Songs

It's always interesting to hear what songs people pick for the prayer service - and why.

This week we had St. Rose's Year 9s - they picked the song Hero - and here's why:

Prayers from St. Mary's

We are reading the good shepherd

because the shepherd looses the sheep

and goes to look for it until he finds it,

and that is what God would do if we started to turn away from him.

He would try and turn us away from sin.

The happiness of this retreat

I couldn't wish for more
it's been peaceful, calm,

and most of all, fun
Thanks for my family,

friends, others

and the world
and my life.

Amen.

Love one another as Jesus loved you.
Our Lord has risen.

Racism is wrong.

Difference is good.

Jesus is the Lord of the world

Eternal is forever

Share with one another, God loves

Us all.

Stay with God forever.

I woke this morning not knowing what to expect

On me this day has had a great effect

The games were amazing the meditation was too

I'm surprised I liked it - what about you?

The day started peaceful it ended the same

I hope I can return here someday again.

Qualities.

Understanding.

Accepting.

Loving.

Interesting.

Thoughtful.

Independent.

Exciting.

Super.

More lads from St. Mary's

Today was our last day with the year 8 lads at St. Mary's... we had a small group in. They were few in number, but huge in energy, fun, insight and personality... a great way to finish off what is always an enjoyable group.

Here's a picture of Mary, the Mother of God that they made for the prayer service.

Our Lady of Mercy year fourteens...

Last week, we had two classes from Our Lady of Mercy in... we had a great time with them - hearing stories, talking, reflecting, praying, enjoying the craic of a few games.

They sent us the photo below that their teacher had taken asking if we'd put it up on the blog... so here it is. Thanks for coming along OLOMs, we enjoyed having ye!



Here's a picture of the focus one of the other classes did for their prayer service too...

The Lads of St. Mary's

This week we've had some lads from year 8 in St. Mary's coming over. They only go to school around the corner, so their teacher walks them over each morning.
They've been stars...


Each day we've had some conversations about meeting Jesus and speaking with him...




We've spoken about how God is the Creator of the World and how friendship is important...





And, in the middle of homework, and new schools, the message was good... be good to your friends, pray, and relax yourself...

St. Joseph's, take two

Last day of the week and the second batch of St. Joseph's year 14s... another great group of humanoids - enjoyable, interesting, fun and a great bunch of friends.

They drew a picture of two people for their focus, surrounded by their affirmation booklets - a nice piece of work by two of the lads.




(if you look closely, you can see Br. Fintan's legs on the top right hand corner!)

Another pupil chose the story of Nathan confronting David about his faithlessness as a reading about friendship... a unique and insightful choice - the truest friends are the ones who will stick with you, and even say difficult things to you, in difficult times. Here's what she wrote:

A man called David committed adultery. He showed no repentance for what he had done and went on with his life. But this was a sin against God. Nathan, who was a friend of David, came to him and told David in the form of a parable that he was wrong and should repent. David realised the severity of his actions and repented.

Another great day with the folks of St. Josephs.

Br. Fintan, Caren, Pádraig.

St. Joseph's

I'd been told that St. Joseph's were always a school that brought fun, friendship and great characters - Thursday proved that to be right. A great bunch from year 14... We found ourselves all glad at the end of the day to be in our jobs - what a privilege.

They spoke about friendship in their prayer service - and wrote it out for the Focus in the chapel. It's a shame they're in year 14 - it'd be good to have them back.

Pádraig, Margaret, Caren.

A prayer

One of the year 14 classes from Aquinas last week wrote this prayer for the service at the end of the day. We thought it was beautiful.

Father,
We thank you for bringing us all here today in your presence for this chance to come together and really connect and cement our friendships.
We ask you to watch over us all as we start to make choices for our future and continue our journeys.
And as we finish this day together, we look forward to the start of new friendships based on our new found trust and respect for each other.
Amen.

Aquinasman

The 14E class from Aquinas were with us last Friday, and they left us a special kind of humanoid as a representation of their prayer... they wrote their names on a poster, and then chose an image of a (kind of) person, and said that s/he represented the whole year group, with appreciation booklets as their hands, lights all around, and hope in the centre.

Nice one.

Welcome

Welcome to the blog of the De La Salle Retreat centre on the Glen Road in Belfast.
We hope you enjoyed your day with us - make a comment, let us know what you liked...

Margaret, Caren, Br. Fintan, Pádraig.