I’m really excited for you! July 11, 2001 was my first day and within 15 minutes it already changed my life. Just happens Fr. Pecht was brilliant, kind, incredibly patient, and knowledgeable not only about theological things but about psychology. First thing he did was sit knees-to-knees with me and just gaze at me with the most gentle facial expression I’d ever seen. After a bit he said, “would you like to pray together?” I said, “sure,” and he already had two Bibles opened to the same page. We took turns reading alternate paragraphs. Then we sat for another minute and he finally said, “is there anything you would like to know?” I said, "yes, father, why is the world so crazy? Even the doctors can’t understand a thing I say and blah blah blah … " He listened calmly, smiled, then got out a piece of paper and explained the whole thing in a wonderful way that totally made sense. Each session, he gave me the notes he wrote while explaining things. I kept them in a notebook.
For you, first and foremost, you don’t “need” to take anything with you. He will guide you.
That said, I don’t see the harm in doing an examination of conscience, though. You might even think about your spiritual goals if you have any – such as particular virtues you want to develop, or situations you find difficult, or dreams you have. You can even type this stuff up and take it with you. If you use it, fine. If he has another plan, fine.
I hope you can get back to this thread to report on how it went!
Alan
