In the past two weeks I’ve been involved in some Retreat Work – firstly with some priests from the Diocese of Cloyne in Glencomeragh House, Co. Waterford and, in recent days, with a group in Mount St Anne’s Retreat Centre, Killenard, Co. Laois. On both occasions I was helped by one of our priests who covered daily Mass in the parish for me. I am very grateful for this.
Retreat work is, I suppose, part of my ministry and I have been lucky enough to be involved in it through the years. I like the challenge in brings and the chance to share a few thoughts and stories with people from different places. Much of the work has involved retreats with priests and religious and, occasionally, parish missions or talks. The variety is good but it can sometimes be difficult to get away and the parish is always on my mind and the hope that nothing happens while I’m away that I’d really want to be there for. As it turned out, following the Cloyne Retreat, I returned to the parish to three funerals over the space of a weekend and a wedding that, of course, had been arranged.
I was at a funeral in Kiltegan on Wednesday – a neighbour from Monasteraden, Fr James Sharkey had died and his Funeral Mass took place there. James, a priest of St Patrick’s Missionary Society for sixty years, was a good and kind man. I met him often over the years and regarded him highly, may he rest in peace. Had I been in Kilmovee, I’d have tried to attend the Mass but, as it turned out I was in Killenard which is only about an hour from Kiltegan so I re-arranged things a bit with the group here and was glad to be able to attend. I met some of my neighbours from home and when I told one of them that I was in Killenard directing a retreat, he asked “Who would be at that?” and when I told him he said: “Isn’t that a bit like bringing coal to Newcastle?” I know what he meant. He wondered why priests or nuns would need to go on retreat. He’s not alone. The feeling might well exist that priests and nuns are people of faith and know what they are about spiritually and might often be called upon to help others spiritually so how then could they need spiritual help! NEWSFLASH!! We all need help!
So is that what I see myself doing? Helping? Being some sort of expert? A “guru” of sorts? While I’d like to think what I do might be a help, I certainly don’t see myself as guru or expert. Most of what I try to bring to retreats comes from my own experiences and attempts to live the life of ministry. That includes my many shortfalls and moments of confusion but includes too many of the wonderful experiences I have had along the way. I enjoy parish life and much of what I have to share comes from experiences lived in the various parishes. People and God’s relationship with me through them and mine with Him are my backdrop. Stories shared are stories that matter and made a difference to me. Songs too, form a fair part of all I try to do and the odd poetry verse. Scripture passages as well, and their place in my life and the experiences lived are important to me.
I always feel helped too! There are moments when someone says something to me, shares a story that stays with me. In particular, on many of the diocesan retreats I’ve been part of, I have enjoyed stories about priests and characters of the diocese, stories told with respect and in spirit of good humour and fellowship. I have also been deeply moved by some of the wonderful people I have encountered, through their amazing ability to give meaningful witness to their faith and vocation. I don’t believe I ever went to a retreat without feeling humbled and refreshed by decent people.
To be asked to lead or direct a retreat is no small thing since those going on retreat or those organising a retreat want to receive something from it. So when asked to do this work, there’s a belief that I can bring something to it and I appreciate that trust very much. I enjoy this aspect of my life and know that I won’t be at it forever but I am very thankful to people in the parish for their understanding and to those who help me in the parish for their support too. Without them and the goodwill of some of my priest friends and colleagues, I clearly could not be involved in this ministry.