Pause, reflect, restore—A day of renewal for Parish Support Staff

In the busy lives of our churches, they are often the busiest.

But on an overcast November morning, Sydney’s parish staff, who give so much to our churches, came together for a rare opportunity to take pause and receive, in a day of rest, reflection and prayer.

With the theme “Come to Me, all You Who Labour,” nearly 100 staff, from over 20 parishes across Sydney, answered the invitation of the Parish Renewal Team from the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, to attend the second “Retreat Day for Parish Staff,” held on the 14 November at St Martha’s, Leichhardt.

“It was a day to offer our parish staff a chance to receive and experience the love of God, so that they can be nourished and restored, to go back out into their parishes, to share the love of God with others,” said Helen Wagner from the Parish Renewal team.

For the last eight months, George Azzi has been adhering to a gruelling schedule as the marketing and events co-ordinator for Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Fairfield. Today was a chance to take pause and refocus on the deeper goals of his new role.

“Today is important because it helps us realign with what we’re trying to achieve, which is trying to help souls get into heaven” said George.

“And no matter how small our jobs or our roles we have in the parishes, that is our common goal. Today is a chance to know rest isn’t being lazy, but as form of growth in a spiritual sense.”

Diana Gedeon, a Safeguarding Support Officer from Our Lady of the Way, North Sydney, also embraced the chance to pause from her “hectic” life. Today was a rare chance for her to retreat into her faith.

“I do a thousand things at once, so I just want to be able to just come back and sit calmly with God,” said Diana.

“I want to learn how to do that and ignore the outside world. I want to connect more with God and learn more to find ways that I can connect to people.”

Those in attendance were nourished by talks from Sr Anastacia Reeves OP and Helen Wagner who both spoke on themes from the passage from the Gospel of Matthew, “Come to Me All Who Labour” (Mt 11:28).

Attendees were also offered the opportunity for adoration, Holy Hour, Mass and confession as well as the chance to network and fraternise over morning tea and lunch.

“I actually found it quite grounding and peaceful and calming and all the things that were missing in my life because I’m so busy,” said Diana.

Helen Wagner said it was a recurring blessing that many gave thanks for.

“They don’t often get the opportunity to stop and spend time with our Lord. So, this has shown them how important it is, because I think they receive so much grace from God today. That will strengthen them for when they go back into the parish,” Helen said.

“Today has reminded those that look after the spiritual lives of others, that daily, they need to stop and spend time in the love of God, to help them to keep going with all their tasks, with all their burdens.

“That will strengthen them for crucial work they do in our parishes, especially as we head into the busy Christmas time.”

Many who spoke to The Catholic Weekly, enjoyed the intended “slowness” of the day and said it allowed for fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the vital role they play in the fabric of their communities.

Rebecca Lurve, the Evangelisation Co-ordinator from St Catherine’s in Gymea, said she was leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.

“It was truly special to know how lucky we are to work for God and really consider our burdens, that we’re carrying the yoke with our Lord and talk to the Lord about that and be able to really give them to him in conversation,” Rebecca said.