The St. Charles Ladies’ Association held a winter retreat on March 23 under the theme "Meeting God in the Small Things of Everyday Life." Deacon Philip Durant served as this year's presenter. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in assigned readings, followed by periods of reflection and meditation, culminating in small group discussions.
Deacon Philip brought attention to the distractions that frequently occupied our thoughts and encouraged us to take slow breaths, relax, and envision inviting the Lord to sit beside us for a conversation. Emphasizing that prayer is predominantly about listening, he advised us to pose our questions to God and await His responses.
The afternoon concluded with a Surrender Prayer, during which Deacon Philip underscored the significance of yielding to Jesus for healing and empowerment. He stressed the potency of surrender, noting that it is in our moments of weakness that we often find Jesus to be the most powerful. Urging attendees to wholeheartedly embrace Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, he emphasized the importance of saying "yes" to Jesus with heart and soul.
Pictured below with Deacon Philip are Anna Desilets, Spiritual Co-ordinator, and Diana Hooper, President of the St. Charles Ladies’ Association.
