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Br. James Zullo, FSC, presenter at the Young Carmelite Retreat, spoke on Midlife issues and transitions.
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By: Reverend Gerard Power, O.Carm.
From June 6-9, 2006, some 25 younger Carmelites from Boston to Niagara to California came together at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois for a fourday retreat, which also included some planning for the future. It was a wonderful experience as the Carmelites re-connected with each other and shared their experiences since leaving initial formation. Most of these men went through the formation process together. It was a relaxing time and a wonderful opportunity for fraternity and community. There was ample opportunity for quiet time, play time and pray time!
There were four presenters throughout the experience and each addressed a certain topic. Reverend David Simpson, O.Carm., former novice director, gave a talk on prayer, and each participant had some quiet time to walk around the beautiful grounds of the retreat house and reflect on his experiences. Reverend Ivan Cormac Marsh, O.Carm., gave a talk on community and ministry, and each person had an opportunity to share on a deeper level what their experience has been since leaving initial formation. Brother James Zullo, FSC gave two presentations on mid-life issues including intimacy and spirituality. And on the last day, Brother Larry Fidelus, O.Carm., gave a presentation on our Provincial Long-Range Planning.
Each Carmelite had an opportunity to complete a survey, in which he indicated where he would be willing to serve ten years from now, what ministerial sites we need to let go, and what we would like to say to the current provincial leadership with respect to our future. The responses from all the men were very positive. The high point for most of the men was simply “being together” and “catching up!” Most of the men appreciated the opportunity to have a say about our future. As one Carmelite said, “We are the ones who will be in the trenches… so we must have a loud voice!” The men plan to meet again in early 2007, as a follow up, and also to take a deeper look at current issues in the province.
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