"The secret of sanctity is learning how to receive gifts from God" (Richard Rohr)

by Michael Kearn

"I volunteered for Mission Visiting because, having received from a Sion Mission in my own parish, I wished in my turn to give. It was in this spirit that I set out on my first Mission; what happened was that I gave, but I received more, 'pressed down and flowing over'.

I received from those I visited, people at all stages on the faith journey. My faith was strengthened as they shared theirs; I received from the team members with whom I spent the week, not just visiting, but praying with them and listening to the faith sharing testimonies; I received from the priests of the parish and the people as they welcomed us, and I received from our host, a retired priest who 'fed' us daily with prayer and encouragement, and sent us home renewed and refreshed in the Spirit. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit - this was a joy-filled experience. My prayer would be that every parishioner would experience this at first-hand."

Michael Kearn