PARISH DAY OF REFLECTION AT SHELDON             23rd. March 2010

 "Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering." Winnie the Pooh.      

Thirty two Parishioners experienced the peace and tranquillity of a day spent in the beautiful Teign Valley reflecting on the Biblical history and background of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Following a warm welcome and coffee, Fr. Philip introduced the theme for the day, 'IT WASN'T ME' and how we deal with Sin and Guilt. How often during our lives do we blame any one but ourselves for our wrongdoing? The steps required to lead us to the acknowledgement  'IT WAS ME' were gently set before us during the day.

Throughout the day carefully selected music enriched each presentation from Fr. Philip. A booklet of selected extracts from Scripture, as well as reflections from Timothy Ratcliffe, Henri Nouwen and David Adam added to the rich variety of passages for private reflection, e.g. 'Forgiveness comes first......Forgiveness means that we dare to face what we have done....if we step into that forgiveness, then it will change and transform us.' Timothy Ratcliffe O.P.

Finally, we celebrated Mass using a Penitential Rite based on the Beatitudes.

Some of the varied remarks on the tremendous value of such a day were : 'a joyful day', 'enlightening' ( because of the subject), 'a helpful theme for Lent and Easter', 'exactly what I needed', ' an opportunity not to be missed', 'a relaxed atmosphere which lent itself to individual reflection and prayer'. Once again Fr. Philip proves himself not only to be a man of deep spirituality and vision but also one who is in touch with the needs of his Parishioners and totally committed to building up the Kingdom.

Here is a slideshow of photographs taken during the day: