They were attending attended MAX2018NZ, a Joshua Men's Fellowship event.

The Theme was based on the word ‘'UNLESS''. Unless we act to make changes and make it happen things will stay the same.

Look to scripture John 12.24 and try to discover the ‘'UNLESS'' in our lives. Without the death of the Lord Jesus, burial, and resurrection there would be no salvation.

Paul Mulvany reports that: "Throughout the weekend we listened to good, diverse presenters & speakers.

The food in the cafeteria was great; both for the soul & what was edible in abundance."

On Saturday there was a choice of five workshops to attend.

The workshops were followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Silence, Prayer and Recreation.

"Response time/Ministry/Prayer teams were inspirational & for those who read what our leader wrote applied to me similarly to be prayed upon for spiritual healing and more prayers for anyone with needs.," said Mulvaney

"For the latter, the opportunity presented itself for in my case it was of a family nature and suffice to tell you there are prayers already being answered."

On Saturday & Sunday at noon participants attended Mass in the school's church.

"We thank Bishop Emeritus Denis Browne for his loyal service & welcome the new National Joshua Chaplain Bishop Emeritus Colin Campbell."

Supplied Paul Mulvaney

The current work is the second stage of a project which grew from earthquake strengthening work to include renovation, refurbishment and maintenance work. Continue reading in NZ Catholic

A blogger for six years, she currently writes for three faith-related blogs — one for her own parish, one for the parish where she works as the office manager and onefor the Times Union newspaper in Albany, N.Y.

That's not counting her daily Facebook posts and tweets, all in the name of faith sharing and community building. Did I mention she's also working on a master's degree in theology?

So when Szpylczyn heard about a retreat called "Hurry Up and Slow Down" last fall, she knew it would be a balm to her frazzled spirit. But surprisingly, this reflective respite did not require a fast from technology. On the contrary: It required it.

Welcome to the next generation of spiritual sustenance: online retreats. No need to get away to a retreat center, eat cafeteria food or get up at the crack of dawn for morning prayer. Now guided prayers or reflections from famous retreat directors, community with other retreatants, and even personal communication with a spiritual director are just a keyboard (or touchscreen) away.

"Hurry Up and Slow Down" was the first online retreat offered by Jane Redmont, who has worked in campus, urban and parish ministries in Catholic and Episcopal communities. She also offered an online retreat in Advent and is hosting one on Thomas Merton for Lent this year. The six-week "Hurry Up and Slow Down" retreat, which will be repeated again this spring, featured readings, practices and spiritual exercises — as well as a closed blog accessible only to fellow retreatants.

Szpylczyn found it spiritually nourishing and convenient.

"One thing that was a real plus was that it stretched out over several weeks, which an in-person retreat would not be," she said. "It gave me something to look forward to each week."

Providing a retreat-like experience for those who couldn't afford the time or expense of an actual getaway is motivating an increasing number of individuals and organizations to offer online options. But is the Internet really compatible with spiritual growth? Isn't social media something Catholics should be giving up for Lent? Continue reading

Sources

• National Catholic Reporter
• Image: OpenBible.info