COED SCRIPT Colorado Via de Cristo Coed Script

Transcription

1 COED SCRIPT 1

2 Thursday Weekend # 12:30 Gather at La Foret for Prayer walk Upper Parking Lot 1:00 Receive your room location and go and unpack 1:30 Report for duty Lodge Lodge 4:30 Team meeting / La Foret Staff Presentation Dining Hall 5:00 Team Dinner Dining Hall 5:20 Go to Prayer Chapel 5:30 Dedication Service / Team Communion Prayer Chapel 6:00 Final Set-up 6:30 Registration opens / Pilgrims arrive Dining Hall Remember 1. To be Open Channels for the Lord throughout the weekend. 2. Be sensitive to pilgrims including early arrivals. 3. Avoid abrazo with sponsors. 4. PATIENCE, not zeal, is the order of the day. Medical Cha (Reviews any necessary medical info) Chapel Chas will be in the Prayer Chapel greeting sponsors for Sponsor Communion. Rectora, Assistant Rectora, Spiritual Directors, Table Leaders and Musicians will be in the Foyer to greet Pilgrims as they arrive. The Head Cha will inform us when all Pilgrims have arrived and the welcome can begin. 7:15 Pilgrim s Welcome Rollo Room (Sponsor s Communion Prayer Chapel) Ladies and Gentlemen---May I have your attention. At this time I would like to have the sponsors say their good-byes and if each of the guests would please find a seat, we ll get started. (Pause allow everyone to find a seat and get settled.) 2

3 Good evening! My name is and I am. We are the assistant lay directors for this weekend. On behalf of the team for Colorado Via De Cristo Coed Weekend # we would like to welcome you here tonight. Please pray with me: (Using your own prayer, pray for the pilgrims, the leaders on the weekend, the Rollists, the families at home, and give thanks to the sponsors.) To assist us on our weekend Pastor is serving as our Head Spiritual Director. Our Assistant Spiritual Directors for the weekend are and. They are here for you and for the team members as we enjoy our Via De Cristo weekend together. If you have any spiritual questions or concerns please feel free to talk with one of them at any time during the weekend. During the weekend, if you should find you've forgotten something or need any personal items like shampoo or toothpaste there are extras in the rooms. Throughout the weekend we're here for you -- if there is anything you need, just let us know. Your belongings are in your assigned cabins. There are team members you who will assist you if you have any needs during the night. There will be a sign on the door. Please feel free to contact them at any time, day or night, should a personal need arise--they will be able to communicate with us if any assistance is needed. The weekend nurse will be, who was at the reception table, if you have any medical needs or problems this weekend, please contact them. If 3

4 you need an over the counter item, like Tylenol, aspirin or Tums, they are available and they will have a supply of them., please stand up.. We have been working very hard to help make your weekend here with us special. Our lay director for the weekend is called a "Rectora or Rector." You may have heard of the term Rector or Rectora when used in the Anglican sense - as a priest in charge of a parish. However, we are using the term Rector in the European sense, as the head of a university or school. I d like to introduce our Rectors for this weekend--- and Welcome to Colorado Via De Cristo Coed Weekend #. I praise God that you are here tonight, and I'm looking forward to getting to know each one of you over the next three days. The Assistant s whom you have just met, and or I, will be available at all times if you have any needs or problems. We want to make sure you are well taken care of both physically and spiritually. I want to re-emphasize that our clergy are here for any spiritual questions or needs that you may have. I encourage you to seek them out as your heart guides you. As was stated earlier, we have been preparing for this weekend for quite some time and it has been a labor of love. We have met many times under God's guidance, to make this weekend a very special time for you. I pray that it will meet and possibly exceed all of your spiritual expectations. We dedicate this weekend to you and your quest to get to know Jesus Christ better. 4

5 To get started, we d like to get to know each of you a little better. So I d like you to give your name, where you live, and your favorite activity. To help us get started I will share first. (SHARING TIME) Now that we know a little bit more about each other, let's all stop for a moment, take a DEEP BREATH, (PAUSE), RELAX, (PAUSE), and reflect on where you are at this moment in your life. (LONG PAUSE) You've probably worked hard all week just to get here tonight. I want you to know that if you are feeling anxious or nervous about being here, you are not alone. All of us serving on this weekend have been where you are right now. We can all remember sitting here, wondering what was in store for us. I hope that this weekend will be renewing, fun, and relaxing for each of you. You have been given a small booklet called the Pilgrim s Guide with the name of your table on it. We will be referring to these cards later this evening. At this time I would like to ask you to take out your copy of the Pilgrim s Guide (the little green book). Please carry it with you at all times as we will be referring to it occasionally. Often during this weekend, we will be praying a special prayer to invite the Holy Spirit to be with us. That special prayer is found on page 42 in your Pilgrim s Guide. Please turn to page 42 and join with me in praying the prayer on the top of the page. 5

6 Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant, that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations, through Christ our Lord. Amen. You may put your Pilgrim s Guide away for now. (Pause) This weekend is the Lord's love gift to you. No work, no responsibilities, no pressure for three days. It's not an accident that you are here this weekend. You have been chosen by God to be here this weekend. God wanted you here. It's absolutely the right time for you to be here. So, relax and enjoy these next three days. Let Jesus take care of you. Pastor What is Via De Cristo? It is a spiritual method for renewal of the Christian life. It's an opportunity to hear the truth from God's Word, and to receive the grace of Jesus Christ proclaimed to each of us in the Via De Cristo. It's an opportunity to let the Holy Spirit call us through the Gospel, enlighten us with his gifts, sanctify, and keep each of us in the true faith. All activity during a Via De Cristo weekend, whether it be that of the team members or tasks performed by volunteer workers, is done with the expressed intention of being a channel through which the Holy Spirit works in the lives of each of us. The presence and the work of the Holy Spirit is vital to every dimension of a Via De Cristo weekend. 6

7 The gift of Via De Cristo will be given to you a little at a time over the weekend. This gift depends very much on your cooperation. We ask three things of you that will help you get the most out of the activities planned for you this weekend: First, we ask for your IDEALISM. Idealism is the desire to look at your life in a new way, a desire for something new that you can become. It took a certain amount of idealism just for you to be here tonight. Next, we ask you to adopt a spirit of SELF-SURRENDER. We d like to encourage you to leave your everyday cares and responsibilities behind. Your sponsors have worked to assure that both you and your family are taken care of this weekend. In the spirit of self-surrender we ask you to surrender yourselves to God this weekend. We also ask that you surrender to the pattern of these three days. You are in good hands. You do not need to worry or anticipate you need only give yourselves fully to God here and now. On this weekend, you need not worry about the time, your families or your jobs God will take care of them. So in the spirit of self surrender we now ask you to remove your watches and place them in your pocket, and to turn off any pagers or cell phones you may have brought with you. (PAUSE) You can pack these items away in your suitcases when you retire tonight. You will not need them until you leave on Sunday. We have a full schedule for the weekend and we ll keep track of time for you. On this Via De Cristo weekend, we will keep it simple. We will express time periods to you by the spread of our fingers or hands. For example, this much (hold fingers out) means approximately 10 minutes. This (hold hands out) may mean about 45 minutes. 7

8 Please be reassured that La Foret will keep us in touch with the outside world. If an emergency arises or if there is an important message from home or work, we will let you know in a timely manner. : We also ask that as a part of your self-surrender that you participate in all of the activities of the weekend. This will require a bit of trust on your part and we ask you for that trust. We will need to help each other during the weekend, and what each of you has to offer is extremely important to us, so please be willing to participate. Thirdly, we ask for your SPIRIT OF CHARITY. Living together as a large group is not always easy. You will be staying in the lodge with shared bathrooms. Our time in the morning will be limited so please be considerate of one another. Let me assure you that you will not be judged by your appearance this weekend--- our entire weekend will be informal and relaxed. We won t begin any activity until everyone is present so again, we ask for your spirit of Charity and cooperation. We will have a fairly demanding schedule so we do ask that you please be prompt so that others are not kept waiting. It's important to be thoughtful and courteous this weekend. Have a spirit of charity for one another. So, we ask you for your idealism, your self-surrender, and your spirit of charity so that we all may be open to saying "YES" to the grace of God. We have come here in a spirit of love to learn and to make new friends. Get to know the people that God has placed in your life this weekend. And, finally, remember that this weekend is a gift from God. What you do with it is your gift to Him. Now for a few facts about the weekend: There will be three meals a day prepared by the wonderful cooks here at La Foret. Our meals will be served to us here in the Dining Hall by Via de Cristo team members. 8

9 You will have the opportunity for about seven hours of sleep each night. If there is an emergency or if any needs arise, during the night please seek out the team members. The team members will be your alarm clock each morning. We ask that you please stay with the group throughout the weekend. La Foret is a sizeable retreat center and they may have other activities going on and we do not have exclusive use of the grounds. You may see other groups and individuals here at the camp. Please be respectful of them and their activities. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing. You should bring a sweater or a jacket with you as the rooms where we will be meeting can sometimes be a bit chilly. During the weekend we will be walking to the different buildings here at Golden Bell, but there will always be a car available to transport any of you who may have difficulty walking these distances. will be the driver. For those who left someone ill at home, please tell, or myself and we will check on your loved one. If there is an emergency at your home, you will be notified. Please wear your nametag at all times. Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings here at La Foret however, there are cigarette cans outside. You will have frequent breaks. And because some of us might have allergies to certain fragrances, we ask that you all refrain from wearing strong colognes or perfumes this weekend. In all these matters we thank you for your spirit of charity. 9

10 Relax now and allow the weekend to progress without pre-judgments, preconceived ideas or opinions. Let the Via De Cristo happen, moment by moment. Live in the now. Forget the outside world. For the next three days, this is your world. Enjoy it. Laugh, learn, sing, eat, and experience God's love. Let's have charity for each other and a high idealism for ourselves. Let us surrender ourselves to the message of these three days, and let it unfold as directed by the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that this weekend will be a time of real joy. Don t anticipate! Just let the weekend unfold for you. There is no rush. There is time. This is a time in which Jesus wants to talk to your heart. Listen. Let s take a short break about this much time-- (SHOW FINGERS). The restrooms are located. When everyone is ready, we will be walking down to the chapel it will take about this much time (SHOW FINGERS). If you have a flashlight it will come in handy--if yours is still packed away, just stay with the group we will light your way! For those who may have difficulty with the walk, there is a vehicle outside to take you to the chapel. The Via De Cristo Weekend will now begin. 8:15 Pilgrims and Team will proceed to the Chapel 10

11 The Via de Cristo will now begin. 8:15 Pilgrims and Team will proceed to Pilgrim Chapel. 8:30 SD FIRST MEDITATION "Know Yourself" (Purpose: To know oneself, to look inside, to be led into a sincere self-appraisal. Isaiah 58:1-3, 5-9) 8:45 SD SECOND MEDITATION "The Prodigal Son" (Purpose: To determine who you are in the parable. Luke 15:11-32) 9:00 SD "Introduction to the Theology of the Stations" (Purpose: To know what our sins have done.) [ Note: Chapel Chas to have the cross & candles set up at the altar. Banners will be laid on the pew nearest the location for displaying the banners. The spotlight will be positioned to shine on the banners. select team members to hold the cross & candle first during first station. designate team member to turn on/off chapel cha to shine the spotlight. chapel cha to place the banners on the stand (lights on) (After response, lights out) ] Pastor Clyde: From earliest times, Christians have walked along the path that leads from the judgement hall of Pilate to the hill outside of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified, the Via Delorosa, Way of the Cross. It is a way of prayer and devotion, marked with fourteen stations or gathering places, where the pilgrim stops for meditation and prayer. The stations do not necessarily reflect the historic events of the last hours of Jesus life. Rather, they recall his suffering and the meaning of his death. 11

12 More recently, since it is not possible for most people to go to Jerusalem, and since the authentic path Jesus followed is in dispute, the church has provided a devotional practice called "The Stations of the Cross." Within the church, or along the path to a grotto, stations or markers are set up, each station representing a significant theological understanding about Jesus life and death. As an individual or group moves from station to station, each is reminded through readings and prayers that to follow the way of Christ means self-surrender and sacrificial love. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34) The cross sums up the love story of God and man. Christians glory in it. Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians with the prayer that he may never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). The cross is never put aside or forgotten. Rather it is the meaning of each Christian's life in the world. By thinking about the cross we can begin to see how Paul could say that it is the power of God for us, and how he could urge us to proclaim "Christ crucified." In fact, Paul invites his readers to be crucified with Christ to the world. Saint Bonaventure wrote, the true disciple of Christ who desires to conform himself to the savior who was crucified for our sake, must strive above all to carry about in his soul and body at all times the cross of Jesus Christ until he experiences within himself the truth of the apostles words, with Jesus, I am nailed on the cross. TONIGHT WE VISIT THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 12

13 STATIONS OF THE CROSS Explanation /Mechanics of the Stations of the Cross : For each station, a banner depicting a station of the cross is presented. Then you will hear an explanation of that station. At the completion of the explanation of each station we are all asked to join in saying: WE ADORE YOU O CHRIST, AND WE BLESS YOU, FOR BY YOUR CROSS, YOU HAVE REDEEMED THE WORLD. Repeat that with me. (repeat the saying). For each station of the Cross, one or two people will hold the candles and three people will support the cross at the front of the sanctuary. As each banner is brought forward you will also have the opportunity to participate by either holding a candle or supporting the cross. As you feel led, please come forward, and relieve the person holding the candle or supporting the cross. We will not begin reading the next station until the changes are complete. Would the five people selected to begin the stations, please come forward. Again, we invite all of you to participate. STATIONS OF THE CROSS 1 Narrator will announce each station 2 - Christ Speaks 3 and will read the parts of "Man/Woman's Reply" 13

14 1 : Christ Speaks..(Pause) 2 : These fourteen steps that you are now about to walk you do not take alone. I am walking with you. Though you are you, and I am who I am - we are truly one through my suffering and death. Because we are one, my way of the cross, two thousand years ago and your "way" now are the same. But I want you to know this difference. My life was incomplete until I crowned it with my death. Your fourteen steps will only be complete when you have crowned them by your life. 14

15 Station 1 1 : Jesus Is Condemned (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : In Pilate's authority, I see My Father's will. Though Pilate is unjust, he is the lawful governor and he has power over me. And so, the Son of God obeys a son of man. If I can bow to Pilate's rule because this is My Father's will, can you refuse obedience to those whom I place over you? 1 : Woman Replies. (PAUSE) 3 : But Pilate said he could find no fault in you Lord - what a senseless miscarriage of justice. Why should you die? Jesus, your obedience cost you your life. For me obedience is simply an act of will - no more - and yet how hard it is for me to submit to someone else's authority. I understand that I am the reason you had to die. Lord Have mercy on me and heal me of my sin through your love and obedience. Remove the blinders from my eyes that I may see that it is you whom I obey in all who have authority over me. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the World. 15

16 Station 2 1 : Jesus Takes His Cross - PAUSE 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : This cross, this chunk of tree, is what my Father chose for me. Most of the crosses that you bear are simply products of your own daily life. And yet some of your crosses have been chosen by my Father. Receive those crosses as my Father's way of helping you to grow in your faith and trust in him. Take heart, my friend, I will not let your burdens grow one ounce too heavy for your own strength. 1 : Man Replies 3 : Jesus, in your love for sinners like me, you took hold of the cross passionately. All through your life on earth, you took the hard way to show your love for others. In your public life you walked the roads, sweating through the desert summer, shivering in winter, with no place to lay your head. And now you go willingly to meet this hard death because you love me. And me? Oh God, for love of myself, I am always concerned with my own comfort. Lord, forgive me and heal me of my sin through your pain and anguish. Remind me often that in carrying my cross I carry yours with you. And though I bear only a sliver of your cross, you carry all of mine. Please accept my sliver in return. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the World. 16

17 Station 3 1 : Jesus Falls. (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : Even though I made the universe and hold it's very existence in my hand, I became a man, too weak to bear the weight of a piece of timber. My weakness shows my humanity. It was my Father's desire that I be fully human. I could not be your model otherwise. If you are to be my disciple, you also must accept without complaint your human frailties. 1 : Woman Replies: 3 : Lord Jesus, how can I refuse? I willingly accept my weaknesses, my irritations and my moods, my headaches and fatigue, all the defects of my body, mind, and soul. These "handicaps" of my humanity, I will gladly suffer. Help me accept all my frailties, but give me the strength in my struggle to follow you. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the World. 17

18 Station 4 1 : Jesus Meets His Mother (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : My mother sees me whipped. She sees me being kicked and driven like a beast. She counts my every wound. But though her soul cries out in agony, there are no protests or complaints escaping her lips. We hide no pain, no sorrow, from each other's eyes. This is my Father's will. 1 : Man Replies 3 : Jesus, my Lord, I understand all too well what are you are telling me. To watch the pain of those I love is harder to bear than my own pain. To carry my cross after you, I too must stand and watch the sufferings of those I love; the heartaches, sicknesses, and grief of those I love. Jesus, you are true God and true man, teach me to be strong and gentle, in the way that you are strong and gentle. I do believe that for those who love you, all things work together for good. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 18

19 Station 5 1 : Simon Helps Jesus (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : My strength is gone; I can no longer bear the cross alone. And so the soldiers make Simon help me. This Simon is like you, my friend and disciple. Give me your strength. Each time you lift some burden from another s back, you lift the weight of the cross which crushes me. 1 : Woman Replies 3 : Lord, make me realize that every time I wipe a dish, pick up an object off the floor, assist a child in some small task, or give another preference in traffic or the store... Lord help me realize that each time I feed the hungry, clothe the naked, teach the ignorant, or lend my hand in any way - it matters not to whom - my name is Simon. And the kindness I extend to them I really give to you. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 19

20 Station 6 1 : A Woman Helps Jesus (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks: 2 : Are you brave enough to wipe my bloody face? I know what you are thinking, But where have l seen your face? At home, whenever eyes fill up with tears, at work when tensions rise, on playgrounds, the courts, the hospitals, the jails - wherever suffering exists - my face is there. And there I look for you to wipe away my blood and tears. 1 : Man Replies: 3 : Lord, what you are asking is hard. You ask for courage and self-sacrifice, and I am weak. Please, give me strength. Don't let me run away because I am afraid. In your compassion give me the courage to stand with you. Lord, live in me and act in me and love in me. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 20

21 Station 7 1 _ : Jesus Falls Again (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks: 2 : The seventh step is the one that tests your will. From this fall, learn to persevere in doing good. The time will come when all your efforts seem to fail and you will think, "I can't go on". Trust me and carry on. 1 : Woman Replies: 3 : Lord, give me your courage. When failure presses heavily on me and I am desolate, stretch out your hand to lift me up. I know I must persevere in doing good. But help me, Lord. I cannot do anything on my own. With you, I can do anything you ask, and I will. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 21

22 Station 8 1 : Jesus Consoles the Women (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : How often I wanted to take the children of Jerusalem and gather them around me. But they refused. But now these women weep for me and my heart mourns for them - mourns for their sorrows that are coming. As my disciple and friend, how gentle and kind can you be? 1 : Man Replies: 3 : Jesus, your love and compassion is beyond compare. Lord, teach me, and help me to learn. When I snap at those who hurt me with their ridicule, those who misunderstand me or hinder me with some misguided helpfulness, those who would intrude upon my privacy - help me curb my tongue. Oh Christ, on your way to die, save me from all my wrong choices. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 22

23 Station 9 1 : The Third Fall (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : I m completely drained of strength and collapsed upon the cobblestones. My body cannot move. No blows, no kicks, can get me to rise. And yet it is my Father's will that I go on. Know this, my friend, your body may be broken, but no force on earth and none in hell can conquer you because you are mine. It is my will that you persevere in your acts of service to and for others. 1 : Woman Replies: 3 : My Lord, I see you take a moment's rest then rise and stagger on. It seems sometimes as though I pour all my effort into making one step forward along the road with you, only to discover that I have taken two steps back. Lord, apart from you I am nothing. Keep me going. Please keep me going. Lord; never let me feel that any of my sin is greater than your love and mercy. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 23

24 Station 10 1 : Jesus Is Stripped (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : Behold the poorest King who ever lived. Before those that I created - I stand stripped. My cross is not even my own. Yet who has ever been so rich? Possessing nothing, I own everything - my Father's love. If you, too, want to own everything, don't be concerned about your food, your clothes, your job, or your life. 1 : Man Replies: 3 : Lord, I offer you my all - whatever I possess, and even more... myself. Keep me from craving prestige, position, and wealth. Root out of me all trace of envy of my neighbor who has more than I. Release me from the vice of pride, my longing to lift myself up, and lead me to the lowest place. Lord, may I be in humble spirit, so that I can be rich in you. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 24

25 Station 11 1 : Jesus Is Crucified (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : Can you imagine what is a crucifixion? My executioners stretch my arms; they hold my hand and wrist against the wood and press a nail until it stabs my flesh. Then with one heavy hammer blow they drive it through - and pain bursts like a bomb of fire in my brain. They seize the other arm and agony again explodes. Then raising up my knees so that my feet are flat against the wood, they hammer them to the cross. 1 : Woman Replies: 3 : My God, I look at you and I think; is my soul worth this much? What can I possibly give you in return? ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 25

26 Station 12 1 : Jesus Dies (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : The cross becomes my pulpit now. Forgive them Father... You will be with me in paradise... There is your mother... there, your son... I thirst... It is complete. To speak I have to raise myself by pressing on my wrists and feet, and every move engulfs me with new waves of agony. And then, when I have borne everything, have emptied myself of my humanity - my life on earth is over. 1 : Man Replies: 3 : Jesus, my God, what can I say or do? I offer you my death with all its pains. I accept now the time and kind of death in store for me. Not for one extra moment would I lengthen my life My God! My God! Don't forsake me. I don't know what I'm doing. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 26

27 Station 13 1 : Jesus Is Taken Down (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : The sacrifice is done. My mother still must cradle in her arms the lifeless body of the son she bore. You too, must part from those you love, and grief will come to you. In your sorrow, think of this - a multitude of souls were saved at my Calvary. 1 : Woman Replies: 3 : Just as you gave your all, your everything, in total love for me, your mother gave you up. Oh God, don't let all this blood and pain and sorrow be for nothing. I beg you, Lord, help me accept the partings that must come from friends who go away, my children leaving home, and most of all, my loved ones when you call them to yourself. Then give me the grace to say, "As it has pleased you Lord, to take them home, I surrender to your will and even if I could keep them alive with just one word - I ask that you would keep me quiet. ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. 27

28 Station 14 1 : Jesus Is Buried (PAUSE) 1 : Christ Speaks 2 : So my life on earth is ended. But now another life begins for Mary, and for Magdalene, for Peter, for John, and for you. My work as a human being is done. My work in and through my church must now begin. Day in and day out, from this time forth; I want you to be my disciple and follower. 1 : Man Replies: 3 : Jesus, my Lord, you know my spirit is as willing as my flesh is weak. Help me to begin the real fulfillment of my humanity in relationship with you and with my brothers and sisters who also know you. The work you could not do in your short life on earth, help let me do the work through you. I know I am nothing, Lord. Please help me! ALL: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, for by your Cross, you have redeemed the world. SONG - 28

29 Rector : You have been called into the company of Jesus for three days. He is your God, and he wants to be your friend. His yoke is tender and his burden is light. Now we are in the Via De Cristo. LET US PRAY: Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, creator of the changes of day and night, who gives rest to the weary and renews the strength of those who are spent. As you have protected us in the day that has passed, so be with us in the coming night; keep us from every sin, every evil, every fear; for you are our light and salvation, and the strength of our life. To you be the glory forever and ever. AMEN. 10:05 Silent retreat announced & Blessing Pastor Pastor Remember the experience of the Prodigal Son. Jesus' parable tells that after all his restless searching, after his bitter remorse, the young man "came to himself." He turned away from self-preoccupation and he turned toward mercy and love of his father. You have been called to this Via de Cristo, as I said earlier, "to fill your head with ideas and your heart with fire." Our Via de Cristo weekend begins with the Silent Retreat which consists of several hours of silence - the rest of this night until after communion tomorrow morning. During this time, we will observe the rule of silence. So, please, starting now, refrain from all conversation. Please do not speak unless we ask you for your response. We ask you to use this time IN SILENCE to give yourself an opportunity to reflect on God's word, which we have heard tonight, and to give yourself some quiet time to examine yourself carefully. 29

30 You may want to read through the Examination of Conscience found on page 21 in your pilgrim Guides. We suggest that you use this time: - To examine your own life, - To consider God's encounter with you, both before you came here, and now, after hearing that God has called you here. Now I hope that this Retreat of Silence will allow you to conduct a fearless search of yourself, and will lead you, as it led the lost son, to say to yourself, "I will arise and go to the house of my Father." In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I wish you God's peace, and rest, for the night. Rectora : Tomorrow the team will see that everyone is awakened. You will have about this much time to get ready. There will be coffee and juice ready for all in (where is this?) to help you wake up in the morning. Since it is late and many of you are tired, it is best to go to bed immediately. REMEMBER TO KEEP THE SILENCE UNTIL AFTER THE COMMUNION SERVICE IN THE MORNING. If you need assistance during the night, quietly contact a team member and if some of you are in the habit of rising early, we ask that you please stay in your room and be quiet and considerate until you are called. For Prayer requests, there are prayer boxes in each room and most locations we will be using. If you have a prayer request, please jot it on a note card in the prayer box and leave it there. The Cha s routinely check the boxes for notes. You'll be escorted back to your rooms by one of the team. Will the team please leave now and wait outside. (Pause and let them leave) to assign Chapel Cha s to hand out a nail to each pilgrim and team member- as they leave the chapel the nail is pressed into their hand. 30

31 Each of you was given a card with a name on it when you checked in. As you go now, gather by the appropriate sign to be led to your room. If any of you would like to stay and speak with a Spiritual Director, please feel free to just remain here. Otherwise, please gather under the sign for your room. If you are uncertain of your Room, we have a list you can refer to. Please leave now in silence and go back to the rooms with a team member. Good night! 10:15 Pilgrims escorted to rooms in silence by TLs & ATLs. TLs & ATLs, make sure that all of the Pilgrim s are in their rooms before the team meeting. One of you will have to remain in the room with the pilgrims. 10:15 Pilgrims are escorted to rooms in silence by team member. 10:30 Team Meeting Rollo Room Whole team will meet to pray, review details for Friday, and discuss any other needs. a) Stress professional confidence that surrounds all matters discussed at team meetings. b) Any serious problems should be discussed with Rectora or spiritual director in private. c) Review table assignments. d) Remind table leaders to lead pilgrims by taking notes, obeying the bell promptly & picking up decuria messes. e) Ask team not to mold pilgrims into any preconceived images. Give them the freedom to be themselves. Loving them means accepting them where they are. Don't dominate discussions or posters. Ask questions. Listen. Be yourself. f) Remind everyone that the atmosphere on Friday is low-key build community gradually. If we try to move too fast, some may be left behind. g) Be servants. h) Scripture will be read before each meal by a pre-designated cha. i) Comments - Head Cha j) Comments Musicians k) Comments Palanca l) Comments - Chapel m) Comments - Spiritual Directors n) Comments Assistants o) Prayer 31

32 FRIDAY DAY OF FAITH Theme: Proclamation of the Christian Ideal Mood: Calm and quiet Pilgrims: Tense and Eager Major question: "How do I live the life of grace?" 5:30 Team rises (in silence) 6:00 Pilgrims rise (in silence) Kitchen Chas will have juice and coffee for the Pilgrims in the foyer. Silence is observed during this time. Chapel Chas will prepare both the main Chapel and the Prayer Chapel for Communion. 6:45 Pilgrims walk to Chapel--- and will pick up pilgrims. 7:00 (Cha Communion Prayer Chapel Pastor ) 7:00 Morning Chapel with Communion Chapel Order of Confession and Forgiveness (Pilgrims Guide pg. 14) Pastor Third Meditation - Three Glances of Christ" Pastor Purpose: to classify ourselves. We see ourselves in some way in all three men. Pastor: From the back Please pray with me: Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you. And then, use us, we pray, as You will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 32

33 : from the back I want out, Lord. People were coming and going. Walking and running. Everything was rushing: cars, trucks, the street, the whole town. People were rushing not to waste time: They were rushing after time, to catch up with time, to gain time. Good-bye, excuse me, I haven't time. I can't accept - having no time. I'll come back, I can't wait, I haven't time. I must end this letter - I haven't time. I can't think, I can't read, I'm swamped, I haven't time. I'd like to pray, but I haven't time. You understand, Lord, they simply haven't the time. Little children are playing, They haven't time right now... later on... School children have their homework to do, They have no time... later on... Teens involved in sports and other activities Have no time... later on... Adults must maintain their homes, They have no time...later on... Grandparents have their grandchildren. They haven't time... later on... They are ill, they have their treatments. They haven't time...later on... They are dying...they have no Pause 33

34 Awww too late! They have... no more time! And so all people run after time, Lord. They pass through life running - hurried, jostled, over-burdened, frantic, and they never get there. They haven't time. In spite of all their efforts, they're still short of time, of a great deal of time. Lord, you must have made a mistake in your calculations. There is a big mistake somewhere. The hours are too short, the days are too short, our lives are too short. You are beyond time, Lord. You smile to see us fighting it. And you know what you are doing. You make no mistakes in your distribution of time. You give each one time to do what you want him to do. But, we must not lose time, waste time, or kill time. For time is a gift that you give us, but it is a perishable gift. A gift that does not keep. Lord, I have time, I have plenty of time, All the time that you give me. The years of my life, the days of my years, the hours of My days, the minutes of my hours, the seconds of my minutes. They are all mine. Mine to fill...quietly...calmly, but to fill completely, up to the brim. To offer them to you, that of their insipid water you may make a rich wine such as you made in Cana of Galilee. I am not asking you today, Lord, for time to do this and then that; but your grace to do conscientiously, in the time that you give me, what you want me to do. 34

35 Holy Communion Distribute bread: Pastor Distribute wine: Song: Pastor Rector's Prayer Let us pray We pray, Lord, for the church, for all the people who make up the church. We pray for the persecuted, the suffering church, for the silent church, for a Christian solution to all the problems in our world, for the strengthening of the church all over the world, and for unity. We pray for our nation and for those who have been entrusted with the responsibility of governing her. We pray for vocations for the ministry, both clergy and lay, as well as for all people who will dedicate their lives in service to you in this special way. We pray for the problems each one of us has, and for those who have the tremendous problem of having no problems. We also pray for the one among us who needs your grace the most, and especially for the one who thinks he needs it the least. We pray for those who have sacrificed themselves for us during these three days so that you, Lord, will pour your grace down upon us. We pray that we see all things clearly. You have asked us for our idealism, selfsurrender, and a spirit of charity. We pray that we will not resist and that we will not close our minds or our hearts to your grace. In Jesus name, Amen. The Retreat of Silence in now completed but please go outside before you speak for the benefit of those who wish to stay here for a few more moments in silence. Again, the Spiritual Directors are here for anyone who may wish to visit with them. We will now take about this much time (show 35

36 fingers) to walk to the dining hall for breakfast. For those who need transportation, a car will be waiting outside. 7:45 Pilgrims walk to Dining Hall 8:00 Breakfast Dining Hall May I have your attention! Let me introduce the Head Chas for the weekend. Cha is a Spanish term for cook. Even though our team is not actually cooking our meals we call the teams that serve you Chas. I have the distinct pleasure to introduce to you the Head Kitchen Chas,. (Invites the other chas to introduce themselves.) (A Kitchen Cha will read scripture and another will say grace.) (8:30 La Foret Cook introduced) (A Kitchen Cha will give the thanks at the end of the meal.) It is now time to go to our meeting room. I will lead you there. 8:35 Pilgrims walk to Rollo Room 8:45 Singing Rollo Room 8:55 Rector s Welcome Good Morning! I trust you all slept fairly well and are ready to start this new, full day! We are now ready to begin the work of Via De Cristo. Today, the first day of Via De Cristo, is the day of Faith. We will be challenged to love God with our hearts and our minds as we hear various messages today. So let us begin with prayer. (Pray what s on your heart.) ((((Heavenly Father, Thank you for bringing us to this moment. We praise your name for all you have done for us in the past, and for all you have planned for 36

37 our futures. We give you thanks for giving the women gathered here today the freedom of time and schedule so we can experience this retreat together. We give you thanks for your promise that you will provide us with gifts that will enable us to do your work.gifts of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness. Open our hearts now as we begin our Via de Cristo journey. In your name we pray, Amen.)))) Now let me introduce our musicians,. Our musicians will be leading us in song throughout the weekend. Can we please have one more song? Singing I d like to give you an idea of how our weekend will generally progress: We will start every morning with worship. Then, just like today we will have a wonderful breakfast. Snacks and drinks will be available during breaks in this room. will be serving us here in this room. We will be spending a lot of our time here in this meeting room. If you have any needs please talk to, our medical cha. If you need an over the counter item, like aspirin or Tums, they are available, just ask one of them. Please wear your nametags throughout the weekend. There are about people here and it can take a while to connect a face with a name the nametags help! Please be patient, let the weekend unfold at it's own pace. Don't anticipate. Let friendships develop. You will be hearing a number of talks this weekend. Please be assured that you will not be asked to present a talk. The notebooks on your table are for your use. They are private and for you to take notes as a record of your weekend. They will help you remember the important points of the talks. There will be no quizzes. 37

38 After each talk we will have a brief period of silence to consider what we have just heard. Then your table will discuss and summarize the key points of the talk. Please do not leave the table during the discussion time. Breaks will be provided. We would like to ask each of you to take a turn volunteering to write down a summary of what your table decides are the key points of each talk. Next, your table will draw a poster to visually record your summary. I would suggest that you rotate these duties around your table so that everyone has the opportunity to be the secretary and to draw a poster. This is not an art school, so you are not going to be graded on your artistic ability. Discussion and poster time will be about this long (show fingers). After we are all finished, each table will share their summaries and posters. I would like to give you some vocabulary for the weekend. Colorado Via de Cristo has chosen to keep a Spanish flavor to the weekend by retaining some Spanish words from the early origins of Cursillo. You have already heard some of these unfamiliar words. There is a (color) sheet in your notebook that lists them. The term Via De Cristo itself means the Way of Christ. Our Via de Cristo is an adaptation of the Roman Catholic Cursillo, which means a short course in Christianity. Remember, Via de Cristo is a gift---you are free to accept or reject this gift, but please don't decide before you've received all three days of your gift. Via de Cristo is like a jigsaw puzzle each activity is like fitting one piece of the puzzle together until the whole picture can be seen. 38

39 Decuria means an assembly of ten. We will use this term when referring to your table. You will remain with the same decuria all weekend. Our tables this weekend are named for. There are two team members at each table. The rest of you are the Pilgrims of Via de Cristo # all of the team that is serving this weekend were Pilgrims on other weekends. Please take a moment to meet the other Pilgrims and team members seated at your table. (Pause) Let s continue with some more terms we will be using this weekend. The word Rollo is a Spanish word for a sermon, a message or an instructional lesson. We hope you will find our messages to be instructional as well as inspirational. There will be fourteen Rollos or talks over the next three days. We will be referring to this room where we will be hearing the Rollos as the Rollo Room. And last, the term Rollist simply refers to the person giving the talk. Our main focus for today s talks will be the question How do I live the life of grace? We ask your cooperation in two ways as we hear the Rollos: 1. First--Give your complete attention to the speakers. 2. Second--Take notes as the talks are being given, there is a page for each Rollo in your notebook. 3. We will soon be hearing our first Rollo. But first let s have another song! 9:05 Singing The singing will conclude and the first Rollist will walk in. 39

40 9:10 Rollo #1- IDEAL Rollist - A lay person Purpose: to convince the listeners of the need for an ideal & to open their minds to what their ideal is. Let us begin. We light this candle as a symbol of Christ's presence during this Rollo. Before this candle receives the spark, it is dead, just as we are not yet alive before we receive the spark of Christ's Light within us. We have an open Bible here to remind us that all Rollos are based on Scripture - God's Light and Message to us even today. This Rollo is based on Luke 8:11-15: "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. This Rollo is given by, a layperson. Please open your notebooks, ready your pens, and with a spirit of Idealism, Self-Surrender and Charity, join me in the prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit which is printed in the front of your notebook: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations through Christ our Lord. Amen 40

41 9:40 Silent Moment Table Discussion (15 Minutes) Table Summaries and Create Poster (15 Minutes) 10:10 Poster Sharing 10:20 Break 10:30 Singing 10:40 Rollo #2 - Grace Rollist Pastor A clergy person Purpose: to give the listeners their supreme ideal. Let us begin again. We light this candle as a symbol of Christ's presence during this Rollo. Before this candle receives the spark, it is dead, just as we are not yet alive before we receive the spark of Christ's Light within us. We have an open Bible here to remind us that all Rollos are based on Scripture - God's Light and Message to us even today. This Rollo is based on Matthew 13:45-46: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. This Rollo is given by Pastor. Please open your notebooks, ready your pens, and with a spirit of Idealism, Self-Surrender and Charity, join me in the prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit which is printed in the front of your notebooks: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations through Christ our Lord. Amen 11:10 Silent Prayer Table Discussion Summaries Create Poster 11:40 Poster Sharing 41

42 and wait for kitchen cha to escort the group to the dining room. At this time we will be walking to the Dining Hall for Lunch. Each Table will have the opportunity to lead us in a prayer of thanks after the meal...a prayer of your choice. We will use the following schedule: Today (Friday) Lunch the table of Dinner the table of Saturday Breakfast the table of Lunch the table of Sunday Breakfast the table of 11:50 Walk to Dining Hall with Kitchen Cha 12:00 Lunch The table of will say thanks after the meal. 12:35 De Colores Bus skit Dining Hall 12:50 Pilgrims walk to Rollo Room (Cha Picture taken on the dining hall steps) 1:00 Table Pictures & RR Staff Rollo Room 1:20 Singing The singing will conclude with singing in the third Rollist. 1:30 Rollo #3 - Laity Rollist - A lay person Purpose: to make the connection between the life of grace and the modern world. This connection is the Church. It points out the place of the laity in the visible church. Let us begin again. We light this candle as a symbol of Christ's presence during this Rollo. Before this candle receives the spark, it is dead, just as we are not yet alive before we 42