faith-sharing workshop well attended
The planning team for the faith-sharing workshop was (l-r) Julie Alwell, Sr. Lynn Stenken, CDP, Cindy Hassan, Mary Ann Kelly, Bridget Otto (in front), Gerry Otto, and Jennie Cox. (Not pictured: Fr. Mike Comer and Kathy Wedig-Stevie)
On Saturday, April 5, about 30 people from around the diocese gathered here at Mother of God to begin an important discussion: “How to get in touch with your own faith story, and ways to get more comfortable in sharing it with others.”
Fr. Mike Comer began the workshop with an introduction, saying, “In order for us to be able to share our story and our faith, we need to know and own our story.”
He encouraged every individual to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus, and in reflecting on their personal stories, challenged them to notice how closely and personally Jesus has been guiding them—and then give witness to that story!
Father quoted Pope Paul VI, who said, “Modern (man) listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”
Gerry Otto served as the emcee for the day, guiding participants through the process of learning, knowing and accepting that we, the baptized, have been given “The Great Commission: To go and preach the Gospel to all nations.” The group reflected upon and discussed why many of us don’t feel qualified to act on this commission. They considered various reasons why those we care about have fallen away from faith or left the church and why it can be difficult to have conversations about faith with these individuals.
After a short break with delicious refreshments, Julie Alwell and Gerry each gave a powerful witness to the whole group. After hearing these stories, Sr. Lynn Stenken, CDP, from Sts. Peter and Paul California KY, guided everyone in a reflection centered on looking back and recognizing the points in their own lives where God was guiding them.
The homework: To go forth and continue to think about their story and to develop it into a witness that becomes their own.
Said Mary Ann Kelly, pastoral assistant, “We hope to get back together in September to share these stories and develop stronger disciple skills. Though we all wished the day was longer, we left with the knowledge in heart and mind that God has been very personally involved in our lives.”
Fr. Mike Comer began the workshop with an introduction, saying, “In order for us to be able to share our story and our faith, we need to know and own our story.”
He encouraged every individual to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus, and in reflecting on their personal stories, challenged them to notice how closely and personally Jesus has been guiding them—and then give witness to that story!
Father quoted Pope Paul VI, who said, “Modern (man) listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”
Gerry Otto served as the emcee for the day, guiding participants through the process of learning, knowing and accepting that we, the baptized, have been given “The Great Commission: To go and preach the Gospel to all nations.” The group reflected upon and discussed why many of us don’t feel qualified to act on this commission. They considered various reasons why those we care about have fallen away from faith or left the church and why it can be difficult to have conversations about faith with these individuals.
After a short break with delicious refreshments, Julie Alwell and Gerry each gave a powerful witness to the whole group. After hearing these stories, Sr. Lynn Stenken, CDP, from Sts. Peter and Paul California KY, guided everyone in a reflection centered on looking back and recognizing the points in their own lives where God was guiding them.
The homework: To go forth and continue to think about their story and to develop it into a witness that becomes their own.
Said Mary Ann Kelly, pastoral assistant, “We hope to get back together in September to share these stories and develop stronger disciple skills. Though we all wished the day was longer, we left with the knowledge in heart and mind that God has been very personally involved in our lives.”
Gerry Otto shares his faith story with the group.
Sr. Lynn Stenken, CDP, leads participants in a shared reflection.