Sandhurst based Spiritual Director, Paul White writes about a recent Retreat for Men at the Moyhu Presbytery, facilitated by the Sandhurst Retreat and Accompaniment Team. Participants were guided in prayer and reflection to find new ways to experience God in their lives.
By Paul White
It was a warm weekend at the end of the Church’s Liturgical Year, with the Solemnity of Christ the King and the Season of Advent looming. And, although it is a busy time of the year for many men, a few took time out to rest, reflect and restore a healthy relationship with God.
It has been many years since a priest has been in residence in the Moyhu Presbytery and yet the parish community has maintained the property in fine condition to enable the Sandhurst Retreat and Accompaniment Team to provide a small group the opportunity of a low cost, local residential retreat and day of reflection.
With the support of Fr Nathan Verallo, Mons. Cris Manongas and the local parish council, a group of men gathered to pray on the Friday. They had travelled some distance to attend the retreat (one from Bendigo) but this was not as far as if they had to go to Melbourne. On Saturday they were joined by a couple of local men from Wangaratta and Moyhu.
All came seeking a deeper relationship with God. The following comments offer some insights into the weekend.
“The retreat was an opportunity to take some time out and explore my own spirituality.”
“Slow gentle chang.e”
“New ways to pray.”
“Great freedom to express my faith.”
“A better understanding of where God is in my life.
All proceeds from the retreat were passed on to the parish to offset utilities and associated costs. Particular thanks go to Miriam and Stan Balfour for their personal attention and support of the retreat.
I have no doubt that more retreats will be conducted at Moyhu in the coming year.
Paul White
On behalf of the Sandhurst Retreat and Accompaniment Team
(Image above is an artistic impression of the retreat)
