Bonticou Crag

Have you ever heard of a Rock Scramble? What do you think of? Keep that image in your head, because it's probably similar to the image that Val, Sam, and I had on the day we went hiking in New Paltz.

This is what a Rock Scramble is. The Lady CCVs (minus Amanda) were not expecting this. Fr. Tomás was not expecting this either. Once we got started we realized how difficult this part of the hike was going to be. However, it was much harder to go back down than it was to keep going.

This is a view of the Rock Scramble from the top of Bonticou Crag. 

As we climbed over boulders, and worked our way through the scramble, we worked together. There was no way we were getting out of that rock scramble without relying on one another. There were a few parts of the climb that were very difficult. It was in those moments that we talked each other through each step and gave each other a hand when needed (quite literally).

This was a team building experience like no other. I don't think any of us thought we would be bonding so much during this little hike to Bonticou Crag.

The end result was amazing though. The view from the top of Bonticou Crag made it all worth it. We were all grateful for the experience, and the team building that took place.

God is Good.

Love and Prayers,

Mary

Interlaken

The Calling of St. Matthew // Caravaggio

About a week ago, the CCVs and staff had the chance to go on our own retreat. Now, as most of you know, our ministry is based around running retreats. So, you can imagine that this was a really nice way for us to bond and get away for a few days. 

A major part of our staff retreat was the sharing of our faith stories with one another. 

Roll away your stone, I'll roll away mine

Together we can see what we will find 

You know that song by Mumford & Sons? It's called Roll Away Your Stone and our community is obsessed with it. It has these wonderful themes that fit so nicely with our faith and with our new found journey with one another. 

The Christ Candle

During each session we would light the Christ candle, and pray for one another. Then, one person had 45 minutes to share his or her faith journey. 

It seems that all my bridges have been burnt
But you say that's exactly how this grace thing works.

Each of us shared how we came to the faith, the hardships that we have endured, and how Christ changed our lives. I think that it takes a lot to share the most intimate parts of your life with people that you've known for only a month. Sure, we've been living and working together for that month. So we spend the majority of our time with one another, but there's always a little hesitation in any new situation to share those most intimate moments with one another. 

Lake Cayuga, New York

I can remember feeling very anxious before my story. In my heart I knew that my new community would accept me and love me for who I am and how I got to be where I am today, but my head thought otherwise. I was very anxious. I knew my story. After all, I have lived it, but I still wanted to plan it out. That way I would be able to refocus if I became upset or nervous. 

Our dinner table with a view of Lake Cayuga

Each of us shared the most intimate parts of our stories. These are the parts that Christ used in each of us, to touch our hearts, and lead us to a new life with Him. At the top of this post I chose to put The Calling of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio. This was partially because today is Saint Matthew's feast day, and partially because I realized how perfectly it fit with this post. Saint Matthew, a tax collector, was called by Jesus to follow and live a new life. Each of us, in some way or another, experienced this very same thing. We encountered Christ, and were given an invitation. 

It's not the long walk home that will change this heart
But the welcome I receive with every start

We each decided to accept that invitation. We each accepted in our own way. We each have a different mission, but at this point in time we are called to serve together. 

The CYFM team at Taughannock Falls State Park, New York

I'm sure St. Matthew was very grateful for his encounter, and I am too.

With Love and Prayers,

Mary

Leadership

When we arrived on Sunday, August 23^rd the Leadership retreat felt like years away. Of course it was only next weekend, but we had so much time to prepare during the week.

It was a whirlwind.

We had our first retreat planning on Monday afternoon.  I don’t think any of expected to have everything happen so fast. But we planned. And we prayed. And we hoped everything would work out.

I’m pretty sure we all felt worried about the retreat. But I was very worried. I was worried that I didn’t know my part well enough, that I would stumble and fall. I was worried that God wouldn’t use my story or me in the way we had talked during planning. I was worried that I couldn’t be used in this community.

I became so worried right before the retreat but was able to become calm as the team ate dinner together, and teens began to arrive.

My piece on how communication is important to being a leader was on the first night. As I walked up with my partner for the module, I said a quick prayer that I would be at ease, that I would be able to carry out his will.

And He was faithful. Tim and I were able to run through our module and explain why communication can be difficult and what we can do to be better communicators. Then came my witness talk. I felt confident. So I began confidently. Half way through I was overcome with emotion. I guess it had hit me. That moment when you realize how powerful God’s grace has been in your life. I was choked up and I knew if I tried to speak I would begin balling in front of this group of 35 people. So I took a moment, collected myself, and let the tears come, calmly. I finished my witness and felt as though I had shared a deep part of myself with the group. And I did do that. But I didn’t expect to receive affirmation and encouragement from my peers and the teens afterwards. They were grateful, and through that I began to see how He could use me in this community. Coming to CYFM on August 23^rd, I didn’t expect to share a part of my story in such an intimate way so soon. But, it was His will and He was faithful.

Although the first night of the retreat was most powerful for me, I felt his grace throughout the weekend. I felt his grace through the mass, our Saturday night prayer service, and through a few teens that He used to touch my heart.

This is an incredible ministry that I feel so blessed to be a part of. Thank you, CYFM for welcoming the CCVs into your community so lovingly. See you all on Friday!

With Love,

Mary