Father Dennis Wait served as Retreat-Master, choosing "Contentment in the Holy Spirit" as the theme. Each of the three sessions he presented focused on a different perspective of that contentment: the faith perspective, the hope perspective, and the love perspective – and they were presented in a way that can come only from Fr. Dennis! A few of the "holy pearls of wisdom" he shared (many gleaned from and/or inspired by Margins by Richard Swenson, M.D.) are:

"God is in charge, not me (or you)!"

"In everyone, the Risen Jesus is fully hidden, fully revealed!"

"Discontent, as a driving force, may make a person / society rich, but in the end will bankrupt it!"

"Contentment is accepting from God’s hand what He sends because we know "it" and God is good!"

"The more content we become, the freer God makes us. But, contentment does NOT free us from pain…..look at Jesus; look at Paul; look at other holy men and women."

"In contentment, we do NOT deny our feelings of unhappiness, but we are not CONTROLLED by them; we don’t live or preach that things are right when they are not; it is knowing that in the midst of everything, good and bad, that God works out all problems! Not all of our needs and desires (as we see them) are met, but that IN GOD, WE HAVE ALL THINGS in One!!!"

" It is better to be surrounded by a community of like-minded friends than a society where "envy" has been normalized."

"The products of contentment are: Freedom, gratitude, rest, peace, good health…resulting in better relationships with God, self, and others."

"Contentment is not in what is yours, but in WHOSE you are!"

"Contentment, like love, is a matter of choice – of will! When we choose obedience, God surprises us and redeems pain and suffering. All things work together for the good of those who love God!"

"Put God at the center of your life and build out from there….God will give us the focus to build loving relationships….be kind to yourself and trust!"

"Dismiss all anxiety and worry from your minds. The God of Peace will be with you! Love those close to you and those far off; even those who persecute you. Forgive!"

Each session was separated by music, singing, and personal time. The Sounds of Joy, long associated with the Charismatic Renewal, provided a "joyful noise" with their spirit-filled music. Bernadine Asher, Associate Spiritual Director of SOH, was among those sharing their musical talents. Because God provided such a glorious day, the SOH grounds were utilized by all for time to pray, read, enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, and to meditate and reflect on the messages of the day.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, a powerful Healing of Memories service was facilitated by the SOH staff (Fr. Dennis, Sr. Eugenia, Bernadine, Jeff, and Kelly) on Saturday evening. Many shared their life experiences, both joyful and painful, in small groups throughout the service, and many experienced the healing touch of God.

A beautiful Mass, celebrated by Fr. Dennis, served as the dynamic conclusion to this Spirit-filled weekend. The Mass began in the SOH Chapel with lively songs of praise and worship. After partaking of the Eucharist, all processed outdoors to Our Lady’s Shrine where the Sign of Peace and Closing Prayers were shared, followed by farewells as our guests disbursed. Our entire SOH staff felt blessed to be a part of such a special weekend!