Last weekend, Holy Martyrs and Our Lady of Consolation parishes hosted a retreat for interested parishioners. It was a moving wonderful experience enabling those present to deepen their relationship with our loving God. A number of stories were told by various presenters helping those attending to remember that we are all on a common journey working to grow closer to God, learning to love God more, and through that love show it by loving each other.

Melissa Novak did a terrific job organizing the retreat with good talks, providing time for

reflection and prayer, and creating a warm environment that helped foster sharing and building a sense of community. Whether one has the time or opportunity to participate in such offerings or simply takes time each day to reflect on God and His loving presence in one’s life, it would be good

for all of us to develop such an approach to life. Retreat from what distracts us from God. No other time could be so well spent.

The noun, rumination, means a deep considered thought about something.

-By Deacon Tom Gryzbek