Description of St. Anne Factulty Retreat
St. Anne Faculty Retreat
March 21, 2014
St. Hilary's
We Are Church
Schedule
8:30 AM Gathering
9:00 AM Opening Prayer
9:20 AM Session One: We Are the Leaders of the Church
Quiet Reflection
Sharing
10:20 AM Break
11:20 AM Session Two: We Are Church Activity – Let's Evangelize
Activity
Sharing
12: 30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Communion Service
Session One: We Are the Leaders of the Church
Know yourself deeply
You cannot lead others unless you can lead yourself, so leaders dig deeply into themselves, confront their flaws, and, ultimately, achieve peaceful acceptance of themselves and the unique role they can play in the world.
But, after that introspection deep dive within, leaders turn outward. They do not live for themselves alone but transcend themselves to serve others. The wisdom and energy generated from their self-knowledge isn’t bottled up but radiates outward.
Immerse yourself in the world, but withdraw from the world daily
The new leader immerses herself in the world with eyes open to its joys and sufferings and with hands calloused from sharing the everyday struggles of those around her. She is not apart and aloof but “in touch” and accountable. She cultivates solidarity, especially with those who are neglected or marginalized.
Yet, while fully immersed in the world, she is not fully “of” the world. She does not drift on a tide of texts, media stimulation, and phone calls, but withdraws daily to reflect, feel gratitude for all she has, take in the big picture, and remind herself of her values and beliefs.
Live in the present and revere tradition, but create the future
The new leaders seizes today’s opportunity fully because it’s the only opportunity he is certain of having. And he stands for something, honoring the beliefs and values bequeathed by his tradition.
But deeply rooted in a tradition does not mean stuck. He is not enslaved by the past. He does not shrink from change fearfully but drives change with hope and optimism. He runs to the future, not from it.
For Reflection
Which of these habits of leadership invites you or is an area to explore?
Which description do you personally embrace as an inspiration?
Please use this quiet time to reflect and pray. To “listen” to Jesus. Let us quiet ourselves down so we can hear what Jesus is saying to us. To take some time to be quiet and just listen.
Session Two: We Are Church – Let's Evangelize!
For Reflection
While working with your partner(s), discuss the following questions.
What does our community need to be more of an “evangelizing community”?
What gifts do I bring to our community?