"Many Wells, One River"
SJA Lenten Retreat

Saturday, March 6th, 2004

May you drink deeply of this living water.
Awaken to the sacred river running through your soul.
Dip into its divine flow and refresh your spirit.
Immerse yourself in the safety of its cleansing and comforting embrace.
Fill your heart to overflowing in this holy baptism of love.

Wells, rivers, water…….all conjure up strong images. At least, that was the experience of the 35 people attending the Lenten retreat last Saturday in the church of St. Joan of Arc. Having graduated from high school in the early ‘60’s, my notion of a retreat invokes images of prayer, silence, contemplation, and (truthfully) an effort to stay awake. This retreat was no less a ministry of prayer or contemplation than my 1950-1960s experiences. In typical SJA fashion it was a model of good planning, challenging ideas, fitting visual images, stimulating readings, and even a little drama! All of this was enhanced by the rich voice and harmonic guitar of Deb Harley. No, I was never in danger of falling asleep.

The People

The retreat team was made up of Lou Hendricks, Mark Scannell, Tom Smith-Myott, Mary Eve Thomas and Dana White. Those attending were a microcosm of the parish at large, though perhaps skewed in favor of the women. Reasons for attending were varied but for many there was a common thread. “I need to slow down”. “Life has gotten too crazy”. “I need to stop and take care of myself”. Others spoke of particular problems they needed to focus on, and for some the Lenten retreat was an annual occurrence not to be missed.

The Setting

The retreat was held in the church where a small altar had been placed in the middle of a large circle of chairs. The lights were on but there was a subdued ambience that seemed just right for a day of prayer and reflection. The stained glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the floor and I found myself using it as a focal point as I listened to the readings. The altar was multi-tiered, adorned with glass dolphins, plants and candles. A large bowl of water was on the altar and every participant was invited to make a connection to the water. As each stepped forward to dip fingers or hands in the water it awakened memories of baptism.

The Music

Deb Harley, singer, songwriter and peacemaker was on hand to offer her gift of music as a golden thread to join and encircle the events of the day. She has a beautiful voice, resonant and calming. Other times during the day meditation music with the sound of waves washing up on shore played softly in the background.

The Contemplation and Sharing

Throughout the day the retreat team introduced thoughts and ideas for reflection, all centered on the idea that we have within us a well of healing water, a river of grace. We were invited to build upon that theme as we spent time in personal thought, then met in small groups to share our ideas. Water is not always a blessing, but in the context of the day it was seen as peaceful, cleansing, nourishing, a source of joy, a source of energy. Many spoke of the desire to move inward, to explore and be sustained by the well of God’s love within us.

The Food!

Midday we all went down to Hospitality Hall for lunch. If our souls were becoming refreshed upstairs – our bodies were supremely nourished downstairs! We enjoyed a variety of sandwiches, two soups, chips, and cookies all the while meeting new people and sharing ideas on a number of topics - water and otherwise. After such a satisfying interlude there could have been concern about a drowsy afternoon, but we needn’t have worried……

The Theater

When we reassembled in the church a new setting surprised us all. The circle of chairs had been rearranged to make way for what appeared to be a scene from “Cheers”. But we were left in suspense while Ron Joki explained that the morning was spent focusing inward; the afternoon would be spent moving outward into the world. After reading the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, Ron introduced the “bartender”, Michael Reinbold, and “Sister” Julie Madden. They performed a short drama about a nun who enters a gay bar ostensibly to have a cold beer, but in reality, as a representative of St. Joan of Arc. The bartender is at once suspicious and mildly hostile but the nun quickly concedes her hidden agenda, disarming the bartender and quickly gaining his respect with her acceptance and sincerity. Written by Ron Joki, Michael and Julie proved to be accomplished and polished performers. Once again, falling asleep was not an option.


and
Sue O'Brien is the wife of Tom, mother of four children, and grandmother of six. She is dental hygienist and manages a dental practice in Spring Lake Park. A parishioner for many years, Sue worked as a caregiver at Grace House for seven years, beginning the week it opened. Now she is looking forward to meeting new people at St. Joan of Arc as she helps out as a web reporter and photographer. Sue can be reached at sueo-b@comcast.net.
The observations and discussion that followed were animated, thoughtful and often moving. The drama touched many people in a personal way, and to most it seemed like an apt metaphor as the people of St. Joan of Arc move outward to embrace all of God’s children.

The retreat team did a masterful job of planning the day. I know I speak for all the participants when I thank them for their commitment of time and energy. It reinforced my belief that St. Joan of Arc is a well overflowing with love and acceptance – and open to anyone who is in need of nourishment.

Back