The God in the Now Retreats are being facilitated by the Congregation Renewal Team during 2005. In February, groups of up to 10 brothers and members of the Edmund Rice network, are gathering in Australia, Ireland and the USA to participate in this innovative ‘retreat-as-you-work’ experience.  This in an international initiative that grew out of a number of consultations conducted by the Congregational Renewal Team in 2004.  It grew out of the spiritual needs of people who are daily engaged in bringing peace and justice to those who are caught in situations of poverty, detention and deprivation.

Who?  The retreat is for those who long to enter more deeply into the Mystery we call God – present in the Now of our Times. 

What Happens?  Suitable time is negotiated with the group and individuals to introduce various methods of reflection useful in the exploration of one’s inner life.  It is about discovering ‘the deepest desire of your heart right now!’

How?  Participants continue with their normal life and work while engaging in some of the following processes accompanied by a member of the Renewal Team.  These include prayer both personal and communal, spiritual reading, sharing on scripture, theological reflection, contemplation and discernment, sharing of story and individual accompaniment.  In the year following the retreat, the group will be expected to continue the practices established during the retreat and to share them with others. 

There are some vacancies for these community-based retreats in 2006.  Please apply via the website: www.edmund/rice.org/crt or write to Peter Richardson, Treacy Centre, 126 The Avenue, Parkville.  Victoria 3052 Australia.

Peter Harney on behalf of the Congregation Renewal Team.  For enquiries about international programs that face such issues contact www.edmundrice.org/crt or enquire on crt@spp.edmundrice.org