Search for Christian Maturity
It was curiosity that first led me to Search. It was my sophomore year at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, TN and the many juniors and seniors wearing metal Jerusalem crosses piqued my interest. I soon learned these were also called “Search” crosses and that they were almost like a badge that said, “I have made a Search weekend.” I approached our spiritual director and asked him what the retreat was about. He gave me a vague answer and invited me to consider attending when I became a junior. My curiosity only grew over the next year so that when the first opportunity came around to sign up, I was at the front of the line.
Little did I know at the time how the decision to go on a retreat would change my life. I still remember coming home from the retreat feeling very loved by God and my classmates. It changed my understanding of what God and the church were about, showing more of the relational nature of our faith. One other thing I never would have expected at the time is that I would later as a priest of the diocese end up serving as the director of the Search program in Chattanooga. The job was extremely demanding as it meant spending close to half of my weekends a year either at a Search retreat or training the teams that would lead them. The work was well worth it as it is easy to see the effect this program has had on the city of Chattanooga in more than 30 years of retreats.
This weekend, I have the privilege of attending another Search weekend in Knoxville where I will speak on forgiveness. I hope that my blog readers will pray for all the young people who will be taking time out this weekend to spend some time with God. May He touch their hearts so that they may leave this weekend full of joy.
About The Author
Father,
Your post brought back wonderful memories of my own Search weekend and those I serves as a team member. We didn’t have Jerusalem crosses, but crucifixes; I still have mine almost 30 or so years later! I think the seeds that were planted during those retreats had much to do with my return to the Church after many years away.
Prayers for your retreatants and team members.
What a cool concept!
I’ll be praying for everyone on that weekend that the Holy Spirit rips open their hearts and fills them up sending them off blazing with joy!
One thought on forgiveness that I heard recently…
it’s easy to say “I’m sorry” but it’s much harder to say “will you forgive me?”
it puts the control in the hands of the one who was wronged.
Thanks for the comments Karin and Tory.
It is amazing the power these retreats have had on so many people over the years. I wish I had read your comment before my talk today Tory. I love the insight and it would have been good to pass along, but I am sure that with almost all of the kids going to the sacrament of reconciliation, they understand the power of forgiveness and how tough that can be sometimes.
Hope you are both doing well.
FC