From Friday 3rd to Sunday 6th June, the annual parish retreat took place at Buckfast Abbey in Devon for the first time. The theme, 'The Power of the Holy Eucharist', was inspired by Pope Benedict's words on the New Translation of the Mass. The first talk: 'The Power of the Real Presence' was given by Fr Dylan James, lecturer on moral theology at St John's Seminary. Robbie Low a catechist from Bodmin parish, presented the second talk(below) : 'The Power of the Sacrifice'.
It is vital to take time out of routine, if we possibly can, to refocus our relationship with God. Apart from Mass, morning and evening prayer and a holy hour in our own private chapel, we joined the monks for atmospheric night prayer in the abbey church. Southgate retreat house impressed everyone and the food was splendid. We were all very grateful to Br Stephen, the guestmaster - and all the monks - for their hospitality.
Some of us even managed to make it up to the top of the hill to see the ruined church.
There was a slight dispute about Fr Chris' assessment of the length of a mile...
What we did agree on was that we should try to go to Buckfast once more next year. (We hope to set up a fund to discreetly assist those who might find costs challenging).
I think your blog needs more stuff about jet skis:http://the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/2011/06/jet-skis-smartphones-and-pentecost.html
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