In John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in America, the Holy Father says that all the members of the church are called to evangelize and this comes out of “fresh encounter with Jesus Christ”. Retreats offer that opportunity for the faithful to break away from the everyday life, to reflect upon their baptismal call as Christians, to ponder the deeper questions concerning the meaning and purpose of their lives and to come to a renewed and fresh encounter with the Risen Christ in the context of the faith community.
Women's Cornerstone Retreat
The Women’s Cornerstone IXTeam is happy to report that our retreat was a great success. We would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone who helped: • Father Richard, for his support. • Deacon Sonny and Deacon George for their assistance in set-up. • The Parish office staff for their cheerful assistance. • Our Cornerstone brothers and sisters who helped with setup and breakdown, donated food and non-perishables, baked, worked tirelessly in the kitchen, assisted as table leaders and as our photographer. What a testimony to the Cornerstone community! • The Knights of Columbus, who always give so freely of their time. • Our local merchants: Bagel Station, Sparta; Castle Printing, Ledgewood; Dunkin’ Donuts, Ogdensburg; Home Depot, Newton; Ibranyi Florist, Newton; Liquor Factory, Sparta; and Pizza One, Sparta; for their generosity. • Johny Samia-Sabahia for cooking the dinners. • But most of all, the candidates themselves. They answered the Holy Spirit’s invitation to join the Cornerstone retreat and enthusiastically shared and interacted with each other and the Team. That is what makes a retreat a success!Thank you all. There would have been no retreat without all your help and support.
We cannot name each of you individually, but you know who you are. The Lord has called you each by name.