Personal Retreat - April 27 to May 4

Each year the Diocesan priests in the Diocese of Prince Albert gather for a 5-day retreat. As a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate our Rule of Life (Constitution 35) states that, “To put ourselves increasingly at the service of God in his people, we will set aside special times each month and each year for deeper personal and community prayer, for reflection and renewal. One week each year will be spent in retreat. Fraternal gatherings and an exchange on apostolic experiences could well precede or follow the retreat.”

For the last 20 years or so it has been my custom to make an 8-day Ignatian retreat. Earlier in the year I had plans to do so in mid-May. Given that things are a little more quiet now and given that there might be some possibility of movement later in May, I have decided to make my retreat here in Meadow Lake at the Parish Rectory from April 27 to May 4 inclusive.

What does that mean?

I will not be in the Parish Office from April 27-May 4.
I will continue to celebrate daily/Sunday mass at the usual times, live-streaming to Facebook and posting it on our Parish Website.
I will not be responding to Facebook posts, messages, comments etc. or adding other content to the website or to Facebook until my retreat is over.
I will not be responding to cell phone calls, text messages or emails.

I will be in touch with Raymond, our Parish Secretary for emergencies only. An emergency would include anointing someone in danger of death as per hospital protocols or a request for a funeral.

What do I do on retreat?

I will spend my day reading, reflecting, praying, listening to a retreat speaker, walking, doing normal housework and resting.
I will leave my computer and cell phone aside.
My TV will remain silent.
I will try to enter into a deeper silence and solitude that I may listen more closely to the voice of the Lord.

​I ask that you pray for me during this time that I might become more and more an intentional disciple of Christ and a servant of God’s holy people. I assure you that I will be praying for you and the whole of our world as we live this most unique moment of our history!