PRAYER TO ST JOHN, THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST
John, the apostle and evangelist, virgin chosen of the Lord, you were loved by the Lord above the others. Jesus Christ, dying on the Cross, entrusted His Virgin Mother to you.
God our Father, You have revealed the mysteries of Your Word through John the apostle. By prayer and reflection may we come to understand the wisdom he taught. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
In the beautiful venue of the Little Sisters of the Poor residence in Greenock, around sixty people from across the diocese gathered for the first retreat to be offered by the Paisley Diocesan Commission for Evangelisation. The aim was to take time out of our busy lives to reflect on what it means to be called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to be open to the Holy Spirit awakening that call.
The retreat was a response to the Charter of the Synod that says:
“We are committed to effective evangelisation centred on each Christian’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a life lived with faith, hope and charity”.
From the drama of the Gospel in Chairs through the reflections on the Kerygma and discipleship and through the personal testimonies, the day emphasised that personal relationship with Christ. From the response of the people present it appears we were open to the Holy Spirit awakening that disciple in each of us.
The Commission is planning a follow up with those present to take place after Easter to look at how we can bring this type of event to our parishes in Paisley.