October 2, 2010 Oblate Annual Retreat Day

Listening Turns the Soul to God

Oblate Annual Retreat Day at St. Gertrude Monastery

Benedictine Oblates and Guests

Back L/R – Fran Lucas, Pat & Frank Lafferty, Joan Dent, Dick Palazzolo, Carol Russell, Pam McElwee, Terry Wood,

Flo Petroski, Rosemary Kinnamon, Ann Haywood, Peggy Finneran, Trudy Dean, Rev. Norman Carroll, Retreat Master

Middle L/R – Mary and Kiby Kibler, Margie Palazzolo, Noreen Flohr, Susie Booze, Catherine Wood, Rita Miedl

Front L/R – Sister Roni Daniels, Oblate Director, Anne McCormick Adams, Cynthia Ingram

We began the day by singing, “Like a sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, so I turn toward you and follow you, my God.”  And after a day filled with singing, praise, listening to St. Benedict’s Prologue, and learning Active Listening Skills, praying, reconciliation, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communion with each other during two wonderful meals, and two spirit-filled conferences, we concluded our day of reflection.

Father Carroll is sharing a song with the oblates and guests.

As the oblates listened to the soft, peaceful musical notes of “Like a Sunflower”, played by Jo-El, the 2010 Oblate Day of Retreat began with Praise.  “Like a sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, so I turn toward you and follow you, my God.”  Our Retreat Master, Rev. Norman P. Carroll thanked God for bringing us here to listen.  He spoke about the Jewish “shema Yisrael” – Hear O Israel and that Jesus says, “Listen, Amen, Amen” – an invitation that then requires some response or responsibility.  St. Benedict asks us to “be hospitable to the word.”  In speaking of his cockatiel, Mica, and how she clings to him, to his voice, to his presence…he reminded us that nothing compares to God to make us complete.  God says “always come to me,” make that choice to do it.  He noted that listening requires obedience.

Our first handout was St. Benedict’s Prologue in the Rule.  First we all took turns reading parts aloud and noting the words that stood out to us.  Then we read it again to ourselves picking out other words that touched us.  The last time, Father asked us to close our eyes and listen as he read the Prologue to us.  It seemed as if the third time God was speaking directly to us and we felt the personal connection.  It was Lectio.  God is that person always on our list to visit.  It is good for us and for God.  God wants us in conversation with Him.

The first conference ended as we listened to “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller on Father Carroll’s Ipad.  “I’m waiting; I’m waiting on You, Lord.  And I am hopeful.  I’m waiting on You, Lord; though it is painful, but patiently, I will wait.”  And then he quoted, “The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important

…decision.” General George Patton

We came back for the second conference to “Like a sunflower…”  Our handout was Active Listening Skills which Father reviewed – helpful hints for attentively listening to others, listening during prayer, and lastly, God listening to us and us listening to God.  They are:  (1) Exercise skills-ask questions, ask for clarifications. (2) Be aware of your personal filters (obstacles/prejudices). (3) Observe others listening (How does it feel to listen?) (4) Listen without formulation a response. (5) Listen with empathy. Empty your mind. Listen with whole body. (6) Be aware of the non-verbal (75% of the story). (7) Create an environment for listening.

***   Listen (an invitation) ------ We must respond    ***

Housekeeping –

·         SEE you this Sunday, October 10 for our oblate gathering.

·         Gather any of your friends who have expressed an interest in oblates, or anyone you feel might be happy to learn about St. Benedict’s Rule, and bring them to our November 14, 2010 Open House gathering.

Sister Roni would like to include more of us in the presentation of topics throughout the year. Please consider speaking on one of our topics this year - the Rule, Lectio, or the Saints then give Sister Roni a call.