Greetings from St Francis Retreat Centre
5 November 2020
It is hard to believe that the year of 2020 is drawing to a close. On the world stage many countries are still struggling with the Covid pandemic, and are hunkering down with new restrictions, while we are opening the doors of our lives more and more, and feel extremely thankful.
The Retreat Centre is buzzing again with 3 different groups in today. Its always lovely to see new faces and to greet others whom we have known for a long time. Our kitchen staff are preparing lunch for us all, while our household staff are making sure that everything is clean and looking nice.
We have a number of people leaving us..
Its been a privilege to have had Br Michael working with us over the last 4 years. Mike has been our go-to man when something needs to be shifted re-arranged or fixed. He has also brought to our Centre a deep spirituality and created Easter Reflections on the lawn as well as a labyrinth and run retreats and been a supportive presence. We wish him God’s Blessing as he returns to Singapore.
Our dear chef Nive will be retiring after 24 years of faithful, unstinting service to our Community. Everyone has enjoyed her exceptional meals, and the heart of love that is evidenced in her demeanor and cooking. She has been and is our treasure.
We are thankful to Clair, another of our kitchen staff for her kind and consistent work. Claire will be going home to Thailand. We wish her well.
Sadly, I too will be leaving after nearly 19 years of work at the Centre. I have really enjoyed my journey here and am very grateful to God for the people I have worked with and those who have have entrusted their lives to me through my retreat work.
The following positions are being advertised and we invite interested people to apply. GeneralManagerAdvert2020
So, the New Year will bring a number of exciting changes. We trust the One to whom we have committed our lives, hopes and dreams. In the words of a well known hymn by Isaac Watts:
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
All the friars and staff join me in wishing you a Happy and Joyful Christmas, may God watch over you and your loved ones and bless you.
Kind thoughts
Betty
P.S.
If you are looking for a place to hold your group conference, training day, retreat or church meeting, please email us on [email protected] or phone 09 625 7384. We will do our best to accommodate you. Thanks.
