Center for Catholic Education at UD

There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ.  ~ 1 Corinthians 12:12

By Elena Niese

This past Friday, January 10^th, approximately 65 local Catholic educators gathered at the Daniel J. Curran Place for the retreat “Many Gifts, One Spirit” through the Saint Remy Initiative. This professional learning community of approximately 80 Catholic school teachers and principals seeks to provide ongoing development for these educators so as to best meet the needs of the Catholic schools in which they serve. Going beyond the confines of most professional development programs, St. Remy focuses on building an intentional network of support and community that ultimately seeks to care for the whole individual – professionally, personally, and, most importantly, spiritually.   The Saint Remy Initiative is directed by Norm Rich of Alter High School and is assisted by a leadership team of teachers and principals.  The UD Center for Catholic Education Director, Susan Ferguson, and staff, Barb Miller, help facilitate and coordinate all Saint Remy events during the year.

As captured well within the retreat’s title, this day included ample opportunities to equip each Catholic educator with an understanding of the “Fruits of the Holy Spirit” that each might embrace these in their ministry. After beginning the day with a short prayer of petition and praise and announcements of prayer partners, the group began with a fun ice-breaker before transitioning into a talk by Father Ethan Moore on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Fueled with both passion and gratitude, the group followed the talk with celebration of the Holy Mass and a short lunch.

The afternoon continued this prayerful atmosphere by allowing ample opportunities for reflection at a variety of prayer stations. These sessions provided time for rosary making, reflecting on the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the mysteries of the Rosary, quiet individual contemplation, and cultivating gratitude through reflection on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The event proved to be a wonderful time for fellowship and faith formation.  Surely all who attended found that, through the celebration of our God-given gifts, we are one Spirit in Jesus’s mission of love and care for each other.     

Edited by Susan Ferguson and Barb Miller.