayers, proving, that when we place our worries, concerns and needs in His hands, we are not forsaken.

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:42:59 +0000

Steve, wow, you are experiencing quite a lot right now! Glad you could find us and find support in this retreat and in this online community of catechists!

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:10:37 +0000

I trust my wife more than any other person in the world-we have been married almost 30 years and been through a lot together. Marriage and parenthood is not for the squeamish. Right now, I am finding I have to place my trust in God and eventually I will find out his plan for me. I was laid off, but found a new teaching job in the same city relatively quickly but it meant I had to teach Religion as the main instructor to middle school kids. My other courses were very similar so that will probably be less of a change. I also lost my father a week ago so I’ve been back home (250 miles away) for most of June and will not get back home for a few more days. I feel a little bit like Job and not sure what is in store for me and my family. I am really happy I found Joe’s Catechist book which led me to this web site. Wonder how that happened?

By: treb

treb — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:22:45 +0000

Rit I pray for your continued strength and faith>Listen for God’s whispers of love in the quiet moments of your deep reflections. Much love and prayers to you. It is hard to expose yourself but then you deny yourself the love of others who are waiting to share their love and support. we are wih you in the love of our Lord. Peace to you.

By: treb

treb — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:03:51 +0000

Hi Greg I am volunteer in several different ministries including 6th grade ccd teacher. I have worked with the public and trust is very hard to regain when you failed to hold up your end. I try to convey my sincere regret that I failed them and I will try harder next time. MY kids I disappointed but I always started every sentence that I will try my best but I may not be able to deliver. And reminded them that they may not always deliver but I trust them to try their best. Bless you and may God continue to walk with you. Peace

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:08:28 +0000

Cindy, well-said. When we say that these are characteristics of the catechist’s spirituality, it doesn’t mean that we are necessarily proficient in them but that we have a heightened awareness of them. Whereas you are paying attention to this area and struggling with it, others may not even be aware of the issue. This retreat really does help us to realize we are not alone and that we can find support in others who are going through similar struggles.

By: cindy

cindy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:54:13 +0000

What I have learned from the refection questions is that my personal openess to God has been a rocky road. I have learned from some of the other comments is that I am not alone and that’s okay. I am here and that shows me that I am being to put my trust in the lord.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:16:38 +0000

Trust is very important we all need something to trust. Is there a greater trust then the one gives us each day to do His work and to make the correct choices? In class the students make the class room rules and I add the last one which is trust; we will all learn to trust each other and most important God trust that His love is pure and unfailing

By: Renee

Renee — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:46:57 +0000

Many times we say, “if I have reached just one child”, because we know that not all of our students learned everything, some we wonder if they heard anything. But since we are focusing on trusting in God – I urge you to not become discouraged. We will never know how a single word, activity, prayer, or even the witness of our own presence, has moved someone. We are there to help plant the seed – only God can make it take root in the heart. You may not teach everyone everything – but you do teach everyone something! God can take our “little something” and turn it into a “great something”.

By: Barb

Barb — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:52:51 +0000

Anne Marie,
I had some hard times too. It was in my hard times that I started reflecting on how God was hurt by our actions. I was and still am not confident to pray for certain things to happen. When I prayed for my daughter that became a diabetic, I prayed for God to watch over her till she would know how to take care the herself. He did, she is now 33 and has 2 children. When my youngest daughter gave us troubles in her senior year, I called upon our gifts from confirmation. Ya know, that is when I really knew God was listening. When I asked for wisdon, and knowledge on how to handle the problems. I couldn’t believe the answers that came in to my head. I am not a good person to pray prayers, I just think about God a lot, and talk to him off and on durning the day. But it is the peace he gives me that I love the most. I pray that he will give you that peace. And that he will bring someone to you that can help you with the really bad times.
This on line retreat is nice, but sometimes we really need to be with each other. Just know that we care..
Barb