My initial desire to go to Convocation stemmed from the idea that I would love to just spend time with God for four days. I live in the secular world 24/7 with little time to interact with God or my church community, or at least that was the case until convocation.
The first unusual step I took was to reach out to an acquaintance (Deb) to go with me and be my roommate. That was added to by a second parishioner (Katie) hearing we were going, signing up, and becoming my third roommate. That changed everything for me. We developed wonderful prayer relationships with each other and so many wonderful priests from around the diocese. It was four blissful days dedicated to God.
I walked away thinking that not much had changed with my life except a desire to bring children to God. Then one day I realized I had a new habit. After work every day I found my car driving to the church, and there I was, sitting in front of the tabernacle with Jesus before I headed home. I pray a little, but mostly I just sit and listen and ‘be’ with Him. It is such a gift to walk into the church and feel everything fall away in the presence of Christ.
Do I still live in the secular world? Yes, but I am learning what I am bringing to it as a Catholic and Christian, and my important role as a healer when others are falling apart. Don’t get me wrong, this has been the hardest year of my life, so I would never expect to be able to help others, but the fact that I can walk in joy is in no small part due to the wonder and friendships God has entwined in my life.
Bernadette H., Immaculate Heart of Mary, Grand Junction
Want to learn more about the amazing journey ahead? Visit the Diocese of Pueblo Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Revival websites.
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