On Saturday February 8, the Virtue Ministry Team attended at retreat day at St Mary’s
Chapel, Vianney College.
This is the first time the VM team have kicked off the year with a retreat day, previously they
have been held later in the year. It was roundly appreciated as a great way to kick off
another year of ministry.
In addition to Mass, Confession and Adoration and Benediction, the day featured
meditations and talks by Father Rick Micallef and Father Sean Byrnes which covered topics
including: being called to love and receive love; human formation and it’s end goal – union
with God; Docility to the Holy Spirit and; Mission.
Attended by most of the team – Grace Feltoe, who currently resides in Portugal, had a
credible unattendance – and baby Bede, the retreat proved a centring and ultimately
energising one for all.
Launch deeper into your inheritance as a child of God with these resources:
Read: Jesus, The Bridegroom: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Brant Pitre
Read it, underline it, tab it. Or if you’re more chill than me you can just simply read it. And
meditate on it.
Then read it again. If you really want to understand Our Lord’s love, His covenant with us,
and so much more besides, this is the book for you. It doesn’t jump out as being a ‘Lenten’
book per se, but given that we are heading towards Good Friday, which Pitre argues is His
wedding day – to us, the Church ie. Bride of Christ – it might just provide much spiritual food
for thought. And it may just get you thinking about salvation on another level.
I’m not going to lie. I devoured this book, and a packet of page tabs, in about a week. I
learned so much about Jewish culture which enhanced my understanding of the layered
Gospel readings. I shared, and possibly bored, people around me with things I had picked
up from it because I literally could not stop thinking about it.
I remember gushing about the book to Stina, who admitted she’d read and loved it too. And
why wouldn’t she? Bishop Robert Barron, he of the Word on Fire conglomerate, describes it
as “Simply stunning”.
Sing along to: I’m so blessed by Cain
This song came to my notice when my two eldest children returned home from the
Immaculata Mission School in Armidale this year. It’s probably been around since Adam –
ok, maybe not quite that long – and given its upbeat praise and worship feel it may not be for
everyone.
But the lyrics guys, the lyrics:
‘Cause on my best day, I’m a child of God
On my worst day, I’m a child of God
Oh, every day is a good day
And You’re the reason why
I’m so blessed, I’m so blessed
Got this heartbeat in my chest
No, it doesn’t matter about the rest
If I got You Lord, I’m so blessed
The tune is catchy, some might call it an ear worm, but singing that chorus when you’re
feeling less than, is a prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving to a loving Father.
NB. This song does use the word Hallelujah so it’s best saved for outside of Lent
Listen to: Living Fullness Podcast S06 Ep02 – Docility: Openness to God’s Will
Living Fullness hosts Father Sean Byrnes and Stina Constantine explore the often
misunderstood virtue of docility. Far from being a sign of weakness or passivity, docility is a
vital characteristic for any Christian seeking to deepen their relationship with God. Stina and
Padre discuss how docility, rooted in the Latin word “docilis,” meaning “easily taught,” is
essential for spiritual growth and aligning our lives with God’s will.
Throughout the episode, they share personal experiences, scriptural insights, and practical
advice on how to cultivate docility in daily life. Whether you’re struggling with discerning
God’s voice or seeking to be more open to His will, this episode offers valuable lessons on
the importance of being teachable and responsive to the Holy Spirit.
Written by Emily Shaw
VM Writer and Graphic Designer.
Wife of one, mother of 8. Tackling growth in virtue one (baby) step at a time.