By Sr. Natalie Sayde
Salameh, MSCL
On the Weekend of March 9 – 11, 2018, the Maronite Servants
of Christ the Light facilitated a parish-wide mission at St. Ann’s Maronite
Catholic Church in Watervliet, New York. At the invitation of Fr. Alaa Issa, administrator, the theme of the
weekend’s retreat was “Give and Forgive”, focusing especially on the loving
embrace of the merciful Father who is always waiting to welcome us home back
into His compassionate heart.
On Saturday, March 10, Mother Marla Marie facilitated a
morning of recollection with the ladies of the parish, who appreciated the
silence and space they needed to allow God to speak more intimately to their
hearts.
Sr. Therese Maria and Sr. Natalie Sayde spent Saturday
morning with the children of the parish, with a number of the teens helping us
facilitate a morning of catechesis, prayer, fun, games, crafts, and activities.
In the afternoon, Sr. Therese Maria led a beautiful hour of adoration where all
the teens present experienced Jesus in the Mystery of
Penance and praying before the Holy Mysteries.
Following Sunday’s Divine Liturgy, the sisters had a chance
to meet and mingle with the parishioners at a special pancake breakfast and
coffee hour. Sr. Therese Maria met again with the teens of the parish and
facilitated a Q & A on those issues that were affecting the
teens the most.
On Sunday afternoon, the sisters accompanied Fr. Alaa on a
number of home visits to the sick and homebound of the parish.
We thank God for the opportunity to spend a beautiful
weekend with the parish family of St. Ann’s. We thank Fr. Alaa and his
beautiful parish for their warm welcome and hospitality and for all those who
opened their hearts and homes to us.