Salesian Cooperators of Great Britain Retreat
On the weekend of 8th and 9th October, nearly 40 members of the Salesian family, Cooperators, SDB and FMA, gathered at Brettargh Holt for the Annual Retreat organised by the Cooperators Provincial Council. People came from as far away as Glasgow and Falmouth (400 miles!) to take part in what was a wonderful Retreat led by Fr Michael Cunningham on the theme A new way of seeing: finding God in the ordinary.
Although the Retreat was shorter this year, not starting until 10.00am on the Saturday morning, we packed a lot into the next 26 hours. We had three inputs from Fr. Michael, two Morning prayers, a Good Night, Reconciliation Service, Benediction and Exposition, finishing with Concelebrated Mass on the Sunday.
June Sharrock, Eleanor Neely, Bob Kiszczuk, Fr Bob Coupe, Mary Trengove, Paul Barnes and Wendy Bown
Extra special this year was the enrolment of Mary Trengove from Truro as a Salesian Cooperator, during which everyone present renewed their Cooperator's promise. A Concert followed dinner on the Saturday evening, which contained a whole range of talent, enough to support the phrase Cooperators have talent. We also launched the Cooperators 100 Club and Ruth from Streatham was the lucky winner. Places still available: contact John Hoskins if you are interested in joining (next draw 5th November).
The Sisters and volunteers, led by Rachael, made us very welcome and looked after us superbly. They not only served our food but contributed to the Concert (one of their number, Michael, is a budding magician) and provided musical support for our Mass on the Sunday.
Fr Michael really challenged us, quoting our Rector Major, Don Chávez, to increase our contemplative life and not just be activists. His talks were brilliant, with deep insight into the meaning of scripture interspersed with humour, most of it originating from the classrooms of Bootle! His books sold well thanks to Bernadette and Peter who came by invitation from Don Bosco Publications.
We were all left with real challenges to get into that inner circle. If this does not make sense then you need to buy the book!
Paul Barnes
Provincial Coordinator