Prayer partners analyze the good works of Jesus
Submitted by Mary Wentlent
What brings 28 people together from seven different parishes? Why would these 28 people get paired up as prayer partners and find they have meaningful life situations in common? Could it be a “Miracle in the Making”?
That’s just what these people experienced on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Immaculate Conception Church in Greene. It wasn’t a coincidence that these 28 people spent the day together making new friendships and analyzing the miracles of Jesus.
Seminar presenter Meg Castellini put together a wonderful day of reflection, of study, of laughter, and of prayer. Meg has been facilitating retreats for the past 11 years throughout the diocese. She integrates her experience as a hospital chaplain, spiritual director, caregiver, and business professional as she helps communicate God’s desire for a relationship with each person. Besides developing retreats, Meg currently produces videos, manages websites, and oversees communications for St. Augustine Church in Baldwinsville and the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse.
At the Nov. 18 seminar in Greene, small groups studied different miracles and shared their reflections.
They came up with some awesome realizations: When we give what we have willingly, it comes back to us in multitude; have faith that Jesus will calm the storm in our lives; be open to the miracles in your life; the beggar couldn’t see Jesus preparing his miracle; Jesus was all about relationships!
Prayer partners also spent time discussing the Road to Emmaus and what that meant to them. There was time for lunch, making new friends, even collaborating on a craft!
The diocesan Office of Evangelization sponsored this amazing day for the Southern Tier, the parish family of Immaculate Conception welcomed everyone with open arms, and the goal of fostering relationships among parishes was reached!
Many thanks to Regina Wright, Mary Hallman, and Meg Castellini for making this retreat possible. Regina has worked as program coordinator with the diocesan Office of Evangelization since 2015, where she is engaged in the collaborative effort to develop and deliver resources, trainings, and services that pastors and parish leaders value and support. Mary is the director of the Office of Evangelization.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19).
Mary Wentlent is the parish manager at Immaculate Conception Church in Greene.
