Our wonderful weekend began with getting lost. We just couldn't find the retreat location. Normally, Craig would keep driving but THIS time he pulled over RIGHT AWAY to ask for assistance. The girls and I waited over 15 minutes in the van while he & Kolbe "got directions" and other things. ;-)
This was the first time I've EVER camped in a tent. The kids did pretty well (except for those 2am bathroom calls). Still, despite the midnight bathroom calls and hot weather, we really felt replenished. The kids are still singing some of the songs they learned. Especially the one about the Rosary.
I forgot to keep the camera with me at all times. In addition to the many spiritual opportunities, the retreat also had a moon bounce, soccer fields, swimming area, and beautiful bathrooms!! Did I mention we spent alot of time there? LOL! I think I went overboard in keeping the kids hydrated!
My favorite time was spent at mass and praying the rosary. The children held this GIGANTIC rosary. Each child held a bead and took turns praying. All the while Our Lord led the procession. It was truly moving. Just the night before we walked the same path while praying the Stations of the Cross. I've included a short video clip of the rosary procession. It didn't occur to me until late in the filming that I should turn my camera.
I can't wait to go back next Spring. I think about 50 families attended!! AMAZING!!
*Most of the families were homeschoolers, however, there was one newlywed couple in attendance. ;-)
Fr. Mary-David, from the Brothers of St. John, is our homeschooling group's spiritual director. He says mass for us once a month. The children love him and we feel truly blessed!!
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5 comments:
What an awesome retreat! Was it a homeschooling group that put it on or was it through the church?
Hey Colleen!
Actually, it was the Brothers of St. John that put it on for us. The homeschoolers all go to different churches within the city. We just had a location provided to us. And the brothers and priests organized the actual retreat. But each family was responsible for their own lodging. Many families camped while a few did go to hotels.
Also, the owner of the ranch provided all meals, rented tents and moon bounces, etc. So basically, the retreat was due to the the generosity of the brothers and the family that owns the ranch. Although a few homeschooling families helped organize things too. Long answer for a simple questions, huh?
AND ... not all the families lived in the same city. Families also came from Austin and Laredo, in addition to San Antonio.
Our parish puts on a small family retreat every year that is very good, but nothing like that. And, how wonderful that your kids were able to be around the brothers and sisters. I wish my kids had easier access to the clergy and religious. It's hard to foster vocations when my kids rarely have close contact with them!
And, you were brave to camp in a tent with 5 children. We haven't attempted tent camping yet.
Looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing :)
Awesome. I really wish we lived in a more 'Catholic' community. What a blessing.
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