Fun Times in Connemara

Hello. Nicole from the parish team in Athenry here with you today. It's coming to the end of the semester and boy have we been busy lately. This last weekend we hosted our first overnight retreat in Connemara for the 3rd year through leaving cert. students. It was a small retreat with only 10 students joining us, but still it was overall a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend for everyone. While we did encounter a few minor obstacles during the retreat, it just made for an even greater adventure.

It all began on Friday night when we packed the teens into a bus and headed out down the winding roads of Ireland...destination Connemara. By the time we all had arrived at the retreat center it occured to us that none of the outlets were working, nor was the heat. Although this did prolong dinner a bit and created a problem with keeping some of the food cold, we perservered onward and later that evening thanks to the grace of God, the keeper of the center came to save the day. Through some magical powers, which I am still unaware of he managed to get both the heat and outlets working once again.

After getting through that little set of adventures, it was smooth sailing from there. Saturday was packed with various activities, small groups, and the showing of a Nooma video clip, which the really impacted the youth. The highlight of the day was definitely when Fr. Charlie joined us from Athenry, and the students had an opportunity to go to confession, as well as spend some time in adoration. It was a powerful evening and many students really entered into prayer.

Sunday morning was simply spent rushing around trying to get everything cleaned-up and to be out on time. The weekend may not have gone as smoothly as any one of us would have hoped. Yet, despite all of the obstacles everyone pulled together and seemed to really enjoy themselves. I guess God was just giving us an opportunity to grow in greater trust, and to show us all that He really does have everything under control.

So until next time, stay safe and have a Merry Christmas!