Back from retreat

[Andruschak]

My 12 day retreat at the Center for Spiritual Development is over. I would like to say that I prayed up a storm, read lots of books, and came back a spiritual giant.:getholy:

Not quite

I slept a lot, goofed off a lot, relaxed a lot, and daydreamed a lot. I ate with the Sisters of Joseph. I went to Mass with them every weekday at 6:30 AM and 11 AM, and weekends at 8 AM.

A few notes. I was encouraged to go to the Priest during communion with arms folded to get the blessing. Most of the Sisters took communion in hand. After communion they went back their chairs and sat down. Hands were not held during the OF. And NO applause after the mass was ended.

The Holy Family Church was nearby, and from 11 AM - Noon I did my first confession with one of the Priests. Face to face. Got all of the big stuff out, and some of the smaller stuff. Received the Absolution, and felt a lot better about all of it.

And this was on Valentine’s Day. Coincidence?

The rest of today will be spent going through 12 days of mail. Tomorrow I return to work, to pay for all this.:bigyikes:

Definitely looking forward to confirmation at the Easter Vigil

 

[Andruschak]

I had plenty of time to read the CFP handbook cover to cover. What about this passage from 3 Lessons, page 9?

“If you feel proud that you can live all the tenants of the Rule, while others are self-indulgent and spiritually lazy, PLEASE refrain from pledging until you understand that those who live this Rule have no reason for any pride, as it is a Rule for babies in the spiritual life. No one needs more rules then little children who would certainly be in many unsafe situations if adults didn’t have rules for them. The CFP Rule and Constitutions have many prescriptions precisely because penitents need them. Others who are more mature in the faith do not.”

I resemble that remark.

I guess another way to look at it is that, like all Catholics, we are on a spiritual road. Some walk, some use cars, some use animals. CFP members use a tricycle…with training wheels. And for extra safety we are required to wear a harness, with a leash attached. The other end of the leash is held by our Spiritual Directors.