Retreat's focus on gratitude

Gratitude, says Sister Rosemary Sgroi, is "acknowledging God as God" -- and, with Thanksgiving drawing near, November is the perfect month to express gratitude.

On Nov. 5, the Mercy sister, who runs Abba House, a spiritual life center in Albany, will lead a day-long retreat titled, "Gratitude: The Heart of Prayer."

"I believe in the goodness of God -- that all of creation, the blessings of life, come from God," she told The Evangelist.

Perspective

Sister Rosemary noted that the war in Iraq and the wreckage left by natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the recent earthquake in Pakistan, have spurred Americans to be grateful for what they have and to share their material wealth.

However, she believes there's always room for more gratitude in people's lives, particularly since it's such an integral part of prayer. Having "gratitude in our lives gives us peace," she explained.

At the retreat, Sister Rosemary plans to use prayer, a presentation on what participants might feel grateful for and time for personal reflection to spark gratitude.

Quiet time

She noted that, in her experience leading retreats, participants most appreciate quiet time alone, when they can "slow themselves down a bit."

Everyone needs "a sense of the blessings of their life, [taking] time out to recognize God's presence in our lives," she stated.

Part of the day will also focus on forgiveness. Sister Rosemary said no discussion of gratitude is complete without mentioning that God is always there, waiting to forgive us.

"God never turns away from us," she said.

("Gratitude: The Heart of Prayer," will be held Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Abba House in Albany. Call 438-8320.)

(10/27/05) [[In-content Ad]]