Clare, Group 22
Year after year, I read the item in the bulletin about the start-up of another Lay Spirits group.  And despite my interest, I never quite got off my pew and signed up. Until one day I did.  I was intrigued by the thought of exploring new and diverse paths to a better understanding of my faith, of deepening it.  After a rigorous Catholic education and a lifetime of reading about our faith, I still felt the need for more resources and more outlets in which to express my faith.  And because I’ve always been more comfortable going it “alone,” I was interested in pursuing the idea of doing all this in community—with other like-minded people.   My group more than fulfilled my hopes for my year in Lay Spirituality.  We had wonderful speakers, explored a truly amazing array of spiritual paths, attended meaningful retreats.  But, for me, the most remarkable thing about our group was the group itself.  I learned so much from watching each of us go through and share his or her own spiritual journey.  And we were a very diverse group—white, black, gay, straight, young, old, student, retired, Catholic, Protestant and Jew.  But we coalesced in a way that was nothing short of profound—and very moving.  It helped reinforce the idea that spirituality doesn’t come in a neat package, that everyone’s shared experience contributes to others’ experience and made me very happy and proud to have been part of such an important group of people.  I won’t ever forget my year in Lay Spirituality—and I’m feeling the effects still.

Donna, Group 21
I had seen the posting of the “Lay Spirits” ad in the bulletin for a few years and had heard other parishioners extolling the great experiences they had. It had peaked my interest but I was a little intimidated by the whole idea of it and not sure I was ready for such a commitment. Yet at the time, I was also feeling as if my spirituality and prayer life had reached a plateau and my heart yearned for more. I definitely needed a way to further my spiritual growth; it turned out “Lay Spirits” was the answer I was searching for. With a leap of faith and the grace of God, I called the number and went to an interview and my journey began. I am so blessed to say that I have grown so much from the experience and it truly has changed my life. I was taught so many techniques to express myself through prayer and had the experience of my first silent retreat (for those who know me know it was a great challenge for someone as chatty as me). It was an amazing experience. It taught me the importance of taking time out from the noise of life to go inward. I met the most wonderful people that are still my friends to this day. They supported me, challenged me and helped me in my journey. I would recommend this program to anyone that wants to grow in their spirituality, you will cherish the experience.

Ethelyn, Group 8
Lay Spirits brought me many new insights and enlightenment about myself, my faith life and others in my life. One of the greatest gifts the prayer experience of an eight-day Ignatian-directed retreat and the wonder of a place called Linwood. Every person should experience it.

Grace, Group 23
Participating in the Lay Spirits Program was unarguably the best thing I’ve done for myself in years... having an on-going group of spiritual companions who are non-judgmental and committed to an on-going relationship has been a huge benefit.  It provides sustenance for the journey, which can seem lonely without spiritual companions...It was also a huge benefit to explore a working relationship with a spiritual advisor.

Jerry, Group 22
When thinking about my year participating in Lay Spirits, many speakers, evenings spent in prayer and the silent retreat stand out as important. But, the one element that stands out above all others was the community that was formed.  We represented every cross section of the city and world.  The age range was from mid twenties to late seventies; the group was equally divided male and female.  Each of us was at a different point in our lives and spiritual journeys.  Yet, in the midst of our busy city, we gathered weekly to explore and deepen our spirituality.  As we moved through the year, we grew individually and as a community.  This growth was spurred on by actively participating and listening to each other. It was this very act of listen that stands out most in my memory.  I learned not only to listen to speakers, group members, but to listen to myself and to listen for God.  Every Tuesday we would meet and have a short opportunity to go into the church and pray.   The Lay Spirituality Program afforded me the opportunity to take a few moments just to be silent in the presence of God; it was an extremely simple and important spiritual exercise that has changed my life.

Mary Anne, Group 23
...You will also explore the ways to inspire yourself spiritually.  In an amazing way, you will find yourself able to share your spiritual walk with others and they with you.  You will find yourself part of a spiritual community to whom you will be able to turn for as long as you wish.  Being in the Lay Spirits program is a gift.  I wish I had join the program years ago, but then again, I was not ready then.  Consider it.

HOME