Embracing a Common Future

 

 

Edmund Rice Christian Brothers

North America

Thursday, 09 August 2007

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HIGH MARKS FOR HESBURGH

REFLECTIONS OF MY SABBATICAL EXPERIENCE

BROTHER ROSS WIELATZ CFC

 

“I GUESS THE TIMING WAS RIGHT”

 

 

The spirit of the program was to help one go through a transitional time in life…for me three transitions at once– a new ministry, a new community and locality, a new way of living without my family of origin.

 

The program offered many opportunities and time to reflect, journal, pray, process the past, pause to renew energies, and start planning a new future. This was aided through lectures, video presentations, personal reflection and group processes.

 

We were taught and reminded to learn to live “in transition”…to see the grace of learning to “just feel” and “just be” for a while and to appreciate the grace in living  the “sacrament of waiting”.

 

THE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE:

 

In our Constitutions we read” “Open to the power of the Spirit, we are called as brothers to form gospel communities which are our PRINCIPAL MEANS OF EVANGELIZATION”.

 

I felt that throughout the program we evangelized and were evangelized by each other in community. We shared our prayer and ministries, our joys, hopes, and fears. We formed friendships and helped one another. We shared at prayer, in class, at meals and recreation, in our walks together, our travel and trips downtown.

 

Personally, one of the aspects of community and sharing (theological reflections) was to help me come to a deeper knowledge of self as we shared and named the  gifts we saw and experienced in one another. Sometimes, we need feedback as to “how we come across to others”. I reflect often on the gifts others see in me and learned how gifts can change as we go through life.

 

PERSONAL TIME TO REFLECT:

 

I recall with great fondness my days and hours journaling and “doing my reflective homework” as I sat by beautiful Lake Michigan in the warm sun on my walks and on my bicycle trips in the afternoons.

 

a)      pondering the three parts of happiness in life:

        1) something to love 

        2) something to believe in and

        3) something to hope for.

 

b)      Pondering what are my greatest desires in life and my greatest fears

 

c)      Reflecting  and journaling on the losses in my past life: The losses of loved ones-family, relatives, and close friends-the loss of  gifts and talents as energy and enthusiasm weaken and the aging process takes its toll…but, most importantly… reflecting and journaling of all that I have kept from these losses and what gifts I bring with me through these losses. For me, this experience gave me a great sense of peace and satisfaction .

 

d)      I rediscovered the great city of Chicago and its beauty, the energy and spirit of happiness in those that live and work downtown, the visitors and the fun they experience at Navy Pier and Millennium Park and other venues.

 

e)      I rediscovered the beauty of the Arts:  at the museums, the concerts, the symphonies and plays. I was reminded how the Arts encourage the discouraged and lift up the human spirit.

 

f)        The opportunity and time to plan: How do I want to be in my future?  How do I need to change?  How is the Spirit leading me?  What aspects of my sabbatical can I bring with me in the future?

 

MORNING LECTURES AND CLASSES:

 

        The intellectual stimulation provided by many staff members at Catholic Theological Union and guest lecturers was very good as we were taught by the intellectual leaders in our Church without the pressure of “formal school and study”.

          Our morning lectures also included many presenters for our over-all well being of both  physical and mental health-a truly holistic approach.

 

 

I would like to thank my fellow “Hesburgians” ,the staff , and our directors for making sabbatical a graced time for me.  

 

“I GUESS THE TIMING WAS RIGHT”.