Retreat Day 1 16 January 2010

Today was the first full day of our gatherings and the first day of the retreat. The theme of the first liturgy of this week at the end of the morning was one of welcome, especially for Lindsay Doucette and Jim Kofski.

	Different countries are responsible for morning prayer each morning. Today Sr. Marion, who works in Thailand, led the prayer for the whole group in the retreat center chapel.
	Fr. Felix Wilfred is a well-known theologian from India. During this retreat he is focusing on various ideas about Jesus.
	At the break in mid-morning, the first to arrive at the snack table sample the morning's offerings.
	Jim and Charlotte Noble look really intent but are actually only monitoring the progress of a coffee-making machine.
	Four of the guys catching up on what has happened since the group was last together in January, 2009.
	Throughout the week there are announcement times. Here Sr. Helene O'Sullivan finds out how many people need photocopies of one resource.
	The whole group listening to Fr. Felix's second talk of the day. In the past we have had 90-100 people attend these meetings, but this year there are only 55-60 because of the economy and some restructuring of the groups that have participated in the past.
	Symbolizing our coming together, during the opening hymn of the liturgy, each person took a candle and placed in on a map before the altar, reminding us to be light for the world.
	Jim Kofski and Lindsay Doucette being welcomed by Luise Ahrens.
	Lisa Pirie (foreground) and Alice Marianito add their voices to the opening song.
	Cambodia was responsible for this opening liturgy and Charlie Dittmeier was the presider.
	The afternoon was basically free. Some people napped, some read, some prayed--and these four went to the beach.
	John Beeching from Thailand graciously prepares prayer sessions each year. This year he is responsible for all the evening prayers.

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