Saturday, December 14, 2013

Joyful Mercy Advent in Newfoundland

Submitted by:  Maureen O'Keefe, rsm


Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.  Teilhard de Chardin

St John's, Newfoundland.  Mercy Associates assembled for a time of prayer and reflection on November 30 and December 3 at Mercy Convent Chapel and Associate Room, Military Road. Sister Loretta Chafe-rsm led the gathering as they contemplated,  “Come, take time to prepare your heart in joyful hope for the Advent of our God.” 

L to R:  Back Row - Joan Upshall, Sr. Loretta Chafe,
Regina Shapter, Sheila Connoly, Betty Pomroy, Marie Higgins,
Cathy Hickey.
Seated: Bess Collins, Lucy Parrott,  Mary Craig,
Sr. Maureen O'Keefe.
Here are some thoughts expressed by participants at the end of the day:

Through singing, psalms and scripture reading, personal reflections, sharing of thoughts and a guided reflection on Luke’s account of the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, the many facets of joy were contemplated. 

 Each line of scripture led us to the heartfelt understanding that life is all joy and freedom once we become aware of God’s presence in our own hearts and in each other. Each person shared stories about how we receive the grace in the everyday moments of our lives to “rejoice in all things” – how our lives are a winding journey comprised of joys and sorrows, disappointments and losses, high points of achievement and reward, quiet empty spaces of time and fun-filled times with others.

L to R:  Sr. Loretta Chafe,  Rose Dinn,
Dolores Robertson,  Anne Brown
Sister Loretta’s guided journey with Mary to Elizabeth’s house was truly precious in
enabling us to experience trust, joy and comfort with one another. Just as Mary was so filled with joy as she spoke with Elizabeth, that she proclaimed the Magnificat, we too are asked to open  our hearts to receive God’s love and allow Jesus to born anew in us. 

The retreat was an oasis of quiet time away from the material hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. It provided a joy and peace that we can take back to our homes and communities.

The day was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. We left with lighter and more joyful hearts and with a spring in our step.  For a few hours we shared a sacred space and a spiritual unity that brought us to a greater awareness of the presence of God within and among us.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Reflections

By:  Carl Madigan, CND Associate, Mabou, Nova Scotia.

________________________________________________


Life



Journey’s end ----                                          
Journey’s yet begun ---
And so I go Lord
Only because you ask this of me.
For some unending reason
You have found favour with me
And have now shared
The totality of Your Being ---
As far as my heart can grasp.
Life’s end ---
Life’s true beginning.             Amen.


________________________________


My Teddy Bear


Ever gentle – Ever loving

May this small being ever share with you
The total wonderment of life 
Of love.

May his quiet, gentle ways 
Guide you to the loving gentleness               
Of our Father.

May his patient, forgiving heart
Lead you deeply
Into the healing arms of our God.

May his faithful, loving presence
Draw you ever more
Into the comforting presence of our Lord.

May his unity with his Being
Bring you fully
Into the Oneness of your Being.

And may your life be lived as His
In peaceful, gentle, loving
Acceptance of all your being.

Forever at one 
With self
With other
With God.

P.S.  Isn’t it marvelous that we never grow too old to be loved by our teddy bears.


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

CND Associate and Presbyterian Minister conduct workshop

Rev. Joyce Davis (left) and Peg Madigan at Cape
Breton Women's Ecumenical Conference.
In November, CND Associate Peg Madigan and Presbyterian minister Joyce Davis teamed up to facilitate a workshop at the 30th annual Cape Breton Women's Ecumenical Conference at the picturesque Inverary Inn, Baddeck, Nova Scotia.    The workshop entitled "Homeward Bound" offered participants an opportunity to pause and reflect on the mystery of life's end.

Guest speaker for the conference was Rev. Marion McKay who explored the weekend theme "Opening Doors" and ably held the attention of the 107 attendees with her gift of storytelling and insightful connections.

Madigan, reflecting on the weekend, stated, "There were many highlights but the Sunrise Prayer Service early Sunday morning overlooking the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes was a special highlight along with the Emmaus Walk which offered an opportunity to spend some quality time in sharing and listening with a companion". 

The conference was chaired by committee member Honorine MacMullin of Cheticamp, Nova Scotia.

The popular weekend gathering is filled with discussion, sharing, singing, laughter and wonderful meals.   In fact it is so popular many women, before leaving, booked rooms for the 2014 conference !