The Diocese of Greensburg recommends that the priests make at least one week long retreat within a year. This is a good practice for the spiritual journey. In years gone by the Diocese scheduled three weekly retreats to choose from - one in April, June and September. Today we have only the September retreat ... which began this evening. The reason for the reduction in the scheduled retreats came from a reduction in the number of clergy and also from the availability of private retreats elsewhere. One year I made a retreat at a Jesuit Retreat House - "Manressa" - in Annapolis, Maryland ... and for a few years I went to the Trappist Retreat House in Berryville, Virginia.
Our retreats throughout the years have varied greatly. A few have been outstanding with wonderful spiritual guides leading us. Most were good, solid moments of "retreating" - stepping aside from the normal routine and schedule of life to relax and renew that spiritual dimenion of our ministry. There have been a few which I have found to be "duds" ... but chances are that it was because I was not of the right frame of mind and heart to enter that journey.
Today we began our diocesan priests' retreat for 2019. We are being shepherded by Father John A. Pavlik, OFM, Cap. He is a member of the Saint Augustine Province of the Capuchin Franciscan Order based out of Pittsburgh. Father John is a native of the diocese, born and raised in New Kensington ... and is presently serving as weekend ministry at the Partner Parishes of Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale and Saint Joseph in Everson.
Those of us who entered into this retreat tonight look forward to the Lord's blessings and renewal in our ministry. Please pray for us. Please pray for all priests.
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